Best $2500 Pair of Speakers

drunkonjack · « **on:** 26 Dec 2003, 09:11 pm »

I'm looking to build a 2 channle set up and would like some help. If you could help what are some speakers that you auditioned around $2000-$3000. I will be using a Parasound HCA-3600 350watts per channle into 8ohms. I have not picked out a CD-Player yet but am looking into turntables also. I live in a small town and can't audition alot of brands. So if you have a speaker that you are very happy with or have heard some please let me know. Thanks for your help, Kurt. My room size is 14.5'x19.0' . I listen to music from bach to rock. Norah Jones is one of my new favorites. I'm not sure how to explain what I want a speaker to sound like. I've owned B&W and Paradigm. I guess I should also ask should the bulk of my budget go to speakers ? I planed on using the Parasound amp since it should drive any speaker. Thanks again for all the help.

byteme · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Dec 2003, 09:34 pm »

Kurt,

I hope this generates a bunch of responses. I'm looking in the same range and have been doing research for about 6 months - I'm less than a month away from being able to pull the trigger.

I've read just about everything I can find on the following:

Tyler Acoustics 7U w/ Seas tweeter in place of the Scan Speak
Odyssey Audio Lorelei
VMPS RM30
Sonus Faber Gran Piano Home
Von Schwiekert VR2
Meadowlark Kestrel 2
Newform R645
Dynaudio 1.8 mk2
DeVore Gibbon 8
Ellis 1801b
North Creek Borealis w/floorstanding cabinet and Insane level crossover

I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting. However, based thus far on what I've read, what people who have or have heard these have told me, who's ears I trust by the way and from talking to some of the owners of these places I'm down to the Taylo 7U/Linbrook and the Odyssey. What I'm having trouble deciding between is the synergy of the Odyssey with my Odyssey amp and Groneberg cables and MTM design and rave reviews of the 7U not to mention the slightly higher WAF on the Tylers. Everything else on the list had some sort of limitation or comments that lead me away from what it is I want to hear out of speakers or and what I value in a speakers abilities. Also, although secondary, is the bang for the buck factor, I love the idea of going "direct" to the maker and getting more than I should for my money. Issues there are do they have a return policy and what will potential resale be? The first question isn't an issue for either the Tyler or Odyssey.

So, there you have it, at least a place to start! I hope other owners of some of these have some comments!

Carlman · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Dec 2003, 09:46 pm »

What are the room dimensions and what are your sonic goals?

I just sold some Revel F30's for $2,k that were in like new condition. If you consider used, those would be what I'd suggest. They're just a bit big for a small room. I'm going with small monitors and a sub now.

So far, those have been my favorite speakers compared to a lot of brands. They are very detailed, revealing, and punchy. If you like a forward-sounding speaker with lots of punch and detail, you'll probably like the Revel's. They are very neutral and uncolored. They sound like whatever drives them. They can be a little 'bright' but, there are tweeter adjustments on the back. Also, room treatment from 8th Nerve eliminated the harshness I was hearing.

My goal was to recreate a live experience the best I could. I like a lively, punchy, forward sound that maintains the natural sound of the instruments. I find this kind of sound produces what I think best represents the original recording.

Your goals will probably differ... so, you may want to add some of that info so people can help you. Otherwise, you'll end up with a list of speakers that sound good to someone but, maybe not you.

Upstateaudio · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Dec 2003, 09:58 pm »

Add to your list Totem Hawks.

srclose · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Dec 2003, 10:57 pm »

These are worth taking a look at:

Green Mountain Europa
Merlin TSM-M
GR Research Diluceo
Cliffhanger Bulldog

This includes used prices and varying amplification requirements.

Best of luck.

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Dec 2003, 12:00 am »

Reference 3a MM De Capo I
Thiel 1.6
VMPS 626R
Magnepan 1.6
Vandersteen 2

I've heard great things about the Focus 688

Hantra · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Dec 2003, 12:43 am »

I agree with the Von Schweikert recommendation. Though you take a chance anytime you buy Von Schweikerts, most of the time it is well worth it. And I have to say the VR2 would be right at home in that room. What a great speaker! I had some VR4 gen 1, and the VR2 is so much nicer than those IMO.

That said, you could probably get a pair of Piega C3 for that. And what a great speaker that would be!

B

vpolineni · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Dec 2003, 12:45 am »

instead of thiel 1.6, i'd look at 3.6...

brad b · « **Reply #8 on:** 27 Dec 2003, 01:52 pm »

Diluceo monitors from GR
used Rel Srata III Sub

use the cash left over for some great Interconnects from Bolder, or a great pair of stands

VMPS 626's with upgraded ribbons

BikeWNC · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 Dec 2003, 02:40 pm »

Quote

Diluceo monitors from GR
used Rel Srata III Sub

Works for me. That's what I have.

Andy

JLM · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 Dec 2003, 03:39 pm »

Solar 1.0 from Solar HiFi right here at the circle. You might need a sub.

Carolina Audio 6XL/2 (a 2-way transmission line with response rated down to 28 Hz): carolinaaudio.com

Ronnie at Carolina Audio also sells a speaker similar to the Solar 1.0.

(In case you can't tell, I like transmission line bass and have owned it for 25 years.)

IMO there are too many good 2-way floormounts available in this price range to dink around with standmounts/stands/subs.

If I had the Statos, I'd go with the Lorelei just based on content value, relationship with Klaus, his reputation, and one very good review.

dogdog49 · « **Reply #11 on:** 27 Dec 2003, 04:00 pm »

I hate to confuse things even more, but you could spend $10,000.00 and not do better than a used pair of Gallo Nucleus Reference. I've compared them directly in my home with Tylers, Quad ESL's, Magnepans, Vandersteens, Spendors, Dynaudios, Reynauds, and more and it was an easy decision each time to keep the Gallos.

satfrat · « **Reply #12 on:** 27 Dec 2003, 07:57 pm »

I haven't the resource of experience that allot of these guys have but I can say that I'm EXTREMELY happy with my Odyssey Lorelei's. They do everything that I've always wanted in a loudspeaker. I feel the 6moon's review was very accurate on this loudspeakers traits. There accuracy might not be that last word here, a highly entertaining loudspeaker that draws you into themselves and DEMANDS your approval is! A subwoofer is not needed here, incredible for a 7" midbass and the sweetness of the midrange blends ever so nicely with the crysal clear highs. A loudspeaker worthy of consideration, my uneducated opinion.

Regards, Robin

mahadave · « **Reply #13 on:** 27 Dec 2003, 08:38 pm »

I would also add ProAcs to the list. These have recently undergone a pretty good redesign that makes them one of the best values out there. I'd look at the Response d15 and d28 models. They are really well made and beautiful to look at. I don't think I've ever read a negative review on this brand.
http://www.proac-loudspeakers.com/
I would second some of the other suggestions above, but I would steer clear of lesser known brands as I turnover my stuff every few years and you want good resale on what you have. ProAcs, by the way hold their value better than any other speaker I have seen on the used market.

michael w · « **Reply #14 on:** 28 Dec 2003, 02:37 am »

In this price range it's still hard to go past the Spendor SP1/2 or Harbeth Compact 7ES.

Both are absolutely delightful to listen to.

cheerio

byteme · « **Reply #15 on:** 28 Dec 2003, 03:54 am »

Some interesting additions. Many of the speakers on the list I had as well as some others listed, Revel, Thiel, Merlin in particular are all know to be, as Carlman said, detail oriented, "punchy" forward, in your face, etc. I'm not looking for that - I'm more interested in palpability, emotion, involvement, not being able to walk through the room without going "holy shit that sounds real" or "whoa, that sounds SO good!" When I sit and listen I want to be involved in the music not thinking about it and analyzing it.

I've heard the little brother of the Dilucio's - Criterions - and thought my Polks were better. I've not heard the Solar or Carolina stuff, but it's a whole different theory on things which may or may not appeal to me. Maggies wouldn't work, Vandersteen I've read up on and I think there are better out there. Gallo's - uh, WAF is pretty low there. My wife said they look like Mikey from Monsters Inc. with a pill box hat on!! Spendor and Harbeth I've never heard a word about. Proacs, ya, they hold their value but I don't want to be doing this every couple years and if you overpay for something to begin with then have they really held value? I mean the Lorelei uses almost the exact same drivers in a similar configuration yet costs $1500 less!! They are also very highly reviewed and I've NEVER seen an Odyssey speaker for sale used...I think I'm making up my mind as I write this!!

Marbles · « **Reply #16 on:** 28 Dec 2003, 03:59 am »

Not only are the drivers of the Lorelie impressive, but the crossovers are the most impressive Xovers I've ever seen!

The Lorelies are very engaging speakers..they suck you into the music.

I think you will be very happy with them based on what you are looking for.

Atwood · « **Reply #17 on:** 28 Dec 2003, 04:05 am »

The Harbeth Compact 7's are worth a listen. Great all-around speakers that do vocals like few otehr speakers.

byteme · « **Reply #18 on:** 28 Dec 2003, 04:07 am »

Quote from: Marbles

Not only are the drivers of the Lorelie impressive, but the crossovers are the most impressive Xovers I've ever seen!

The Lorelies are very engaging speakers..they suck you into the music.

I think you will be very happy with them based on what you are looking for.

Marbles

Thanks for the input. I've read your comments on them at Harmonic Discord as well as other input you've given on other speakers. You've always been very helpful! This has been such a decision maybe you can bring over a bottle (or two) of what's in your avatar once I get whatever I'm after and we can celebrate!!

Marbles · « **Reply #19 on:** 28 Dec 2003, 04:25 am »

Well, I'll buy the first round if you buy the second and third