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Honing down the speaker shortlist ~$5K

After 20+ years, it's time to replace my restored and very we'll-loved pair of Snell Type Es with something new. Aiming for a budget cap of ~$5k (likely used) I've narrowed it down to a short-list:

Harbeth Super HL5
Harbeth M30.1
Acoustic Zen Adagio
Vandersten 2ce signature

I've been able to audition the Harbeths at a dealer, but haven't heard them yet at home.
As for the others, I'll need to travel a bit to hear them so any input would be welcome.

My room is woody and old. It's 12x16x9 but opens through large archways on three sides to other rooms, each about 12' across. The speakers are currently at the closed end of the room, 3' from the side walls, 4' out from the back walls and 8' feet from the seating position. I listen to jazz, folk, alternative and a little classical. Primarily vinyl. Nothing that requires floor shaking bass. I live in a multi-family building and try to keep the neighbors happy.

For power I'm using a Creek 5350se integrated at 80w per channel. This is prime for a future upgrade, but one thing at a time. The rest of my system should be visible in my profile. 

I'm looking for something that resolves well without being overly analytical, yet retains the openness that I've always enjoyed with the Snells. The Harbeths seem to fit that bill, though the 30.1s sounded a little closed-in at the dealer audition. The 5s were much better in that regard, though struck me as a bit recessed.

Thanks for the advice.
It's a wonderful resource to have the collected wisdom exhibited on this forum!






krabbypantz
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
I had Vandersteen 2c's for some time (after upgrading from DCM Time Widows) but after a long comparison (5 rainy months in Portland, oregon nearly all time after 6pm spent listening), I finally decided to sell them and keep the Magneplanars (1.5QR).

Maggies were not better in every way but I finally decided that they were enough better in some important ways to switch.

So I would add some Maggies to your list, tho I hate to lengthen it...
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
779 posts
 
I have Vandersteen 2CE Sig II speakers and Magnepan MMGs. I like them both. I think $5K would buy the 3A Sig or the Magnepan 1.7i. Both these speakers are very good. With jazz, acoustic and vocals they are truly great. I would try to listen to these speakers. Also the Vandersteen and Magnepan need room to breathe and do much better with quality power....moreso with the 1.7i. With the Vandersteen placement is crucial and so is the tilt. I try to keep the speakers at least 10ft apart. Mine are about 12-14 feet apart.

For now I am running a Line Magnetic Audio 216i push, pull tube amp for the Vandersteen speakers and a Parasound A21 for the MMGs. I also use both a Benchmark and Schiit DAC.

As a coincidence I used to own Snell E5 speakers as well. The 2CEs are really more refined and much better although the Snell speakers were very good.

The last bit of info I can share is that the Vandersteen really shine bright with good source material and quality electronics.


nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
Before you decide, take a look at the Spatial Audio M3. I heard the smaller M4 and was quite taken by them. On the plus side, they're comfortably below your spending point.

All the best,
Nonoise
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