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SNA Speakers Audition Short List


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Ok, I have combined the list with Grant's contributions. Please check I've represented everyone's suggestions correctly. I had some confusion with regards to VAF models and pricing; maybe someone could refine that.

 

Where a manufacturer has more than one speaker in each range, I combined them into a single entry. The rationale is that same brand speakers are likely to have the same house sound; and in terms of auditioning they are likely stocked by the same shop. Someone with a sharp eye may noticed I cheated a little. Elac made an appearance as a subwoofer. 

 

Price Range: $100 to $1000
1. Q Acoustics Concept 20 $699
2. Dynaudio Emit M10 $999
3. Audioengine HD6 active stand-mount $960 incl power amps
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 2 $699
5. Krix Equinox Mk4 stand-mount $900
6. Pioneer SP-FS52 $700
7. JBL LSR305P Mk2 stand-mount $400 incl power amps
 
Price Range: $1000 to $2000
1. VAF i90 $1,998
2. Dynaudio Emit M20 (Stand mount) $1250; Emit M30 (Floor standing) $1990
3. Krix Phoenix Mk2 $2,000
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 6. (Floor Standing) $1700
5. Kef LS50 passive stand-mount $1500-$2000; LSX active $1890 incl power amps
6. JBL Stage A170 $1,700 
7. Klitschko RP 160m $1399
 
Price Range: $2000 to $5000
1. Lenehan Audio ML-1 $2,800 in 2014
2. Kef LS50 Wireless $3,495
3. Paradigm Prestige 75F $3,999
4. B&W 603 $2,699; 703 $4600
5. Magnepan MG1.7i - $3,790.00 with Elac Debut S12EQ $1,300 (cannot recommend the 1.7 without a subwoofer)
6. Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S $4290
7. Focal Aria 926 $4500
8. Krix Harmonix Mk2 $3,000 
9. Golden Ear Triton 7 $3000
10. Proac D2 $4950
 
Price Range: $5000 to $10000
1. PMC Twenty5.23 $6,490
2. Dynaudio Focus 20 XD stand-mount $7,999 incl power amps; Contour 20 $ $8000
3. B&W 805d3 $7900
4. Krix Neuphonix Mk2 $5,300
5. ATC SCM19 AT $8099
6. VAF I66 $8500; VAF Signature i66 Mk2 $8,000
7. Magnepan MG3.7IR - $9999; 
8. Audio Physic Classic 30 $8000
9. Harbeth 30.2
10. Krix Esoterix Altum $6995
11. Revel F208 $9,400
 
Price Range: $10000 to $20000
1. Dynaudio Confidence C1 Platinum $11,999; Focus 60 XD $15,499 incl power amps
2. Revel Performa F228Be $19,000
3. Martin Logan ESL 11A $16,999
4. Yamaha NS5000 stand-mount $19999
5. VAF I93 $12500; Signature i93 Mk3 $13,500
6. Legacy Audio Focus SE - $18000
7. Magnepan MG20.7R - $19,999.00
8. Duntech DSM- 15 - $12000
9. Dutch & Dutch 8c $16999
10. Spendor D9 $15999
11. JBL 708P stand-mount $10,600 incl power amps

 
Price Range: $20000 to $30000
1. Focal Sopra 2 $22,300
2. SGR CX3B Mk II active stand-mount speakers $22,000; CX4F-2 (if you can afford a bit more, or negotiate a discount, or discover a used pair)
3. Kii THREE stand-mount $22,700 incl power amps
4. Meridian DSP5200 $25,000 incl power amps
5. Quad ESL 2912 $21,500 plus Rythmik subwoofer of choice $2,000-$5,000
6. Duntech Senator- $20000
7. Harbeth 40.2 – stand-mount 22k AUD
 
Price Range: Beyond $30000
1. Proac K8 $64,999
2. Avantgarde Uno XD $Unpublished
3. Wilson Benesch Discovery II stand-mount $32,500
4. Vivid Audio Giya G4 $Unpublished (guess $38,000 since the larger G3 is $45,000)
5. Voxativ 9.87 (fieldcoil/tube PSU) 69K USD
6. Dynaudio C4 Platinum $32000
7. Kef Blade $49k
8. Revel Salon2 $41,000
9. Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2 USD 64,000 (guess $120,000)
 

 

 

 

Edited by LHC
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Price Range: $100 to $1000
1. Q Acoustics Concept 20 $699
2. Dynaudio Emit M10 $999
3. Audioengine HD6 active stand-mount $960 incl power amps
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 2 $699
5. Krix Equinox Mk4 stand-mount $900
6. Pioneer SP-FS52 $700
7. JBL LSR305P Mk2 stand-mount $400 incl power amps
 
Price Range: $1000 to $2000
1. VAF i90 $1,998
2. Dynaudio Emit M20 (Stand mount) $1250; Emit M30 (Floor standing) $1990
3. Krix Phoenix Mk2 $2,000
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 6. (Floor Standing) $1700
5. Kef LS50 passive stand-mount $1500-$2000; LSX active $1890 incl power amps
6. JBL Stage A170 $1,700 
7. Klitschko RP 160m $1399
 
Price Range: $2000 to $5000
1. Lenehan Audio ML-1 $2,800 in 2014
2. Kef LS50 Wireless $3,495
3. Paradigm Prestige 75F $3,999
4. B&W 603 $2,699; 703 $4600
5. Magnepan MG1.7i - $3,790.00 with Elac Debut S12EQ $1,300 (cannot recommend the 1.7 without a subwoofer)
6. Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S $4290
7. Focal Aria 926 $4500
8. Krix Harmonix Mk2 $3,000 
9. Golden Ear Triton 7 $3000
10. Proac D2 $4950
 
Price Range: $5000 to $10000
1. PMC Twenty5.23 $6,490
2. Dynaudio Focus 20 XD stand-mount $7,999 incl power amps; Contour 20 $ $8000
3. B&W 805d3 $7900
4. Krix Neuphonix Mk2 $5,300
5. ATC SCM19 AT $8099
6. VAF I66 $8500; VAF Signature i66 Mk2 $8,000
7. Magnepan MG3.7IR - $9999; 
8. Audio Physic Classic 30 $8000
9. Harbeth 30.2
10. Krix Esoterix Altum $6995
11. Revel F208 $9,400

12. Devialet Phantom Gold pair $10,000
 
Price Range: $10000 to $20000
1. Dynaudio Confidence C1 Platinum $11,999; Focus 60 XD $15,499 incl power amps
2. Revel Performa F228Be $19,000
3. Martin Logan ESL 11A $16,999
4. Yamaha NS5000 stand-mount $19999
5. VAF I93 $12500; Signature i93 Mk3 $13,500
6. Legacy Audio Focus SE - $18000
7. Magnepan MG20.7R - $19,999.00
8. Duntech DSM- 15 - $12000
9. Dutch & Dutch 8c $16999
10. Spendor D9 $15999
11. JBL 708P stand-mount $10,600 incl power amps

 
Price Range: $20000 to $30000
1. Focal Sopra 2 $22,300
2. SGR CX3B Mk II active stand-mount speakers $22,000; CX4F-2 (if you can afford a bit more, or negotiate a discount, or discover a used pair)
3. Kii THREE stand-mount $22,700 incl power amps
4. Meridian DSP5200 $25,000 incl power amps
5. Quad ESL 2912 $21,500 plus Rythmik subwoofer of choice $2,000-$5,000
6. Duntech Senator- $20000
7. Harbeth 40.2 – stand-mount 22k AUD
 
Price Range: Beyond $30000
1. Proac K8 $64,999
2. Avantgarde Uno XD $Unpublished
3. Wilson Benesch Discovery II stand-mount $32,500
4. Vivid Audio Giya G4 $Unpublished (guess $38,000 since the larger G3 is $45,000)
5. Voxativ 9.87 (fieldcoil/tube PSU) 69K USD
6. Dynaudio C4 Platinum $32000
7. Kef Blade $49k
8. Revel Salon2 $41,000
9. Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2 USD 64,000 (guess $120,000)

10. SGR CX4F Mk  II active speakers $33,000

 

@LHC  I made changes to your list in bold so that you know what I have changed.  To be consistent, am suggesting that only new list pricing, no used pricing, no discounts.  Hence, SGR CX4F Mk II now moved to to the Beyond $30K section ( @GregWormaldcheekily added to $20-30K section).  I added the original SGR CX3B Mk II entry.

Since there are already all-in-ones in the list, I have now added Devialet Phantom Golds.

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Price Range: $100 to $1000
1. Q Acoustics Concept 20 $699
2. Dynaudio Emit M10 $999
3. Audioengine HD6 active stand-mount $960 incl power amps
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 2 $699
5. Krix Equinox Mk4 stand-mount $900
6. Pioneer SP-FS52 $700
7. JBL LSR305P Mk2 stand-mount $400 incl power amps
 
Price Range: $1000 to $2000
1. VAF i90 $1,998
2. Dynaudio Emit M20 (Stand mount) $1250; Emit M30 (Floor standing) $1990
3. Krix Phoenix Mk2 $2,000
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 6. (Floor Standing) $1700
5. Kef LS50 passive stand-mount $1500-$2000; LSX active $1890 incl power amps
6. JBL Stage A170 $1,700 
7. Klitschko RP 160m $1399
 
Price Range: $2000 to $5000
1. Lenehan Audio ML-1 $2,800 in 2014
2. Kef LS50 Wireless $3,495
3. Paradigm Prestige 75F $3,999
4. B&W 603 $2,699; 703 $4600
5. Magnepan MG1.7i - $3,790.00 with Elac Debut S12EQ $1,300 (cannot recommend the 1.7 without a subwoofer)
6. Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S $4290
7. Focal Aria 926 $4500
8. Krix Harmonix Mk2 $3,000 
9. Golden Ear Triton 7 $3000
10. Proac D2 $4950
 
Price Range: $5000 to $10000
1. PMC Twenty5.23 $6,490
2. Dynaudio Focus 20 XD stand-mount $7,999 incl power amps; Contour 20 $ $8000
3. B&W 805d3 $7900
4. Krix Neuphonix Mk2 $5,300
5. ATC SCM19 AT $8099
6. VAF I66 $8500; VAF Signature i66 Mk2 $8,000
7. Magnepan MG3.7IR - $9999; 
8. Audio Physic Classic 30 $8000
9. Harbeth 30.2
10. Krix Esoterix Altum $6995
11. Revel F208 $9,400

12. Devialet Phantom Gold pair $10,000
 
Price Range: $10000 to $20000
1. Dynaudio Confidence C1 Platinum $11,999; Focus 60 XD $15,499 incl power amps
2. Revel Performa F228Be $19,000
3. Martin Logan ESL 11A $16,999
4. Yamaha NS5000 stand-mount $19999
5. VAF I93 $12500; Signature i93 Mk3 $13,500
6. Legacy Audio Focus SE - $18000
7. Magnepan MG20.7R - $19,999.00
8. Duntech DSM- 15 - $12000
9. Dutch & Dutch 8c $16999
10. Spendor D9 $15999
11. JBL 708P stand-mount $10,600 incl power amps

 
Price Range: $20000 to $30000
1. Focal Sopra 2 $22,300
2. SGR CX3B Mk II active stand-mount speakers $22,000;
3. Kii THREE stand-mount $22,700 incl power amps
4. Meridian DSP5200 $25,000 incl power amps
5. Quad ESL 2912 $21,500 plus Rythmik subwoofer of choice $2,000-$5,000
6. Duntech Senator- $20000
7. Harbeth 40.2 – stand-mount 22k AUD
 
Price Range: Beyond $30000
1. Proac K8 $64,999
2. Avantgarde Uno XD $Unpublished
3. Wilson Benesch Discovery II stand-mount $32,500
4. Vivid Audio Giya G4 $Unpublished (guess $38,000 since the larger G3 is $45,000)

5. Vivid Audio Giya G2 $60,000
6. Voxativ 9.87 (fieldcoil/tube PSU) 69K USD
7. Dynaudio C4 Platinum $32000
8. Kef Blade $49k
9. Revel Salon2 $41,000
10. Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2 USD 64,000 (guess $120,000)

11. SGR CX4F Mk  II active speakers $33,000

 

@LHC  I made changes to your list in bold so that you know what I have changed. 

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On 15/07/2019 at 10:05 PM, Jesper64 said:

Great initiative @LHC.  Definitely gives a starting point for someone like me.  ?

Thank you. Yes it is a good starting point, but not the end point. I trust you will enjoy the journey getting to your end point. :)

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Price Range: $100 to $1000
1. Q Acoustics Concept 20 $699
2. Dynaudio Emit M10 $999
3. Audioengine HD6 active stand-mount $960 incl power amps
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 2 $699
5. Krix Equinox Mk4 stand-mount $900
6. Pioneer SP-FS52 $700
7. JBL LSR305P Mk2 stand-mount $400 incl power amps
 
Price Range: $1000 to $2000
1. VAF i90 $1,998
2. Dynaudio Emit M20 (Stand mount) $1250; Emit M30 (Floor standing) $1990
3. Krix Phoenix Mk2 $2,000
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 6. (Floor Standing) $1700
5. Kef LS50 passive stand-mount $1500-$2000; LSX active $1890 incl power amps
6. JBL Stage A170 $1,700 
7. Klitschko RP 160m $1399
 
Price Range: $2000 to $5000
1. Lenehan Audio ML-1 $2,800 in 2014
2. Kef LS50 Wireless $3,495
3. Paradigm Prestige 75F $3,999
4. B&W 603 $2,699; 703 $4600
5. Magnepan MG1.7i - $3,790.00 with Elac Debut S12EQ $1,300 (cannot recommend the 1.7 without a subwoofer)
6. Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S $4290
7. Focal Aria 926 $4500
8. Krix Harmonix Mk2 $3,000 
9. Golden Ear Triton 7 $3000
10. Proac D2 $4950

 


Price Range: $5000 to $10000
1. PMC Twenty5.23 $6,490
2. Dynaudio Focus 20 XD stand-mount $7,999 incl power amps; Contour 20 $ $8000
3. B&W 805d3 $7900
4. Krix Neuphonix Mk2 $5,300
5. ATC SCM19 AT $8099
6. VAF I66 $8500; VAF Signature i66 Mk2 $8,000
7. Magnepan MG3.7IR - $9999; 
8. Audio Physic Classic 30 $8000
9. Harbeth 30.2
10. Krix Esoterix Altum $6995
11. Revel F208 $9,400

12. Devialet Phantom Gold pair $10,000
 
Price Range: $10000 to $20000
1. Dynaudio Confidence C1 Platinum $11,999; Focus 60 XD $15,499 incl power amps
2. Revel Performa F228Be $19,000
3. Martin Logan ESL 11A $16,999
4. Yamaha NS5000 stand-mount $19999
5. VAF I93 $12500; Signature i93 Mk3 $13,500
6. Legacy Audio Focus SE - $18000
7. Magnepan MG20.7R - $19,999.00
8. Duntech DSM- 15 - $12000
9. Dutch & Dutch 8c $16999
10. Spendor D9 $15999
11. JBL 708P stand-mount $10,600 incl power amps

 
Price Range: $20000 to $30000
1. Focal Sopra 2 $22,300
2. SGR CX3B Mk II active stand-mount speakers $22,000;
3. Kii THREE stand-mount $22,700 incl power amps
4. Meridian DSP5200 $25,000 incl power amps
5. Quad ESL 2912 $21,500 plus Rythmik subwoofer of choice $2,000-$5,000
6. Duntech Senator- $20000
7. Harbeth 40.2 – stand-mount 22k AUD
 
Price Range: Beyond $30000
1. Proac K8 $64,999
2. Avantgarde Uno XD $Unpublished
3. Wilson Benesch Discovery II stand-mount $32,500
4. Vivid Audio Giya G4 $Unpublished (guess $38,000 since the larger G3 is $45,000)

5. Vivid Audio Giya G2 $60,000
6. Voxativ 9.87 (fieldcoil/tube PSU) 69K USD
7. Dynaudio C4 Platinum $32000
8. Kef Blade $49k
9. Revel Salon2 $41,000
10. Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2 USD 64,000 (guess $120,000)

11. SGR CX4F Mk  II active speakers $33,000

12. B&W 802 D3 $31,900; 800 D3 $41,900

 

Included the latest suggestion for B&W

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Price Range: $100 to $1000
1. Q Acoustics Concept 20 $699
2. Dynaudio Emit M10 $999
3. Audioengine HD6 active stand-mount $960 incl power amps
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 2 $699
5. Krix Equinox Mk4 stand-mount $900
6. Pioneer SP-FS52 $700
7. JBL LSR305P Mk2 stand-mount $400 incl power amps
 
Price Range: $1000 to $2000
1. VAF i90 $1,998
2. Dynaudio Emit M20 (Stand mount) $1250; Emit M30 (Floor standing) $1990
3. Krix Phoenix Mk2 $2,000
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 6. (Floor Standing) $1700
5. Kef LS50 passive stand-mount $1500-$2000; LSX active $1890 incl power amps
6. JBL Stage A170 $1,700 
7. Klitschko RP 160m $1399
 
Price Range: $2000 to $5000
1. Lenehan Audio ML-1 $2,800 in 2014
2. Kef LS50 Wireless $3,495
3. Paradigm Prestige 75F $3,999
4. B&W 603 $2,699; 703 $4600
5. Magnepan MG1.7i - $3,790.00 with Elac Debut S12EQ $1,300 (cannot recommend the 1.7 without a subwoofer)
6. Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S $4290
7. Focal Aria 926 $4500
8. Krix Harmonix Mk2 $3,000 
9. Golden Ear Triton 7 $3000
10. Proac D2 $4950

11. Dynaudio Special 40 $4,690

12. ATC SCM 19 $3,999

 


Price Range: $5000 to $10000
1. PMC Twenty5.23 $6,490
2. Dynaudio Focus 20 XD stand-mount $7,999 incl power amps; Contour 20 $ $8000
3. B&W 805d3 $7900
4. Krix Neuphonix Mk2 $5,300
5. ATC SCM19 AT $8099
6. VAF I66 $8500; VAF Signature i66 Mk2 $8,000
7. Magnepan MG3.7IR - $9999; 
8. Audio Physic Classic 30 $8000
9. Harbeth 30.2
10. Krix Esoterix Altum $6995
11. Revel F208 $9,400

12. Devialet Phantom Gold pair $10,000

13. PMC Twenty5 24 $8,990

14. ATC SCM 40 $8,799
 
Price Range: $10000 to $20000
1. Dynaudio Confidence C1 Platinum $11,999; Focus 60 XD $15,499 incl power amps
2. Revel Performa F228Be $19,000
3. Martin Logan ESL 11A $16,999
4. Yamaha NS5000 stand-mount $19999
5. VAF I93 $12500; Signature i93 Mk3 $13,500
6. Legacy Audio Focus SE - $18000
7. Magnepan MG20.7R - $19,999.00
8. Duntech DSM- 15 - $12000
9. Dutch & Dutch 8c $16999
10. Spendor D9 $15999
11. JBL 708P stand-mount $10,600 incl power amps

 
Price Range: $20000 to $30000
1. Focal Sopra 2 $22,300
2. SGR CX3B Mk II active stand-mount speakers $22,000;
3. Kii THREE stand-mount $22,700 incl power amps
4. Meridian DSP5200 $25,000 incl power amps
5. Quad ESL 2912 $21,500 plus Rythmik subwoofer of choice $2,000-$5,000
6. Duntech Senator- $20000
7. Harbeth 40.2 – stand-mount 22k AUD
 
Price Range: Beyond $30000
1. Proac K8 $64,999
2. Avantgarde Uno XD $Unpublished
3. Wilson Benesch Discovery II stand-mount $32,500
4. Vivid Audio Giya G4 $Unpublished (guess $38,000 since the larger G3 is $45,000)

5. Vivid Audio Giya G2 $60,000
6. Voxativ 9.87 (fieldcoil/tube PSU) 69K USD
7. Dynaudio C4 Platinum $32000
8. Kef Blade $49k
9. Revel Salon2 $41,000
10. Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2 USD 64,000 (guess $120,000)

11. SGR CX4F Mk  II active speakers $33,000

12. B&W 802 D3 $31,900; 800 D3 $41,900

 

I've put in bold my additions. I really want to hear Dynaudio Special 40's as every review I have read is glowing. ATC and PMC interest me as a potential match for my Naim Supernait II integrated amp.

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Price Range: $100 to $1000
1. Q Acoustics Concept 20 $699
2. Dynaudio Emit M10 $999
3. Audioengine HD6 active stand-mount $960 incl power amps
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 2 $699
5. Krix Equinox Mk4 stand-mount $900
6. Pioneer SP-FS52 $700
7. JBL LSR305P Mk2 stand-mount $400 incl power amps
 
Price Range: $1000 to $2000
1. VAF i90 $1,998
2. Dynaudio Emit M20 (Stand mount) $1250; Emit M30 (Floor standing) $1990
3. Krix Phoenix Mk2 $2,000
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 6. (Floor Standing) $1700
5. Kef LS50 passive stand-mount $1500-$2000; LSX active $1890 incl power amps
6. JBL Stage A170 $1,700 
7. Klitschko RP 160m $1399
 
Price Range: $2000 to $5000
1. Lenehan Audio ML-1 $2,800 in 2014
2. Kef LS50 Wireless $3,495
3. Paradigm Prestige 75F $3,999
4. B&W 603 $2,699; 703 $4600
5. Magnepan MG1.7i - $3,790.00 with Elac Debut S12EQ $1,300 (cannot recommend the 1.7 without a subwoofer)
6. Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S $4290
7. Focal Aria 926 $4500
8. Krix Harmonix Mk2 $3,000 
9. Golden Ear Triton 7 $3000
10. Proac D2 $4950

11. Dynaudio Special 40 $4,690

12. ATC SCM 19 $3,999

 


Price Range: $5000 to $10000
1. PMC Twenty5.23 $6,490
2. Dynaudio Focus 20 XD stand-mount $7,999 incl power amps; Contour 20 $ $8000
3. B&W 805d3 $7900
4. Krix Neuphonix Mk2 $5,300
5. ATC SCM19 AT $8099
6. VAF I66 $8500; VAF Signature i66 Mk2 $8,000
7. Magnepan MG3.7IR - $9999; 
8. Audio Physic Classic 30 $8000
9. Harbeth 30.2
10. Krix Esoterix Altum $6995
11. Revel F208 $9,400

12. Devialet Phantom Gold pair $10,000

13. PMC Twenty5 24 $8,990

14. ATC SCM 40 $8,799
 
Price Range: $10000 to $20000
1. Dynaudio Confidence C1 Platinum $11,999; Focus 60 XD $15,499 incl power amps
2. Revel Performa F228Be $19,000
3. Martin Logan ESL 11A $16,999
4. Yamaha NS5000 stand-mount $19999
5. VAF I93 $12500; Signature i93 Mk3 $13,500
6. Legacy Audio Focus SE - $18000
7. Magnepan MG20.7R - $19,999.00
8. Duntech DSM- 15 - $12000
9. Dutch & Dutch 8c $16999
10. Spendor D9 $15999
11. JBL 708P stand-mount $10,600 incl power amps 

12. Hulgich Audio Duke $18,600

 

Price Range: $20000 to $30000
1. Focal Sopra 2 $22,300
2. SGR CX3B Mk II active stand-mount speakers $22,000;
3. Kii THREE stand-mount $22,700 incl power amps
4. Meridian DSP5200 $25,000 incl power amps
5. Quad ESL 2912 $21,500 plus Rythmik subwoofer of choice $2,000-$5,000
6. Duntech Senator- $20000
7. Harbeth 40.2 – stand-mount 22k AUD
 
Price Range: Beyond $30000
1. Proac K8 $64,999
2. Avantgarde Uno XD $Unpublished
3. Wilson Benesch Discovery II stand-mount $32,500
4. Vivid Audio Giya G4 $Unpublished (guess $38,000 since the larger G3 is $45,000)

5. Vivid Audio Giya G2 $60,000
6. Voxativ 9.87 (fieldcoil/tube PSU) 69K USD
7. Dynaudio C4 Platinum $32000
8. Kef Blade $49k
9. Revel Salon2 $41,000
10. Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2 USD 64,000 (guess $120,000)

11. SGR CX4F Mk  II active speakers $33,000

12. B&W 802 D3 $31,900; 800 D3 $41,900

Edited by Standards
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I've recently made a bit of an effort researching compact sub-$1000 bookshelf speakers to upgrade the living room system.  As a result I'd like to throw this one into the ring:

 

PSB Imagine XB.  $799

 

No regrets with this purchase, especially with the EOFY pricing I got.  There are some great offerings under $1000. I think it would be a real challenge to DIY something as good as you can buy off the shelf in that price bracket these days.

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Overnight update with two recent suggestions. Are members here comfortable with lists longer than 10 entries? Shall we do some culling? 

 

Price Range: $100 to $1000
1. Q Acoustics Concept 20 $699
2. Dynaudio Emit M10 $999
3. Audioengine HD6 active stand-mount $960 incl power amps
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 2 $699
5. Krix Equinox Mk4 stand-mount $900
6. Pioneer SP-FS52 $700
7. JBL LSR305P Mk2 stand-mount $400 incl power amps

8. PSB Imagine XB.  $799


Price Range: $1000 to $2000
1. VAF i90 $1,998
2. Dynaudio Emit M20 (Stand mount) $1250; Emit M30 (Floor standing) $1990
3. Krix Phoenix Mk2 $2,000
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 6. (Floor Standing) $1700
5. Kef LS50 passive stand-mount $1500-$2000; LSX active $1890 incl power amps
6. JBL Stage A170 $1,700 
7. Klitschko RP 160m $1399
 
Price Range: $2000 to $5000
1. Lenehan Audio ML-1 $2,800 in 2014
2. Kef LS50 Wireless $3,495
3. Paradigm Prestige 75F $3,999
4. B&W 603 $2,699; 703 $4600
5. Magnepan MG1.7i - $3,790.00 with Elac Debut S12EQ $1,300 (cannot recommend the 1.7 without a subwoofer)
6. Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S $4290
7. Focal Aria 926 $4500
8. Krix Harmonix Mk2 $3,000 
9. Golden Ear Triton 7 $3000
10. Proac D2 $4950

11. Dynaudio Special 40 $4,690

12. ATC SCM 19 $3,999

13. Monitor Audio Silver 500


Price Range: $5000 to $10000
1. PMC Twenty5.23 $6,490
2. Dynaudio Focus 20 XD stand-mount $7,999 incl power amps; Contour 20 $ $8000
3. B&W 805d3 $7900
4. Krix Neuphonix Mk2 $5,300
5. ATC SCM19 AT $8099
6. VAF I66 $8500; VAF Signature i66 Mk2 $8,000
7. Magnepan MG3.7IR - $9999; 
8. Audio Physic Classic 30 $8000
9. Harbeth 30.2
10. Krix Esoterix Altum $6995
11. Revel F208 $9,400

12. Devialet Phantom Gold pair $10,000

13. PMC Twenty5 24 $8,990

14. ATC SCM 40 $8,799
 
Price Range: $10000 to $20000
1. Dynaudio Confidence C1 Platinum $11,999; Focus 60 XD $15,499 incl power amps
2. Revel Performa F228Be $19,000
3. Martin Logan ESL 11A $16,999
4. Yamaha NS5000 stand-mount $19999
5. VAF I93 $12500; Signature i93 Mk3 $13,500
6. Legacy Audio Focus SE - $18000
7. Magnepan MG20.7R - $19,999.00
8. Duntech DSM- 15 - $12000
9. Dutch & Dutch 8c $16999
10. Spendor D9 $15999
11. JBL 708P stand-mount $10,600 incl power amps

 
Price Range: $20000 to $30000
1. Focal Sopra 2 $22,300
2. SGR CX3B Mk II active stand-mount speakers $22,000;
3. Kii THREE stand-mount $22,700 incl power amps
4. Meridian DSP5200 $25,000 incl power amps
5. Quad ESL 2912 $21,500 plus Rythmik subwoofer of choice $2,000-$5,000
6. Duntech Senator- $20000
7. Harbeth 40.2 – stand-mount 22k AUD

8. Hulgich Audio Duke $18,600
 
Price Range: Beyond $30000
1. Proac K8 $64,999
2. Avantgarde Uno XD $Unpublished
3. Wilson Benesch Discovery II stand-mount $32,500
4. Vivid Audio Giya G4 $Unpublished (guess $38,000 since the larger G3 is $45,000)

5. Vivid Audio Giya G2 $60,000
6. Voxativ 9.87 (fieldcoil/tube PSU) 69K USD
7. Dynaudio C4 Platinum $32000
8. Kef Blade $49k
9. Revel Salon2 $41,000
10. Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2 USD 64,000 (guess $120,000)

11. SGR CX4F Mk  II active speakers $33,000

12. B&W 802 D3 $31,900; 800 D3 $41,900

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4 hours ago, LHC said:

Overnight update with two recent suggestions. Are members here comfortable with lists longer than 10 entries? Shall we do some culling? 

Difficult questions. What criteria do you use to cull? First in, best dressed rewards people who are interested to contribute and quick off the mark. But speakers in particular, reflect personal taste and the list may not reflect the "best". Which then brings up how to choose the "best", what criteria to use, who chooses the best etc etc...

 

Tempted to suggest keeping the list open till it reaches 20? Maybe the interest to contribute will die down??? Or, you as the OP has the right to to cull, edit???

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Price Range: $100 to $1000
1. Q Acoustics Concept 20 $699
2. Dynaudio Emit M10 $999
3. Audioengine HD6 active stand-mount $960 incl power amps
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 2 $699
5. Krix Equinox Mk4 stand-mount $900
6. Pioneer SP-FS52 $700
7. JBL LSR305P Mk2 stand-mount $400 incl power amps
 
Price Range: $1000 to $2000
1. VAF i90 $1,998
2. Dynaudio Emit M20 (Stand mount) $1250; Emit M30 (Floor standing) $1990
3. Krix Phoenix Mk2 $2,000
4. Monitor Audio Bronze 6. (Floor Standing) $1700
5. Kef LS50 passive stand-mount $1500-$2000; LSX active $1890 incl power amps
6. JBL Stage A170 $1,700 
7. Klitschko RP 160m $1399
 
Price Range: $2000 to $5000
1. Lenehan Audio ML-1 $2,800 in 2014
2. Kef LS50 Wireless $3,495
3. Paradigm Prestige 75F $3,999
4. B&W 603 $2,699; 703 $4600
5. Magnepan MG1.7i - $3,790.00 with Elac Debut S12EQ $1,300 (cannot recommend the 1.7 without a subwoofer)
6. Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S $4290
7. Focal Aria 926 $4500
8. Krix Harmonix Mk2 $3,000 
9. Golden Ear Triton 7 $3000
10. Proac D2 $4950

11. Dynaudio Special 40 $4,690

12. ATC SCM 19 $3,999

 


Price Range: $5000 to $10000
1. PMC Twenty5.23 $6,490
2. Dynaudio Focus 20 XD stand-mount $7,999 incl power amps; Contour 20 $ $8000
3. B&W 805d3 $7900
4. Krix Neuphonix Mk2 $5,300
5. ATC SCM19 AT $8099
6. VAF I66 $8500; VAF Signature i66 Mk2 $8,000
7. Magnepan MG3.7IR - $9999; 
8. Audio Physic Classic 30 $8000
9. Harbeth 30.2
10. Krix Esoterix Altum $6995
11. Revel F208 $9,400

12. Devialet Phantom Gold pair $10,000

13. PMC Twenty5 24 $8,990

14. ATC SCM 40 $8,799
 
Price Range: $10000 to $20000
1. Dynaudio Confidence C1 Platinum $11,999; Focus 60 XD $15,499 incl power amps
2. Revel Performa F228Be $19,000
3. Martin Logan ESL 11A $16,999
4. Yamaha NS5000 stand-mount $19999
5. VAF I93 $12500; Signature i93 Mk3 $13,500
6. Legacy Audio Focus SE - $18000
7. Magnepan MG20.7R - $19,999.00
8. Duntech DSM- 15 - $12000
9. Dutch & Dutch 8c $16999
10. Spendor D9 $15999
11. JBL 708P stand-mount $10,600 incl power amps

 
Price Range: $20000 to $30000
1. Focal Sopra 2 $22,300
2. SGR CX3B Mk II active stand-mount speakers $22,000;
3. Kii THREE stand-mount $22,700 incl power amps
4. Meridian DSP5200 $25,000 incl power amps
5. Quad ESL 2912 $21,500 plus Rythmik subwoofer of choice $2,000-$5,000
6. Duntech Senator- $20000
7. Harbeth 40.2 – stand-mount 22k AUD

8. Hulgich Audio Duke $18,600
 
Price Range: Beyond $30000
1. Proac K8 $64,999
2. Avantgarde Uno XD $Unpublished
3. Wilson Benesch Discovery II stand-mount $32,500
4. Vivid Audio Giya G4 $Unpublished (guess $38,000 since the larger G3 is $45,000)

5. Vivid Audio Giya G2 $60,000
6. Voxativ 9.87 (fieldcoil/tube PSU) 69K USD
7. Dynaudio C4 Platinum $32000
8. Kef Blade $49k
9. Revel Salon2 $41,000
10. Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2 USD 64,000 (guess $120,000)

11. SGR CX4F Mk  II active speakers $33,000

12. B&W 802 D3 $31,900; 800 D3 $41,900

13. German Physiks Borderland Mark IV Speakers $44 k

14. PMC MB2SE $45k

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1 hour ago, Snoopy8 said:

Difficult questions. What criteria do you use to cull? First in, best dressed rewards people who are interested to contribute and quick off the mark. But speakers in particular, reflect personal taste and the list may not reflect the "best". Which then brings up how to choose the "best", what criteria to use, who chooses the best etc etc...

 

Tempted to suggest keeping the list open till it reaches 20? Maybe the interest to contribute will die down??? Or, you as the OP has the right to to cull, edit???

Great points.

 

In essence this is a popularity vote and the caveats are simple enough to figure out.

 

If the list goes on ....and on, it starts to loose value in the sense that literally all speakers might potentially make the list.

 

How then to sort? There is probably no one way to please everybody. One suggestion is to cap the categories at 10. Then, as more votes come in, some get bumped from the list if they have the least votes. A bit like " (insert country) has talent" TV shows. This is a royal PIA for the curator of the list. maybe the software to do it exists inside a poll mechanism ???

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47 minutes ago, Audiophile Neuroscience said:

One suggestion is to cap the categories at 10. Then, as more votes come in, some get bumped from the list if they have the least votes. A bit like " (insert country) has talent" TV shows. This is a royal PIA for the curator of the list. maybe the software to do it exists inside a poll mechanism ???

 A poll is a good idea, yes a PIA for curator of list. I wonder whether it is possible to have multiple people able to curate the poll list?

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I like the idea of keeping it open till, say 2O each category, as @Snoopy8 suggested. This will allow it to go further beyond the usual suspects and uncover some less well known and more esoteric speakers. 

Then perhaps, to stop it becoming completely unmanageable and a burden on the OP @LHC, branch off into new threads, one for each price point, with conversation/advocacy and a vote.

It would be a great resource. 

 

Edited by buddyev
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I don't think 20 in a price bracket is excessive.  There is a lot of quality product out there.  Especially considering we have a very healthy crop of local manufacturers on top of what comes in from OS.  If it's limited to 6 or 10, a lot of worthy products won't get a look in.

 

If you're shopping in a particular price bracket, then before you even start auditioning, factors such as size, shape, finish, colour, WAF, front/rear ported, local availability, etc. are going to cull your options anyway, so giving the punters a list of 20 or so to start with would be really quite helpful I think.

I had a short list of at least a dozen different brands, all highly regarded, for my recent purchase.

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The sample response is pretty small but being from a group of dedicated audiophiles the choices especially in the higher price brackets (which never fails to amaze me) I'd be a little concerned that Retailers could see the rankings and further reduce their brand offerings in the future.

 

WIth the ongoing consolidation of once rival brands now under the same corporate banner short lists maybe the worst thing to promote on a site such as stereonet, then again it may be just the tendency of markets to gravitate towards monopolism and the future reality will be very limited choice in each price bracket.

 

Harman (Samsung), IAG, Voxx, GoerTek, Eva Automation etc etc. I could be paranoid but I wouldn't be surprised if Samsung Electronics is just a facade for Blowfeld and a white Persian cat.

 

 

 

Just a thought.

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5 hours ago, buddyev said:

I like the idea of keeping it open till, say 2O each category, as @Snoopy8 suggested. This will allow it to go further beyond the usual suspects and uncover some less well known and more esoteric speakers. 

Then perhaps, to stop it becoming completely unmanageable and a burden on the OP @LHC, branch off into new threads, one for each price point, with conversation/advocacy and a vote.

It would be a great resource. 

 

The consensus so far is that 20 entries per price range is acceptable, so let us continue with this. It is not a burden at the moment. 

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2 hours ago, allthumbs said:

WIth the ongoing consolidation of once rival brands now under the same corporate banner short lists maybe the worst thing to promote on a site such as stereonet, then again it may be just the tendency of markets to gravitate towards monopolism and the future reality will be very limited choice in each price bracket.

You rise some useful points for discussion. The point of the short list here is not to narrow the market down to a small number of options; but rather to give anyone embarking on a speaker search a starting point from which to branch out and explore the rest of the market. As an analogy with buying a small car, the audition short list would typically be the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Hyundai i30, then one could try other options like the VW Golf etc according to taste and needs. 

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