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Looking for new speakers

Hey everyone, I'm located in the South and do not have many speaker choices locally. From what I've read, my interest leans toward Spendor and Joseph Audio, along with a few others. The nearest Spendor dealer is 500 miles away, Joseph Audio, 600 miles in a different direction. My musical tastes; I could listen to Ry Cooder and nothing else, but I also like JJ Cale, Clapton, Jerry Douglas, Tony Furtado, John Hiatt, etc. I'm currently using an all PS Audio system; PerfectWave DAC & Transport, and a Trio 100 Power Amp. Here's a list of my primary suspects...

Spendor A5
Spendor A6
Joseph Audio RM22XL
Joseph Audio RM25XL (probably out of my price range)
Epos M22i
Totem Forest
Dynaudio Focus 220 II

The deepest base is not as important as an uncolored midrange and smooth highs, but if it goes low and remains true thats great. I will probably go to one dealer when I have my choices narrowed down and have a listen. Please help point me in the right direction.
allenjohns
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Got any Merlin dealers near you;if so give then a listen as well.
usblues
1,216 posts
 
Second the Merlins,the best Ive had and great service also,good luck,Bob
grimace
624 posts
 
You also might want to consider a pair of Spendor S8e's. They are more money new, but when they come up here on A-gon they usually seem to be around $1500 and they are a terrific pair a little higher in the Spendor line.
allenjohns OP
22 posts
 
Before I pull the trigger on the pair of Epos M16i's, I wanted some feedback on Usher's X-718. The Usher's with stands are about the same price as the Epos speakers. I would be interested in feedback on the Usher. My main concern is that I want a natural, uncolored midrange. Also, I do not want a speaker that is overly bright, Any help would be appreciated. BTW, there is an Usher dealer about 300 miles from me in Huntsville, Alabama. The nearest Epos dealer is another hundred miles further away in Atlanta.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,298 posts
 
I like the Ushers, but I prefer the Epos. The M16i's are more balanced and integrated across the entire spectrum they reproduce, they just sound right while providing ample detail and space. They have a great tweeter, closer to Usher's more expensive Be-718 than the X-718 in my opinion. According to Stereophile's Robert Reina "High-frequency transients were incredibly fast, but never sounded etched or sharp." I agree completely. The specifications say the Usher's go lower and I seem to recall they have very good bass response for a stand mount, but they both crap out in the 40's and would benefit from a good subwoofer.

Your amp should be able to drive both to happy places, but it is going to have an easier time and go louder with the Epos. If the price difference is a critical factor, then the Ushers may be the ticket. Just remember you will have to buy some good stands to get the most out of them, negating much of the price difference.
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