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New Speaker Search (under $10,000)

post #1 of 59
4/25/12 at 8:57am
Thread Starter 
I am in the market for new speakers. I am in a location of the world where I can't easily audition many speakers so I have to rely on reviews and others for input.

My gear consists of:

Simaudio i7 amp;
Simaudio Supernova CD player;
Bryston BDA-1 DAC;
Bryston BDP-1 Digital Player;
Wadia 170i Dock;
Nordost Blue Heaven cables mostly.

I listen to a mix or rock, pop, folk and new age. Some, but very little country and jazz and never any metal or classical. Room size is roughly 12' x 25'.

I am looking for a tower speaker and have narrowed my search down to the following in no particular order:

1. Totem Element Earth;
2. Paradigm S6 v3;
3. Focal 1028BE;
4. B&W 804D;
5. Audio Physic Tempo 25;
6. Sonus Faber Liuto;
7. Verity Finn;
8. Monitor Audio PL200.

I am trying to keep below a budget of $10,000 and the lower the better. I believe the above noted speakers range in price from around $6000 Canadian to just over $9000 Canadian.

If anyone has had the opportunity to compare any of the above, your comments would be much appreciated. I am not looking for any speaker bashing as I believe they are all fine speakers, but no doubt shine above others within this group.

Thanks

PS. I already have S6's as part of my home theater system and like them, but if I can get better, I will. If the improvement in other speakers over the S6's is marginal at best, I may stick with another pair of the S6's.
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post #2 of 59
4/25/12 at 9:07am
If I had that kinda money to spend on speaker, I'd get Salk Soundscape 8s.
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post #3 of 59
4/25/12 at 9:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by saeyedoc View Post

If I had that kinda money to spend on speaker, I'd get Salk Soundscape 8s.

Same here, or the Phil 3's. However I love the Monitor Audio PL200's. Those cabinets are beautiful. Having the Monitor Audio Silver RX8's, I can only imagine how good the PL200's sound.
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post #4 of 59
4/25/12 at 9:29am
Thread Starter 
And the fun begins. I should have noted to keep your comments to the ones I've noted as my post notes: "I've narrowed my search down to the following". If you are not familiar with the speakers I've asked about, please don't comment at all as I think I have a pretty comprehensive list without adding others to it.

Thanks
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post #5 of 59
4/25/12 at 4:29pm
Looking at your list, #2 Paradigm S6 and #4 B & W 804's I've had a chance to spend significant time listening to both and prefer other products.

IMHO, Triad Gold Monitors and/or Aerial 9's are much better sounding speakers and will fall with in your specified budget. That is my opinion only.........you need to hear for yourself.
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post #6 of 59
4/25/12 at 7:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluemark81 View Post

and the fun begins. Thanks

:d
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post #7 of 59
4/25/12 at 7:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluemark81 View Post

And the fun begins. I should have noted to keep your comments to the ones I've noted as my post notes: "I've narrowed my search down to the following". If you are not familiar with the speakers I've asked about, please don't comment at all as I think I have a pretty comprehensive list without adding others to it.

Thanks

Kind of closed minded to think that way. Considering you don't have a clear favorite out of the list, it would be in your best interest to be more open to suggestions.

For $10,000 you could do a lot better than what is in the list you provided.
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post #8 of 59
4/25/12 at 7:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bhazard View Post

Kind of closed minded to think that way. Considering you don't have a clear favorite out of the list, it would be in your best interest to be more open to suggestions.

For $10,000 you could do a lot better than what is in the list you provided.

Agreed. Go Salk SoundScape 8 or Philharmonic 3.
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post #9 of 59
4/26/12 at 6:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluemark81 View Post

And the fun begins. I should have noted to keep your comments to the ones I've noted as my post notes: "I've narrowed my search down to the following". If you are not familiar with the speakers I've asked about, please don't comment at all as I think I have a pretty comprehensive list without adding others to it.

Thanks

Ah well, and I was about to invite you to hear Klipschorns (completely different from anything on your list) since you might actually be close to me.
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post #10 of 59
4/26/12 at 6:18am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by psgcdn View Post

Ah well, and I was about to invite you to hear Klipschorns (completely different from anything on your list) since you might actually be close to me.

I'm in Fredericton, NB. I've heard the Klipschorns already, but thanks for the offer.
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post #11 of 59
4/26/12 at 6:24am
With the quality of the gear you're using, look into the Dali Helicon line. What size room are you looking to use this in? The size of the room will really help guide you. To much or to little speaker in the room and you will not be happy.
Is the room treated at all? Concrete, carpet, etc. The more information, the better the help.
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post #12 of 59
4/26/12 at 6:44am
I'd focus on the Paradigm and PL200s. There's not a lot of value in the list you have assembled.
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post #13 of 59
4/26/12 at 6:59am
I'll say Monitor Audio or Focal.
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post #14 of 59
4/26/12 at 7:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bhazard View Post

Kind of closed minded to think that way. Considering you don't have a clear favorite out of the list, it would be in your best interest to be more open to suggestions.

For $10,000 you could do a lot better than what is in the list you provided.

^ This. Those speakers are average IMO (I've heard all but #'s 5 and 7). He could do so much better for the money if he wasn't so close minded. So much better. Oh well - to each their own.
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post #15 of 59
4/26/12 at 7:05am
RBH should be on the list.
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post #16 of 59
4/26/12 at 7:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluemark81 View Post

I'm in Fredericton, NB. I've heard the Klipschorns already, but thanks for the offer.

I'm in Moncton and I will take a donation of wathever speakers you have now
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post #17 of 59
4/26/12 at 7:21am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by nuance View Post

^ this. Those speakers are average imo (i've heard all but #'s 5 and 7). He could do so much better for the money if he wasn't so close minded. so much better. Oh well - to each their own.

:d
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post #18 of 59
4/26/12 at 7:52am
nice!! I pratically don't do any 2 channels listening (mostly DVD, BD concert, SACD), so I wouldn't use them the way one probably should, and it's out of my budget really. But if I could, I'd buy them just to show them off. They look great.
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post #19 of 59
7/3/12 at 2:41pm
I have had a pair of PL200s for about a month now and absolutely love them. I am re listening to all my records, cds, and music files and am astounded at how much I had been missing. This is the first time I have ever spent more than 1k on a speaker and I am so glad that I did. Worth every penny! Take a couple of your favorite pieces of music and audition the speakers on your list. That is what convinced me to invest so much in speakers. I was afraid to listen to the PL300s so I would not be tempted:) I don't think you can go wrong with the PL200s!
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post #20 of 59
7/3/12 at 6:40pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by discodol View Post

I have had a pair of PL200s for about a month now and absolutely love them. I am re listening to all my records, cds, and music files and am astounded at how much I had been missing. This is the first time I have ever spent more than 1k on a speaker and I am so glad that I did. Worth every penny! Take a couple of your favorite pieces of music and audition the speakers on your list. That is what convinced me to invest so much in speakers. I was afraid to listen to the PL300s so I would not be tempted:) I don't think you can go wrong with the PL200s!

Unfortunately, I am in a location that does not allow me to easily audition speakers so the speakers I've selected are primarily from my travels and audio shows. I have recently had an opportunity to compare the 804D to the 1028be and was certainly more impressed with the 1028be's. It's been a while since I've heard the PL200's and was very impressed with them at the time. Now, I would love to have a chance to compare the 1028be's to them as I certainly like the look of the PL200's better. Congratulations on your purchase!
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post #21 of 59
7/4/12 at 12:08pm
I've auditioned B&W 803D, 802D, & 800D, Dali Euphonia, Krell, Martin Logan Vantage, Magnepan, Klipsch, Polk, Paradigm Studio 100, Pioneer, Sony, Mirage, Definitive Technology, Revel, KEF, RBH, Linkwitz, Philharmonic, Focal, Bose, NHT, Infinity, JBL, Yamaha, & few others.

I would recommend Revel, KEF, Philharmonic Audio, Linkwitz, Salk, Soundfield Audio, NHT, Pioneer.
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post #22 of 59
7/4/12 at 12:22pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AcuDefTechGuy View Post

I've auditioned B&W 803D, 802D, & 800D, Dali Euphonia, Krell, Martin Logan Vantage, Magnepan, Klipsch, Polk, Paradigm Studio 100, Pioneer, Sony, Mirage, Definitive Technology, Revel, KEF, RBH, Linkwitz, Philharmonic, Focal, Bose, NHT, Infinity, JBL, Yamaha, & few others.
I would recommend Revel, KEF, Philharmonic Audio, Linkwitz, Salk, Soundfield Audio, NHT, Pioneer.

Thanks, although absolutely none you recommended were from the list I mentioned and you couldn't be more vague, as those you did mention have several models. Or are you recommending any and all models of speakers made by KEF, NHT, Pioneer, etc over any of the brands I mentioned? eek.gif
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post #23 of 59
7/4/12 at 1:03pm
Are you totally against monitors? Do you have access to a Dynaudio dealer?
For shits and grins I would try to audition Dynaudio Confidence C1s and then for towers I would audition the Contour S5.4 or 3.4. I own the C1s and am familiar with the Contour family. When starting my marriage to Dynaudio I started with Focus 220s and were really a nice speaker. Now there are towers within the Focus family closer to your budget on the high end.

I also LOVE Simaudio and they mate beautifully with Dynaudio. They do not all sound the same! You have some nice Simaudio pieces. That integrated is awesome!! I'm using a Simaudio amp (multi-channel Titan) to drive my Confidence speakers and am very happy. It seems you have all the pieces in place to add Dynaudio to your list of speakers to audition.

I also am quite a fan of Focal and may be a nice choice to add to the list.

Hope you can have the chance to hear the Dynaudios with that awesome Simaudio integrated.

And I know these aren't on your list but what a shame to at least not audition them.

Good Luck
Rick
Edited by Mr.SoftDome - 7/4/12 at 1:12pm
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post #24 of 59
7/4/12 at 1:25pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.SoftDome View Post

Are you totally against monitors? Do you have access to a Dynaudio dealer?
For shits and grins I would try to audition Dynaudio Confidence C1s and then for towers I would audition the Contour S5.4 or 3.4. I own the C1s and am familiar with the Contour family. When starting my marriage to Dynaudio I started with Focus 220s and were really a nice speaker. Now there are towers within the Focus family closer to your budget on the high end.
I also LOVE Simaudio and they mate beautifully with Dynaudio. They do not all sound the same! You have some nice Simaudio pieces. That integrated is awesome!! I'm using a Simaudio amp (multi-channel Titan) to drive my Confidence speakers and am very happy. It seems you have all the pieces in place to add Dynaudio to your list of speakers to audition.
I also am quite a fan of Focal and may be a nice choice to add to the list.
Hope you can have the chance to hear the Dynaudios with that awesome Simaudio integrated.
And I know these aren't on your list but what a shame to at least not audition them.
Good Luck
Rick

I'm not against Dynaudio at all and love their sound, but I must say I'm not the biggest fan of their appearance, which is most of the reason I am replacing the Lafleur speakers I currently have. That being said, I do not have access to Dynaudios anyway unless I were to order them. I also have the Sim Titan and a W5 as part of my home theater setup so, I'm a big fan of Sim stuff also. Thanks for your suggestion.
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post #25 of 59
7/7/12 at 9:34am
Another thread where people on jumping on the OP for not listening to speakers THEY like. Everytime man. OP, i would recommend you go listen to the speakers on your list. You can take ADVICE from people, but it's up to YOU in end to see if you like a speaker or not. Stay away from stuff like "you can do so much better." According to who? OP, you find out yourself if thats true or not. We all have different taste in speakers.
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post #26 of 59
7/7/12 at 10:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by saprano View Post

Another thread where people on jumping on the OP for not listening to speakers THEY like. Everytime man. OP, i would recommend you go listen to the speakers on your list. You can take ADVICE from people, but it's up to YOU in end to see if you like a speaker or not. Stay away from stuff like "you can do so much better." According to who? OP, you find out yourself if thats true or not. We all have different taste in speakers.

That's exactly what we want to see - everyone prefers a different speaker, meaning the OP needs to audition for himself.

You ask 20 guys, you get 20 speakers. biggrin.gif

You ask the same question, you get the same answers.
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post #27 of 59
7/7/12 at 10:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AcuDefTechGuy View Post

That's exactly what we want to see - everyone prefers a different speaker, meaning the OP needs to audition for himself.
You ask 20 guys, you get 20 speakers. biggrin.gif
You ask the same question, you get the same answers.

You are wrong in this case. The OP asked for advice on specific speakers. He was then told there are better speakers out there, that the speakers on his list are average and that he's close minded. The OP said he narrowed his choices down to those speakers.

This happens in every thread. And im tired of it. People need to get over themselves. You know what a poster said to somebody in a similar thread like this? Something about "im not going to help you until you choose better speakers than the ones you listed" Whoa! Im sorry other peoples taste doesn't live up to yours!
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post #28 of 59
7/7/12 at 12:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by saprano View Post

Another thread where people on jumping on the OP for not listening to speakers THEY like. Everytime man. OP, i would recommend you go listen to the speakers on your list. You can take ADVICE from people, but it's up to YOU in end to see if you like a speaker or not. Stay away from stuff like "you can do so much better." According to who? OP, you find out yourself if thats true or not. We all have different taste in speakers.

I figured that would be the case anyway. Everyone has their speaker of choice. It's not because I'm closed minded or against others, but I've researched the ones I listed and also got buy-in on their looks from my wife. If it wasn't for the appearance of the ones I currently have, I wouldn't be selling them. I try to audition speakers any chance I get, but I'm not in a location that permits that unfortunately.
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post #29 of 59
7/7/12 at 12:47pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by saprano View Post

You are wrong in this case. The OP asked for advice on specific speakers. He was then told there are better speakers out there, that the speakers on his list are average and that he's close minded. The OP said he narrowed his choices down to those speakers.
This happens in every thread. And im tired of it. People need to get over themselves. You know what a poster said to somebody in a similar thread like this? Something about "im not going to help you until you choose better speakers than the ones you listed" Whoa! Im sorry other peoples taste doesn't live up to yours!

Thanks......nice to see some people on here still pay attention to the threads.
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post #30 of 59
7/8/12 at 5:33am
If you can, try to audition the Sonus Faber Luitos. On the warm side w/excellent bottom end bass. Also have an excellent WAF factor. You have a good list of speakers that present music in different ways so in the final analysis get in some audition time. Opinions are like noses everyone has one.smile.gif
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