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What are the best loudspeakers under $4000 to re-create lifelike piano

Over the past 4 months I've spent time with five loudspeakers.  On a scale of 1-10 I'd rate them as follows in their ability (with my equipment in my room) to recreate a lifelike piano.  Tekton Lore - 6.5 (great scale but tonal accuracy and clarity somewhat lacking),    Kef LS50 - 7.0 (moderate scale but slightly better clarity and tonal accuracy)  Kef R500 - 8.0  (great scale and very good clarity and tonal accuracy), Spatial Audio M3TurboS -8.1 (great scale and very good clarity and tonal accuracy and very smooth)  Magnepan 1.7i - 9.0 (very good scale with excellent clarity and tonal accuracy - very lifelike).

In your room with your equipment, what loudspeakers are you listening too and how would you rate them for their ability to recreate a lifelife piano and if possible a few comments as to why?
snapsc
bondmanp
1,465 posts
 

^  Bingo, snapsc.  As I said previously, I think Ohm gets little respect because of their lower price points and direct-sales approach.  Compare, for example, how few reviews there have been of the Von Schweikert VR series, which are likewise priced lower and sold direct, as opposed to their more expensive lines, sold by dealers.  Another common point between the VR series and the Ohms is their appearance.  They look okay, but clearly, neither Ohm nor Von Schweikert have spent a lot on the cabinetry.  That would raise the prices and defeat their purpose of offering great sound and great value.


But the Ohm forums on this site are quite extensive.  Also, until recently, Ohm eschewed exhibiting at audio shows, and does not advertise in print media.  This might explain the scarcity of reviews in audio publications.  They do a bit of web advertising, but, otherwise, it is mainly word-of-mouth.


Ohm is not alone in having a sort of under-the-radar, cultish following.  Tekton and Silverline Audio are two more I would put in those categories.

kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 
Ohm seems to have  a regular presence at the NY Audio show but they tend to use their smaller models and pair them with average quality electronics. I think their theme was you can get real good sound at moderate prices. As a soundstage junkie, their sound is too diffused for my taste. Might be room set up or electronics. Nice tone and texture,
mapman's avatar
mapman
15,679 posts
 
Read John Strohbeen’s blog under "news" on the OHM website. You’ll get a good feel for what makes OHM tick. He will talk all day about what technically goes into making good sound in a manner many can understand but very little if ever talk about anything "audiophile" or "high end audio". He is very nuts and bolts and about finding ways to make good sound available to more people.   Also it becomes clear that he is as much a lover of music as he is of hifi.
snapsc OP
148 posts
 
@kalali. What do you mean when you say the sound is too diffused.  Are you describing excess ambiance...or lack of clarity...or reverb????
mapman's avatar
mapman
15,679 posts
 
Diffused can mean a lot of things of course.

Recently I’ve been using a Chord Mojo DAC in my system from time to time as an alternative to the mhdt Constantine DAC I use normally.

With the Mojo, I notice a huge difference in the presentation. Location of elements in the recording, which are already very well defined with the older mhdt DAC, become more focused, essentially more palpable. The overall soundstage width may actually be somewhat smaller with the Chord but still extensive with added depth.. Its a night and day difference anyone could hear.  Another step towards the absolute best  sound stage and imaging I've ever heard which was with a six figure mbl setup at a local dealer in a room setup to enable the mbls to work their soundstage and imaging to the nth degree, a room unlike anything most would ever have at home.

The Chord DAC sound does express itself as well but perhaps to a somewhat lesser degree with all my good quality gear including headphones, their prime application. I’ve used the Chord in at least half a dozen or so different listening scenarios with my stash of various gear.

My point is how transparent the OHMs are in regards to to the source device used. They will sound radically different depending on what they are fed. So as is always the case but particularly applicable in teh case of OHMs, one must take caution in attributing the sound heard in a single audition uniquely to the speakers. You will hear radically different things in different setups. The OHMs are merely the messenger. I love that!
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