Speakers around $20k to go with Naim, REL

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Zackh2o

New Member
I have put together a nice system with Naim components (300 Dr amp, 555ps, 252 streamer, REL subs, etc). I have owned focal sopra 3's before the subs on a different system. Right now I have B&W 802's as the speakers on demo. They are nice but I want your opinion. In a perfect world I would demo the sopra 3's right next to the 802's but that can't happen. I am also open to other suggestions. With naim components what's the best speaker for around $20k.
 
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Zackh2o said:
I have put together a nice system with Naim components (300 Dr amp, 555ps, 252 streamer, REL subs, etc). I have owned focal sopra 3's before the subs on a different system. Right now I have B&W 802's as the speakers on demo. They are nice but I want your opinion. In a perfect world I would demo the sopra 3's right next to the 802's but that can't happen. I am also open to other suggestions. With naim components what's the best speaker for around $20k.
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If I had that kind of scratch available I'd be looking hard at some KEF Blade II's for that system.
 
I'm a huge fan of Focal, but would definitely try to hear as many as possible in the budget range.
 
If I were going to spend that kind of money on speakers I would try to listen to a bunch of different ones. I haven't heard either one but some of the bigger ATC's and Aerial's would be on my radar.
 
The problem I have with "listening" to different speakers is that it's apples and oranges. The components are all different, the rooms are all different, and my sound memory is not that precise. Unless it's in my room at my house with my stuff, comparison is useless and futile. They all sound good. There is one local dealer and he placed b&w 802's in my house and they sound great. There is no way to get a pair of blade 2's in my house to demo unless I buy them up front. I've owned focal sopra 3's but it was different components and no subs. Very frustrating.
 
20k pretty much allows you to be the kid in the candy store, there are far too many options, you would do well to audition as many as possible, and leave the price point out of it. You might find yourself bringing home something far less expensive, and using the remaining budget for other niceties.
 
botrytis said:
Honestly, the Vandy lines have not been redone in a few years (some like 20 yrs) and the workmanship is not as good for the coin. Using canned off the shelf drivers and not very good ones for what he charges. Just my opinion and I had a pair of 2Ce's.

It can be hard to listen to a lot of speakers. Where are you located so we can give better advice.

For that coin - the Monitor Audio PL 200 II, the Paradigm Persona 5F ( amazing speakers!!), .and Dynaudio Confidence C2's are what I would be looking at also.
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You need to check out the new carbon drivers in vandersteen.
 
botrytis said:
Honestly, the Vandy lines have not been redone in a few years (some like 20 yrs) and the workmanship is not as good for the coin. Using canned off the shelf drivers and not very good ones for what he charges. Just my opinion and I had a pair of 2Ce's.
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Their top models are excellent. The 5 and 7, and have been improved and upgraded several times in the last several years. Although I think the 7 goes for $40 grand or so. They are almost strictly concentrating on the top shelf market these days . The budget area of 2Ce customers is no longer catered to much.
 
botrytis said:
Honestly, the Vandy lines have not been redone in a few years (some like 20 yrs) and the workmanship is not as good for the coin. Using canned off the shelf drivers and not very good ones for what he charges. Just my opinion and I had a pair of 2Ce's.
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This statement could not be any further from the truth. It should be noted that Vandersteen doesn't make a speaker of the month. They are refined over decades. The Model 7, flagship speaker, already has a MKII version. The entry level model 1 was updated to the 1Ci just a few years ago. The model 2 has had several updates over the past 40 years and is now on the 8th version. Their proprietary perfect-piston drivers are handmade in house. The workmanship and commitment to quality is as strong as it has even been.
 
fredgarvin said:
Their top models are excellent. The 5 and 7, and have been improved and upgraded several times in the last several years. Although I think the 7 goes for $40 grand or so. They are almost strictly concentrating on the top shelf market these days . The budget area of 2Ce customers is no longer catered to much.
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Check out the 1Ci that came out not too long ago. This is proof of their commitment to all the models in their product range. Even their modestly priced speakers are updated. The 1Ci features the same tweeter as the 3A Sig. The recent version of the model 2 also received that trickle down tweeter, plus the same woven kevlar midrange driver that is utilized in the much more costly 5A.
 
Zackh2o said:
I have put together a nice system with Naim components (300 Dr amp, 555ps, 252 streamer, REL subs, etc). I have owned focal sopra 3's before the subs on a different system. Right now I have B&W 802's as the speakers on demo. They are nice but I want your opinion. In a perfect world I would demo the sopra 3's right next to the 802's but that can't happen. I am also open to other suggestions. With naim components what's the best speaker for around $20k.
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802 are as good as it gets among major brands. Next step could be at $30K range with Magico or Rockport.
 
I'm surprised you aren't in love with the focals- they command respect in many circles

I would audition Legacy Aeris, Paradigm 5f/7f, Magnepan 20.7
 
botrytis said:
The drivers are not proprietary. Sorry. If you look at them (they are just sourced out drivers). He may coat them, etc. but that is all. I have heard the model 7 - color me not impressed. There are many other speakers for the price that are better sounding and better looking. If you like them, fantastic. Good for you (not being sarcastic at all).

As I said, there are way better speakers out there for the coin.

None of the other speaker makers do 'a speaker of the month'. It is just they spend time and really revamp their speakers, not just one little tweak and charge more.
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That's fine if you don't like them. But there's no need to trash a company that brings tremendous value oriented products to a hobby that has gone crazy over more and more expensive products.

You need to do a little more research before you start spouting out stuff you don't know. Richard's perfect-piston driver is propriety, patented, and Richard personally makes the cones in house by hand. Yes, they are sent to Denmark for integration in the driver structure if you want to get technical.
 
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