Shopping for audiophile grade speakers

[WynnHiFi]

Shopping for audiophile grade speakers

 

Looking back at all the speakers I’ve owned since high school, they all have one thing in common – heavy on bass.  And secondly – most utilized horn tweeters.  Many different low cost speakers and a few DIY builds have flanked my big-name-brand audio components over the years.  After researching computer driven digital audio playback, I found CA.  I soon planned a budget audiophile starter system with contingencies for future upgrades.  Speakers needed to produce audiophile clarity and detail from highs to lows.  Originally, the plan was to purchase a pair of Magnepan’s MMG and later upgrade to 3.7i.  I knew the Maggies would need a demanding amp.  I chose Odyssey Audio amps for their price and reputation.  (Klaus set the voltage output for the amps specially for the Maggies.)  But, after reading many reviews and forum posts about the Maggies, a disturbing trend emerged – unsatisfying bass and a narrow listening area.  So, I started looking at other audiophile grade speakers with budget prices that could fill my bass needs.  The following is a list of potential candidates.

 

Group One, < 4k: In my budget

·      Spatial Audio Hologram M3

·      Tekton Design Double Impact

·      GoldenEar Technology Triton Two

·      Klipsch Reference RF-7 II

 

Group Two, > 4k: A little out of my budget (but might be willing to make sacrifices if absolutely blown away)

·      GoldenEar Technology Triton One

·      Volti Audio Rival

·      Zu Audio Druid

·      Monitor Audio Gold 300

 

Now the question is, which one?  I might hear two of the brands in a high-end audio shop in Tampa, and the others I may have visit an audio show.  Now, that is something I’m considering, possibly RMAF in October.  Is there something missing from my list?  Am I giving up on the Maggies before I’ve auditioned them?  My deadline is the end of December to find the winning speaker.

 

[Ralf11]

https://www.computeraudiophile.com/forums/topic/30664-best-speakers-from-2500-to-6000/

 

 

I also think you were mis-informed about Maggies on 2 of the 3 things - maybe all 3.

[Norton]

I'd suggest adding  something from the Klipsch Heritage range to your audition list.  Cornwalls are c $4k I think.  I doubt you'll find the bass unsatisfying.  Whether they suit your amp and decor is another matter.

[semente]

I suggest adding PSB and Revel to the list(s).

[GregWormald]

The last time I went to buy an improvement in my speakers:

 

I did plenty of reading--reviews, personal opinions, issues and problems...

I devised a short list...

I went listening everywhere I could--stores, get-togethers, friends...

Down to 1 for a serious listen--since I couldn't get a home audition (speakers too large and heavy and expensive) I went to the designer's/manufacturer's listening room (in his house actually), listened all day to my music and his, ate his food, visited the factory, talked for several hours, saw the speakers at every stage of construction, and eventually ordered a pair...

I was picked up at the airport, returned to the airport, and had my air fare refunded.

 

Let me suggest you need to do lots before you buy.

 

Greg

[semente]

9 hours ago, GregWormald said:

The last time I went to buy an improvement in my speakers:

 

I did plenty of reading--reviews, personal opinions, issues and problems...

I devised a short list...

I went listening everywhere I could--stores, get-togethers, friends...

Down to 1 for a serious listen--since I couldn't get a home audition (speakers too large and heavy and expensive) I went to the designer's/manufacturer's listening room (in his house actually), listened all day to my music and his, ate his food, visited the factory, talked for several hours, saw the speakers at every stage of construction, and eventually ordered a pair...

I was picked up at the airport, returned to the airport, and had my air fare refunded.

 

Let me suggest you need to do lots before you buy.

 

Greg

 

How much did/do your speakers cost?

[firedog]

The golden ear that fits your budget will probably fulfill your needs.

[ShawnC]

When listening to the Goldenear's give the Triton Five's a try.  I preferred the sound of these speakers over all there powered sub speakers.  I use a Rel sub for seamless integration, it sounds amazing for the price. Many users of the powered speakers still add a dedicated sub, that's a bit redundant and a lot power cords to deal with. 

Either way, Good luck.

[GregWormald]

6 hours ago, semente said:

 

How much did/do your speakers cost?

 

They are 4-way active with 4 bass drivers, 650 watts/channel and at the time (5 years ago) cost 10,000 Australian dollars. They have since been upgraded to current drive (not voltage as most speakers/amps), new midrange driver, and the current retail in Australia is $20,000.

I don't know what the US price would be--SGR CX4F Mark 2.

 

Greg

[semente]

7 hours ago, GregWormald said:

 

They are 4-way active with 4 bass drivers, 650 watts/channel and at the time (5 years ago) cost 10,000 Australian dollars. They have since been upgraded to current drive (not voltage as most speakers/amps), new midrange driver, and the current retail in Australia is $20,000.

I don't know what the US price would be--SGR CX4F Mark 2.

 

Greg

 

That sounds like a good value for 4-way sealed box pair of active speakers.

That topology has a high performance potential, even if I would rather see larger drivers for the mid- and low-bass.

[Serge_S]

On 06/03/2017 at 1:07 AM, WynnHiFi said:

Looking back at all the speakers I’ve owned since high school, they all have one thing in common – heavy on bass.  And secondly – most utilized horn tweeters.

 

 

[semente]

If you don't need sensitive speakers I would also suggest that you stay away from the Zus and the Voltis, unless you are deliberately looking for a strong character (instead of accuracy).

[jcn3]

@WynnHiFi -- @Norton makes a good suggestion with the Klipsch Cornwalls -- super nice sounding speakers.  So efficient that they only need a few watts.  Not exactly "pretty" speakers though.

 

I'm a big fan of Monitor Audio Gold series -- the 300s should be fabulous.  My 100s are super easy to drive and have a rich, warm-ish sound.

[Ralf11]

Just one thing - speakers make the most difference in what you hear of any component, are large and hard to ship or move.

 

So spend some time evaluating the ones in your budget category.  Some have even done a fair amount of traveling to hear different one (tho it would be best to audition in your own room).  Some will also ship to you and while a return shipping cost of $200 may seem high, it is not really much compared to the price tag.

[Norton]

I didn't know Klipsch had released Forte 111s until I saw that post above.  Resurrection of another heritage model is quite a big deal for Klipsch fans.

If I was looking for new speakers in that price range they'd be top of my audition list, potentially better midrange than the Cornwalls, a little less obtrusive decor-wise and I think cheaper too.

[Paddlefoot]

i would also add Vandersteen Audio speakers  to the list, from the 2ce Signatures MKII to the Treo!

[TubeLover]

On 6/4/2017 at 10:23 PM, Ralf11 said:

Just one thing - speakers make the most difference in what you hear of any component, are large and hard to ship or move.

 

So spend some time evaluating the ones in your budget category.  Some have even done a fair amount of traveling to hear different one (tho it would be best to audition in your own room).  Some will also ship to you and while a return shipping cost of $200 may seem high, it is not really much compared to the price tag.

+1, well said Ralf.

 

JC

[realhifi]

Quote

You don't want to give up on the Magnepans yet. 

 

[beerandmusic]

less than impressed with maggies.

 

i would stretch and try focal sopra 2 or ATC...no bad reviews, sound phenominal no matter what you throw at them....clearly a "NEXT LEVEL" speaker that won't disappoint. (10K on used market).

 

jmo

[Ralf11]

curious which maggies you listened to?

[WynnHiFi]

3 hours ago, Ralf11 said:

curious which maggies you listened to?

I haven't had the pleasure yet.  I do want to audition them before I make a purchase.  

[TubeLover]

4 hours ago, WynnHiFi said:

I haven't had the pleasure yet.  I do want to audition them before I make a purchase.  

Strongly recommend that you get a lengthy demo of the Maggie 20.1's. Amazing speakers that work on a whole different level of providing sonics.

 

JC

[Ralf11]

10 minutes ago, TubeLover said:

Strongly recommend that you get a lengthy demo of the Maggie 20.1's. Amazing speakers that work on a whole different level of providing sonics.

 

JC

 

and... they're CHEAP

 

(in relative terms)

[Speed Racer]

I have heard some nice things about the TektonDesign Double Impact speakers:

 

http://www.tektondesign.com/double-impact.html

 

Anyone here have experience with these?

[feelingears]

Another vote here for PSB floor-standers. High value for the dollar IMO.