[seadogs1]

Are there any loudspeakers, in your opinion, that both sound real ie: a piano sounds like a piano, a guitar like a guitar, etc. and that have that 3D presentation you get in real life ie: just doesn't sound like two boxes?

[TheChairGuy]

The bigger Magnepan's (3.6 & 20.1) qualify for me.....tho are so gargantuan and need so much space to breathe that their 'perfection' is tempered by reality for most (not to mention high cost for at least the 20.1).  You need some powerhouse amplification to drive them, to.

They definitely don't sound like a box 'cause they ain't.  The tweeters on those two models outclass the lower echelon models (make piano sound like piano to me)

John

[Speedball]

I vote something with a horn like Klipsch, (Reference or Heritage). Piano and acoustic are my favorites with them.

[Wind Chaser]

If set up properly - Acoustat.

[Tyson]

Line Array's from Selah, the VMPS RMX, Dunlavy SC VI, Avant Garde Duo's, all will get you close.

[zybar]

I know this will be shocking, but I would vote for the Vandersteen 5A's.   

George

[JackD201]

I'm obviously biased towards what we carry so much so that we carried them just to get our hands on them. VR-9 SE for me. That's too obvious though so I'll throw a curve ball in there.

V. Sierra's (of Sierra-Brooks Horns) personal horn array. Talk about coming from opposite poles! Both capture not just tone, texture, monster dynamics and imaging but realistic scale as well. Those ALE loaded horns are something to behold.

[TerryO]

I'd recommend the Exodus Audio "Kepler" speakers. Very good price and even better sound. I'm very impressed with my pair.

Here's a review:

http://www.soundstage.com/diwhy/diwhy200804.htm

Best Regards,
TerryO

[ajzepp]

The bigger Magnepan's (3.6 & 20.1) qualify for me.....tho are so gargantuan and need so much space to breathe that their 'perfection' is tempered by reality for most (not to mention high cost for at least the 20.1).  You need some powerhouse amplification to drive them, to.

They definitely don't sound like a box 'cause they ain't.  The tweeters on those two models outclass the lower echelon models (make piano sound like piano to me)

John

+1

[grsimmon]

Two candidates that may fit your bill are Morrison Audio (2 models) in Toronto,  and Linkwitz Orion in California.

[Zero]

None.

Seriously, I've yet to hear one loudspeaker that wasn't severely compromised in one way or another.  To these ears, all of this audio stuff sounds fake.  It's simply a matter of selecting the flavor of fake that does it for you.

[dweekie]

Impossible right now on single acoustic instruments or vocals.  If you consider amplified performances, then I suppose some speakers could pass......

[Mike19]

IMHO, no matter how good the speakers are, they won't do thier part w/o corresponding quality source(s), preamp, amp(s), connectors, PCs , spkr. wire, room accoutics (including speaker placement) and, of course, some goodies from Herbies. aa

[SlushPuppy]

The bigger Magnepan's (3.6 & 20.1) qualify for me.....tho are so gargantuan and need so much space to breathe that their 'perfection' is tempered by reality for most (not to mention high cost for at least the 20.1).  You need some powerhouse amplification to drive them, to.

They definitely don't sound like a box 'cause they ain't.  The tweeters on those two models outclass the lower echelon models (make piano sound like piano to me)

John

+ 2

[Parnelli777]

There's two that I can speak to. The Avantgarde Trio horn with Basshorns. The MBL 101E Radialstrahler. I've heard both rigs for hours on end at the dealer. Quite a tough choice between the two systems. One system is ridiculously efficient, the other is anything but. They do both arrive at a similar place of near Heaven. And both are quantum leaps and bounds over anything else I've heard in 25 years. 

More close to reality for me would certainly be the Magnepan 3.6, or 20.1. They are very, very good. And for the money, a no-brainer.

[cryoparts]

V. Sierra's (of Sierra-Brooks Horns) personal horn array. Talk about coming from opposite poles! Both capture not just tone, texture, monster dynamics and imaging but realistic scale as well. Those ALE loaded horns are something to behold.

Is he associated with K. Brooks:

http://www.kbrooksaudio.net/

I've been friends with Kevin for over 10 years, I really need to get up to his house and listen to his latest system, it is supposed to be amazing.

Peace,

Lee

[cryoparts]

The MBL 101E Radialstrahler.

X2.  The 101E (driven by all MBL) and the Sonicweld active system are the only two audio systems that have ever tricked me into thinking I was listening to live music, even if it was only for a few seconds...

Peace,

Lee

[jhm731]

Try the new Magico M5s, see:

http://www.avguide.com/forums/magico-m5-loudspeakers

[JackD201]

V. Sierra's (of Sierra-Brooks Horns) personal horn array. Talk about coming from opposite poles! Both capture not just tone, texture, monster dynamics and imaging but realistic scale as well. Those ALE loaded horns are something to behold.

Is he associated with K. Brooks:

http://www.kbrooksaudio.net/

I've been friends with Kevin for over 10 years, I really need to get up to his house and listen to his latest system, it is supposed to be amazing.

Peace,

Lee

Yup. Victor moved back to the Philippines though, I was fortunate enough to have been invited to his home. Kevin as you know is still going strong over there.
Yes I think you definitely should visit Kevin Brooks home. The systems aren't identical but these guys really do know how to mate drivers with horns and match them with the appropriate amplification. Then there's their mad hatter tweakery that further ups the ante. I'm not a horn guy but boy I was impressed or rather left with a very very poignant lasting impression.

cheers!

Jack

[Brown]

Maggie 20.1s and Soundlab Majestic series. No bass to speak of but the Quad 63 will render piano and quitar as in life.