Looking for "Last" 2 channel speaker system.

Hello Sir,

It is apparent that you know your gear and have the $ to be able to buy pretty much what you want. I also assume that you are totally familiar with room acoustics, and the basics of synergy between components and all else. These factors are HUGE in determining what is "best" for you. While I have not invested mega bucks (and that needs to be defined) ever on gear, I have arrived at my final system unless I move into a different house/ audio room. I am using the Green Mountain Audio EOS HD's with the Vandersteen SqW subwoofer. I have a Bent Audio autotransformer based passive pre, and a 25 watt push-pull Daniel Fabricant EICO St-70 clone. All high-end wiring and digital source - no vinyl. What makes this system magical is that the Vande sub uses a first-order cross-over as does the GMA"s - no phase issues. The low watt tube amp is "relieved" of stress to be able to properly produce lush musical mids and highs, by the Vande outboard crossover removing all under 80 hz, and that with amplifier impedance matching via dip switches in the cross-over. In short, you have a powerful, and yet extremely musical and dynamic set up. Sorry for all the embellishments, but this is what works for me and for a whole lot less money. If you want to spend more, get 2 subs for better spacial cues. PS - my mother was a very gifted concert pianist - my musical memory is quite keen and I know what sounds "correct". Have fun - Eric

I have said this on this forum before, and I will say it again, do try some Tannoys out. My custom thirty-five year old HPD 315's are among the most musical speakers in my long experience, are easy to drive, at 93db sensitivity, and are easily among the best I've heard in getting the scale of music right than most speakers I've heard.

Good luck in your search, and enjoy shopping,
Dan

Hi Bullot,

I was in a very similar situation, looking for reference level performance in a relatively small form factor for our mixing,listening and dealer needs.

After an extensive search, The TAD CR1 was the speaker that fit the bill.
It feels like an extremely accurate transducer, that unearths cues and subtleties in recordings, even bad ones, that let's you know exactly what the recording sounds like, while still letting the musical intent shine through. For example, even some thin sounding Todd Rundgren recordings, shine with holographic bells and voices

If you ever visit the New York area and want to listen, feel free. We'll-also have the speaker at the axpona NY show, though who knows how good it will sound in a hotel room.

TIdal Audio...From bottom to top an extraordinary consistent lineup of speakers!

Thanks again folks! Eric, I agree on the room acoustics, I have some acoustic panels arriving this week and will see what they bring me! The equipment you mention is very intriguing! It would actually be great to end up with a somewhat moderate system and use the extra funds to play around and experiment! Also agree 100% with the word synergy! It is so important and wonderous when it comes together.........no doubt a more inexpensive system has the ability to embarass a high end system if the synergies are met or not met! That's part of the fun for me, and it sounds like you have been able to get there! I look forward to looking into some of the gear you mentioned.

Dan, thanks for reminding me about Tannoy......actually another contact of mine just told me about a fellow in Winnipeg that builds speakers in his own custom boxes with Tannoy drivers! Lots of options!

Emailist, I have heard much about the TAD as well. I am looking into what audio show best suits my schedule this year, and I'm sure the TAD will be there! How are the smaller TAD's coupled with a sub, in comparison to the bigger ones!?

Thanks Azjake.......of course I have heard much about Tidal as well, but very expensive! In my experience there is a premium for speakers imported into North America, like Tidal and Marten, Consensus.