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Curious what people think is the best "value" high end speaker (~5K to 15K)

I am on a long search for speakers and just curious what people think is the best value both new or used in speakers ranging from around $5000 to $15000? I have a set of Paradigm S8's (V1) and love them but looking for another set for another set in a different listening area (25 x 20?, maybe larger).  I love the full sound of JBL's and looking for something in that range (it also helps that JBL's seem to hold their value better than most, which will be a consideration). The only drawback to JBL is footprint.  I prefer a smaller footprint which is why after reading I hope to listen to several B&W 800 series but open to suggestions across the board.  used Watt Puppies? Revels?  I am curious about peoples experience with McIntosh XR100's. 
gene3x
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
I agree with alanr123. I think the Focal 936 punches way above it's weight. And now that the Stereophile review is out, my estimations that the Kanta No.2 is just a more refined version of the 936 seem to hold true. And as I expected, the bass isn't weak, further tossing aside the myth you need giant woofers to make articulate bass. The measurements are certainly very comparable with the cabinet behavior being much better managed. I expect to see this speaker making the Recommended Components list. 
steve59's avatar
steve59
268 posts
 
what i'm noticing about the Salon2's is how neutral they are. I have a pair of VA Beethovens I would consider great bang for the buck, warm side of neutral, but very good sounding. The Revels can change their presentation if I move them 6"! At Axpona few large speakers sounded good in the hotel rooms, the Carver LSA, Maggies, and Raidho's otherwise it was small 2 way's stealing the show. The exhibits on the main floor with wide open spaces sounded exceptional and tho I think Wilson is over rated I gave them best sound at the show, the big VSR even YG sounded pretty common when I was in the rooms
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
3,650 posts
 
The Sopra 2's are scheduled for delivery tomorrow! (finally). The best for the buck? Hopefully...

ozzy
fstein's avatar
fstein
77 posts
 
Wayne Parnham 4Pi at half that price. You will have money left over for subs.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
3,650 posts
 
Stereo5,

Yes, I traded in the Bob Carver ALS for the Focal Supra 2’s. There was just something about the Carvers that I just couldn’t live with. Specifically, a upper midrange/ lower treble glare that I just couldn’t adjust out. And surprisingly, the speakers had a very low sensitivity that the Carver specs did not agree.

After the new (used) Focal’s sat in the cold for about a week due to trucking screw ups, I finally received them today.

The Focal Sopra 2’s speakers at first listen sound really good with surprising good bass. I am also quite surprised at the dynamics and sensitivity of these speakers. I now have the volume on my preamp set at half the amount that the Carvers required for the same sound level. I am still using the Carvers Raven 350 mono block amps.

I also purchased the IsoAcoutics GAIA 1 footers/carpet spikes and I will install them in the next few days.

ozzy
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