[Archguy]

Guh, should have thought of a better title.  'Endless speaker dilemma' sounds negative.  Actually the only negatives are that I don't have four thousand bucks to spend and I can't be wherever the best (used) deals are.  They always seem to be far away!    I want new tower speakers as I wrote in the FS/WTB section, but I don't think we're supposed to engage in extended discussions there. So here then.

Anyway here's my listening room at the moment.  I have a HT setup in a different room.  The two leather chairs partly visible on the right are the listening area.  The room is a bit cavernous but even though I don't like w/w carpeting it's good here otherwise the space might sound like a cave.  I think the room has seven walls.

 Those are Polk Monitor 70 IIs which I just got and am looking to replace.  I'll use them as fills behind the listening area maybe.  Mainly because I don't like the way they look.  They sound fine to me which probably tells you two things: I'm not the world's most critical listener and maybe I've never even heard great sound.  In my defense on the first count I'll mention that I listen to Pandora One 98% of the time which means that my source signal tends to be a bit 'compromised' at the outset.  However I did just hook up a CD player to the Yamaha amp driving these two speakers (and soon to be two more up in the loft overhead) so maybe I'll open up my old boxes of CDs for some critical listening at some point. 

If it matters, I'm about 60% jazz atm with 30% classical and 10% rock and 'current' whatever it's called.  Hiphop maybe?  IDK, has lots of foul language.



I have three ideal height targets: 22" 33" & 42-44+"    The Polks shown here are way too narrow and deep, which I've discovered is very common.  I want something wider and shallower.   10+ inches wide would be great and they absolutely must be less than 14" deep.  Otherwise they stick out further than the bookcase.  I'm an architect and looks matter a lot to me.  More than sound when it comes down to it, even if that is heresy here.  Speaking of which, the Klipsch Heresy has a good shape

In the past ten days I've bought nine amps, five pairs of speakers, and a CD player.   And obviously I'm not done yet.  Mind you, some of those amps were super cheapies to run auxiliary Chromecast zones.  I'm amazed at how good they sound.  Although I lust after high-end Luxman & Accuphase amps I'm not about to spend that kind of money. 

Now that my HTD L3 Bookshelfs have come in, I'm happy with their sound, indifferent to their design, and in love with their satin-finish, genuine ebony veneers.  SO...what do you guys think of HTD sound?  I'd never heard of them until recently.  And which towers should I get?  I actually like the L2 towers' design a bit better but I'm concerned that I won't like the sound as much re: upper registers.   Plus they're very narrow.   The design of the towers--particularly the L3--is like something my grandparents might have had (though of course they didn't have towers).  I just mean that they don't really look 'designed' at all.   I'm a bit concerned that I'll drop money on these and they'll be redesigned next year into something I really like.  I should offer HTD my services.      http://www.htd.com/Level-THREE-Tower-Speakers

What about R55Ti TOWER SPEAKERS  IMPRESSION SERIES ??    https://rbhsound.com/bstock-r55ti.php  -- by all accounts their red wrap does a convincing impression of real wood.  It's a handsome speaker though tall and narrow  8-1/2" W x 47-1/2" H x 12-1/4" D , and this appears to be a good deal (though a gamble re: condition)   -- The rear-firing ports mean I can't put them against the wall though, and they are tall and narrow.   And I'm not crazy about the outriggers.     The SVT MODULAR TOWER SYSTEM is intriguing but I can't figure out what it costs or how to buy it.   https://rbhsound.com/svt.php  "No RBH Sound Dealers were found in your area."  NVM...it's just too much of a hassle when you can't even figure out what these things cost.

My local dealer is a prime example of why bricks & mortar are being shut down in favor of online distribution channels.   Lots of talk about "curated" and "hand-picked" equipment and "bespoke" solutions, but absolutely no information about what they actually sell, aside from mfr links and some photos.  And no clue what things might cost.  SMH.  Almost completely opaque.  I'm not even young and I won't bother with them.   http://www.audio-exchange.com


These old Boston Acoustics have a great form factor but even I might be disappointed with their sound, not to mention I think that woodgrain may be plastic-laminate.

Right now I'm waiting for some knockout Salks to come up on the used market but my trigger finger is beginning to get very itchy.  Maybe I'll buy something like the HTDs and then wait for the pre-owned Salks of my dreams to come along.  Any and all advice welcome.  How and where do you set up buyer alerts online? 

[Archguy]

The JBL Studio 570 is a fascinating anomaly, in my books, and a very good sounding speaker. However the finish, frankly, is cheap looking and it might bother your aesthetic sensibilities. They are fairly hard to find, as well, but it was the designer's (Greg Timbers) favourite of the series. Of it he was reported to have said something like "it has no right to sound as good as it does".

If I were you, I'd buy a pair if you can find them and do what you can do to fix the cosmetics. There are not many home speakers at budget prices with genuine compression drivers and well-designed horns. Also, be aware that they need to be positioned away from the wall, as they will be bass-heavy otherwise.
New, the Studio 580 seems still to be available, and at a substantial discount:
http://www.harmanaudio.com/jbl/STUDIO+580.html?dwvar_STUDIO%20580_color=Black#start=1

For wide and shallow, and for listening at very moderate loudnesses, I would consider the Jordan Eikona. Either get a cabinetmaker to make you a set from Jordan's plans:
http://www.ejjordan.co.uk/products/diy-plans/

or buy from one of the few specialist makes around the world such as Audiowood in New Orleans ($1600-$2000):
http://www.audiowood.com/retail.html

You would have to contact them to make sure they use the new Eikona driver, not the old one pictured here:

Those are so amazing looking.    About the JBLs, I had my eyes on them but they look like black holes.  Interesting idea to buy the 570s and revamp them aesthetically.  I once had JBLs in oak veneer and they sounded awesome (a tad bright, naturally, but I like that to a point) and the oak was very very appealing. 

I'm looking at the Audiowood site now.  THANKS

[Archguy]

What do you guys know about the Cambridge Aeromax 6??  In my price range and I like the gloss black well enough.  Weird tweeter theory though.  How well does it work??      https://shop.cambridgeaudio.com/us/product/aeromax-6

I'd even consider used Maggies if I could feel reasonably secure about their longevity.  I thought of buying a pair off eBay and having the seller ship them straight to the Mag factory for refurbishment. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAGNEPAN-MG-1-7-/172772913329

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnepan-MG-IB-/332306774362

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnepan-MG-1-6-QR-Factory-refreshed-recently-AudioPhile-Plus-Rare-Cherry-Sides-/182539528529

I just have the feeling they don't ship so well. 

Edit: Not Heresy, Cornwall.  Klipsch is manufacturing updated versions of all their classics.  All you need is cash.
Wonder how they sound?    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klipsch-Cornwall-III-California-Black-Walnut-Ea-Floorstanding-Speaker/152467487890

[mresseguie]

I think your subject title is just fine. I spent a good four years fumbling around listening to speakers to figure out which ones to get. [I finally decided about 5 weeks ago.] In my first year-plus I bought and sold three pairs of speakers before I was able to force myself to slow way down. I made myself a sort of deal that I'd listen to as many speakers as possible till I finally found the pair that I was pretty confident I'd hang onto for a long time.

Actually, I found several pairs that have magic for me. However, a couple pairs were way out of my budget ($25k, $28k). I don't care how good the sound. I'm not going to spend that much on a pair of speakers.

Anyway, I'd like to suggest you slow down and listen to more speakers. If you're patient, you'll gain experience from all the listening and you can build up your cash supply.

Michael

[JackD]

These Devore's fit your aesthetic requirements but not your budget as stated.  There are a few companies that do wide baffle speakers but certainly not a lot.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-devore-fidelity-o-93-o93-mint-condition-1-year-old-speaker-2017-07-13-speakers-1535e37e-ed36-4bec-8e51-369a684ef1ad?refsource=hifishark

Also contact Mark Sossa at Well Pleased Audio Vida in Springfield and talk with him about what you are looking for.

http://wellpleasedav.com/about/

[Brettio]

Another speaker that may fit the bill are Zu. The Omen and the Def are in the 12" deep range (there may others as well) and used will fit within your budget.  I've never heard them but they do come with beautiful finishes/veneers and seem to have a loyal following.

[Archguy]

These Devore's fit your aesthetic requirements but not your budget as stated.  There are a few companies that do wide baffle speakers but certainly not a lot.
 
Also contact Mark Sossa at Well Pleased Audio Vida in Springfield and talk with him about what you are looking for.

http://wellpleasedav.com/about/

He looks a bit high-end for me (as just about any B&M audio emporium has to be nowadays).   I lived and worked in DC & Environs for ten years.  There's a lot of money 'round there   Before that I lived in Manhattan, about which 'nuff said. 

On his site I found this knee-weakening example of tube-amp pr0n:



In case you want to know how crazy I am, I now own five tube amps, and the crazy part is that only one has arrived so far.  Cheap ones mind you.  Just for fun, but isn't all of this?

Another speaker that may fit the bill are Zu. The Omen and the Def are in the 12" deep range (there may others as well) and used will fit within your budget.  I've never heard them but they do come with beautiful finishes/veneers and seem to have a loyal following.

Thank you very very much for that info (as well as the PM).  Their speakers look just about perfect for my purpose, although for some reason the prices aren't showing up on my browser (may be my noscript settings).  I'm afraid to ask.  Like you say though, used, used.

ETA: Aww geez.  Tried another browser.  "Omen Def Mk.II from $4,500.00"  "Definition from $16,900.00"

Nothing's that used...

[Jonathon Janusz]

Considering your space, the shape/size speaker you are looking for, music preferences, listening preferences, and variety of tube amps to pair them with, if single driver speakers are an option on the table, they would be getting pretty close (but not over) to your top end budget new, but I'm pretty sure Omega (here on AudioCircle) builds a few models that are all but exactly the speaker you are asking for.

[JackD]

Mark is not a B&M dealer.  He is a social worker who runs an audio business out of his home and is also the US distributor for many brands. His contacts with brands that he does or doesn't carry could come in handy.   If you think a brief look at his website makes him not worth a phone call then that is up to you.  Seem to be quick to make judgements about value and motives.  Good luck. 

[JLM]

I aesthetics is your priority, just pick up a pair of wall mounted built-in speakers and add a sub. 

My audio advice: 

1st -  Figure out what your audio priorities are (until then you'll just be running in circles).

2nd -  As Michael suggests, slow down on the purchases and do serious auditioning before purchasing (or else you'll continue to confuse yourself).

3rd -  99% of speakers are designed to function best away from walls, so move the speakers out at least 3 feet from walls (especially get that right speaker out of the "cave" created by walls/bookcase), remove the plant that's blocking the right speaker, and lose the lounge piece (which is blocking the center of any soundstage you're able to create). 

[Brettio]

I'm sorry if I misstated the Zu models...most are over your stated budget new, but check out them out on hifishark.  There's not much of a selection used for sale at this moment, but if you look at the sold/expired listings you'll see several models have been listed or sold under $2,000.

Two things I like about Zu, to me they're very good looking and I really like the owners attitude. He just seems to have fun and doesn't mind bucking tradition. I can't speak to their sound as I haven't heard them.

Brett

[GT Audio Works]

You will need to find an acceptable compromise between aesthetics and performance. Most speakers will need to be away from the walls for best results, aside from Audio Note or corner horns.
Since you are not too far, you may want to hold off buying unseen or unheard and wait for Capital AudioFest in November. http://www.capitalaudiofest.com/
Spend some time listening to the various offerings, even if they are beyond your budget. Knowing what you want can go a long way in saving you money down the road by getting off the speaker buying merry go round.
Check out offerings from Salk, who makes some beautiful looking and sounding speakers , the same goes for Volti, which may be too big for your needs but well worth hearing to calibrate your ears to what you want as opposed to what you can afford or will put up with in size.
Zu and Odyssey is another possibility. I dont see Salk on the exhibitor list yet, he usually comes, its still early, time for other exhibitors to sign on.
Above all, have fun and keep your ears and mind open to new possibilities.
Regards,
Greg

[witchdoctor]

Try Ohm speakers, they come with 120 day audition:

http://ohmspeaker.com/

Great yourtube review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_8xUDYBgZQ

[Hugh]

If you can find these.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/stratamini/stratamini.html

[Hugh]

And these.
http://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/onix-reference-3-speakers-11-2004.html

[jtwrace]

I'm sorry if I misstated the Zu models...most are over your stated budget new, but check out them out on hifishark.  There's not much of a selection used for sale at this moment, but if you look at the sold/expired listings you'll see several models have been listed or sold under $2,000.

Two things I like about Zu, to me they're very good looking and I really like the owners attitude. He just seems to have fun and doesn't mind bucking tradition. I can't speak to their sound as I haven't heard them.

Brett

No doubt that Sean is a cool dude.  If you're buying a speaker based on owners attitude then look no further.  If you're looking for a great sounding speaker that has the measurements to back it up, look elsewhere. 

[WGH]

With your asymmetrical setup with chairs off to the side my first thought went to omni directional speakers.
Most speakers made these days have a focused sound field but it looks like you would be happy with a room full of sound.

The Ohm speakers mentioned above are one example in the affordable price range.
At the bust the budget range is the MBL 121 Compact. I have heard the big MBL speakers many times and the sound is always room filling, spacious and excellent.


Of course you could make the speakers almost disappear by putting a pair of Bose 901's on top of the bookcase.


Tone Audio has a review of the Bose 901
http://www.tonepublications.com/review/we-review-the-bose-901/
"After extensive listening, the Bose 901s strike me as being damn good."

[WGH]

Or just buy these Salk Silks ASAP and be done with your search.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=151504.0

[Brettio]

No doubt that Sean is a cool dude.  If you're buying a speaker based on owners attitude then look no further.  If you're looking for a great sounding speaker that has the measurements to back it up, look elsewhere.

Kinda what I've heard,  there doesn't seem to be much of a middle ground between Zu fans/critics.

[Hugh]

Kinda what I've heard,  there doesn't seem to be much of a middle ground between Zu fans/critics.

+1.