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Best high-efficiency speaker under 10K

I have never played in the high-eff speaker / low-powered amp space, but I've read so many things that I would like to give it a try. I own an EAR 859 integrated amplifier, De Paravicini's interpretation of SET. It's pretty incredible, especially if you consider its price tag. I am now in the business of choosing the right speaker. I listen to a lot of jazz and vocals and opera. So, I can do without the sub-40HZ frequency range. I would like to stay between $3K to $7K, certainly below $10K. Here are the options i am considering:

1) Zu Audio Essence.
2) Beauhorn Virtuoso (single driver)
3) KCS louspeakers (the model that uses the SEAS exotic driver)
4) Devore Gibbons 8
5) Living voice Avatar

If I had to choose right now, I'd go with the Beauhorn, but I know their limitations.

Any thoughts/personal experiences with the above or any other speakers in this range? Thanks.
ggavetti
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I heard the Vaughn Cabernet and a featured Coincident model (not sure it was the Reference Extreme) at RMAF 2009. Completely different presentation, IMO.

The Coincident was more incisive and accurate for lack of a better word. I recall the Vaughn being more forgiving in the treble and a bit less neutral in the mids and bass than the Coincident model.

I know this doesn't exactly answer your question according to the specific models, but I believe the Coincident house sound is consistent through the model line-up.
montejay
285 posts
 
The Coincident Pure Reference and the Vaughn Cabernet are in two different leagues. As nice a speaker the Cabernet is,it doesn't nor would anyone expect it to be as good. It is not a bargain Pure Reference.The Super Victory would be a better comparison with the Cabernet.
IMO

Regards,
sthomas12321
408 posts
 
Legacy Focus 20/20's. For me, as good as it gets. I miss mine everyday!
dragon_vibe
430 posts
 
Classic Audio Loudspeakers, T3.4 Project Field Coil, If you could push your budget. The Music Floats in the air.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
Best high-efficiency speaker under 10K

Being high efficiency, and easy to drive more times than not, go hand in hand with some form of colouration.
I can think of one with high’ish efficiency and easy to drive, that would be the some of the TAD speakers that to me sounded uncoloured.

https://youtu.be/Fai7Pnw1c-Q

https://youtu.be/swgPaVlE-0E

https://www.stereophile.com/content/tad-evolution-one-loudspeaker

Cheers George
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