Speaker Recommendations?

[cstmar01]

So, I decided that probably in the next year or so I do want to do a speaker upgrade. I had thought about doing this awhile ago but put on hold, and have come to the conclusion that I do want to start looking more seriously.

I do like what I have now for overall sound, however I'm looking to improve upon that sound.

Some things that I look for is just a pure 2 channel, no subs. I like good tight bass. I like ribbons but still like the range that you can get out of a cone speaker.

My gear is in my sig and I do plan on upgrading my TT to the VPI Classic with a Dynavector Cart and at some point a BAT phono stage.

I'm looking for ideas at this point. I do have a limited range of dealers here in the area and most likely will have to travel to demo.

Some speakers I had on my list so far are:

Martin Logan Summit X
Legacy Focus SE
Legacy Whispers
Wilson Watt/Puppy 7 or 8
Maggie 20._

At most I would want to pay is 15K. That would either be new or used however I would like to buy new if I could from a dealer as for me spending this kind of money I want to make sure they are perfect.

I'm still open to used however they would need to be in fantastic shape and would really need to be able to hear them first before willing to plunk down that kind of money.

I recently heard ML Theos at a dealer and honestly wasn't impressed. The same could be said for the B&W 802D. Overall nice speakers, I can live with the sound, however it just didn't pull me in. The Theos just really lacked low end and that was disappointing for me. I liked the midrange and the top end as I felt it was a nice 3D stage and good imaging. So if the Summits would keep the mids and highs but add in the bass that I seek I would really dig that sound.

Any other suggestions? I have to be missing some other good ones to try out.

ALso if anyone knows a dealer in the midwest (WI, IL, MN, IN, MI) that carries Legacy on display let me know. My local dealer (1.5 hours away) carries them, however hasn't had a set on display for about 2 years now and I forgot what they even sound like.

[jfray]

Have you thought about the SF Cremona M's or maybe a used pair of Elipsa's? Or maybe Vanderdsteen??

[Bluemcintosh]

At that price range and if you like the midrange please check out the Harbeth M40.1.

They really excels on midrange and voice.

Hope this helps.

[bzr]

Originally Posted by cstmar01

......

I do like what I have now for overall sound, however I'm looking to improve upon that sound.

Some things that I look for is just a pure 2 channel, no subs. I like good tight bass. I like ribbons but still like the range that you can get out of a cone speaker.




Some speakers I had on my list so far are:

Martin Logan Summit X
Legacy Focus SE
Legacy Whispers
Wilson Watt/Puppy 7 or 8
Maggie 20._


So if the Summits would keep the mids and highs but add in the bass that I seek I would really dig that sound.
.

Hey cstmar01, if you like the Martin Logan sound, the Summit X are exactly as you have described them above. I have the Summit X in my system at the moment & they have the wonderful full panel sound that paired with the right gear just make people smile when they hear them the first time. Basically the X's are a very good panel with a matched sub of 2 10" woofers that aren't the best speakers you will hear but for the price will lay many to shame at even twice that! & yes they do do bass, massive amounts if thats what you want, if not you can tame them down with the dials on the back. Hope this helps & I'd highly recommend them to be put on your demo short list.

[cmalak]

cstmar01...I would add the Marten Djangos ($15K @ list). JohnThomas on AA recently purchased them and likes them a lot. Also Stereophile just reviewed them in the current issue (but it is not yet published online). Here is the review from Positivefeedback.com: django

Here's a snippet from Alan Taffel of The Absolute Sound (TAS) from CES 2012: CES 2012 Report - Alan Taffel on Loudspeakers $7k to $25k | AVguide. These same like a must audition in your price range.

My other personal preference at that price point is the Rockport Mira II. It's a bit more at list ($16.5K I believe) and it may give up a smidgeon or two in airiness and soundstaging (but not much) to the Summit, however, you will add tone density, accuracy of timber, bass depth, weight and articulation and overall dynamics. Beautiful sounding speaker. There are many reviews of its predecessor (Rockport Mira) but I do not know of any reviews of the Mira 2 as of yet.

Hope this helps.

[o0OBillO0o]

Best Speaker ever for 15K...

B&W 802D

[Mikado463]

I'll second bzr for Logan but with a twist........grab a pair of Montis add a compentent sub and you'll have better bass than the Summitt X and probably have $$ left over !

[Face]

Without a doubt, Marten Djangos.

[Freestone]

Used sonus faber Amati

[dmnc02]

Vandersteen 5, Marten Django or Rockport Mira II are all excellent alternatives. The choice is going to be largely dependent on your preferences and on how linear is the bass response in your room (I have a room designed by Rives Audio, but would still think twice before giving up the built-in bass equalization in the Vandersteen's).