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KEF, ProAc, Monitor Audio and others

I've been busy listening to speakers in the 10-15,000 price range and even convinced my wife to join me (not an easy job).  Recently, I've heard the Vandersteen
Treo CT, ProAc D48r,KEF Reference 3, Monitor Audio PL300ii (briefly), Vienna Acoustics Liszt and several others.  I appreciate all the suggestions on this board.  

Some observations: I liked the Vandersteen but would love to consider one of their higher end models.  However, as I posted before, the local dealer doesn't carry those models and the nearest dealer who does is several hundred miles away.  Also, the necessity of electricity for the higher models is problematic for me. I really like the soundstage, imaging and musicality of the KEF Reference 3.  Would like to hear the KEF Reference 5, even though it would stretch my price range, but can't find it at any local dealer.  Some say the 3 is actually better so they don't carry the 5. Didn't like the Liszt compared to the KEF. Plan to hear the Monitor Audio again since I was impressed during a brief listening. Also, I've been told that Revel-- and possibly others--will introduce new models in January at the CES.  Right now, the KEF 3 is at the top of my list and my wife reached the same conclusion.  May wait until January to see what's announced at the CES.  
brownsf
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,626 posts
 
In Munic the Paradigm showed  a full flatt 2D stage.  Stage depth is a difficult part which should  be there to listen to a realistic stage.

You only can understand audio when you understand both sound and music. The sound you hear at home of your  own system is being created by all the different properties of each individual part in your system and the acoustics and all other parts who have a negative influence on the sound and stage.

When you cannot think in properties your system will be created bt trial and error. This is the same as russian roulette. There is no foundation on why you made the combination you choose. 

Audio by using the right properties is superior in endresult compared to any audio system created by trial and error. The facts proof over and over again that trial and error systems are incomplete.

Each single audio system whai is incomplete will create a much lower level in emotion and intensity. Because all the different properties of sound can influence our emotion.

Each system what can reveal more information and emotion will be chosen by each single person. Because this is how our emotion works.
soix
2,133 posts
 
Given what you're looking for you should try to hear Joseph Audio Perspectives if at all possible.  You seem to know what you like when you hear it so just trust your own ears and forget all this other hoopla.  Best of luck. 

bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,626 posts
 
Always take as much time as you need. This part of looking for new speakers can create a lot of fun and pleasure. Just enjoy it and will find the sound and stage you like.
schubert
4,867 posts
 
bo1972 ,
As a audiopile for 50 years I agree with all you say .
Can you mention a few brands(if there are any) that get 3d’ish at no more
than $6000 new or used besides Monitor ? Not that I won’t buy Monitor, I had a MA5 I loved back in the 70’s when they came into USA .
I live in a condo where near-field is all that is possible and listen to Classical
Music . Heavy on symphonic . And have been to thousands of concerts, a local dealer uses me for a "ear" on classical music and I did sell it for 3 years .
stebrn's avatar
stebrn
11 posts
 
Also, bo1972, what electronics do you need to get your 3D?  I have an Audio Research VT 130SE amp and LS22 pre amp.  Do you have any idea whether  the Monitor Audio PL300ii produce that effect with my equipment (or does the room and speaker placement make the difference)?
As Schubert said, what other speakers would you suggest?  My price range is up to around $15,000 (although I'm going to hear the Paradigm Persona 5 this week and that's a little more).  
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