Best Speaker for 100k

[KeithR]

So we talked "bang for the buck" in the other THE Show thread, but now let's go back to "what's best" in speakers at this kind of upper echelon/100k-ish level. The first speaker that I recall to get close to six figures was the Wilson Grand Slamm in the 90s, but now it seems like most manufacturers have a 100k SOTA piece. So what's your dream (or reality) speaker?

An audiophile friend at Newport asked me this question over the weekend and I still haven't figured out an answer! - although several brands at Newport showed speakers in this price range that sounded good to me.


KeithR

 

[Steve Williams]

Its a bit over the $100K mark but i loved the sound of the Alexx in Luke and Bea Manley's VTL/Wilson room

 

[bonzo75]

Apogee Grands. Also best speaker over 100k, Apogee Grands

 

[LL21]

2nd hand: XLF if you believe the Audiogon one on sale!

Retail: Rockport Altair

 

[LL21]

BTW, i have a soft spot for the big Wilson Grand Slamms and fortunately, did not have to pay anywhere near even a fraction of 100K to get a pair...

 

[Audio_Karma]

Spatial Audio M3 Open Baffle Speakers!

 

[rbbert]

Spatial Audio M3 Open Baffle Speakers!

Aren't the Luminas (Statements) better, and still reasonably priced?

 

[Audio_Karma]

Aren't the Luminas (Statements) better, and still reasonably priced?

Yes the Luminas are better if your looking for one of the best Over 100K...or at any price!:b

 

[Smokin' Joe]

I find it very hard to fault TAD Reference One speakers in this price range, l am biased though.

 

[JackD201]

VR-9 Mk2

 

[trh8654]

YG Acoustics Sonya 1.3
Wilson Alexx
Marten Coltrane 2 (have not heard the newer 3 model)

In the 100K price range these are my "Best"

 

[rblnr]

Scaena 'Ultimate Mistress' in standard finishes! FWIW, won best of show from a TAS writer (and others) a few months ago in Chicago.

 

[Ron Resnick]

I second Steve's Alexx suggestion and Jack's VSA VR-9SE Mk. II suggestion and I would also add the Rockport Altair II.

 

[microstrip]

It will all depend on user preferences, room and money he wants to spend on electronics and source.

For my musical preferences I would not pick any of the speakers referred until now over my Soundlabs A1 PX - around 40k. But I do not claim it is the best speaker under 100k.

 

[Steve Williams]

It will all depend on user preferences, room and money he wants to spend on electronics and source.

For my musical preferences I would not pick any of the speakers referred until now over my Soundlabs A1 PX - around 40k. But I do not claim it is the best speaker under 100k.

Francisco, have you heard the Alexx

 

[microstrip]

Francisco, have you heard the Alexx

Only very briefly, playing with D'Agostino's.

 

[Steve Williams]

I heard it using VTL Siegfried ll and it was wonderful

 

[rbbert]

I heard it using VTL Siegfried ll and it was wonderful

You know, it's somewhat interesting that I have never been as impressed by Wilson demos with VTL (apparently David and Peter's preferred amplification) as I have hearing Wilson's driven by other high-quality electronics (Lamm, Doshi, D'Agostno, etc)

 

[rbbert]

I think all of us who have owned electrostatic speakers will understand microstrip's post above. I do think that getting reference quality sound from e-stats requires more effort in finding an appropriate room, room setup and associated amplification than for the dynamic speakers mentioned. JMO.

 

[KeithR]

of the speakers I heard at Newport, the Rockport Altairs would be very interesting- I've only heard the Atria and Avior.

I also noticed I tend to gravitate to efficient speakers, so the big AGs would be in play. I enjoyed a taste of the Acapella sound at the show, but not sure about a horn with only 91db sensitivity. The Cessaros I find hideous looking, sorry.