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Still looking for speakers in the 10-20,000 range

I’ve heard Proacs, Personas 3 and 5, Ryans, Wilsons, Wilson Benesch, Monitor Audios, B and Ws and several others in the 10-$20,000 range.  My favorite so far is the KEF Reference 3.  I would consider the Reference 5 but, as I’ve posted before, there is no place to hear them within 400 miles. Still plan to hear the Focal 2 and 3. Unless I love the Focals, I'm inclined to either go with the KEF Reference 3 or wait a couple of months (or more) to check out the new Magico A3.  My room is 24x18.  I have Audio Research electronics and 20 plus year old Proac Response 3.5 speakers.  It’s been a long process and I’m not sure if I’ll be relieved or disappointed when it ends.  Hard to decide if the Magico’s are worth waiting for.  Thoughts?
fast
jsm71
141 posts
 

Aiming at a price range only reveals your budget and ability to spend.  As others have already said you need to indicate:

-  What sound levels do you intend to listen at?

-  Do you need chest pounding bass or prefer balanced correct presentation?

-  What genres do you listen to most?

-  Can the speakers be well out into the room away from a listening wall or do they need to blend well into existing décor?

Answer the above if you want more focused/better recommendations.

fast OP
48 posts
 
Thanks.  I listen mostly to classical music-orchestral, solo instrument, chamber and vocal music.  Sound level is moderate, similar to a classical concert.  I prefer noticeable but balanced bass. The speakers will be a maximum of 32” from the rear wall due to WAF.  In other words I am not listening to ear splitting, floor shaking rock music.  What I like about the KEF Reference 3 speakers so far is the imaging and soundstage.  The sound appears to come from behind the speakers and is spread out over a very wide area where appropriate.  The bass is also pretty good as are the treble and midrange.  
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
The single point source driver that KEF employs is indeed stellar at imaging (thats what they do best) but I would also look at ...Martin Logan, they would be a completely different sound (u wanna talk about sound stage) from Proacs, and they pair very very well with Audio Research gear. Also, some of the best classical music I ever heard was coming out of a pair of McIntosh speakers, again these love AR gear (both of these companies make all sizes). Last but not least is Legacy Audio (made in Illinois) incredible speakers for classical or any music where full range is desired!  Good Luck.

P.S. Of course Im going to say Dynaudio as well although maybe not as great for classical :-)

Matt M
mes
386 posts
 
Um, Stereo5, methinks you got that backwards
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
forget the pissing match
go hear the Vandersteen s and as others have said a bunch of reference level speakers - what a great place you are in at this price range - blessed really
they are known for imaging and coherent sound
you have plenty of amp for them to shine

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