Reference Speakers to Audition

[KeithR]

Gentlemen-

I currently have Zu Definition 2s---which to me easily compete with speakers in the 20-30k range. They are completely awesome for the money. While amplifiers are a bit fussy with them (I have tried 5 now), they are a lot of fun!

That all said, if I decide to upgrade to a true reference grade transducer in the next year or two, what options do you recommend? Clearly the Wilson Maxx3 and Magico Q3 are where I would start, but what others? I have heard the Maxx3 a year ago and found it very, very good. I should point out that I will not purchase an 80db sensitivity speaker that requires an arc welder to drive---therefore, no MBLs (which I don't care for anyways) etc.

Anyways, appreciate the feedback in advance. My amplification will be McIntosh 601s when released after CES. Preamp yet to be decided.

Cheers,

KeithR

[JackD201]

Hi Keith, could you share some more details on your system, room and targets? There are so many choices that it would be a big help in narrowing down what to recommend.

All I can gather for now is that if you like Zus, you like speakers with good "jump factor".

[Bruce B]

A short list would be:

Evolution Acoustics MM3
Magico Q5
Wilson Maxx3
Focal Maestro Utopia
Avalon Isis

[Jeff Fritz]

That all said, if I decide to upgrade to a true reference grade transducer in the next year or two, what options do you recommend?

I just answered this very question: http://www.ultraaudio.com/index.php?...ters&Itemid=47

I'd be happy to elaborate or answer any questions.

I also should state that these choices are what would fit my requirements, namely a neutral, transparent loudspeaker that is super high fidelity. Those requirements might not be yours.

[flez007]

I liked what I heard on the Vivid and YG line at CES last year, also the Sonus Faber Fenice worths the time to consider.

[FrantzM]

Hi

Evolution Acoustics MM3
Rockport Altair
Rocport Aquila
Von Schweikert VR5 and VR9
Revel Salon (The top fo the Line )
Geddes Summa (Very different philosophy, I must say but the chorus of ultra satisfied owners has me interested)

And indeed I don't care either for the MBL 101 sound or its ways of portraying music ...

[KeithR]

Hi Keith, could you share some more details on your system, room and targets? There are so many choices that it would be a big help in narrowing down what to recommend.

All I can gather for now is that if you like Zus, you like speakers with good "jump factor".

Yes, I do like some jump factor Jack and like to rock out a lot---even at semi-high volumes from time to time. Coherency is usually the most important thing.

My room is 25' and pretty squarish, but I did a Rives L1 so not completely bad as it sounds. I don't think planars or stats would work as my speakers are 3-4' max from the front walls. Here are some pictures I took last week when I was auditioning Dehavilland SET monoblocks.

KeithR

[Gregadd]

Since you said reference and not "cost no object" let me make some different suggestions.

The smaller TAD speaker.
The Sanders hybrid electrstatic
Focal JM Labs latest offering for about $12.5k. Not yet available in the US. Sometime in December.
They all get out of the way of the music.

[JackD201]

Great looking room Keith. It looks familiar. Did you post it somewhere with Dynaudios in it?

Do you see yourself owning horns?

[KeithR]

I just answered this very question: http://www.ultraaudio.com/index.php?...ters&Itemid=47

I'd be happy to elaborate or answer any questions.

I also should state that these choices are what would fit my requirements, namely a neutral, transparent loudspeaker that is super high fidelity. Those requirements might not be yours.

The TAD Reference One clearly should be on the list. Thanks Jeff.

Rockports may be too overwhelming looking in my multi-use room, not sure.