Last time I was debating amps, everyone was very helpful in advising regarding amps etc. This time I’m looking at speakers which should be my final frontier for a while. I run a HiFi Rose streamer to a Ayre pre to a Accuphase (thank you forum, I love this amp) power amp. My current speakers are Moabs. Nothing wrong with them and I’m not trying to “fix” anything. Just a newer experience and as there is no perfect speaker, another trade off in performance characteristics and the fun of maximizing the experience.
Here is what I’m considering looking at via retailers, Audio mart, TMR etc and much dependent on location (shipping sucks) and availability.
Philharmonic Audio BMR Tower Floor standing Speaker (anyone run these?-I like the folks, the quality and the tech)
Wilson Audio Duette (I know Wilson. Only concern is that they are older. I could go Puppy too)
Revel F228 Be. (the prices on these have tanked but represent a good value. Originally 11K, I can buy new at 6k) Why they tanked I’m not sure but at 6k new, 5k used (or less) that’s a good speaker imho
I will audition FR 10s as I’m local to Boulder
Totem Forest (Wind would be awesome)
So among the 1000 or so speakers out there, these are accessible and affordable. All offer different strong points. Please feel free to fire away if you have experience with the above or just comments.
Have a great weekend!
With trade-in value, FR10 is a great choice, right? The important thing is PSA offers 30 days tryout. So, by the fourth week they should be broken in (if you run them 10 hr. per day). Seriously by the 2nd week you will have a very good idea!
If you need more time, I am sure they can extend the tryout period, and I seriously doubt you will not be able to make a decision before that.
I can listen in Boulder. Probably determine if right for me. Its an advantage at least. You can test drive a TMR. Nothing else really unless your local shop has them. So far I have yet to regret a purchase but i look at some off beat stuff sometimes from open baffle to Zu to panels.
In my opinion, speakers are more than anything in your system, purely about one’s taste. Will I like this meal? Will I like this pizza? Will I like this wine? What others think is completely irrelevant.
To a point, you are correct of course. But Im hoping mainly to get some feedback on what folks have experienced. My selections are not so eclectic that perhaps someone has owned the exact or similar speaker or set up. Plenty of comments out there on 10s and 5s. I know some folks here have Wilson and Maggie. Totem? Philharmonic? Who knows. My greatest risk here is I might learn something.
Can you try before you buy at TMR? You are nearby, right?
Haven’t heard the choices you’ve listed but have driven Monitor Audio G300 with a P4200 with nice results. There is a pair of Platinum 300’s on TMR in your range, also a pair of DeVore Super 9’s, and some B stock Triangles…
Lots of choices, I’m with @RonP, such a personal decision are speakers, a must try before you buy item
Monitor Audio may surprise you or the DeVores with a sub? Keep us up to date, always nice talking speaker choices!
I would definitely try to check out Alta Audio. They have some speakers in the price range you’re looking in. The Alec might be a little out of that range, but they are an incredible value, especially if you can find a used pair, but they rarely show up on the used market.
Exceptional with acoustic jazz and a fine 300B amplifier. Also the Leben 600 mates well with DeVore. Short listed while searching for an SET set-up, went open baffle, and no regrets.
I’ve never hear these speakers but it sure appears that they offer tremendous bang for the buck in terms of build quality of the cabinet and crossover parts.
These Arendal 1528 speakers seem to be pretty good value. Each of them weight 174lbs so the cabinet is probably well braced. Looking forward to see some more reviews and hopefully an in room FR measurements. Hopefully Erin will get a pair to put it throughout his klippel system. I like it that it’s a full system with center channels offerings as well. At 1/3 price of the FR30, I think PS Audio may have some tough competition here.
Reading through their website and they offer a 10 year warranty, free shipping, a 60 day trial period, and you can trade a product in up to year later minus a 20% fee on the original price you paid.
Quite a few reviews out there. A good detailed one by Audioholics. Solid value proposition at 4k for sure. Not convinced at the 10k level as there are so many dang good choices. The direct business model has its merits.
I saw two models of these weird speakers at Axpona. At the top is a horn tweeter. At the back of the tweeter horn is an array of midrange drivers doing 270 degrees around the horn body. Can’t imagine why. But they sounded really good to me. A stand mount pair and these hideous floor standers. Sadly, they are not expensive.
Try before you buy program. These would be a blast to try.
Seriously by the 2nd week you will have a very good idea!
