[ppmanguin]

WIFE-Approved Non-Ugly Speakers?

Hi Guys,

Looking to upgrade my current KEF Q setup to something in the range of $3-5K.

Aesthetics is a huge deal for me to fit in a modern apartment. (Wife Acceptance Factor)
Eg. definitely NO to Klipsch 'cause they are insultingly ugly.

What are your suggestions for something that looks nice and plays well for music/movies?
Again, anything that looks gorgeous would be a bonus. Not a huge budget but try me.
(Was looking at KEF R's, B&W CMs and Monitor Audio).

 

[swallan]

why not look into some id companies like salk,jim salk makes some of the most beautiful speakers I have seen.

 

[fatbottom]

Looks like a squawking duck

 

[theskins44]

Looks like a squawking duck

Wonder if the wife would be OK with those?

 

[ppmanguin]

Looks like a squawking duck

LOL. I would love to meet the designer and possibly kill him (pun intended).

 

[theskins44]

They would definitely be a conversation piece ...... Regardless of sound

 

[djp2k7]

I think the Wharfedale Jade line are pretty sexy

 

[bgtighe23]

Hi Guys,

Looking to upgrade my current KEF Q setup to something in the range of $3-5K.

Aesthetics is a huge deal for me to fit in a modern apartment. (Wife Acceptance Factor)
Eg. definitely NO to Klipsch 'cause they are insultingly ugly.

What are your suggestions for something that looks nice and plays well for music/movies?
Again, anything that looks gorgeous would be a bonus. Not a huge budget but try me.
(Was looking at KEF R's, B&W CMs and Monitor Audio).

This budget is for how many speakers? subs? towers or bookshelves?

 

[jedimastergrant]

The finish on the Salk's is fantastic.

If you want something with a small footprint AND has built in subs which saves even more space then look at the Def Tech STS's. My wife has been happy with them in our living room. Wonderful sound with built in sub so effectively full range for most people. Takes up VERY little floor space!

 

[cmryan821]

why not look into some id companies like salk,jim salk makes some of the most beautiful speakers I have seen.

+1

Salk and Selah are two that come to mind if WAF is high on your list. I've never heard either but everyone that has seems to rave about them.

 

[Lils Roro]

In order for my wife to approve any speaker, it would have to be either inconspicuous (like in-ceiling), camouflaged (fake greenery all over it), or appear to be something other than a speaker, like maybe a subwoofer that doubles as an end table.

 

[humbland]

why not look into some id companies like salk,jim salk makes some of the most beautiful speakers I have seen.

+1 on Jim Salk. He made a beautiful MTM design for our 3 front channels. He used ribbon tweeters. Not only are they gorgeous to look at (piano black), but they sound superb. He was a nice guy easy to work with

 

[shivaji]

check out some speakers made by Audio Physic such as their Scorpio or Tempo. Go over to Audiogon.com and click on full range speakers, and check out some of pics on a great assortment of speakers that are out there. Avalon makes some interesting looking speakers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

My nomination:
1. RBH SX-8300 or SX-8300/R in sandalwood or black finish
2. RBH SX-8300 or SX-6300/R in sandalwood or black finish

 

[Gooddoc]

Grow a pair.

IMO

 

[Elihawk]

Philharmonics? Salk for sure..Ascend Acoustic Sierra 2?

 

[drunkpenguin]

I agree with goodock, unless shes the bread winner.

If looks are more important than performance go bose. Non audiophiles seem to love them.

Why are you even here? Shouldnt she be here if she makes all the decisions?

 

[SmittyJS]

Looking to upgrade my current KEF Q setup to something in the range of $3-5K.

Aesthetics is a huge deal for me to fit in a modern apartment. (Wife Acceptance Factor)

If you like KEF, have a 'modern' apartment and need WAF, why not the KEF LS50 white with blue cones?

 

[drunkpenguin]

Or these...

 

[shivaji]

There is nothing wrong with a speaker having a nice look while also having great performance. The most recent speaker to catch my eye is the Avantgarde Zero 1. I think that is a beautiful modern design and I would love to hear them. Another speaker design I would like to hear is from Spatial Audio. They look interesting as well. A speaker that I liked from some years ago was the Vienna Acoustic Mahler.