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New Speakers up to $15k - The more I read the less I know!

I am looking to upgrade my speakers and I am in search of guidance. I presently have B&W 803S and I find that these are excellent speakers and have really responded as I have steadily upgraded my system. I am now looking to buy speakers that will disappear, image and sound as neutral as possible. The 803's are close. 

My system is: ARC REF110 w KT120s, ARC LS27, ARC PH8, VPI Aries 3 fully upgraded, Lyra Delos, Rega Saturn CD, Oppo Sonica DAC, AQ Water & Niagara IC's, REL R528se Sub and more...

Actually, the ARC REF110 and B&W's are a much better match that I would have ever thought and the amp has plenty of power to drive at very high levels. I mainly listen to analog. 

I am looking at Vandy Treo CT, Quatro Wood CT, B&W 802D (used) but I need more ideas... I would prefer to buy new but I will look at used if the right deal presents itself. I am leaning towards the Quatro Wood CT so if anyone has experience with these and a REF 110...?

Thank you.
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biketech60
35 posts
 
As no one has yet suggested auditioning open baffle speakers , two brands worth considering are : Spatial Audio and Pure Audio Project . I'm more satisfied with my Spatials than any speaker I've yet heard in my 50+ years as an audiophile . OB has clarity like a panel speaker but with impact and bass of dynamic drivers . No boxes for me !
 Emerald Physics is another brand, but many of theirs require DSP units and multi-amping , so not as simple .
  Spatial has a trial period and return policy . Unsure of others .
Network with friends and audition with the same tracks of 2 or 3 CD's on every one .
   
Joe
guswatte
6 posts
 
Curious how you thought the Quatros compared to the Carbon 5as?
G
helomech
766 posts
 
We need AudioTroy over here. He'll set everyone straight.
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
guswatte5 posts05-11-2018 2:03amCurious how you thought the Quatros compared to the Carbon 5as?
G

The 5's are just a better speaker.  No doubt about it, but I own the Quatro and feel that they are also very special. Honestly, to me, I feel strongly that the Quatro is the sweet spot in their line.  Would I have liked a carbon fiber midrange too? Yes, I would have, but for ME, I just couldn't afford the 5's.  IF you have the money, then you will get a much better speaker in all aspects.  The bass is bigger and that midrange with the matching tweeter is incredible.  Personally I feel that the 5 is a GREAT bridge between the Quatro and the 7.  It should be selling for over 40k and the Quatro should be in the 25k range (with a carbon midrange upgrade).  

That all said, I did put my money where my typing is and got the Quatro and am not looking back.  
longbowbbs's avatar
longbowbbs
6 posts
 
The Quatro CT's with your specific gear are a fantastic match. ARC and Vandersteen pair beautifully. At $14,600 the Quatro's are a top pick for an under $15k price point.
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