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Post by reaganastrology on Nov 5, 2009 7:44:22 GMT -5
Any forum recommendations for new speakers that mate well with a pair of XPA-1's.
I am currently using an old Dynaco pre-amp, which I plan on replacing with the new preamp with balanced outputs that Emotiva has in the works (XSP-1?).
Some of my criteria:
1. Budget is $3k, preferably less.
2. Must be able to purchase online.
3. Not a "home theater" speaker. I do not care about watching Jurassic Park-like films. Will be used for two-channel music listening ONLY. I listen to 50% CD and 50% Vinyl. Mostly classical, jazz, rock, in that order.
4. Musicality in speaker engineering should trump the "boom-boom-wow" factor.
I was leaning toward Magnepan, as I have much listening experience with them, but would like more recommendations from others.
Thanks for any info. Take care, Rob
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Post by slbenz on Nov 5, 2009 11:09:43 GMT -5
As a current Magnepan IIIa owner, my suggestions would include looking into the Eminent Technology LFT-8B with the Sound Anchor stands at Hollywood Sound. I believe they sell the set for $1895 and compare favorably against the Magnepan 3.6. If you don't mind looking for a used pair of VMPS RM-30s, they sound great and use the same ribbon array that Bruce Thigpen designs and uses in his Eminent Technology line of speakers. I have owned in the past Eminent Technology LFT-IVs and Martin Logan Scenarios but the Eminent Technology speakers like Magnepan do not have the excessive beaming effect that Martin Logans have. I currently use an Eminent Technology LFT-XII as my center channel speaker and it matches well with my Magnepan IIIas.
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Post by bigred7078 on Nov 5, 2009 11:24:10 GMT -5
can i ask why you are looking for speakers to go with an amp?
It should be the opposite. You should find the speakers you love and choose the appropriate amplification to go with them.
Thats my advice at least. You are just asking to broad of a question with literally hundreds of possibilities as there is no "one" best speaker that everyone enjoys.
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Nov 5, 2009 11:30:31 GMT -5
can i ask why you are looking for speakers to go with an amp? It should be the opposite. You should find the speakers you love and choose the appropriate amplification to go with them. Thats my advice at least. You are just asking to broad of a question with literally hundreds of possibilities as there is no "one" best speaker that everyone enjoys. +1
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Post by napavalleyht on Nov 5, 2009 11:34:38 GMT -5
av123 LS6s... retail price on their website is much higher. Call them and I bet you can get them within your budget.
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Nov 5, 2009 12:28:50 GMT -5
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Post by reaganastrology on Nov 5, 2009 12:41:23 GMT -5
bigred7078 writes, "can i ask why you are looking for speakers to go with an amp?"
Already have nice speakers, looking for possible nicer upgrade as XPA-1's have exceeded my expectations. Just seeking possibilities from others. Been out of the hi-fi scene for about 10 years. Ultimately, looking to spruce up some tired gear.
Thanks, Rob
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Post by bigred7078 on Nov 5, 2009 12:58:16 GMT -5
bigred7078 writes, "can i ask why you are looking for speakers to go with an amp?" Already have nice speakers, looking for possible nicer upgrade as XPA-1's have exceeded my expectations. Just seeking possibilities from others. Been out of the hi-fi scene for about 10 years. Ultimately, looking to spruce up some tired gear. Thanks, Rob What do you currently have? Can you give us any more info on what you like? Like i said there are literally hundreds of possibilities.
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Post by hobbs on Nov 5, 2009 13:24:42 GMT -5
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Post by monkumonku on Nov 5, 2009 13:46:36 GMT -5
How come no one has suggested Emo speakers yet?
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Post by bigred7078 on Nov 5, 2009 13:55:00 GMT -5
How come no one has suggested Emo speakers yet? because were trying to find out what his tastes he has in speakers.
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Post by monkumonku on Nov 5, 2009 13:58:21 GMT -5
How come no one has suggested Emo speakers yet? because were trying to find out what his tastes he has in speakers. True, but that still didn't prevent people from making recommendations..
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oneliterpeter
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Post by oneliterpeter on Nov 5, 2009 14:28:00 GMT -5
As a current Magnepan IIIa owner, my suggestions would include looking into the Eminent Technology LFT-8B with the Sound Anchor stands at Hollywood Sound. I believe they sell the set for $1895 and compare favorably against the Magnepan 3.6. If you don't mind looking for a used pair of VMPS RM-30s, they sound great and use the same ribbon array that Bruce Thigpen designs and uses in his Eminent Technology line of speakers. I have owned in the past Eminent Technology LFT-IVs and Martin Logan Scenarios but the Eminent Technology speakers like Magnepan do not have the excessive beaming effect that Martin Logans have. I currently use an Eminent Technology LFT-XII as my center channel speaker and it matches well with my Magnepan IIIas. Nothing against the ML Scenario's but they are on the very low end of the ML product line. They have small electrostatic panels and don't employ the ML Xstat technology so I'm not surprised that you got that "beaming" sensation from them. A better comparison would be the ML Vantage or Vista. These speakers are more refined and sonically superior to the Scenario's. Reaganastrology... With a budget of 3K you have lot's of choices. The best deals on ML speakers (should you decide to go that route) are on AudiogoN.com. Don't be afraid to buy used ML's. ML owners take extremely good care of their speakers and you can easily save 50% off of list.
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Post by reaganastrology on Nov 5, 2009 15:11:02 GMT -5
Thanks to everyone so far with the suggestions. Forums like this are great for info seekers. I realize my question is very open ended but don't read too deep. The intent of the "best" moniker was more of hook for others to respond. I apologize if I increased the testosterone levels of anybody with my fey manipulation.
Been out of the game awhile, just want to find out who the current online players are. There are no hi-end stores within a 75+ mile radius of my home, so auditioning ain't gonna happen.
The speakers I currently use are Sound Dynamics 300ti's purchased around 1994. They still sound great, especially the high end...a little lax in the mid-range, tight bass but wish it was slightly heavier. I can hear what the XPA's are trying to do but can't with the speakers limitations.
I haven't ruled out Emotiva speakers, I like the companies sales model and the XPA's have exceeded my expectations, but the Emotiva speakers seem to be designed for the home theater crowd. Prove me wrong? I want musicality. I also understand the "golden audio rule" of compromise.
Thanks.
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Post by slbenz on Nov 5, 2009 16:34:33 GMT -5
As a current Magnepan IIIa owner, my suggestions would include looking into the Eminent Technology LFT-8B with the Sound Anchor stands at Hollywood Sound. I believe they sell the set for $1895 and compare favorably against the Magnepan 3.6. If you don't mind looking for a used pair of VMPS RM-30s, they sound great and use the same ribbon array that Bruce Thigpen designs and uses in his Eminent Technology line of speakers. I have owned in the past Eminent Technology LFT-IVs and Martin Logan Scenarios but the Eminent Technology speakers like Magnepan do not have the excessive beaming effect that Martin Logans have. I currently use an Eminent Technology LFT-XII as my center channel speaker and it matches well with my Magnepan IIIas. Nothing against the ML Scenario's but they are on the very low end of the ML product line. They have small electrostatic panels and don't employ the ML Xstat technology so I'm not surprised that you got that "beaming" sensation from them. A better comparison would be the ML Vantage or Vista. These speakers are more refined and sonically superior to the Scenario's. Reaganastrology... With a budget of 3K you have lot's of choices. The best deals on ML speakers (should you decide to go that route) are on AudiogoN.com. Don't be afraid to buy used ML's. ML owners take extremely good care of their speakers and you can easily save 50% off of list. Oneliterpeter, I realize that you are Martin Logan owner and just wanted to share my thoughts on the Scenarios I owned but this same beaming effect also was experienced when I listened to the Prodigy and Clarity speakers as well. But based on what you are saying about the currently designed Martin Logans, I should go to my local dealer and demo them again. Those Martin Logans that you suggested to Reaganstrology sure look real nice if they can be purchased for under $3000 used. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by roadrunner on Nov 5, 2009 17:59:43 GMT -5
reaganastrology
I am quite surprised that you percieve the Emotiva speakers as being "home theater speakers". The majority of my listening is via 2.1 and I find the Emotiva speakers are excellent for that venue. I think that the ERT-8.3 is one of the best "music oriented" speakers on the market for under $3000. Its low-end even allows for using the 8.3s without the aid of a sub-woofer.
After looking at the genre of the music you prefer listening to, I find it hard to believe you will find another speaker (within your stated budget) better suited for reproducing the type of music you have listed.
You may have noticed that when Emotiva sets up a demo room the equipment they use is geared toward the 2-channel audience. The list of equipment they typically use is:
2 -- XPA-1 POWER AMPS 1 -- USP-1 STEREO PREAMP 1 -- ERC-1 CD PLAYER 2 -- ERT-8.3 TOWER SPEAKERS
** Sometimes they also have one of their sub-woofers (pre-production model) added to the mix.
Using this assortment of Emotiva gear they have earned several "BEST OF SHOW" or "BEST SOUNDING ROOM" accolades from attendees at these industry road shows.
There are many, many excellent speakers to choose from within the stated budget; and, speaker selection is such a subjective task it is almost impossible to pick to "best" speaker without you directly auditioning the candidates in your own listening room. The Emotiva ERT-8.3 would definitely be on my short list of speakers.
Without know more about you and your listening habits, it is hard to say if you would share my enthusiam for the 8.3s. Others I would add to my short list include the Zu Druids, the RBH Towers (I can't think of the model # at the moment), the Maggy 3.6 Electrostats, the Salk SongTowers, and the Atlantic Technology 4200e, Thiel 3.7, and the SVS MTS Towers.
The RBH Towers are something like MC6 CT, but for some reason it just doesn't sound right. You can find the correct model number by going to Audioholics web site and looking up its review. All of the above listed speakers should be well suited to play back your stated music types. I think all of them are within your budget range, with the exception of the Thiels... I think they are closer to 3 times your budget. So on second thought, you might be able to pickup a used pair of Thiels 3.6 close to your budget. Good luck in your search. I would bring in the Emotiva 8.3 for a 30-day trial -- they have great "bang for the buck". ;D
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Post by jedinite24 on Nov 5, 2009 19:29:47 GMT -5
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oneliterpeter
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Post by oneliterpeter on Nov 5, 2009 19:39:30 GMT -5
Nothing against the ML Scenario's but they are on the very low end of the ML product line. They have small electrostatic panels and don't employ the ML Xstat technology so I'm not surprised that you got that "beaming" sensation from them. A better comparison would be the ML Vantage or Vista. These speakers are more refined and sonically superior to the Scenario's. Reaganastrology... With a budget of 3K you have lot's of choices. The best deals on ML speakers (should you decide to go that route) are on AudiogoN.com. Don't be afraid to buy used ML's. ML owners take extremely good care of their speakers and you can easily save 50% off of list. Oneliterpeter, I realize that you are Martin Logan owner and just wanted to share my thoughts on the Scenarios I owned but this same beaming effect also was experienced when I listened to the Prodigy and Clarity speakers as well. But based on what you are saying about the currently designed Martin Logans, I should go to my local dealer and demo them again. Those Martin Logans that you suggested to Reaganstrology sure look real nice if they can be purchased for under $3000 used. Thanks for sharing. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Let us know what you think and of course since ML's aren't for everyone... I'd still be interested in your opinion even if you don't like them. Just one note... Obviously listening to speakers in a demo situation can be better or worse than in a home environment based on speaker placement. When you sit in front of ML's... They should be toed in towards the listener so that the inside 20% of the curved ESL panel is facing right at you. Without any toe-in... you won't get the full ML experience.
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Animo
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Post by Animo on Nov 5, 2009 19:39:34 GMT -5
Any quality speaker, regardless of price should perform equally well with either music or movie presentations. A speaker that is faithful to the signals being put into it, will put out exactly what it is supposed to. It all boils down to what sound qualities you prefer.
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oneliterpeter
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Post by oneliterpeter on Nov 5, 2009 19:43:42 GMT -5
Any quality speaker, regardless of price should perform equally well with either music or movie presentations. A speaker that is faithful to the signals being put into it, will put out exactly what it is supposed to. It all boils down to what sound qualities you prefer. I agree completely! Set up your system to play great music... ...and if you have good speakers... movies and all the rest will sound equally as good.
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