Can You Suggest Newly-Released Tower Speakers Around $3k?

Music Maven · « **on:** 22 Mar 2005, 04:58 am »

Maybe you attended CES Las Vegas? LUCKY YOU!

Or you've just found something new at your favorite dealer?

I'm interested in a pair of floorstanding passive conventional towers retailing around $2000-3000...

There are a few I'm very excited to hear, like the new NP model from Avalon, priced about $2200.

Harbeth has a new $2000 floorstanding tower under another brand name, NRG, the model 4.

Vienna Acoustics just revised some of theirs, with a new Mozart model.

There's a company from the Pacific Northwest called Roan Audio, unfamiliar to me, but I'm very intrigued that they just introduced a loudspeaker with a cabinet made of BAMBOO! Creative materials for cabinets and/or drivers always fascinate me, especially if they work!

Have you heard any of these?

But I'm open to other suggestions...if they seem well-built and sound good.

Jerry

asull2k · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 Mar 2005, 05:02 am »

Salk Veracity QW.

http://www.salksound.com/VQW.html

Al Garay · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 Mar 2005, 05:12 am »

Look at the BESL Series 5 MTM with the XLS subwoofers. The set could be had within your budget. To compare with Roan Audio, their model 7 has Seas Excel W18 woofer with a Seas Excel Millenium tweeter, charging $4999 for the pair. This is outrageous. Assuming Roan's design skills are the equal of Phil Bamberg from BESL..., the matching Series 5 MT costs about $1200. You can contact Phil and arrange a demo session.

Another 3-way speaker that is just above your range is the Jim Salk Veracity HT3. That should be the close competitor to the BESLs.

Rick Craig from Selah Audio also has several 3-way floor standers to choose from. As well as Danny Richie with GR-Research is about to introduce the AV4 3-way which will be the value leader somewhere under your budget but still a good performer.

beat · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Mar 2005, 05:52 am »

I was really impressed with these for the money. If I remember correctly they msrp was like 23-2500 or so. Response audio carries usher products.

http://www.usheraudio.com/speaker-cp6371.html

byteme · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Mar 2005, 06:05 am »

Your search is over...

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/odyssey/lorelei.html

beat · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 Mar 2005, 07:57 pm »

Quote from: byteme

Your search is over...

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/odyssey/lorelei.html

MAN! that is some intense crossover work for a two way!!

ton1313 · « **Reply #6 on:** 23 Mar 2005, 01:54 am »

My personal favorite in your specified price range

http://www.zucable.com/druid/index.html

jcoat007 · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 Mar 2005, 02:24 am »

Quote from: byteme

Your search is over...

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/odyssey/lorelei.html

I am just breaking mine in, but I am very impressed so far.

Music Maven · « **Reply #8 on:** 23 Mar 2005, 03:18 am »

Thanks to all of you for some fascinating replies.

I hope you will keep them coming...

There must be -what- tens of thousands of floorstanding speakers from around the world in this rough price category?

Just in case anybody has auditioned the new entry-level Avalon NP tower, the new Harbeth tower or the updated Vienna Acoustics Mozart, please let me know about these...

Again, it's been cool to receive your fine and varied suggestions. Thanks for sharing the joy!

Jerry

groovybassist · « **Reply #9 on:** 23 Mar 2005, 03:48 am »

I'd recommend the Devore Fidelity Gibbon 8 - $2850 retail. It's a small, two-way tower (34" tall) that is all about music - just natural, realistic music. Great bass extension, natural voices and open treble. Don't make a purchase commitment until you hear these! They've received rave reviews on MSNBC and 6Moons. Good luck.

Marbles · « **Reply #10 on:** 23 Mar 2005, 04:01 am »

If you want the Devore's, you're in luck...

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=17282

The "Dog" is a good guy.

Captain Humble · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 Mar 2005, 03:30 pm »

Usher is fairly new to the US and has garnered little attention on A/C but I assure they are the real deal.

After hearing the Usher CP-6311's ($2,100 MSR) side by side against my Odyssey Loreleis I sold the Loreleis and purchased the Usher 6381's.

Check out this reveiw of the 6311's.
It's in PDF formatt and takes awhile to load but well worth the wait.

http://www.usheraudio.com/news/issue6_hispeed.pdf

Jeff

mcgsxr · « **Reply #12 on:** 23 Mar 2005, 04:21 pm »

Usher may be new to the US, but they have been around for some time now. I heard a set of their stand mounts when I was in Taiwan, back in '95, and really liked them.

I still regret not picking up a set of those while I was there, as they were attractively priced, and sounded good to me.

Worth a listen for sure.

kck · « **Reply #13 on:** 24 Mar 2005, 02:58 am »

I echo the Usher sentiment. I have the higher priced floorstanders and they reveal every small change I put in front of them without being harsh or punishing, but all the detail I need is there. Having owned Magnepans before I can assure you there is nothing more horrible than a speaker that is ruthlessly revealing.

Music Maven · « **Reply #14 on:** 29 Mar 2005, 05:33 am »

Thanks for the recent replies since I posted a thank you before.

The two most recent brands suggested, Usher and Devore, are both definitely on my radar...

I'd LOVE to hear the just-released Devore Super-8 which has the dimensions of the Gibbon 8 but the technology and driver quality similar to their premium Silverback. But at $4000 that's out of my neighborhood.
Maybe used someday?

I've heard many good things about Usher. I guess I need to get over my probably-unfounded apprehension about quality of Far East drivers as opposed to the famous name drivers from Scandinavia and Germany.

Another Far East brand that has had some good press is Audes...

Jerry

tvyankee · « **Reply #15 on:** 29 Mar 2005, 01:57 pm »

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue17/vr4jr.htm
http://www.stereotimes.com/

the vr4jr is really a excellent speaker and and it looks great too.

i listen to themm all the time and they just get better and better all the time.they work well with tubes/ss/digital too.

you can get them used for the price you are looking for.

anyway that my 2cents and good luck with your search.

Anton K. · « **Reply #16 on:** 29 Mar 2005, 03:39 pm »

Audes Blues
http://www.audes.ee/index.php?id=1191&tpl=1003

or US site http://www.audesusa.com/

great floorstanders!
should be selling for USD 2500

Kevin P · « **Reply #17 on:** 29 Mar 2005, 03:48 pm »

The Ushers were designed by Joe D. so they are technically sound. I know Joe also has a hand in driver design and we use the Usher tweeter (9950-C) which is world class when compared to anything at any price. We use it in all of our designs.

I was also in the room when they were Klippleing the 8945A at CES. It had a very flat BL curve and very good linearity. Dr. Klipple commented it was an excellent performer.

So you have good drivers + good crossover design + proven manufacturing experience you are going to end up with good results.