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Still looking for speakers in the 10-20,000 range

I’ve heard Proacs, Personas 3 and 5, Ryans, Wilsons, Wilson Benesch, Monitor Audios, B and Ws and several others in the 10-$20,000 range.  My favorite so far is the KEF Reference 3.  I would consider the Reference 5 but, as I’ve posted before, there is no place to hear them within 400 miles. Still plan to hear the Focal 2 and 3. Unless I love the Focals, I'm inclined to either go with the KEF Reference 3 or wait a couple of months (or more) to check out the new Magico A3.  My room is 24x18.  I have Audio Research electronics and 20 plus year old Proac Response 3.5 speakers.  It’s been a long process and I’m not sure if I’ll be relieved or disappointed when it ends.  Hard to decide if the Magico’s are worth waiting for.  Thoughts?
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dave_b's avatar
dave_b
2,267 posts
 
Heard the Focal Kanta No.2’s with Naim reference gear and I was smitten immediately!  It’s been about 40 years or so since I’ve heard a speaker render dynamics, bass definition, midrange presence with a top end that is natural and full of unforced detail.  Owned many of the brands mentioned here, but none impressed me so deeply as did the Kanta’s.  Gonna have to buy them...oh, and the looks are groovy baby, yeah!!  A-3’s are another metal tower with a tweeter on top.  The Kanta Time alignment and Quasi D’ Appolito array seem to really blend the sound naturally.  So warm, defined and tonaly exquisite:)
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
I need to go to the local shop again to hear the Focal's. I have a lot of friends who love them. I used to own a pair fo their Micron's back in the day, when they first started to sell their own speakers.  A close friend has the Sopra 2's in his office system and swears by them.  

Every time I've heard them at various places, I haven't 'gotten' them.  There comes a time when I feel it's not just a bad set up for me, but I'm thinking that has to be it.  I'm brutal on speakers and feel 'hifi'ish', but folks who's ears I know and trust seem to really like them.  

Btw, if you haven't had a chance to listen to the Vandersteen Treo CT, which is a bit less than the Kanta 2, it would be a good comparison.  I have a feeling that the reason I may not 'get' the Focal's is that I don't love the Beryllium tweeters on any of the speakers I"ve heard them on.  I've only heard a diamond driver sound good on the Tidal's too, so that's just me and my ears.  It's sure a nice looking and well built line of speakers.  I even took one of their models' home a few years ago as I was close to getting it, but in the end, it wasn't what I wanted.  I felt badly for the dealer as he had to lug them to and fro, lol. (with MS, I Cna't even help move empty boxes, lol. 

Glad you like them as that's the only thing that matters in audio as we all hear so differently.
bluesy41
211 posts
 

if you can find a pair or swing a deal I would go for the following:

1. Vandersteen Model 5A Carbon

2. Magnepan 20.7

-cheers

dave_b's avatar
dave_b
2,267 posts
 
Everybody’s got a bias so go listen...really can’t tell till your ass is in the listening chair and your electronics are pushing them in YOUR room!  Now go get the Focal Kanta No. 2’s...they sound like butter:). 
steve59's avatar
steve59
268 posts
 
I'm really enjoying this thread since i'm shopping at the low end of your price range. I have had many, many pair of Kef's and while I love what that uniq driver does well I find kef voices the bass a bit too conservative for my taste. Currently  high on my list are the Contour 60 new, salon 2 used VA 'The music', and still a sweet used pair of used R 207/2. Good luck. btw I also notice as we get higher in price with speakers partnering equipment becomes more important.
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