In search of a damn good pair of tower speakers for under 2500.00

[everettT]

FWIW reference level would still need to be capable of 105 dB; at least that's how I read a claim of being reference level capable and from the measurements on the Phil3, it seems it is. I certainly would hope a speaker worth considering could handle an average level of 85-90dB, though.

Yes thanks I understand the spec. Most here cover the lower mid and low bass with subs; whilst some believe the powered woofers in tower speakers can make up for not using a sub, their designs tend to be lacking. I originally intended my comment about the addition of powered woofers integrated into retail designs to highlight thats its not all rosy. I liking it to a buyer shopping for watts, electronics and not a speaker. There are a fair amount of 2/2.5 way speakers that have no problem hitting the peaks in most rooms

 

[lovinthehd]

Yes thanks I understand the spec. Most here cover the lower mid and low bass with subs; whilst some believe the powered woofers in tower speakers can make up for not using a sub, their designs tend to be lacking. I originally intended my comment about the addition of powered woofers integrated into retail designs to highlight thats its not all rosy. I liking it to a buyer shopping for watts, electronics and not a speaker. There are a fair amount of 2/2.5 way speakers that have no problem hitting the peaks in most rooms

Yeah I'm with you, we're on the same page it seems. I always use my subs. While the powered woofers in some speakers may be an improvement in bass capability, they still fall short for my tastes. Plus you can't necessarily place them for best bass either.

 

[Cos]

My Choices would be based on what I have had the chance to listen to in person:

- Salk SoundTower 3 (a little over budget, but sounded great at AXPONA)
- GoldenEar Triton 3+ or Triton 5s w/sub

In what appears to be a steal of a price on audiogon the RBH 8300/r demo some guy has been selling for quite a bit

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-rbh-sx-8300-reference-3-8-bass-drivers-3-5-7-speaker-systems-available-huge-discount-2016-04-28-speakers-34741-kissimmee-fl