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What are the best speakers you have ever owned and why?

I just recently recieved my long awaited Shahinian Diapason 2’s from Vasken And they are absolutely spectacular! This got me thinking about my long journey to get here. Bless my wife for putting up with the many many many speakers that have passed through. The lifelong saga began with Magneoan MG 1’s back in college which were replaced by Dahlquist DQ 10’s. Then we traveled down a long road of speakers and systems. Magnepan Tympanis, Misson 770, Randall Rsch DQ10’s, Quad ESL single and stacked, Acoustat II, rogers LS3/5A’s, Linn Isobarik’s (2 pairs) B&W 801 Matrix, Hales Signature, Martin Logan Monolith2, Apogee Scintilla (1 ohm) Apogee Full Range, Theil SC 5A, Egglestonworks Andra, B&W Nautilius 801,Quad 63 and some I’m sure I forgot! Each speaker had its virtues and flaws but oh what a fun and a times frustrating trek! I think I have finally found my speaker to take me to retirement they do everything that I value wonderfully . They are detailed without sounding so, very dynamic, they have great low end reach, power and detail, are open sounding like a planner, their tonality and timbre seem spot on and they sound wonderful on any kind of music. Tell me about your journey!
hamr
islandmandan
848 posts
 
Tannoy 12" MG's in not very well made plywood boxes, were my first foray into better quality loudspeakers back in 1971, then came some B&W DM 620's, Dynaudio 5.4's, and now, back to Tannoy, with HPD 315 (12" Dual Concentric drivers in custom 150 liter bass-reflex, 192 lb. MDF enclosures). Custom built DIY crossovers using Alpha Core 12 gauge inductors, Mundorf silver-in-oil capacitors, and Dueland resistors. They are augmented with two subwoofers, one being a 15"Tannoy passive (Sub 15i) powered by a Crown bridged-to-mono 2002 XTi, the other a converted Velodyne  with Eminence 12" sub driver and plate amp.

The subs, along with the HPD's, are exactly what I need in my large 16' X 34' w/cathedral ceilings room. Better (more expensive) subs would be nice, but not necessary or possible with my budget, largely DIY system.

These speakers easily do all that is needed to make me happy for the remainder of my life   
larryi
1,972 posts
 
My current speakers are SAP J2001 speakers with the midrange compression/horn driver replaced with Western Electric 713b driver and ks 12025 horn.  This a particularly nice sounding system at lower volume level.  The system is around 99 db/w efficient, which is a good thing because none of the amps I run deliver more than 8 watts per channel.

I have heard, and really like, the Diapasons so I can understand why they are your current favorite.  
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gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
I always wanted to get the Shahinian's. Very nice sound. I still remember hearing them at the Audio show opposite Penn Station back in the '80's.
Same with Maggie's and Dahlquist. I was like Homer Simpson drooling over donuts.
Well, to be honest, I ran out of money when I started my business. Only recently, have I been able to indulge in my home stereo.
Now, Vandy's for me.
Bob
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Back in 1965 I bought pir of JB Lansing speakers They were the best for 15 years. If I never would have sold everything to go travelling... I might still own them.
Back in 1982/3 I bought a pair of Infinity RSIIa, which were the best speakers I owned and had those until around the mid 2000’s.                                           
In 2010 I both a pair of Magnepan 3.6 which were the best speakers I ownd into in 2018 I bought 20,7 Magnepan. which are the best speakers I ever owned...                      
Though I I had only bought RS I’s instead of II’s back in 1983 I might still own them. or maybe the JB Lansings...            
If I had some big money I would own a pair of MBL 101e
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d2girls
641 posts
 
I have owned KEF LS50, Arteluthe Cadenza, Harbeth M30.2, and now my JBL 4367. I find myself being drawn back to either coaxil or dualcentric designs, or horns.
By far the best speakers I’ve owned out of the bunch are the 4367.
I should also add that I’ve been in this hobby for less than 2 years. Quite literally before August 2017 I knew nothing about speakers, amplifiers, etc.
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