Efficient used speakers under $5k

I finally sold my Tekton DI's and am now in the market for new speakers. The Tektons were "fine" I guess, they lacked any sophistication or elegance for sure.

I'm going to Upscale Audio next week to listen to Cornwall IV and various Tannoy's (Cheviot, Stirling, Eaton) but wanted to get any feedback on anything in the used area for that money I should look into. Power is from a Line Magnetic 805i integrated BUT I do have a Digital Audio Company Class D power amp that I have been trying to sell but I could end up keeping if I fall in love with a speaker that needs the power.

I do like a bit of a warmer sound, nice lush midrange with airy vocals. Soundstage is a big one for me too. It's been YEARS since I've listened to speakers at a dealer, so I'm looking forward to it.

 

They have a lot of high-end speakers and I would include Focal Aria 948 (92,5db sensitive), Monitor Audio Silver 500 (90.5dB sensitive), Revel F226BE (90dB sensitive) and Splendor D7.2 (90dB sensitive). These are in your price range and the Line Magnetic 805i should have enough power at 48 watts per channel.

 

Nice! Might as well while I'm there. Have always liked Monitor Audio too and have never heard Revel, Focal or Splendor speakers.

 

As the happy owner of a LM805ia as well I'd suggest that you focus perhaps more on a speaker with high nominal impedance (certainly at least 8 ohms minimum) over high sensitivity. While high sensitivity is helpful, I think the real magic is synergy with a high impedance speaker. The LM805ia at 48W has a good amount of juice. Used Altecs would be interesting. All O/Series Devore speakers are perfect matches but likely a little out of your price range (I saw some O/93's listed today for $6,800).

 

I am envious of the ability to hear so many Speakers in one helping. Anyway to take your Amp along to power all or some of these examples? My guess would be no, but it wouldn't hurt to inquire beforehand.

 

Yeah, I haven't done this in probably 20 years. Last few speaker purchases have been done without hearing them before.......lots and lots of research only. Can't take my amp, I'm on a business trip and planned a layover near their shop in Ontario and the 100lb LM doesn't travel well

They said some Prima Luna amps could work for testing but not the same as the LM.

 

Didn't realize the LM was such a heavy weight nuff said Enjoy your auditions

 

So many abbreviations on this site. What is an LM?

 

Agree, the Prima Luna's will sound nothing like the LM. I just looked at the amps they carry and I'd be certain to listen to the speakers through one of the very limited number of SET amps they carry. Although it's sold out, see if they still have a demo model of the Unison Research S2K. I'd also listen through the Feliks 300B. I suspect the LM805 will sound like something right between these two amps.

 

LM = Line Magnetic

 

Appreciate it, I think the salesman said something about the Feliks 300B as a good option to listen to.

 

Let us know your purchase and impressions of speakers.

 

Your going to have fun over there. That bunch at Upscale is great & have delt with them a lot.

 

That's a cool place. Be sure to see the tube storage/repair area. As for efficient speakers that begs the question "how efficient"? There's stuff like yes Focal (we really like our 936) and the Monitor Audio. I spent some hours with the Silver 300 there, really great; I'd nominate
Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G loudspeaker

But truly high sensitivity, that means big horns and large woofers pretty much. It's just physics and the physical limitations of driver design. Not much commercial stuff that I'm aware of besides like Cornwall, JBLs above your budget (even used??), DIY, and then super expensive stuff like Avantgarde.

 

I upgraded to a pair of Totem Signature 1 Bookshelves and use my trusty Velodyne 10inch sub when needed. IMO these speakers have a massive sound stage - excellent bass (even without the sub) and a extended high end that is not harsh but has a lot of sparkle. Prior to that I had a set of Epos Elan 15's which (for the money) was an excellent speaker. Speakers are so important and go by your individual taste but its always good to hear from those who own them.

 

Those Focal, while seeming to be high efficiency have a real nasty impedance dip. Better be careful with matching low powered amps.

 

DeVore Fidelity Gibbon 88 Speakers

 

I love the Tannoy Eaton - with Tannoy it will come down to how you like the treble - I like its openness and speed. It's an engaging sound.

 

have never heard any of the Tannoy but have been told I should like their signature sound. We will see!

 

Vaughn Cabernett II sounds nice driven by LM 508 with two active 10 inch woofers, ceramic midrange, ribbon tweeter (93db/w).

If you are interested, I can give you good deal.

Please PM me.

 

Another video of Vaughn driven by LM 508.

 

There a lot of speakers that have good sensitivity on paper but they dont translate into the real world dividends because of their wild impedance swings...this is something to keep in mind which requires more research...

 

You seem to be in a good place with amps....you are in a position where you can let the speakers choose the amp To keep...i love efficient speakers but over the years i've learned in the end you want a speaker that is versatile with multiple amp choices and their are high efficiency speakers that can do it all. The Tannoys and Spendors would be high on my list, you might want to take a look at the KLH Model 5 i think he carries them as well i wouldn't really call them high efficient tho...he doesent carry these but check out the Fyne Audio 500 series they special editions versions to....and Golden Ears with their powered bass section and sweet AMT tweeters...

 

Good point but 48 watts RMS per channel would play loud on 90dB sensitive 8 ohms speakers that may dip below 4 ohms at a bass frequency. However, I would avoid an 8 ohm speaker that dips below 4 ohms as it is easier to drive power wise. The poster can look up the speaker impedance at various frequencies or Upscale Audio can provide the info.

 

The Focal will dip down to 2 ohms