Best Speakers <3k With XPA-1's?

[scottl]

If you like the Sound Dynamics (I'm with you on that), I believe you should seriously consider PSB's Imagine T ($2K). There's a resemblance (Canadians, you gotta love 'em) - wide dispersion, relatively high efficiency with strong dynamics, very natural tonal balance that's never too harsh, excellent value - but scaled up to a new level.

As regards your criteria, they meet all 4 - now that they're available online via www.audioadvisor.com. I should note that you can often get better deals from PSB brick & mortar retailers, such that the $3500 Synchrony Two's would be down in your price range. The Synchrony's are even better, worth every penny and then some.

The Emotiva ERT-8.3's are also definitely worth a look!

[reaganastrology]

I'm leaning towards the Eminent Technology LFT-8B's. I talked to owner Bruce Thigpen who was extremely helpful in helping me understand the speakers. He asked very specific questions about my room and equipment. He was very detail oriented, I like that. Also, he was totally upfront about the speakers return policy should I not be satisfied.

I explained past experience liking Magnepan speakers. Bruce was very respectful of Magnepan and lucidly explained the differences between his product and Magnepan. Based on my interpretation of the data, I think the Eminent Technology LFT-8B's are gonna provide more realistic bass and musicality.

So here's to buying on blind faith...I will probably pull the trigger early this week.

[Deleted]

Good luck with the ET's. They are good speakers.

I have Magnepan MG12's and MMGW's paired with the Emo 6.3 as a center channel.

I am always amazed at the detail and the magic "maggie" sound they produce. There is something special about them.

[edmondwolfman]

I didn't see any mention of Salk Songtowers or other Salks. Are they not a consideration or does everyone just think they aren't as good as the ones mentioned?

[scottl]

I heard the Salk's at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. They weren't bad, but they weren't my cup of tea. I also feel like there are better values available. YMMV.

[roadrunner]

Nov 8, 2009 12:22:55 GMT -5 edmondwolfman said:

I didn't see any mention of Salk Songtowers or other Salks. Are they not a consideration or does everyone just think they aren't as good as the ones mentioned?

Wolfman, you must have missed reading my post. The SongTowers were one of the speakers I put on a "short list" of speakers to audition. They are a very good sounding speaker, but have two obvious weak spots -- poor low-end response and high relative price. Even so, the SongTowers are so good at what they do that they deserve a close look.

There are just so many fine candidates within the price range specified, that many speakers are going to be overlooked. ;D

[pipeman]

Source Technologies 8211HD, outstanding speaker for sure. Hand built cabinets, 7+ year warranty, made in Conneticuit, USA.
I bought this pair , their matching vertical center and their new 12" high velocity sub and they are truly amazing.

[Nemesis.ie]

www.sourcetechloudspkr.com/Sublist-2.html if anyone is interested.

Too pricey for me @ $2,295.

The low frequency extension does not seem great from the spec, how does it sound in-room? Do you feel the low-bass in your chest?

[ntrain42]

I would very much like to recommend a set of Kef XQ10's or 20's couple with a pair of small dedicated subs(Say a pair of Kef xq60's or more preferrable a pair of Kef PSW2500's). I have owned alot of high end speakers over the years, including Revel Salons(1st gen)and Gems, ML, B&W Nautilus 801's, 2 pairs of Maggies,a set of Sonus Faber Amati's,Vandersteen 5A's and a pair of Kef Reference Model 2's. All were excellent sounding speakers(though most were way overpriced)with their own strong points, but regardless none of them offered the complete package compared to my current setup.
I currently run a modified pair of Kef XQ20's(upgraded xovers courtesy of Skiing Ninja for supplying the parts) in tandem with a pair of KEF PSW2500 subs(The subs are run in stereo, line level off each monitor). Kef speakers are remarkable IF your willing to power them properly. All Kef speakers that I have come across require a powerful amp source. And XPA-2 or a pair of XPA-1's or an amplifier with similiar power would make a set of XQ20's sing and come alive. My current setup is by far the best sounding setup I have had to date, and I am well under the $3k budget including the monitors,stands and dual subs. Monitors are the best way to go for pure imaging, and if you can find a good set of subs to run with them in stereo output that blend in seamlessly, you will have a remarkable sounding setup. I have always been a fan of KEF's UniQ point source drivers, and their latest generation is the best by far. The XQ series also have excellent top notch cabinets that are very inert, and minimize backwaves and wave cancelation from the speakers due to the well designed curved cabinet. The Xovers(which stock by themselves are of a good quality already)are also easy to pull and upgrade(Xover's are where most mfg's cut costs, even on the very expensive reference quality speakers)something I always recommend to people looking to get the most out of their investment regardless of who makes the speaker. This is coming from someone who has owned many pairs of speakers in the $5-15k range.

ET "ribbon/planar" speakers do have a nice smooth midrange to them, but the bass/bottom end is muddy and rather thin on the set your contemplating. If your going to go this route, your better off going going with a set of Martin Logan Source Electrostatics in the $2k price range. Their bass driver blends better with the electrostatic panel and has better bottom end detail and sounds richer.

[pipeman]

Nov 9, 2009 4:39:41 GMT -5 Nemesis.ie said:

www.sourcetechloudspkr.com/Sublist-2.html if anyone is interested.

Too pricey for me @ $2,295.

The low frequency extension does not seem great from the spec, how does it sound in-room? Do you feel the low-bass in your chest?

When listening to music it disappears in the room but watching a movie like Ironman or Master and Commander cranked up, it will part your hair. I had a MB Quart and a Def tech super cube and I can tell you this trumps either. The supercube was punchier but the Source delivers better "real bass" if that makes sense, again you don't notice it until called upon no boomieness.. If you call they will do better on the price also. As for the 8211hd and center I haven't enjoyed kick drums like played like this since the old Cerwin Vega D15's of the early 80's.

[Raven]

I think you should try Dynaudio. Few month ago was auditioned Signature Diamonds from B&W, they are amazing speakers (especially with SACD), but I was pleasantly surprised how close to them sounds my Dynaudio Audience72. Not to mention they have difference in price more then ten times.
Audience72's have quiet wide and deep sound stage lots of air in trebles, I would say their sound tighter then Energy and a bit less bright then B&W. Most of the time I'm listening 2-channel music (all kinds from Hard Rock to classic) and they sound just right to me. You actually can find used one on AudiogoN for about 700 bucks.
If you prefer a brand new you can try Dynaudio Excite X32 (newer version of Audience72):
whathifi.com/Review/Dynaudio-Excite-X32/

BTW drivers from Dynaudio used by: Anthony Gallo (Acoustics Nucleus Reference), Totem (various models), Eggleston (various models) etc.

[oneliterpeter]

Nov 9, 2009 21:36:01 GMT -5 ntrain42 said:

ET "ribbon/planar" speakers do have a nice smooth midrange to them, but the bass/bottom end is muddy and rather thin on the set your contemplating. If your going to go this route, your better off going going with a set of Martin Logan Source Electrostatics in the $2k price range. Their bass driver blends better with the electrostatic panel and has better bottom end detail and sounds richer.

Agreed but you're still better off getting a pair of used Vista's or Vantage's for $500 or so more.

Don't be afraid of getting used but not abused speakers for half of list.

[ratso]

absolutely. there is no way to answer the op's question - too open ended (no harm in getting some suggestions though). but i would definitely agree that he should buy used. getting like new speakers at up to 1/2 off would turn his $3000 price limit into a $6000 price limit.