suggestions required--FS speakers

[rantan]

Evening all.

I need some help guys. { no not that sort }

I have recently had a very favourable change in my personal circumstances after a setback previously and I am now able to buy some nice speakers. I would prefer floor standing speakers but this is not set in stone and WAF is not an issue unless they are the size of a small apartment or like the monolith in 2001 A Space Odyssey.

I am at the point where I have a few things in mind but I always seem to find several reasons why I shouldn't buy them, but over analysis seems to be cathartic for me for some strange reason. Interestingly, over analysis is precisely what I do not want in a speaker. I also have an opportunity to buy some B&W Diamond 804s [ the latest model ] at a ridiculous price, but I am not particularly familiar with them and would like to get some more ideas about them as well.

I guess what I am seeking are people's opinions on speakers that they would [ and I could ] keep for the long term. I have changed a few horses in mid-stream over the last few years and I don't really want to continue the revolving door speaker owner syndrome.

Budget is flexible, the room is nicely balanced acoustically [ 5.5 x 4 metres and high vaulted roofline ] and the partnering source, amplifier and cables are premium quality and very musical.

Music tastes are varied but don't extend to electronic, techno, rap or opera, but real Blues, classic rock, prog, small scale classical, jazz and person with guitar are hot menu items.

I don't intend for this to be too heavy or serious and I hope it is as much a chance to have some fun as much as anything else.

Over to you guys

[New Sensations]

Lenehan ML1s.

[Lil Caesar]

FWIW following on from JD's post... I've got ML-1's AND floorstanders (Sonus Faber Luitos) and the Lenehan product competes extremely well despite the lack of real deep bass punch. Alternatively the Luitos are gorgeous IMHO. But I'm biased

[alistairm]

What's the budget Rantan... at least for starters.

[rantan]

What's the budget Rantan... at least for starters.

hehe!

The deliberate omission in anticipation of the question

I don't want to make it too easy for you guys, but since Alistair sold me such wonderful speaker cable, I really owe him one, so let's say something new that could be bargained down to, or bought on sale for under $7K. Naturally, used is also quite acceptable

Edited September 4, 2012 by rantan

[Cafad]

Lenehan ML1s.

FWIW following on from JD's post... I've got ML-1's AND floorstanders (Sonus Faber Luitos) and the Lenehan product competes extremely well despite the lack of real deep bass punch. Alternatively the Luitos are gorgeous IMHO. But I'm biased

Wouldn't Mikes S2s have a bit more in the bass department than the ML1s? For about the same price too.

[houdinifangs]

Osborn Epitone or Epitone Tower

[New Sensations]

I was kinda being a bit tongue in cheek re. ML1s.

Rantan - have you considered WLM? Or DeVore?

[Tony M]

Hi Rantan

It is indeed a nice dilemma you pose.

I can think of a myriad of contenders in the sub 3K arena that I normally inhabit. And several in the 20-25K range that I aspire to if I ever get my ideas together. But I'm bereft of ideas off the top of my head in the 7K range.

I'm sure there will be some very sweet offers, though. And I'm equally sure you'll score something that will me happily envious - may I come and have a listen when you do?

[Dr Good Vibe]

How about a pair from a very respected builder from Pat at War Audio the Dianne's wow and no expencive stands.

[rantan]

I should add that I lean slightly more to the artistic than the scientific, but not so that it is flawed or overly stylised.

Edit:

Cheers JD, I did pick up the irony.

The ML1s are a bit sciency for me

Edited September 4, 2012 by rantan

[sfdoddsy]

I'd get a pair Magnepan MG3.7s. $6999 so you are $1 under budget. Rave reviews from TAS etc etc.

http://www.mcleans.info/shop/productDetails.do?productId=206738

[alistairm]

Rantan - I am considering parting with my Tom Evans speakers, as they are presently playing second fiddle to the horns and I am seriously contemplating a floor standing active system for the room they're in.

PM me if you have any interest. There are photos of them on page 1 of my showcase thread.

Al

[THOMO]

If you are quick you can still get a pair of Nakamichi Dragons for under $5000.And you do not need power amps.

These have to be the best value for money anywhere at the moment.They also look beautiful.

Edited September 4, 2012 by THOMO

[firefly0071]

Congratulations on your change in fortune!

[Telecine]

How about a pair of Usher CP8871 MkII's? Almost exactly on budget. See here:

[alittlewino]

2nd hand SF Cremona floorstanders (1st series) will get in around the budget when they pop up - beautiful on the eye and to the ear

I tossed up between these and 802Ds and couldn't justify the Ds

[houdinifangs]

Monitor Audio Platinum Series PL300 - never seen a used pair but this series is getting a bit old; an ex demo pair might slide in...

PMC OB1i is also pretty good...

Are prof's Avant Gardes still for sale?

[Telecine]

There is a pair of B&W 802D's for sale on eBay by an SNA member. The starting bid is $10,350 but no bids and PayPal fees would come to a bit. If you can stretch a bit, these would be a good option L. See here:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/B-W-802D-speakers-New-Cherrywood-finish-/150890115510?pt=AU_Hi_Fi_Speakers&hash=item2321c071b6#ht_500wt_922

[markm1111]

Vhmf was selling his YG Carmels for around those dollars. Fantastic speaker - well worth considering if he is still thinking about selling

[rantan]

Some interesting suggestions so far.

@JD, I have considered some WLM Divas and these are a possibility, thanks for a great suggestion.

@Tony M. it is indeed an interesting dilemma but also a not unpleasant one. Also, when whatever I choose arrives you are most welcome to drop in for a squiz and a listen

@Sfdoddsy. The Maggies may not be suited to my Luxman L550AII although it has never baulked at any speaker so far.

@ Thomo. The Dragons look interesting but auditioning would be a problem and I love my Luxman amp.

@Firefly. Thanks mate. Life does have its twists and turns and I am pleased this twist is a good one.

@ Telecine. I really love the look and the idea of the Ushers but I am not sure I have the room or the amp for them.

@ALW. Love Cremonas, will keep an eye out.

@Houdini. Love the PL series, but I have never seen a used pair either. The new GX series is on my list of "to hear" as well, but the Avant Gardes are a non starter.

I hope I haven't missed anyone and every suggestion is valued and appreciated so keep them coming and let's have some fun on the way

[New Sensations]

Alistair's Tom Evans speakers are some of the finest floorstanders that I've heard to date.

[rantan]

There is a pair of B&W 802D's for sale on eBay by an SNA member. The starting bid is $10,350 but no bids and PayPal fees would come to a bit. If you can stretch a bit, these would be a good option L. See here:

http://www.ebay.com....b6#ht_500wt_922

Would love these mate but just too far above my limit.

As I mentioned I can get some of the latest model B&W 804 speakers from a friend of the family at a crazy low price and well below my limit, so these are high up on the list

Cheers.

[rantan]

Alistair's Tom Evans speakers are some of the finest floorstanders that I've heard to date.

Hi John.

How do you reckon they would go wi the Luxman L550AII?

[Desap]

I should add that I lean slightly more to the artistic than the scientific, but not so that it is flawed or overly stylised.

Edit:

Cheers JD, I did pick up the irony.

The ML1s are a bit sciency for me

Perhaps consider Zu speakers from Magenta Audio. I have the Essence model which are very musical and engaging IMO.

Check out Zu Audio's website for more info and details. Happy hunting