Another Hunt Begins...

falconcry72
falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
edited August 2012 in 2 Channel Audio
So I just offed my primary pair of speakers, the Usher Audio Dancer Mini-2's. They served me extremely well over the last 9 months, and just the fact that I kept them around that long says a lot!

I got rid of them because I'm ready to try something new, but I'm not sure what that is. In the meantime, I'll be using a trusty pair of Magnepan 1.6's.

My favorite speakers that I've owned to date are the Magnepan 3.6's, and while I'm very much tempted to just find another pair of those, I also feel like I should keep trying new things for a few more years, just to learn.

Budget is 2-4k max.

My short list includes the Focal Utopias (micro, diva, something along those lines), the Thiel 2.4, the Emerald Physics CS2.3, maybe an older Wilson Sophia, the Maggie 3.6's of course, and I am open to all suggestions.

Is there anything in that range that I'd be stupid to not have owned at some point??
2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
Post edited by falconcry72 on
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Comments

  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited August 2012
    At a used price, a pair of PSB Synchrony One towers. A Wilson Sophia at that price will have to be pretty beat up.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • 98Badger
    98Badger Posts: 317
    edited August 2012
    I would seriously look into a pair of Salk Songtowers with the RAAL tweeter. I'm hoping to own the Salk Soundscape 8's at some point. If you can get past the aesthetics, Philharmonics are excellent also. Both perform well above their respective prices.
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited August 2012
    I do love my horn speakers, but I'm also starting to learn how awesome Focal speakers are...
    Jake
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    BlueFox wrote: »
    At a used price, a pair of PSB Synchrony One towers. A Wilson Sophia at that price will have to be pretty beat up.

    There was a pair of original Sophia 1's on my local CL for 5200. They looked to be in good shape. I would have to stretch the budget, and the seller would have to come down some.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,766
    edited August 2012
    It might be lower on the budget from what you were planning, but I'd highly recommend you check these out. I think you might be surprised how well these sound.
    http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/ele/3200331558.html

    They need a fairly big room, but with proper placement, they are quite impressive. They were well reviewed in the 90's and still hold up well. I had the earlier non-SI version a few years back.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • Matt34
    Matt34 Posts: 318
    edited August 2012
    The reviewer in this article replaced his B&W 800 with a pair of these:

    http://hometheaterreview.com/tekton-design-pendragon-floorstanding-loudspeaker-reviewed/
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited August 2012
    Hold off on your Magnepan and try some other things. I'm the same way and my eventual last speaker will be Magnepan 3.7. This is where you can have a lot of fun so do it man. I'd pass on the PSB and Emerald's but like the Salk and Thiel idea.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • tommyt21
    tommyt21 Posts: 685
    edited August 2012
    Id be real curious abou your thoughts on the Thiels the medical director where I work has some Thiels not sure the model but he absolutley adores them..
    Living Room
    Fronts: RTi A7's
    Center: Csi A6 VR3 "Fortress Plus"
    Front Heights: Rti A1
    Surrounds: Rti A3
    Sub: HSU VTF-2 MK4 Damn this is a good SUB
    Pioneer Pioneer Elite: SC-35-> Emotiva XPA-3
    TV: Lg LW6500 55" Passive 3D
    Blu-Ray Panasonic BD 210
    XboX 360 Slim/Kinect

    Acoustimac red suede panels
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,766
    edited August 2012
    Get the Mirage M-3si, they are in your back yard. I believe they were Stereophile Class B back in the day. Talk him down a bit and you won't loose a dime when you sell them.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    billbillw wrote: »
    It might be lower on the budget from what you were planning, but I'd highly recommend you check these out. I think you might be surprised how well these sound.
    http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/ele/3200331558.html

    They need a fairly big room, but with proper placement, they are quite impressive. They were well reviewed in the 90's and still hold up well. I had the earlier non-SI version a few years back.

    Nice, man! I've owned a pair of M-7si's and M-5si's. I always thought the M3's would be the sweetest, maybe even better than the M1's.

    The MCsi he's selling with them is a very good center. This would be a sweet setup for somebody, but I've already got my MXsi fill.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Hold off on your Magnepan and try some other things. I'm the same way and my eventual last speaker will be Magnepan 3.7. This is where you can have a lot of fun so do it man. I'd pass on the PSB and Emerald's but like the Salk and Thiel idea.

    I could totally see the 3.7 being a last speaker for me too. It'll be few years until they start dropping in price on the used market though. I said my budget is 2-4, but I'd really like to keep it around 3.

    I'm not in a huge rush (partially because the 1.6's sound so damn good.. great bang for your buck right there!), so I'll just keep my eyes open over the next few weeks/months and see what pops up.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,766
    edited August 2012
    Ok, Didn't know you've already been there/done that. Good luck with your hunt.


    falconcry72 wrote: »
    Nice, man! I've owned a pair of M-7si's and M-5si's. I always thought the M3's would be the sweetest, maybe even better than the M1's.

    The MCsi he's selling with them is a very good center. This would be a sweet setup for somebody, but I've already got my MXsi fill.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited August 2012
    falconcry72 wrote: »
    I could totally see the 3.7 being a last speaker for me too. It'll be few years until they start dropping in price on the used market though. I said my budget is 2-4, but I'd really like to keep it around 3.

    I'm not in a huge rush (partially because the 1.6's sound so damn good.. great bang for your buck right there!), so I'll just keep my eyes open over the next few weeks/months and see what pops up.
    You could pick up a set of 3.3R, 3.5R or catch a pair of 3.6 and be just as happy. I paid 1500 for my 3.5R years ago when I found them used on Audiogon. I wouldn't go back to the 1.6 series since the used price on the larger models is worth waiting for the right deal.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,561
    edited August 2012
    If you can any used, Joseph Audio.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • doctor r
    doctor r Posts: 837
    edited August 2012
    Second the Joseph Audio. Heard them at the Axpona show and was impressed. Also look at the Audio Physic line. This is my present speaker and they image amazing well and just disappear. Pair do the AP Tempo 25 year anniversary models on the Gon right now almost in your price range.
    integrated w/DAC module Gryphon Diablo 300
    server Wolf Alpha 3SX
    phono pre Dynamic Sounds Associates Phono II
    turntable/tonearms Origin Live Sovereign Mk3 dual arm, Origin Live Enterprise Mk4, Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c
    cartridges Miyajima Madake, Ortofon Windfeld Ti, Ortofon
    speakers Rockport Mira II
    cables Synergistic Research Cables, Gryphon VPI XLR, Sablon 2020 USB
    rack Adona Eris 6dw
    ultrasonic cleaner Degritter
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited August 2012
    What used from Joseph Audio will fit into the 2-4 range guys?
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited August 2012
    There is a set of MG20's on the 'gon right now for 3400.00. Not a bad place to hang the hat for a while. :cool:
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited August 2012
    12 years old....only if you can demo them in person. This is one speaker that you just can't shoot from the hip and wing an online sale. They've been there for 24 days and I'd bet they have an issue but that's just an observation from buying a few dozen of these over the years.

    That being said....it could be an absolute GEM since I've seen some of those slip by in that same time period, lol. You can't win them all.

    Mark
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited August 2012
    Agreed Mark... When I got mine, I knew going in that I was taking a risk, but having the skills to face the challenges minimized that risk. I had a major amount of delamination in the right channel, but was able to fix it for 35 bucks and about 15 hours of my time. I picked them up for less than a pair of 1.6's current going rate to boot.:loneranger:
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited August 2012
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    Agreed Mark... When I got mine, I knew going in that I was taking a risk, but having the skills to face the challenges minimized that risk. I had a major amount of delamination in the right channel, but was able to fix it for 35 bucks and about 15 hours of my time. I picked them up for less than a pair of 1.6's current going rate to boot.:loneranger:

    Yeah, I remember you doing the work on all that. Great job BTW. It's something folks should take into account is all I meant. I'm like you, as I'd go with my gut since I can repair them in the same way but that isn't a task for someone who isn't expecting it, you know what I mean? Any kind of planar or electrostatic speaker should be handled in the same way....get a demo if at all possible.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited August 2012
    How about some Sonus Faber?

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/sonus-faber-liuto-gorgeous-north-american-cherry-fins

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/sonus-faber-liuto-cherry-wood-floor-standing-loudspeak--2

    Focal?

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/focal-826-w-30th-anniversary-limited-edition

    Martin Logan?

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/martin-logan-martinlogan-vantage-ugraded-bonus-option (I tend to not like the lower models for the bass response however depends on your listening)
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  • Vandam
    Vandam Posts: 22
    edited August 2012
    Even after taking this review with a grain of salt...these have peaked my interest to try and get a listen to them somehow.

    Tekton Pendragon
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    Vandam wrote: »
    Even after taking this review with a grain of salt...these have peaked my interest to try and get a listen to them somehow.

    Tekton Pendragon

    lol, that review is pretty superlative!!!

    I'm interested.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • kidglove13
    kidglove13 Posts: 207
    edited August 2012
    My brother in law has a set of Joseph Audio's, cant remember which ones

    But I listened to them when I was in Atlanta this past April

    Did like a 12 hour music session in his listening room.

    They are some pretty delicious speakers I must say
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    hmm...

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-wilson-witt-series-ii-great-sound-build-value-2012-08-19-speakers-07936-east-hanover-nj
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited August 2012
    Vandam wrote: »
    Even after taking this review with a grain of salt...these have peaked my interest to try and get a listen to them somehow.

    Tekton Pendragon

    I saw these in the newsletter. My interest is piqued as well.
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited August 2012
    falcon, there is a guy by me selling a pair of EP CS2.7s for under $4k which is a crazy good deal. They're amazing speakers, and improve upon the 2.3s.

    I would get them if I didn't value my life, and also I am on full court press building up a downpayment for a hew house.
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    newrival wrote: »
    falcon, there is a guy by me selling a pair of EP CS2.7s for under $4k which is a crazy good deal. They're amazing speakers, and improve upon the 2.3s.

    I would get them if I didn't value my life, and also I am on full court press building up a downpayment for a hew house.

    Where are they listed? I vaguely remember seeing a pair on agon in the last month..

    My biggest problem with the EP's is that I'd have to run a second amp.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • nwohlford
    nwohlford Posts: 700
    edited August 2012
    I was curious about these Legacy Audio Focus 20/20s.
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&item=140825812987&nma=true&rt=nc&si=5aACSrDW5lt4pr8UW%252Ft5q0PHMXY%253D&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

    It looks like they did not sell for $2500.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,965
    edited August 2012
    nwohlford wrote: »
    I was curious about these Legacy Audio Focus 20/20s.
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&item=140825812987&nma=true&rt=nc&si=5aACSrDW5lt4pr8UW%252Ft5q0PHMXY%253D&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

    It looks like they did not sell for $2500.

    Black is not their best color. Mine are the ribbon mahogany, or I think thats what it's called. Look more rosewood to me though. Was a 500 buck option back then too. For 2500 it would be darn hard to surpass the amount of speaker you'll be getting though.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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