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Do I have to spend $4000 plus to get a better sounding speaker than GET model 7 ?

I have owned a pair of Golden Ear Technology 7's speaker for almost 3 years. I think they sound very good in my current set-up.  I bought them unheard based on the rave reviews they received at CES 2012. My concern is that if I was to invest in a speaker that is $3500-$4000, it may prove to be only marginally or fairly better. I am not saying that the GET's 7's are the best bargain in audio at $1395.  My experience with them is they are  very accurate with low distortion, but don't throw a particularly wide or deep soundstage. 

I have considered( not necessarily auditioned) Revel F-206;  Focal Aria 936;  Paradign F85;  PSB T-2';  Ryan 630;  B&W CM9S   Dynaudio X-34;  Duevel "Venus"  Audio Physic Sitara 25 and Tempo 25  All of the indicated speakers (except AP and Duevel) fall in the $3000-$4500 retail price range 

ProAc floor standers are off the scope in price, (often, even used)   Anything I buy will be used, because California sales tax is 8.5%,  and I can stretch my dollars buying used. 

Any recommendations are welcomed especially if based on you own experience with a particular speaker or brand.


Thank you, S.J     

sunnyjim
213runnin
562 posts
 
Sunny, if you are sensitive to the edgy highs, I would add another to your short list.  Ascend Acoustics Tower could definitely be an upgrade.  They image superbly and with the Raal ribbon tweeter give pinpoint imaging but are not sharp or edgy, according to all of the owner reviews I've read.  I'm looking at a new speaker myself, and these are my leading contenders so far.

The downside to any other speaker besides Golden Ear is that almost none have powered subwoofers.  None will give you the bass response you are getting now.  You would also need to buy a sub or turn yours up somewhat if you already have one.

It would be helpful to know what amp you have, room dimensions and cables too.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
1,457 posts
 

The only way you're going to know is by auditioning, in person, one of the Golden Ear models against a very different speaker.  One of your preferred makes, or something broadly similar.

Different strokes for different folks.  I heard the GE 2's against B&W CM10's a while ago, and there was no comparison for me.  B&W much greater truth-to-timbre on acoustic instruments.  GE's sounded like (good) HT speakers to me.  More recently, in another shop, I heard the B&W's against other brands, and preferred Harbeth, Sonus Faber, and Paradigm (Persona) over the B&W's.  YMMV.

kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
I think the Focal 936 is a better speaker which is why I own a pair instead of GE's. I think it looks better, is better built, and sounds better. If you don't want or need the muscular bass response of the 936, try the 926. The 936 wouldn't be a marginal improvement over the 7's in my opinion. It would be major, especially if you've got quality equipment to drive them. Unlike GE's, the 936's will reward you for using the best gear you can afford. I built a Pass F5 for mine and it's taken them new places. I think even the Focal 726 would be an improvement. 
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
2,766 posts
 
Why not move up in the GE line?
sbrownnw
652 posts
 
I love my ProAc Studio 148 floor standers, which were just over $3000 and use the same tweeter as the Response line.  Too bad they stopped making them.  ProAc Studio 140 mkI are the same speaker without the phase plug.
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