Which <$5000 speaker would you choose?

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  • Joey_V
    Senior Member
    • Jul 2005
    • 436

    Which <$5000 speaker would you choose?

    I'm about to pull the trigger on the Martin Logan Vantage (within the week), but I would just like to hear your opinions as to which of the following <$5000 speakers would YOU choose for your 2 channel listening?

    Lets do this for fun and not for serious sakes.

    Martin Logan Vantage $4995 new ($3900 discounted):


    Dali Euphonia MS4 $9000 new ($4150 from Chicago via Audiogon):


    Von Schweikert VR4JR $4000 new ($2900 used on audiogon):


    BW 804N $3500 new ($2600 used on audiogon):


    BW 703 $2999 new ($2600 discounted at local dealer, new):


    JM Labs Electra 927Be 25th Anniversary edition $6000 new ($3100 on audiogon, used):


    JM Labs Profile 918Be $3999 new at Tweeter:


    Onix Reference 3 $3999 for Bird's Eye Maple new:


    Paradigm S8 $5500 new (none on audiogon at the moment):


    I was looking at the Wilson WATT/Puppy system and those are crazy expensive. So are Avantgarde Acoustics... yikes!

    Anyway... this is all in good fun, nothing serious.

    Vote vote!
    32
    Martin Logan Vantage
    6.25%
    2
    Dali MS4 Euphonia
    6.25%
    2
    Von Schweikert VR4jr
    3.13%
    1
    BW 804N
    28.13%
    9
    BW 703
    3.13%
    1
    JMLabs Electra 927Be 25th Anniversary Special Edition
    0.00%
    0
    JMLabs Profile 918Be
    0.00%
    0
    AV123's Onix Reference 3
    3.13%
    1
    Paradigm Signature 8
    25.00%
    8
    Other, please specify in your post.
    25.00%
    8

    The poll is expired.

    Analog: VPI Scoutmaster w/ Steel Delrin clamp + Dynavector 20XH cart
    Digital: SB3 + PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
    System: Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier w/ Sylvanias -> Plinius SA102 Class A amplifier -> Martin Logan SUMMITS/Strata Minis -> 8O (me)
  • Joey_V
    Senior Member
    • Jul 2005
    • 436

    #2
    My take on all of this.

    I have heard more than half of the speakers I posted with the exception of the Onix Reference 3, VR4jr, JMLabs Electra 927, and the Dali MS4 Euphonia... with proper amplification and good upstream electronics.

    From what I heard, I preferred them in this order:
    ML Vantage
    BW804N
    JMLabs Profile 918
    BW703
    Paradigm S8

    I would love to hear the rest of the speakers on my list... especially the Dali MS4 and the VR4jr (based on its SOLID reviews all over the internet and forums).

    Also, any opinions and speakers you guys have in mind (ones which are attainable at around the <$5000 mark) are all very much welcome! I would love to go to a dealer and listen to them.

    I dont really have much free time to truly listen and do an appropriate A/B/C comparison, so I may have to trust my ears and my gut with this particular speaker adventure.

    However, lets treat this as a fun adventure... lets not get too nitpicky. Just pick your favorite.
    Analog: VPI Scoutmaster w/ Steel Delrin clamp + Dynavector 20XH cart
    Digital: SB3 + PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
    System: Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier w/ Sylvanias -> Plinius SA102 Class A amplifier -> Martin Logan SUMMITS/Strata Minis -> 8O (me)

    Comment

    • NewBuyer
      Senior Member
      • Feb 2005
      • 122

      #3
      From that list, I suppose I would vote for the Onix Reference 3's.

      Off that list, but in the same general price range, I would choose the Joseph Audio RM25si Signature Mk2's over any of those however!

      -Regards

      Comment

      • Joey_V
        Senior Member
        • Jul 2005
        • 436

        #4
        Just as addition FYI, this will be my computer speaker system - running off a computer basically. I am going to grow into these speakers, so to speak, and purchase better upstream electronics (outboard DAC and dedicated source) once I get out of college.

        For right now, I'm gonna be using a Rotel RC1070/RB1070 amp with an upgrade to the RB1080/90 real soon.
        Analog: VPI Scoutmaster w/ Steel Delrin clamp + Dynavector 20XH cart
        Digital: SB3 + PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
        System: Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier w/ Sylvanias -> Plinius SA102 Class A amplifier -> Martin Logan SUMMITS/Strata Minis -> 8O (me)

        Comment

        • grit
          Senior Member
          • Jan 2005
          • 580

          #5
          I'da picked Aerials if they were on there.

          Comment

          • DrJRapp
            Super Senior Member
            • Apr 2003
            • 1204

            #6
            My choice would now probably be the Vantage since I own Summits.
            Last edited by DrJRapp; 23 January 2006, 19:03 Monday. Reason: Change of choice
            Jerry Rappaport

            Comment

            • GregLett
              Senior Member
              • May 2005
              • 753

              #7
              I pick the Paradigm S8, at the 5K price point.
              Greg

              Comment

              • Joey_V
                Senior Member
                • Jul 2005
                • 436

                #8
                Heard the s8... thought the 703 was better. Same store, same amplification. IMO.
                Analog: VPI Scoutmaster w/ Steel Delrin clamp + Dynavector 20XH cart
                Digital: SB3 + PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
                System: Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier w/ Sylvanias -> Plinius SA102 Class A amplifier -> Martin Logan SUMMITS/Strata Minis -> 8O (me)

                Comment

                • GregLett
                  Senior Member
                  • May 2005
                  • 753

                  #9
                  What 8O
                  Greg

                  Comment

                  • Shane Martin
                    Super Senior Member
                    • Apr 2001
                    • 2852

                    #10
                    Other options you should hear:

                    Merlin VSM MM - easily attainable on audiogon but should listen first
                    Aerial 7B - as low as 2k on agon if you want used.
                    Devore Gibbon Super 8

                    Comment

                    • sarsi
                      Member
                      • Nov 2004
                      • 95

                      #11
                      Dynaudio Contour S3.4 ...

                      Comment

                      • Joey_V
                        Senior Member
                        • Jul 2005
                        • 436

                        #12
                        Originally posted by GregLett
                        What 8O
                        I felt that the 703's midrange was better.. this isnt to say that the s8's werent great because they were.
                        Analog: VPI Scoutmaster w/ Steel Delrin clamp + Dynavector 20XH cart
                        Digital: SB3 + PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
                        System: Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier w/ Sylvanias -> Plinius SA102 Class A amplifier -> Martin Logan SUMMITS/Strata Minis -> 8O (me)

                        Comment

                        • Joey_V
                          Senior Member
                          • Jul 2005
                          • 436

                          #13
                          Alright, heard the Von Schweikert VR4jr (powered by $6000 of gear and a $1000 speaker cable), BW803D/803S/804S/703 again yesterday.

                          I must say... out of the bunch, I felt that the most disappointing was the VR4jr... absolutely too "artificial" with the top end. I felt that it was too sibilant and it didnt have a good coherence with the rest of the sound... it just sounded off kilter for some reason. I had my other audiophile friend with me and he was disappointed as well.

                          As for the BW, the 703 were last in overall clarity and ease of sound while the 803D were superb compared to the rest. The 803S/804S were good up to a certain volume... then above that volume, the tweeter sounded a little too harsh. Not too balanced for me. The 803D were very good, however, at $8000 for the pair... it's out of my price league.

                          I still prefer the Vantage so far. I'll try to listen to some Wilsons this week.
                          Analog: VPI Scoutmaster w/ Steel Delrin clamp + Dynavector 20XH cart
                          Digital: SB3 + PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
                          System: Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier w/ Sylvanias -> Plinius SA102 Class A amplifier -> Martin Logan SUMMITS/Strata Minis -> 8O (me)

                          Comment

                          • CP-Mike
                            Member
                            • Nov 2005
                            • 74

                            #14
                            Have you heard the Dali Euphonia's? I'd be interested to see how you think they stack up.

                            Comment

                            • Joey_V
                              Senior Member
                              • Jul 2005
                              • 436

                              #15
                              Havent heard the Dalis... no time to do so.
                              Analog: VPI Scoutmaster w/ Steel Delrin clamp + Dynavector 20XH cart
                              Digital: SB3 + PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
                              System: Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier w/ Sylvanias -> Plinius SA102 Class A amplifier -> Martin Logan SUMMITS/Strata Minis -> 8O (me)

                              Comment

                              • Joey_V
                                Senior Member
                                • Jul 2005
                                • 436

                                #16
                                As popular as the BW and the Paradigms were on this poll... I went with the Martin Logan Vantage. AWESOME SPEAKERS btw... I have them playing right now. Thanks guys!
                                Analog: VPI Scoutmaster w/ Steel Delrin clamp + Dynavector 20XH cart
                                Digital: SB3 + PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
                                System: Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier w/ Sylvanias -> Plinius SA102 Class A amplifier -> Martin Logan SUMMITS/Strata Minis -> 8O (me)

                                Comment

                                • RJW1138
                                  Junior Member
                                  • Nov 2004
                                  • 18

                                  #17
                                  Aww, I wanted to hear followup reports containing your impressions from auditioning the Euphonia MS4, the Electra 927 Be and the Reference 3! Drat. (I know, you weren't able to and had no intention of auditioning them...)

                                  Well, hope you're satisfied with the ML's!

                                  Comment

                                  • ml360
                                    Junior Member
                                    • Jan 2006
                                    • 14

                                    #18
                                    I chose "other',and that other would be the Audio Physic Tempo for $4,000.

                                    Comment

                                    • Joey_V
                                      Senior Member
                                      • Jul 2005
                                      • 436

                                      #19
                                      Originally posted by RJW1138
                                      Aww, I wanted to hear followup reports containing your impressions from auditioning the Euphonia MS4, the Electra 927 Be and the Reference 3! Drat. (I know, you weren't able to and had no intention of auditioning them...)

                                      Well, hope you're satisfied with the ML's!
                                      Had the "intention", but got swamped and got too busy.
                                      Analog: VPI Scoutmaster w/ Steel Delrin clamp + Dynavector 20XH cart
                                      Digital: SB3 + PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
                                      System: Cary Audio SLP-98P Tube Preamplifier w/ Sylvanias -> Plinius SA102 Class A amplifier -> Martin Logan SUMMITS/Strata Minis -> 8O (me)

                                      Comment

                                      • aud19
                                        Twin Moderator Emeritus
                                        • Aug 2003
                                        • 16706

                                        #20
                                        Darn I'm late to the party

                                        I was going to recommend my "lotto speakers":





                                        A bargain at ~$4500 each :B :E
                                        Jason

                                        Comment

                                        • jmschnur
                                          Junior Member
                                          • Apr 2006
                                          • 1

                                          #21
                                          Vantage really sings after break in!

                                          I have both B&W 801s and ML Vantage. After break in and critcal placment the ML's really shine for HT, vocals, jazz, and classical quartets etc. The 801s are quite good but do not have the intimacy of the MLs or virbracne in terms of plucked notes and speaker presence.

                                          For new age muzak and the like the B&Ws might be bit better since they may be a bit "smoother".


                                          For real lows down to 18 hz both need a sub woofer. For lows to 35 hz or so the Vantage seems have a btter "punch" for bass transients.

                                          Joel

                                          Comment

                                          • Audiophiliac
                                            Senior Member
                                            • Apr 2006
                                            • 346

                                            #22
                                            Martin Logan.....mmmmmmmmartin llllllllogan......yeeeaaahhh!!

                                            Unless you can find a steal on a pair of used Krell LAT-2 and pair them with a Martin Logan Descent.

                                            Comment

                                            • Chris D
                                              Moderator Emeritus
                                              • Dec 2000
                                              • 16877

                                              #23
                                              I'd go with magenpan, myself. Martin Logan as 2nd choice.
                                              CHRIS

                                              Well, we're safe for now. Thank goodness we're in a bowling alley.
                                              - Pleasantville

                                              Comment

                                              • The13thGryphon
                                                Junior Member
                                                • May 2006
                                                • 8

                                                #24
                                                I'd have to agree with Chris. MAGNEPAN, without a doubt... and the MG 3.6's in particular.

                                                Comment

                                                • r100gs
                                                  Senior Member
                                                  • May 2005
                                                  • 321

                                                  #25
                                                  Originally posted by NewBuyer
                                                  From that list, I suppose I would vote for the Onix Reference 3's.

                                                  Off that list, but in the same general price range, I would choose the Joseph Audio RM25si Signature Mk2's over any of those however!

                                                  -Regards
                                                  That's a go on the Joseph Audio RM 25's. ;x(
                                                  Jay

                                                  Comment

                                                  • lane
                                                    Junior Member
                                                    • Apr 2004
                                                    • 2

                                                    #26
                                                    I purchased the S-8's because I got a good deal on them. For home theatre with the C-5 they are very good.

                                                    Comment

                                                    • Elmac
                                                      Member
                                                      • Apr 2004
                                                      • 88

                                                      #27
                                                      Originally posted by lane
                                                      I purchased the S-8's because I got a good deal on them. For home theatre with the C-5 they are very good.
                                                      Lane can you PM me how much you paid for them
                                                      Thank you
                                                      Elmac
                                                      All HT Signals Processed by D2 for Ultimate Experience

                                                      Comment

                                                      • B&W 700 Guy
                                                        Senior Member
                                                        • Jun 2006
                                                        • 138

                                                        #28
                                                        704 w/sub under 5k

                                                        I would purchase the 703s only if could buy the matching subwoofer. That would be under 5k. If no sub is alowed,804n.

                                                        Comment

                                                        • Audiophiliac
                                                          Senior Member
                                                          • Apr 2006
                                                          • 346

                                                          #29
                                                          Im going to toss the Krell Resolution 3 in the mix.

                                                          Comment

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