Speakers to hang on to for LIFE

I've had my Synthesis LM260s since about 1989. With each upgrade in electronics, they sound better & better. Why I like 'em: smooth, natural, lots of detail and timbre on voices & instruments, non-fussy in terms of placement, soundstage extends beyond the speakers, can listen to all day, every day, low volumes & high volumes equally enjoyable and more. Every time the upgrade bug bites, what I've heard at and above my price range (about $5k and chiefly Dynaudio, B&W and the Krell LATs) comes up short. Generally, the sound is more etched, narrower soundstage and more like listening to speakers and recordings of music than actual music. While I haven't heard many of the speakers talked about here, the only speakers I recall hearing at a sane (to me) price were Quads. All the virtues of the Synthesis, plus more detail on individual instruments and soundstage.

Back when I bought them I was originally going to get Rogers LS3/5as, but one listen was enough for me to scrape up the extra dough to get a used pair. Used with Dyna Stereo 70, then Berning EA-230, and most recently with a parallel single ended 300B tube amp it still gives some of the best sound I have ever heard. Midrange to die for, and the midrange is where the music is. Downsides: no deep bass below about 45 - 50 Hz (midbass is fine), a bit soft in the highs, beamy trebles and no louder than life rock concert levels, but it will play surprisingly loud.

I've heard demos of Infinity IRSes, Apogee ribbons, various Martin Logans, and Avantgarde Duos and I've still got them as my main speaker. My favorite comment about the Quads was when I mentioned to an audio salesman that I had them and he said, "Well, I guess I'm not going to be selling you any speakers."

Whoops, above post refers to original Quads.

I know that I'm late into this post but I have to concur with LoveMan. The Beveridge 2 SWs are an almost miraculous speaker and if you haven't heard them you really owe it to yourself to do so. Quad 57s with tubes and Rogers LS35as with tubes if you're looking for a nearfield solution (you have good taste Jim). The new Lipinskis are mighty, mighty good. To this day the most realistic impression of a live event I have ever heard (save my experience with the Beveridge) were through Frieds C/3-L with SM/3 Subwoofers and updated drivers. I'm talking about the uncanny illusion of being transported to the original event. Amazing! I did hear the Thiels once and got the impression of absolute nutrality, probably accuracy but it didn't exite me. I also have to add that I did have a pair of AR 10pi and to this day wish I had never let them go. Oh well.

I bought a pair of Von Schweikert VR7 SE's, and received them right before last New Years Eve. I'm finish. The speakers won't move until I sell the house (they are 370 pounds each). That won't be for another ten years or so. I love them. On a separate note I also purchased a new darTZeel NHB-108 and NHB-18NS. I plan to keep this amp and preamp combo until death do us part.