In the market for speakers. Do you have a favorite one?

Levi · « **on:** 8 Jan 2004, 09:00 pm »

I am in the market for a 2 channel speakers and later will be adding a matching center for Home Theater. Do you have a favorite one?

maxwalrath · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Jan 2004, 09:14 pm »

Do you have a price range, music tastes, and volume level you prefer?

Levi · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 03:55 am »

Hi there,

Yes. I listen to 60% music (all sorts) 40% movies. Lately, I have been listening to Jazz. My wife likes pop/rock. We both listen to moderate volume level. A $2,500-$3,400 budget should give me decent choice. I will then add a center channel afterwards.

Thanks,
Levi

Sa-dono · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 04:51 am »

Is there any particular type of sound you like, or any speakers you've heard previously that you enjoyed (even if outside of your price range)?

Levi · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 04:59 am »

hi,

I have auditioned a Sonus Faber Grand Piano and a Kef XQ5. Just cannot decide as of right now. I know there are plenty of speakers out there in that price range.

Thanks,
Levi

Tyson · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 06:22 am »

I would say the VMPS RM30 has to be a strong candidate.

bubba966 · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 06:51 am »

I'm quite fond of the M&K S-150's.

Was also pleased with GR Research A/V-3's & VMPS 626R's.

Ravi · « **Reply #7 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 07:35 am »

Listen to the new Paradigm S4. Apparently, the best series paradigm has produced by a long shot. Can't wait to hear them myself.

Also, Ellis 1801s are great. Transparent, sweet, airy, and wonderfull mids and highs.

The VMPS RM30 as mentioned above. But this one you should audition first. Some like the mids, others don't. Personally not a fan of the mids, but thats just me. The highs are as good as they get (ribbons!), and the bass isn't too shaby (on the RM40s).

markC · « **Reply #8 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 07:53 am »

Quote from: Tyson

I would say the VMPS RM30 has to be a strong candidate.

Have you heard these speakers?

manek · « **Reply #9 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 08:09 am »

Cadence Avita or Arista

Jamo D450, D570, D590

Dynaudio Audience 72, 82, Contour S3.4

B&W 603, 604, 704, 703

Al Garay · « **Reply #10 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 04:01 pm »

Top of the list:
SL Orion (do a search in Madisound's forum)
http://www.linkwitzlab.com/

Short of that, I'm very happy with my Ellis 1801s combined with SCC300/Hypex HS200 sub.

If you are handy at DIY, check out:
Dillon Acoustics Ego
http://www.dillonacoustics.com/
MurphyBlaster MBOW1
http://murphyblaster.com/content.php?f=main.html

Again, search the Madisound forum where speaker designer's hang out.

Good luck,

Al

byteme · « **Reply #11 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 04:21 pm »

If you like the sound of the Sonus Fabers and want to spend a little less for more performance you may want to investigate the Odyssey Lorelei. A couple people on the board here have them. I've just ordered a pair after a 6 month search in your same price range. They are exact copies of Symphonic Line Legato speakers - Klaus has the crossovers built by Symphonic Line, uses the same drivers and has the cabinets sourced in Canada. The Symphonic Line Legato sells for 6,300 Euro ($7000US) and the Lorelei is $2700.

Here's all the info you'll need on them:

http://www.odysseyaudio.com/loudspeakers.html

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

http://www.symphonic-line.de/legato.htm

http://www.audioreview.com/Main+Speaker/Odyssey+Audio+Lorelei/PRD_132983_1594crx.aspx

Hantra · « **Reply #12 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 04:41 pm »

Since you're in New York, you should be able to hear about anything. I would absolutely audition the Piega Limited series if you can. I know Red Rose was trying to carry them. Not sure if they got the line or not. There is another guy up there who carries them, and you can find him on Audiogon.

I would not trade my speakers for anything else I have ever heard short of the Wilson Sophia, and even then, I'd have to demo them in my room first.

If you like them, and want a deal, PM me. I don't sell them, but I can hook you up with a really cool dealer if there isn't one in your area.

B

Levi · « **Reply #13 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 04:56 pm »

Hi all,

I greatly appreciate the effort and to all who responded. I would certainly try to audition.

Thanks,
Levi

yukiginger · « **Reply #14 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 05:06 pm »

Levi, I would certainly encourage you to look at the used market. Audiogon is a great site for that. I don't know the size of your room, but if I had that budget and a big room I would look seriously at the Soliloquy 6.5 that you can find posted right now. Understand that some dealers are also offering some of the smaller Soliloquy models at 1/2 retail right now as the company is introducing an updated line (so I've gathered).

I don't know where you are exactly, but if you are in NYC you have a great market to resell something if it doesn't work out. If you do well buying used you won't lose much money if you resell. I don't think the same can be said for buying new.

Mark

ABEX · « **Reply #15 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 08:35 pm »

JAMO's.huh!

I was thinking of them and would like to use small Jamo's in a small HT setup.

Captain Humble · « **Reply #16 on:** 10 Jan 2004, 07:50 am »

I've been running a pair of Odyssey Loreleis for several months and give them two huge thumbs up.

Should you have any specific questions regarding my experience with the Loreleis I will be happy to respond.

Best of luck with your search.

Jeff

satfrat · « **Reply #17 on:** 10 Jan 2004, 08:21 am »

Quote from: Captain Humble

I've been running a pair of Odyssey Loreleis for several months and give them two huge thumbs up.

Should you have any specific questions regarding my experience with the Loreleis I will be happy to respond.

Best of luck with your search.

Jeff

I think you'll find this to be true with anyone who owns a set of Odyssey Lorelei's, once you own them, the search is over lessen your ready to shell out some MAJOR bucks.

My reasoning behind this statement is the fact that I've never seen a set of Lorelei's for sale on Audiogon. Now this is just my eyes and I'm sure some have been sold off. But I'm saying I haven't seen it.

And I'm fairly confident in the statement that I won't be selling off my 2 sets of Lorelei's anytime soon if ever. No subwoofer will be needed with these babies and you can take that to the bank!

Regards, Robin

Levi · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 Jan 2004, 04:59 pm »

Hi all,

Here are some of the list eveyone has suggested, my apology if I left out a couple. I have read the reviews for each on the web and they are all positive. I saw a couple that are available here in NYC. I will try to audition them soon.

Focus Audio FS-688
The Odyssey Loreleis
Soliloquy 6.x 5.x
Ellis 1801
B&W line
Jamo line
VMPS RM30

Thanks again,
Levi

nature boy · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 Jan 2004, 05:52 pm »

Levi,

Please consider adding Vandersteen 3A signatures to your list. I believe Steve (Jeffcoat) has these speakers in his system. I use Vandersteen 2CE speakers in my HT system, with a matching Vandersteen VCC-1 center channel speaker. Not only do you get a great "wall of sound" on your HT front end, 2 channel music is also top notch.

Replace your NHT sub with a Vandersteen 2WQ subwoofer at a later date and you are there. Try to find a local dealer with Vandersteen speakers for a listen, don't think you will go wrong.

NB