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Some of the Best speakers for Prog Rock/Metal

Hi guys,

I'm in the hunt for speakers, preferably floorstanders, that would be best suited for progressive rock/metal. Common bands I listen to, to name a few, are: Opeth, Tool, Agalloch, Kamelot, Dark Tranquillity, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Nightwish, etc. If any of you know some of these bands, you know that they're not just balls out metal, but they have a lot more intricacies to them as well.

I honestly don't even know where to begin in the search for speakers that would be best for this. I do know that I plan on getting a tube CDP and tube amps to go with whatever speakers. So, list out some speakers/brands that would be great for this. At this point, don't worry about budget, just nothing above the $8-10K range.
heywaj10

Showing 9 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
I'd look at the Audiokinesis Jazz Modules matched with a tube amp.

Do a Google search.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I do know that I plan on getting...tube amps to go with whatever speakers.

Heywaj10

If he stays consistent with his goal, he can cross the OHM Walsh off his list.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Not prog per se, but check out Terje Rypdal's "Waves" on ECM. Kewl...
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Already have a Squeezebox with excellent DAC. I'll check them out.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Here's a short list of speakers to consider with your tube amp:
Audiokinesis
Classic Audio Reproductions
Coincident
Reference 3A
Devore

I believe the top two will be better on progressive rock because they have large bass drivers combined with horns, and they will move more air than the other speakers with smaller drivers.

This is not to say that the other speakers won't also sound great. It'll be a matter of personal preference.

FWIW, the Audiokinesis speakers are sold with a home trial period, so you can try them in your system and decide whether to keep them or return them.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
23. Limited income. And, you're looking for speakers in the $8k-$10k range?

I must have a different definition of limited.

:)

FWIW, I think you should make the tube or solid state decision and then search for speakers. If you leave all the options open, then this will be a 50+ page thread with over a hundred different suggestions, and you will be more confused than when you began the thread.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Solid state or tubes, my suggestion is to seek speakers with high sensitivity (95+dB, or so), 8 ohm nominal impedance with dips no lower than 6 ohms. These speakers will work exceptionally well with either a solid state or tube amp, and you won't be limited down the road if you choose to change amplification.

I still suggest the Audiokinesis speakers. They are dynamic, fast, and you can try them at home for the cost of shipping.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
A good speaker and system should reproduce all music equally well.

If a speaker is particularly good only on a specific music genre, then it's not an overall good speaker to own, IMO.

Most of the suggestions made thus far in this thread are speakers that perform equally well on all genres.

The important factor with rock and progressive rock is that you want a speaker that moves a lot of air, IMO. Speakers with larger woofers do this better than speakers with small woofers.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
how do you take your experience from what you've heard at one place and compare it to another? What I mean is, every store has different brands/equipment/components running to various speakers? Doesn't this change the effect of the speakers and performance in comparison to other locations? There are just so many variables to take into consideration!
Heywaj10

It's difficult. I suggest focusing on finding a speaker you like and trying to ignore the electronics driving them. If the speaker fits the profile I mentioned earlier, then it will work well with any electronics you use.

You'll make your limited budget work harder if you consider buying used, or if you consider buying factory direct using the home audition method.
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