[merc]

I have finally gotten around to considering replacing my ancient Mirage M3-si speakers, and have demoed a few contenders. So far, I like the Legacy Focus HD and the Vandy Model 5As, both which can be had for around $6K or so(new or mint used).

What other speakers in that pricerange should I consider and try to demo?

Thanks for your help.

Here's what I'll be using with the speakers:
Sources
- Modwright Denon 3910 w/ tubed output, outboard PS9 power supply, etc.
- Rega P25 w/RB600 TA and Super Elys cartridge
- Magnum Dynalab Etude Tuner
- RioCar Digital Music Server
PreAmps
- Krell HTS 7.1
- Pro-Ject PhonoBox SE
Amp
- ATI AT3007

[WGH]

What other speakers in that pricerange should I consider and try to demo?

What is your room size?
Is it lively or damped?
Lots of windows or a basement cave?
Are they going to be against the rear wall or pulled forward 2'-3'?
WAF?

[zybar]

I have finally gotten around to considering replacing my ancient Mirage M3-si speakers, and have demoed a few contenders. So far, I like the Legacy Focus HD and the Vandy Model 5As, both which can be had for around $6K or so(new or mint used).

What other speakers in that pricerange should I consider and try to demo?

Thanks for your help.

Here's what I'll be using with the speakers:
Sources
- Modwright Denon 3910 w/ tubed output, outboard PS9 power supply, etc.
- Rega P25 w/RB600 TA and Super Elys cartridge
- Magnum Dynalab Etude Tuner
- RioCar Digital Music Server
PreAmps
- Krell HTS 7.1
- Pro-Ject PhonoBox SE
Amp
- ATI AT3007

Ummm...I don't think you are getting used 5A's for $6k or even close to that number.

New 5A's retail for $18-21,000 depending on the finish and are rarely discounted.

You can get Vandy 5's in the $6k ballpark though.

You can have the 5's upgraded to 5A's, but it can get very pricey (especially if the 5's are fairly old).

If you want to stay around $6k, here are a few other possibilities:

Salk Sound HT3's
SP Tech Revelations
Selah Audio RC5's
AV123 LS6's (not available yet) - but can be bought as a kit from GR Research and put together by Denny (Daygloworange)
GR Research OB7's - can be bought as a kit from GR Research and put together by Denny (Daygloworange)

I am sure there are lots more, but this is a good start.

George

[merc]

Thanks for the help!!! 

What is your room size?

20'x17' with a ceiling which slants from 16' down to 10'. It is open on two sides into the rest of the home.

Is it lively or damped?

It is carpeted and contains a couple of couches. Window is curtained and wooden shuttered and are located behind the seating area.

Lots of windows or a basement cave?

One large window behind the seating area.

Are they going to be against the rear wall or pulled forward 2'-3'?

I can put them wherever they sound best. My current speakers are about 3.5' from the wall.

WAF?

Only restriction is that they must be black.

Thanks again for your help.

[MarkM]

I would consider the Selah RC5.                 http://selahaudio.com/id129.html

[zybar]

If you can bump up a little bit, I would add  Egglestonworks Andra I's or II's to the list.

George

[JLM]

VMPS RM40, SP Tech Continuum

[mcullinan]

Please add Merlin VSM-MXs to the list, as demos can be had for 5K.
Sound--> I will tell you that I keep coming back to 2 way systems... very yummy indeed.
Mike

[Bob Reynolds]

My preference is sat/sub systems - Lipinski or NHT. Being able to decouple the bass from the mid/treble has acoustic advantages. If you're set on floorstanders I would consider the Orion's.

[Russell Dawkins]

If you want to stay around $6k, here are a few other possibilities:

Salk Sound HT3's
SP Tech Revelations

George

Revelations list for 12k these days
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=32433.0

[JLM]

At this price, I'd definitely focus on active speakers, especially since you don't seem to be a constant flipper of equipment.  The PMC AML-1 are killer (if you're into no prisoners taken accuracy).  The price is a bit out of your range, but you could sell your amp too.

[merc]

Thank you all very much for the fantastic suggestions!!!

Wow.... lots of great choices. Looks like I'll be demoing for awhile if I can find these speakers in the Houston area?

One more caveat, but it's a limiting one.

These speakers, whatever they might be, must also be the front L/R speakers in my primary HT and my multichannel music system too.

The GR kits have always intrigued me and would allow for some customization with regard to center channel and cabinet aesthetics - AND, you can't beat the price.  Bad part is finding someone in Houston who will let me listen to them.

Thanks again for the help!

Here is my demo list so far:
- Vandy 3A's plus Vandy Subs
- Salk Sound HT3's
- SP Tech Revelations
- Selah Audio RC5's
- AV123 LS6's
- GR Research OB7's
- VMPS RM40
- SP Tech Continuum
- Orions
- PMC AML-1s

I know where to find Vandys, but have no idea who carries the other speakers in the Houston area? My search is on. 

[mab]

There's a pair of Von Schweikert DB-99's for sale on Audiogon at $6K.  They're black, 99dB eff., have powered subs and super tweeters, FR 20Hz-70kHz, and are the lowest price i've seen asked for them.  Worth a look .

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1187890001

[Bob Reynolds]

I definitely agree with JLM regarding active speakers, though I'm a fan of your ATI amp.

I think the NHT Xd system would be a great choice: http://nhthifi.com/2006/ht-s-ultimate.html

Or if you keep your amp: http://nhthifi.com/2006/ht-s-evolutionsix.html

Both systems have been reviewed and measured in Stereophile (check their web site). Here's an NHT dealer in Houston:

Audio Video Designs
7300 Southwest Freeway
Houston TX 77074
Tel: (713) 776-8444

[lonewolfny42]

merc....

I have finally gotten around to considering replacing my ancient Mirage M3-si speakers....

Since you've had them for awhile....what do you think of those Mirage speaker's ?
Thanks.......

[arthurs]

Merc - I have LS-6's in Fort Worth if you're up for a drive...

[richidoo]

I have Legacy Focus 2020. I have been extremely happy with them, and Legacy's service. The sound is realistic at all frequencies and all listening levels and is immensely satisfying for extended music listening. It will rock like no other and people will just start dancing if you put on something groovy. I have not found its limit in ability to play subtle details, each upgrade to supporting equipment reveals more and more. For the money there isn't a better truly full range speaker in my opinion. I have not heard the new HD model due to my dealer going to full time HT with Focal midline speakers but the HD is a significant design change. I'm sure it's better, but I can't imagine how. No bass driver on the rear might make placement closer to the wall a little easier and ease the 2ohm dip.

You already have a big enough room and a powerful amp, both of which Focus requires. If you have "good enough" front end and pre, Focus will make you want to upgrade. It will expose any weaknesses. But when you patch the holes you are in for quite a ride. Incredible performance for the money. For my taste and preferences it outperforms Vandersteen 5, Quad 988, Ariel 9, Wilson WP7, Sophia and even MAXX (in a hotel room), and any kind of smaller speaker with two 8" bass drivers and a tweeter. If you like large scale classical music get big tubes and bring box of tissue. 

I used them for a year with low power tube amp and mid fi source and wires. I loved every minute of it, ignorance is bliss. It is a very forgiving speaker as long as you don't let friends bring over any expensive stuff.

Whatever you decide, congrats on your big step up!!
Rich

[Double Ugly]

If you want to stay around $6k, here are a few other possibilities:

Salk Sound HT3's
SP Tech Revelations

George

Revelations list for 12k these days
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=32433.0

True, but as you said, that's list.  I doubt merc's expecting to pay list for anything he's considering.

If he doesn't have a dealer in his area, I'm quite sure Bob can (and will) sell a pair for a sum well south of $12k, and IMO he'd have a very difficult time finding anything better. 

If recent reports are to be believed, I'd say that's doubly true with the advent of the new Mundorf crossover pieces and parts. 

FWIW...

-Jim