Best speakers in the 50-60k range ?


Some context: I’ve recently had to downsize my speakers. However since I got inot this hobby 2 years ago I’ve always been looking ahead, to see what my next big item purchase is. I’ve got a budget of about $60k for the speakers.

I have a superate budget for amp, dac, but regardless of the type of speaker I wind up with, I will get a electronic front end that makes sense for the speaker. I think it’s a bit backwards to be considering amp before I’ve selected the right speakers.

I  like pop, rock, metal, grunge like Rush, Metallica, Cranberries and Taylor Swift as much as I like better mastered music like Diana Krall.

Oh. And I like horns.

Here are the options I’ve been considering so far;

Purchasing another pair of JBL 4367. This option makes a lot of sense if I wanted to spend 100k on electronics instead. I was thinking Mcintosh (MC611) or Spectral (DMA360) amplification, or Pass Labs (XA200.8) as for preamps I could go with the Mcintosh C1100, the matching Spectral preamp, or the Pass Labs XP-30 or XS preamp. 

But I want to try Wilsons, or Avantgardes... see below.

Sasha DAW or Alexia Series 2. The former allows me to budget for a matching high power amp, the latter would require purchasing a lower end power amp until I’ve saved enough for a better one. Another option would be to wait until early 2020 before purchasing anything. The dealer I wanted to do business with carries both Mcintosh and Wilson... an audition for the aforementioned speakers is of course mandatory, and upcoming this summer. I’ve no doubt in my mind I’ll be impressed with what I hear but if im not I always have the JBL or other options.

Avantgarde Acoustics Duo XD or possibly Duo Mezzo. Yes I love horns. I am almost certain I would greatly enjoy these. I just love love horns. Another advantage is that these are self powered bass section speakers so I could use a low powered 2a3 tube amp with them. (I love 2a3 amps) which is significantly less expensive cost wise compared to the solid state beasts I’d need for the Wilsons...

Anyway that’s what I’ve got so far. I’ve asked around on another forum called audiosciencereview and the advice the few people I spoke with so far was that I’m better off getting another pair of JBL. It does seem logical. And I’d have a huge budget to play with for all manner of electronics... but the audiophile in me wants to get Wilson, or AG... 

Ill also be auditioning the Magico S5MKII but based on my research so far I don’t think I would like the sound of those speakers.
d2girls
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9a641-jbl-dd-67000-full-range

For your taste JBL dd67000 is best.

https://hometheaterreview.com/jbl-project-everest-dd66000-loudspeaker/

Around 12 years ago, I had wondered between JBL dd67000 and Lansche 4.1.

Although I chose Lansche for its pristine treble out of plasma tweeter, I also missed unlimited dynamics out of big horn JBL,

Also, you can run big JBL with tube amplifier with its high efficiency.
If that was my budget, my short list would certainly include Vandersteen 7, Vivid Giya, and TAD Ref One.

Lucky you!
you should consider the new in Fall Vandersteen- Q
at your budget you could also get the M5 solid state high pass amp
11 bands of analog room taming EQ and 600 wpc class B sub amps...

i am pretty biased as i have 2-3 pairs of Vandersteen at any given moment.....but i also have others

you should tell us more about the room, especially if you intend great sound w Avant G horns....a shoebox aint gonna work, imo....

have fun, enjoy the journey...

btw, mac and spectral is a really odd pairing....i have sold both.....