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The under 10K speaker

I've been auditioning and reading for at least a year now, looking for a speaker I can live with blissfully for a long time. I tend to hang on to my equipment for maybe too long so I want to make the most informed decision on speakers. My current setup is a pair Classe CA100's in mono driving Def Tech's BP2000's(don't laugh). I sold my AR LS15, Classe Dac1 and Theta Jade. I'm running a music server (EAC ripped/FLAC encoded) through a Squeezebox3 direct to amps. I'm waiting for the Slim Devices "Transporter" and contemplating a pair of Mono Odyessy Extremes depending upon choice of speakers.

The best I've heard so far were the Wilson Sophias. I've auditioned B/W's all models, Revel's (Sound excellent), Paradigm's, Thiels, Von Schweikert (not the VR4 SR's), JM Labs Utopia, Sonus Fabar, Usher's and others.

I'm thinking about the Wilson Sophia's. I'm interested in the VR4 Jr, The Acoustic Zen Audiago's, Usher Dancer, Revel F52, Daudeulis? DA1 (can't spell them but people love them).

I wish for a full range speaker but adding a subwoofer isn't out of the question.
Hey, this can be fun..
128x128desalvo55
glide3
402 posts
 
I think you have many good suggestions...many of which I have heard some I have not...I would second the Wilson Benesch ACT.

Kurt
ajazi
45 posts
 
Wilson Benesch ACT (current model).
audiokinesis
1,872 posts
 
Desalvo55,

Sounds like you're on an epic quest for a speaker that you will live with for many years.

To a certain extent, high-end audio is about coming to know yourself. You have to become an expert on what really matters the most to your ears and listening style, and you have to know what compromises you can live with.

Obivously you've been into this hobby for years now, and on this quest for a good while also. What can you tell us about what really matters to you, and where you can compromise if you need to?

Thanks,

Duke
sleepysurf
107 posts
 
I'm surprised nobody has suggested Martin Logan Summits. With the standard finishes they retail for $10k, but you can usually get them for a bit less. New or Used deals occasionally pop up here on A'gon (where I bought mine). The Summits *DO* require painstaking setup with room placement and bass setting adjustments. However, the new ice-powered design (400 watts into dual 10 inch woofers) overcomes a lot of the prior issues with "stats" and can be easily driven with either tube or SS amps. When matched with appropriate components, and properly placed, they are ASTOUNDING!
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,550 posts
 
I'm not familiar with the Wilson Benesch Act
Audio Visions in SF carries them, and the Von Schweikerts. Both are definitely worth a listen, IMO. As I noted in another thread, the VR4Sr's got progressively better as the dealer moved them from one system to the next, and ultimately into my friend's home. If you go to Audio Visions, make sure you hear the speakers on either the wall opposite the entry to the main room, or on the left side. The right side creates some funky reverberations, and they'll tell you as much.

In case you didn't know, Music Lovers (both in Berkeley and SF) carries Wilson.

If you check on the Tyler website, you will find owners who are willing to audition their speakers. If you can't find a Woodmere owner in the Bay Area, I know there is one here in Sacramento. He's a superb host. I've heard his system twice, and it's also terrific.

Other recommendations:
Silverline La Folia - they are in Walnut Creek, and they are outstanding speakers
Zu Definition - Find a Bay Area owner, or try the 60-day audition.
Joseph Audio Pearl - Superb speakers
Eggleston Works Andra II - What's not to like? They're fantastic.
etc...

Much will depend upon the amp you use, the room you're in, the type of music you like, and most significantly, EVERYTHING that Duke (Audiokinesis) writes above. Anyone can tell you why he/she prefers the speakers they've chosen, but you will never hear the music or the components exactly as they do. Trust your ears. Take your time. Listen to as many of these as you can. That's my advice, anyways.
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