$30,000 Budget For Stereo Set Up... Suggestions??

[psustud433`]

Hi everyone,
This is my first ever post so please pardon the lack of details in my profile.

Since I am a bit of a novice audiophile my (very blessed) uncle has asked that I come up with a very high end stereo system for him to use in his Atlanta home.

The budget is $25-$35k.

I have a few very good ideas (some very different from others), but I'm looking for suggestions.

Let's keep it simple and go with suggestions for a pair of $9-$15,000 speakers to base the system around. No need for suggestions on electronics just yet.

It's VERY important to realize who this guy his. He is NOT an audiophile and does NOT listen to classical, vocal, chamber nor any other immaculately engineered live audio.

He listens mostly to Motown, easy listening, and modern (quality) pop and R&B.
Favorite artists: Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Quincy Jones, Steely Dan, Grand Funk Rail Road, EARTH WIND AND FIRE, Boyz 2 Men, Robin Thicke, Mark Ronson... ect.

He likes it LOUD and able to ROCK OUT... NO overly clinical "revealing" stuff for him.

Think Cerwin Vega, pull it out of the dorm/basement bring it up to middle age with very deep pockets and still kick it up 10 notches... (think Klipsch +10 too)

Though he would not site the following as characteristic of himself, I know he likes BASS. If he were to demo a pair of $14k speakers and the bass was "accurate" (ie, not enough for him) he'd think they weren't worth it, though he wouldn't likely site bass as the issue.
He's used to the exaggerated bass in his wife's (Bose... ekk!) Audi A8 and his own Porshe 911... think bass at these levels and kick the SQ up quite a bit.

...I'm thinking pressurized room (wall shaking) will have him giddy.

What I already have in mind:
(let's face it, we'll be matching these with something along the lines of a pair of JL F112 subs no matter what)

Revel's Ultima Studio 2
Totem Acoustic's Wind
Wilson Audio's Sophia
Avalon Acoustics' Indra
Paradigm's Signature S8's (before you knock it, remember what I've said about his taste)

The suggestions that I have that are the most left field are:
1.) Meridian Audio - DSP5200 ($15,000 but requires no amp nor pre-amp)
2.) Meridian Audio - DSP7200... heard these, fell in love and thought THIS IS WHAT HE'D WANT
1 problem.. they're $35k.... but again, they hardly need ANY external electronics outside of the source so I tossed them in.


DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY OTHER GOOD (KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF) SUGGESTIONS???

(not looking for B&W, Vienna Acoustics nor Sonus Faber)

THANKS!!!


Cecil

 

[GranteedEV]

It's VERY important to realize who this guy his. He is NOT an audiophile and does NOT listen to classical, vocal, chamber nor any other immaculately engineered live audio.

Just when I was about to recommend some dipoles

Think Cerwin Vega, pull it out of the dorm/basement bring it up to middle age with very deep pockets and still kick it up 10 notches... (think Klipsch +10 too)

Though he would not site the following as characteristic of himself, I know he likes BASS. If he were to demo a pair of $14k speakers and the bass was "accurate" (ie, not enough for him) he'd think they weren't worth it, though he wouldn't likely site bass as the issue.
He's used to the exaggerated bass in his wife's (Bose... ekk!) Audi A8 and his own Porshe 911... think bass at these levels and kick the SQ up quite a bit.

NO overly clinical "revealing" stuff for him.

Let's just hold up a moment. Is the goal a speaker that can do really loud bass if you EQ a boost in, or a speaker that has a built in EQ boost already? Why not start with a regular speaker that can handle strong dynamics at over 100db SPLs with ease, and then if perceived bass is lacking, just add 5db of bass near 50-100hz to make it nice and boomy and call it a day? Also, with subwoofers, I don't see the point in inefficient speakers that try to hit 20hz, instead here's some I would be looking at:

AudioKinesis - sound that moves you
Gedlee Abbey
DANLEY | SYNERGY HORN
Audio Artistry CBT36
The Catalyst - Product details & overview - Seaton Sound Discussion Forum
7 Pi Corner Horn + JBL and B&C upgrades
JBL :: Product
Pharos High Efficiency - home + RAAL 140-15d upgrade - this one actually has a bit of a bump near 100hz that seems to fit perfectly with your uncle's tastes, while still being well designed.
RBH SX-T1/R Left/Right Front Main Speaker

(let's face it, we'll be matching these with something along the lines of a pair of JL F112 subs no matter what)

wweaakkk.

I would match them with four Funkywaves 18.0 or 18.3

Funky Waves

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Pair of JTR Triple 8HT-lp + 2x JTR Captivator (powered)

Crown XLS 5000D Power Amplifier to power speaker

 

[Swerd]

Run away from the Wilson Audio Sophia! I heard them last July at an audio show. They were so ear-bleeding bright sounding that I left the room as fast as possible. They were so bright sounding that your uncle's neighbors ears might bleed. Beyond ear bleeding, cerebral hemorrhage was possible .

I've never heard that big 3-way Totem, but all the more modest 2-way Totems I've heard were better balanced overall than the Wilson, but still are on the weak side for bass.

I can't imagine old Motown recordings sounding good on either of those.

Look into various models of Salk Signature Sound (internet direct) or Joseph Audio which should have a local Atlanta dealer.

I would recommend the Salk HT2-TL or SoundScape 10 or 12. For Joseph, try the Pearl 2 (looks & price are similar to the Wilson but it sounds much better) or the Perspective.

I also recommend calling Jim Salk on the phone and telling him just what you told us. He has very useful advice.

 

[Hocky]

Run away from the Wilson Audio Sophia! I heard them last July at an audio show. They were so ear-bleeding bright sounding that I left the room as fast as possible. They were so bright sounding that your uncle's neighbors ears might bleed. Beyond ear bleeding, cerebral hemorrhage was possible .

I've never heard that big 3-way Totem, but all the more modest 2-way Totems I've heard were better balanced overall than the Wilson, but still are on the weak side for bass.

I can't imagine old Motown recordings sounding good on either of those.

Look into various models of Salk Signature Sound (internet direct) or Joseph Audio which should have a local Atlanta dealer.

I would recommend the Salk HT2-TL or SoundScape 10 or 12. For Joseph, try the Pearl 2 (looks & price are similar to the Wilson but it sounds much better) or the Perspective.

I also recommend calling Jim Salk on the phone and telling him just what you told us. He has very useful advice.

I agree about the Sophia - it is terrible. If you're looking toward wilson, you need to start at the Sasha.

You should consider auditioning ML Summit X. They're not everyone's cup of tea, but they're very dynamic, have a HUGE sound without looking huge in the room, have a very spatial sound with great imaging, and have the ability to sound however your want them to in the bass with 2 +/- 10db adjustment knobs for bass frequencies to control the 2x10" woofers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

JL Audio subs are overpriced for their performance level.

Check out the subs being recommended here as they will outperform any JL Audio for much less money.

There is a member here who owns two JL Audio subs. He now wants to upgrade to some 18" Funky Wave subs.

I've listened to the Revel Studio2. They sound just as great as the Revel Salon2.

For that much money, I would buy only accurate speakers - those with great on-axis and off-axis frequency responses. Accurate speakers will give you the most faithful sound reproduction possible.

Accurate speakers are like Revel, KEF, Thiel, Focal, Dynaudio, Pioneer, Salk, Philharmonic, Linkwitz, PSB, Paradigm, etc.

Inaccurate speakers are like Wilson Audio, B&W, Vienna Acoustics, Martin Logan (at least the Vista & Motion models).

Here is just one example of accurate speaker:

The CS3.7’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +0.98/–1.24 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz.

Thiel CS3.7 Speaker System HT Labs Measures | Home Theater

And here is an example of an inaccurate speaker, Wilson Audio Sasha:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/wilson-audio-sasha-wp-loudspeaker-measurements

The FR from 200hZ-8kHz is like +2dB/-6dB.

Wilson Audio Sophia is like +3dB/-6dB:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/wilson-audio-sophia-series-3-loudspeaker-measurements

 

[Warpdrv]

Look into various models of Salk Signature Sound (internet direct) or Joseph Audio which should have a local Atlanta dealer.

I would recommend the Salk HT2-TL or SoundScape 10 or 12. For Joseph, try the Pearl 2 (looks & price are similar to the Wilson but it sounds much better) or the Perspective.

I also recommend calling Jim Salk on the phone and telling him just what you told us. He has very useful advice.

IMO - I would pick none of these.... Not that they're not awesome speakers

He likes it LOUD and able to ROCK OUT - NO overly clinical "revealing" stuff for him

psustud433` - how big is the room and how loud are we talking....

Also - are these speakers that have to make a statement in the looks dept...? thats kinda what it sounds like
Those 2 things (looks and loud) don't always go hand in hand....

If your truly looking for loud - but still fantastic in the SQ dept, I would look at some Catalysts - you can get them in just about any color you like and they look nice as well...
http://www.seaton-sound-forum.com/post/show_single_post?pid=40346112&postcount=6
http://www.seaton-sound-forum.com/post/Product-Listing-Availability-Status-and-Pricing-3364736
Don't let the prices of all those UBER expensive speakers make you think your getting better....

Seaton Sounds website may be a bit unconventional, but don't let that deter you from the AWESOMENESS those speakers can deliver.

 

[GranteedEV]

Here is just one example of accurate speaker:

The CS3.7’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +0.98/–1.24 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz.

Thiel CS3.7 Speaker System HT Labs Measures | Home Theater

At 13k/pr...those are pretty "meh"ssy IMO

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

At 13k/pr...those are pretty "meh"ssy IMO

IOW if they were $2K, it would be fine, but not $13K?

Their on-axis FR looks awesome, though.

 

[dkane360]

Think Cerwin Vega, pull it out of the dorm/basement bring it up to middle age with very deep pockets and still kick it up 10 notches... (think Klipsch +10 too)

P-39F Floorstanding Speaker

 

[GranteedEV]

Their on-axis FR looks awesome, though.

It's whatever. It's a good 1m measurement... but I'll tell you what has an awesome on axis, the CBT36. It measures flat on axiss at 10 feet away and measures flat off axis at 90 degrees:

http://audioartistry.com/brochures/B&W 801 vs. CBT36 Ground-Plane Measurements v8.1.pdf



If I could afford a CBT36, it would be damn near #1 on my list of speakers I want.

IOW if they were $2K, it would be fine, but not $13K?

I don't really know much anything about them but based on the graph, it looks like they basically use paper drivers over really wide bandwidth. It could lead to a lack of resolution compared to something like even the Infinity P363 metal matrix drivers

 

[gene]

Hi everyone,
This is my first ever post so please pardon the lack of details in my profile.

Since I am a bit of a novice audiophile my (very blessed) uncle has asked that I come up with a very high end stereo system for him to use in his Atlanta home.

The budget is $25-$35k.

I have a few very good ideas (some very different from others), but I'm looking for suggestions.

Let's keep it simple and go with suggestions for a pair of $9-$15,000 speakers to base the system around. No need for suggestions on electronics just yet.

It's VERY important to realize who this guy his. He is NOT an audiophile and does NOT listen to classical, vocal, chamber nor any other immaculately engineered live audio.

He listens mostly to Motown, easy listening, and modern (quality) pop and R&B.
Favorite artists: Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Quincy Jones, Steely Dan, Grand Funk Rail Road, EARTH WIND AND FIRE, Boyz 2 Men, Robin Thicke, Mark Ronson... ect.

He likes it LOUD and able to ROCK OUT... NO overly clinical "revealing" stuff for him.

Think Cerwin Vega, pull it out of the dorm/basement bring it up to middle age with very deep pockets and still kick it up 10 notches... (think Klipsch +10 too)

Though he would not site the following as characteristic of himself, I know he likes BASS. If he were to demo a pair of $14k speakers and the bass was "accurate" (ie, not enough for him) he'd think they weren't worth it, though he wouldn't likely site bass as the issue.
He's used to the exaggerated bass in his wife's (Bose... ekk!) Audi A8 and his own Porshe 911... think bass at these levels and kick the SQ up quite a bit.

...I'm thinking pressurized room (wall shaking) will have him giddy.

What I already have in mind:
(let's face it, we'll be matching these with something along the lines of a pair of JL F112 subs no matter what)

Revel's Ultima Studio 2
Totem Acoustic's Wind
Wilson Audio's Sophia
Avalon Acoustics' Indra
Paradigm's Signature S8's (before you knock it, remember what I've said about his taste)

The suggestions that I have that are the most left field are:
1.) Meridian Audio - DSP5200 ($15,000 but requires no amp nor pre-amp)
2.) Meridian Audio - DSP7200... heard these, fell in love and thought THIS IS WHAT HE'D WANT
1 problem.. they're $35k.... but again, they hardly need ANY external electronics outside of the source so I tossed them in.


DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY OTHER GOOD (KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF) SUGGESTIONS???

(not looking for B&W, Vienna Acoustics nor Sonus Faber)

THANKS!!!


Cecil

None of the speakers on your list have the dynamic capabilities of the RBH Sound T-30LSE system. You should definitely check them out.

see: RBH Sound T-30LSE Review

You won't need the JL subs if you get these speakers.

For amps, save your money pick up some Emotiva XPA-1s for those babies

 

[Warpdrv]

It's whatever. It's a good 1m measurement... but I'll tell you what has an awesome on axis, the CBT36. It measures flat on axiss at 10 feet away and measures flat off axis at 90 degrees:

http://audioartistry.com/brochures/B...nts v8.1.pdf



If I could afford a CBT36, it would be damn near #1 on my list of speakers I want.

Heres your ticket to an affordable unit...
RMAF Denver Show - AVS Forum

Just under $2K/pair for the kit. The kit includes everything you need and unfinished cabinets. The cabinet is already assembled except for the front baffle which is bolted on during the final assembly.

Read that entire thread - Rick has some stuff on the drawing board

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

P-39F Floorstanding Speaker

Here are the measurements, which I don't think is very impressive for $20K:

Klipsch Palladium P-39F loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com

 

[psustud433`]

I agree about the Sophia - it is terrible. If you're looking toward wilson, you need to start at the Sasha.

You should consider auditioning ML Summit X. They're not everyone's cup of tea, but they're very dynamic, have a HUGE sound without looking huge in the room, have a very spatial sound with great imaging, and have the ability to sound however your want them to in the bass with 2 +/- 10db adjustment knobs for bass frequencies to control the 2x10" woofers.

I just heard the sophia's yesterday and, I think there was definitely something off with the demo ( all of the sound leaned heavily towards the right!), it was quite let down and disappointed.
The mistake the dealer made was in having me sit and wait listening to the Sasha's while he set the sophia's up. I was QUITE impressed with the Sasha's when listening to Stevie Wonder's "we can work it out"... Then I heard the Sophia's... I thought I was listening to a different brand and also wondered where the $16k was going. I think better of my Paradigm Monitor series lol

 

[dkane360]

Here are the measurements, which I don't think is very impressive for $20K:

Klipsch Palladium P-39F loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com

Hmm, didn't see those. He said he wanted Klipsch +10, so that was the closest thing. They sure are nice lookin though

 

[Hocky]

I just heard the sophia's yesterday and, I think there was definitely something off with the demo ( all of the sound leaned heavily towards the right!), it was quite let down and disappointed.
The mistake the dealer made was in having me sit and wait listening to the Sasha's while he set the sophia's up. I was QUITE impressed with the Sasha's when listening to Stevie Wonder's "we can work it out"... Then I heard the Sophia's... I thought I was listening to a different brand and also wondered where the $16k was going. I think better of my Paradigm Monitor series lol

Yea, the Sasha is quite good. There are not many speakers that I would leave my Summits for, but the Sasha is one of them.

 

[psustud433`]

None of the speakers on your list have the dynamic capabilities of the RBH Sound T-30LSE system. You should definitely check them out.

see:

You won't need the JL subs if you get these speakers.

For amps, save your money pick up some Emotiva XPA-1s for those babies

You know.. I was thinking about RBH! Thanks for reassuring me.

 

[psustud433`]

IMO - I would pick none of these.... Not that they're not awesome speakers



psustud433` - how big is the room and how loud are we talking....

Also - are these speakers that have to make a statement in the looks dept...? thats kinda what it sounds like
Those 2 things (looks and loud) don't always go hand in hand....

If your truly looking for loud - but still fantastic in the SQ dept, I would look at some Catalysts - you can get them in just about any color you like and they look nice as well...

Don't let the prices of all those UBER expensive speakers make you think your getting better....

Seaton Sounds website may be a bit unconventional, but don't let that deter you from the AWESOMENESS those speakers can deliver.

The room is about 20'x16' and is not completely closed off. It's carpeted so it's somewhat 'dead'.
I'd would definitely say looks are important.

We wouldn't go with Klispch's statement piece since he's owned Klispsch most of his life AND already uses Klispch's top of the line THX system in his dedicated theater just 15' down the hall from this room, lol. He's looking for something different/variation.

Martin Logan wouldn't really work either. I LOVE and respect their sound, but the sweet spot is just way to narrow. I feel that the sound changes much too dramatically as you move out of the sweet spot. He's not looking to plant himself in a single chair for critical listening.
This should be a system he can share with visitors and his family... A "social" system"


Thanks for all of your help friends.
It's already helped!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yea, the Sasha is quite good. There are not many speakers that I would leave my Summits for, but the Sasha is one of them.

Are these the same Sasha you are talking about with the -6dB dip @ 6kHz and -4dB dip @ 3kHz?

Wilson Audio Sasha W/P loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com