Best speaker in the $5-10K range. Details below.


Thank you all in advance for your help. I am a long time member but first time poster. I have a speaker budget of ~$5k. I could stretch it if needed to 8-9 if necessary and 10 MAYBE.

My room is 16'x18' with 10' ceilings. I am currently using Usher 6311's with a JL Audio f112. I am enjoying the sound I have but would like to upgrade. Using a Metrum DAC, Dodd Battery preamp and AMB labs balanced B22 amp (30-50 wpc).

I would like to upgrade my speakers but I do not have the time or opportunity to audition speakers at hifi dealers.

Based upon reading mags, web searches, etc. I have come up with some considerations. Speakers that might fit my requirements include Legacy Classic HD, Salk HT3, VMPS RM 30, Usher Mini Dancer 2 dmd, Magnepan 3.7, and Von Schweikert 35. I am not limiting my search to these and would greatly appreciate any experience, suggestions etc. to help me out.

Musical preferences include mostly rock/classic rock. jazz, and occasionally classical. Thanks again.

Regards,
jjr
joe2687
Magnepan 3.7, 20.1 or 20.7, or Joseph Audio Pulsar or Perspective. Keep the JL Audio f112 until you hear them in your listening room. With the big Magnepans or Perspectives, you probably will sell the subwoofers.
Yes he would.
I've underpowered Maggies in the past (and it's not good).
Better to choose another speaker unless he gets more power.

On the other hand with his budget he could afford to do that if he could get the Maggies for a good price.

Get the Maggies used for a good price and buy a massive SS amp (high quality and clean like the RS). Maybe enough left over for a bottle of wine and a cigar.
I differ from most of the posts here. I spent 10 years trying to get a pair of speakers to sound as good as they did at the dealer where I auditioned them, and never succeeded. IMO, there is no substitute for auditioning speakers in your home, with your gear, and with your music. It also helps not have someone sitting near you waiting for your opinion.

Because of that, and because of some threads here on Audiogon, I went for a home audition of Ohm Walsh 2000s. Ohm gives you a full three MONTH audition. In my case, while I paid for shipping to my home, I live close enough to Ohm's factory so that I could have brought them back in my car to save return shipping. So, if I hadn't kept them, I would only be out the original $50 shipping. I consider that a small price to pay in order to find out if I can live long term with a speaker.

You can find my review of these speakers here in the user reviews section. I love these speakers, and expect to own them for a very long time. Your budget and room size make the top of the line Walsh 5000 or the maybe the 4000 the appropriate choice. Having spoken with designer and owner John Strohbeen, I cannot stress enough how helpful he is. You can call him directly and discuss what you are looking to do.

For someone who cannot travel to audition speakers at dealerships, I think the in-home trial route (with a no-restocking fee policy) is the best way to go.
If you like the sound of your 6311's why not jump up the Usher line? There is definite improvement to be had. Those Bellas will push most Usher models, I have been using a VAC Phi 110(110wpc) on my Be-20's for quite some time now, it works wonderfully. You can pick up used Ushers for great prices. Just a thought....