Looking for speaker suggestions


I am currently contemplating a speaker upgrade. I do very much like my current Shahinian Hawks and will most probably keep them in reserve, as I can always use the bottoms as a pair of subs. But I have listening more recently to a lot more Jazz and classic rock.

 I initially considered trying the Klipsch Heresy III’s again after owning the II’s years ago but from what I read they have not done away with the fatiguing factor that drove me from them initially. Although my system has changed dramatically since then also.

 I am thinking of keeping them used as you can usually end up with a speaker you can’t afford new that way, perhaps they are older technology but that is the tradeoff. Wilson Puppy could fit the bill, but condition is also a factor.

Listening room is dedicated, 15 x 25. Associated electronics, ARC LS27, Levinson 333, PS Audio Direct Stream, PS Memory Player and a Magnum Dynalab MD809

Budget, ideally around 5k but can go more for something exceptional (max 10k)

Suggestions?


128x128stevea11757
Boenicke W5, W8 or W11

www.toetapaudio.com , links to reviews and manufacturer.

Very open, revealing and naturally balanced speakers. Beautifully made in Switzerland from solid hardwood, inside is CNC machined, unique construction.

There are some good videos on YouTube by Audio Prana, the US distributor, which give you some idea of their performance.

You won’t find a better speaker in your price group imo, in fact they better many speakers costing x3 the price.
The Charney Audio Companion  with the Omega RS7 driver ($5400.00) will work in your space and mate well with your electronics. Don't let the the small size fool you. This is a serious music listeners horn speaker that delivers!
The Companion is a very high efficiency speaker and you might want to forgo the powerful Levinson for a lower powered class A or digital amp. I own a pair of the Maestro RS7 and have listened to it with class A (First Watt), class A/B (Sony receiver), class D (Digital Amplifier Company), Class A/B push pull tube (tricked out Sherwood S-5000II), and class A SET (Audio Note Kits 8w 300b Interstage Mono Blocks).
Although each amp sounded very good through the Companion RS7 I preferred the ANK 300b for tube and Digital Amplifier Company for solid state.
http://charneyaudio.com/   

I would like to thank everyone for their input, it has given me a short list for auditions. Fortunately, being in NY I should have little difficulty in finding dealers to spend some time listening to some of these suggestions. With several suggesting looking back at the Klipsch line, the LA Scala has always intrigued me although I have never heard them, just their BIG brother, the Klipschorns of a friend that turned me onto hi-end audio many years ago. My space will not allow anything that large.

 So, other than the Klipsch, Vandersteen (another I heard years ago), Ohm’s, B&W’s. Several I am not familiar with and will require more research

Another issue I seem to be up against, that the ML333 would not be necessary as it appears to be overkill. I have a Bedini 100/100 that I use at work as well as a Levinson 23.5 in my second system that can be pressed into service if you think it would be warranted, as I recall horns are very efficient.


One speaker that has impressed me of late is the Avantgarde Duo.

They were by far the most detailed and most musical speakers I have heard - period.

The sense of "Air" was exemplary. Recordings in live venues were the most realistic I have ever heard.

They require very little power and they appear to provide a lot of latitude with respect to room size and placement - i.e. they actually sounded amazing in the store, where placement and surroundings were far from optimal.

Regards - Steve