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Some of the Best speakers for Prog Rock/Metal

Hi guys,

I'm in the hunt for speakers, preferably floorstanders, that would be best suited for progressive rock/metal. Common bands I listen to, to name a few, are: Opeth, Tool, Agalloch, Kamelot, Dark Tranquillity, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Nightwish, etc. If any of you know some of these bands, you know that they're not just balls out metal, but they have a lot more intricacies to them as well.

I honestly don't even know where to begin in the search for speakers that would be best for this. I do know that I plan on getting a tube CDP and tube amps to go with whatever speakers. So, list out some speakers/brands that would be great for this. At this point, don't worry about budget, just nothing above the $8-10K range.
heywaj10
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Solid state or tubes, my suggestion is to seek speakers with high sensitivity (95+dB, or so), 8 ohm nominal impedance with dips no lower than 6 ohms. These speakers will work exceptionally well with either a solid state or tube amp, and you won't be limited down the road if you choose to change amplification.

I still suggest the Audiokinesis speakers. They are dynamic, fast, and you can try them at home for the cost of shipping.
mapman's avatar
mapman
15,679 posts
 
Heywaj10,

How big is your room? Any special constraints or considerations in where you would locate the speakers and where you will be listening from?

Also, what equipment are you starting with and what is a realistic total budget to invest at this time?

Which Paradigms specifically do you have in mind?

Off the cuff, I don't see a problem with building around Paradigm signature in general if that is the sound you like.

Whatever you get, wither pick them up used without overpaying or from a vendor with the in-home trial and satisfaction guarantee. Then you can resell or change as needed without taking a financial hit.
klipschfan
176 posts
 
Klipsch Cornwalls 101db@1w great with Tube or SS. Entertain yourself or your neighbors. Worth a demo!.
gawdbless's avatar
gawdbless
1,165 posts
 
I listen to bands such as Soulfly, Hedfirst, Kaliban,Vesania,
Eterna and Chaosbreed to name a few through my KCS Oris 150' horns c/w with 18" bass cones, they really rock the room, and go deep enough. They go very cheap when advertised on here.
I would also agree to check out the Audiokinesis models. I heard the (stormbringer)?, pump out really nice sounds of that pop band 'Rammstein' and quite loud too at the 2007 Denver show, they too rocked.
Classic Audio Reproductions were excellent also at the show in the large room on the ground floor.

KCS
Audiokinesis,
Classic Audio Reproductions.
heywaj10 OP
17 posts
 
Mapman,

I currently only have a very basic PC audio system, consisting of a pair of Pioneer HPM-60s and a Sony Integrated Amplifier (TA-AX500). The room parameters at this point are irrelevant because I have not yet moved into my own place. Again, I'm simply looking for ideas and am in no way shape or form ready to buy any equipment for a while (years).

In the future, I'm looking to setup a budget of about $8K for the entire system. And, honestly, even at this point that's probably unrealistic, probably around the $5K range. I know speakers are the most important part of the package, but at the same time I know a system is only as good as its weakest link.

For now, I'm just trying to get a feel for what brands/models you guys know of that would be good for my genre, as well as still perform well for other genres that I listen to, including: some softer rock, classical, movie sountracks, some jazz.
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