[dogorman]

I have enough money in the budget to try one more pair of speakers before calling the whole thing done for another twenty years. Emphasis is on quick, snappy, detail-oriented sound with excellent image, but still silky enough through the mid and treble so as not to overwhelm my slap-happy room. Power is McCormack DNA-HT5, pre is McCormack MAP-1, interconnects by Blue Jeans, power and speaker cables by Element.

If the two finalists are the DeVore Gibbon-8 and the Salk Songtowers (with the previously stated objectives in mind), which pair is the better choice? It's impractical for me to audition either pair before buying and trying.

[Carl V]

nice choices...& good luck getting off the Audiophile merry go-round

I've heard them both...never at the same time.

1st there is differences between a MT VS a MTM arrangement.

That being said, the songtowers appear to be the better choice for
your 'quick & snappy yet smooth desires.  As a sweeping generalization
and all caveats apply...the devores are damn fine, somewhat laid back & smooth.
They are very tonaly accurate & easy to drive.  They are well respected & therefore
have good resale value.  They also have nice cabinetry.  The Songtowers are also
lovely to look at and sound quite good.  They are a bit more "snappy".
They can take lotsa power...i.e., your Amps.

Now just choose the wood.

[ajzepp]

I've not heard the Salks, but was very close to placing an order for the Salk HT-3s a couple years ago. I think you'd be very happy with the Song Towers based on all the positive feedback from those who've purchased Jim's speakers. I just wanted to also put in a quick plug for the DeVores, cause I've owned a pair of Super 8s for a while now and I absolutely love them. Like the Salks, they are made in the USA (NYC) and John DeVore is a great guy to deal with. The DeVore line is focused on transparency and detail, and they are capable of precise imaging and an appropriately sized soundstage. They will rise to the level of your gear, for sure.

I don't think you can go wrong with either, though...good choices!

[pardales]

Two very good speakers. I have heard both but not in my room and not in optimal set-ups. You can't really go wrong here. At retail prices there is a significant difference between these cost wise. A used pair of Super 8's is several hundred more than a new pair of Songtower's (you probably know).

Nothing like hearing them in your own room. They are both excellent speakers.

[ajzepp]

Two very good speakers. I have heard both but not in my room and not in optimal set-ups. You can't really go wrong here. At retail prices there is a significant difference between these cost wise. A used pair of Super 8's is several hundred more than a new pair of Songtower's (you probably know).

Nothing like hearing them in your own room. They are both excellent speakers.

Hey may be looking at the regular Gibbon 8, not the Super 8.

[dogorman]

Yes, was thinking about the 8 and not the Super-8, but it's okay anyway because a used Gibbon-8 would be competitive, price-wise, with the new Songtowers.

At the moment I'm leaning to the Songtowers.