$10k Hot Spot

[Mr Peabody]

Can you think of a more competitive price point now than $10k? Just off the top:

Magico A3
B&W 804 B3
Revel F228
Focal Kanta #2
I believe one of the new Dynaudio Contour

I"m sure you can add others. It just seems $10k is a hotly competitive price point. Does $10k stand out or am I just noticing this due to all of those being relatively new models?

[CPP]

Magnepan MG 3.7i

Vandersteen Treo CT
Orangutan O/93
DeVore Fidelity Gibbon Super 9
focal sopra 1
Harbeth M30.1

[ben]

Mr. Peabody,

You can say same for 20K price range. Competition is intense. For 10K range, add spendor D9, Aerial Acoustic 7T, Proac D48R

[Dizzie]

Does Wilson have a $10K contender?

[nc42acc]

I think the new Tater Tot is in the $10k range

Does Wilson have a $10K contender?

[MichaelZ]

It's probably just coincidence that there's a lot of activity at 10k right now. The Revel F228 and Magico A3 have, I think, brought a lot of new attention to that price point.

It also seems that, after letting their prices explode over the last 10-15 years, companies are starting to fill in the gaps.

[ben]

It's probably just coincidence that there's a lot of activity at 10k right now. The Revel F228 and Magico A3 have, I think, brought a lot of new attention to that price point.

It also seems that, after letting their prices explode over the last 10-15 years, companies are starting to fill in the gaps.

It seems when one company introduce new model in particular price range and found success, other companies follow the same path. They come up with speaker in the same price range to grab a market share. I think at each and every price point(whatever that may be, $5K, $10K, $20K), competition gets intense. Look at 20K price range speakers - KEF Ref. 5, Focal Sopra 3, B&W 802D3, Revel Ultima Salon 2, Dali epicon 8, proac K6.

Also companies have realized that there are so many $40K, $50K speakers they can sell. Seriously, how many people can afford that? When Wilson Sasha 2 price crossed $30K limit, they introduced Yuvette to fill the gap between $20-30K range and Sabrina to below $20K range. It is good strategy to get people into buying botique brands.

[Mordante]

Blumenhofer GENUIN FS 3 MK II
Raidho XT1
Magico A3
KEF ??
Focal Diablo Utopia

Something like this maybe.

[sleepysurf]

I'd add the MartinLogan Impression 11A to this list.

[FDPDK]

I think the new Tater Tot is in the $10k range

Its name is actually Tune Tot

[MichaelZ]

Also companies have realized that there are so many $40K, $50K speakers they can sell. Seriously, how many people can afford that? When Wilson Sasha 2 price crossed $30K limit, they introduced Yuvette to fill the gap between $20-30K range and Sabrina to below $20K range. It is good strategy to get people into buying botique brands.

I know that, with my income, I will never be able to afford a $30,000 speaker. For me, $5k is reasonable (but still expensive!), and $10-15k is the aspiration range that maybe I'll be able to swing once the kids get through college. So any increased activity in that range makes me very, very happy.

[ben]

I know that, with my income, I will never be able to afford a $30,000 speaker. For me, $5k is reasonable (but still expensive!), and $10-15k is the aspiration range that maybe I'll be able to swing once the kids get through college. So any increased activity in that range makes me very, very happy.

Even I though I'm single, currently can't afford expensive gears. May be someday. Last night I had a dream of having Vandersteen 7 MK II, Wilson Alexia 2 and Big Avalons along with Big Audio Research gears in dedicated audio room

[Mr Peabody]

Tune, Tater, anything that cost $10k shouldn't be a Tot, LOL How about a Tune Tater?

Its name is actually Tune Tot

[tdimler]

Tune, Tater, anything that cost $10k shouldn't be a Tot

I couldn't agree more!

[Vinyl Lives]

Just purchased the new Magico A3, blown away by how good a $10K speaker can sound. I paid more that that for a pair of Martin Logan Summits in 2007.

These realistic price points mat attract more to the hobby. When I tell my non-audio geek friends the price point of some gear, they think anyone who'd pay that is crazy ... probably some truth to that!

[joeinid]

Congratulations!

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

[Dizzie]

Just purchased the new Magico A3, blown away by how good a $10K speaker can sound. I paid more that that for a pair of Martin Logan Summits in 2007.

These realistic price points mat attract more to the hobby. When I tell my non-audio geek friends the price point of some gear, they think anyone who'd pay that is crazy ... probably some truth to that!

Vinyl Lives, Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the forum. Are you in possession of the speakers or on a waiting list?

[Mike]

Just purchased the new Magico A3, blown away by how good a $10K speaker can sound. I paid more that that for a pair of Martin Logan Summits in 2007.

These realistic price points mat attract more to the hobby. When I tell my non-audio geek friends the price point of some gear, they think anyone who'd pay that is crazy ... probably some truth to that!

Congrats! This is why I’m now ordering them in bunches, typically three or four pairs at a time. Right now the wait is about 6 months. By ordering stock, I can help customers stay a little ahead of the wait. Woot!


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[FDPDK]

And have only listened to them through youtube , but they for sure seems interesting. If the price or name is what one would like or expect is another thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgPorJrzTsQ
I find them interesting but also agree that the price seem steep.

Tune, Tater, anything that cost $10k shouldn't be a Tot, LOL How about a Tune Tater?

[Audioseduction]

Its name is actually Tune Tot

I like Tater Tot better!

[nc42acc]

[Vinyl Lives]

Had them now about three weeks & they are breaking in nicely - I'm impressed!

Have a pair of REL's on order to help with the low end, can't wait to hear them together.

[Joseph R.]

I am also presently in the $10k market. I have been for two years. Unfortunately after two years the $10k market is now the $15k market. Regardless of how many dealers deny it. Am interested in what others have to say about what is available in this range. Is there any real difference between a $10k speaker and a $20k speaker ? Except for the greater reduction in the bank account I don’t see any.

[Rob181]

Is there any real difference between a $10k speaker and a $20k speaker ? Except for the greater reduction in the bank account I don’t see any.

I guess the question is...do you hear any...

Why go "shopping" based on price anyway...
Do not ask price & ignore price completely...
Why not find a pair of speakers you really love the sound of...
Then work out a way to obtain them...

[Joseph R.]

I guess the question is...do you hear any...

Why go "shopping" based on price anyway...
Do not ask price & ignore price completely...
Why not find a pair of speakers you really love the sound of...
Then work out a way to obtain them...

The answer to the first question is generally “no”. The answer to the second question is a bit more complicated. Because shopping for a YG Anat or for an Advant Garde Trio is a waste of time. If the only way to “work out a way” is to break into Fort Knox, I’ll pass.

[Rob181]

The answer to the first question is generally “no”. The answer to the second question is a bit more complicated. Because shopping for a YG Anat or for an Advant Garde Trio is a waste of time. If the only way to “work out a way” is to break into Fort Knox, I’ll pass.

Me thinks you have missed the point...
If you listen to something in a negative head space...
You will NOT hear on positives...

Secondly both YG & AG speakers have a "house" sound...
If you like the "house" sound there are other - less expensive models...
Or a variant that is a couple of years old - at a fraction of Retail...

[Dizzie]

Had them now about three weeks & they are breaking in nicely - I'm impressed!

Have a pair of REL's on order to help with the low end, can't wait to hear them together.

You are very lucky to get yours so quickly. Why the RELs? Are you using the A3s for home theater?

[MichaelZ]

I am also presently in the $10k market. I have been for two years. Unfortunately after two years the $10k market is now the $15k market. Regardless of how many dealers deny it. Am interested in what others have to say about what is available in this range. Is there any real difference between a $10k speaker and a $20k speaker ? Except for the greater reduction in the bank account I don’t see any.

I mean, we've mentioned new speakers in the $10k bracket, like the Magico A3 and the Revel F228Be. So there are speakers in that range.

As for whether a $20k speaker is twice as good as a $10k speaker? Frankly, it isn't (imo at least). You're well into the law of diminishing returns at that point. Whether that incremental increase in performance is worth the extra cost is a value judgment that has to be made by the individual purchaser.

[Mike]

I like Tater Tot better!

I would say what I really think, but I best bite my tongue on this one.

[mauidan]

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...ers-under-20k/

[Vinyl Lives]

You are very lucky to get yours so quickly. Why the RELs? Are you using the A3s for home theater?

No for music only. I like a little more weight to my music than any 7” woofer can provide.
Also, IMO the sub actually adds more to the mid / high ranges, I had two Martin Logan Descent I’s before, and enjoy the slam of a live performance.

[a.wayne]

Pretty soon 10K will be desk tops only

[a.wayne]

I am also presently in the $10k market. I have been for two years. Unfortunately after two years the $10k market is now the $15k market. Regardless of how many dealers deny it. Am interested in what others have to say about what is available in this range. Is there any real difference between a $10k speaker and a $20k speaker ? Except for the greater reduction in the bank account I don’t see any.

What are you replacing ..? New or used 10K Budget ..

[Joseph R.]

Pretty soon 10K will be desk tops only

You certainly said a mouthful brother. Agree.

Attempting to upgrade a one-off pair of Shahinian prototypes. No easy task. Pretty much given up.

[bzr]

I just replaced my AUD$78k speakers with AUD$5000 as in loaners with the wait for my speakers to arrive. I almost thought I had it....I was listening to a box!!!! So now I wait for my new speakers & realise the closest I thought I could get to the best was smoke & mirrors,... didn't quite keep my attention let alone hold it for any manner of decent time. Always listen for yourself & remember the warm fuzzy trigger that makes you swoon when you hear a system that to your ears that just gives!!

[wisnon]

I think the Pure Audio Project speakers will blow away a lot of contenders here. So will many brand and models that are not the flavour of the month. Speaker design is not really an advancing art, except for maybe DSP/DRC applications.

https://www.pureaudioproject.com/pro...ffle-speakers/

[Mr Peabody]

Not that some aren't trying. Seems to be more open baffle type speakers these days, Line arrays and the Gobel seem to be unique.

I think the Pure Audio Project speakers will blow away a lot of contenders here. So will many brand and models that are not the flavour of the month. Speaker design is not really an advancing art, except for maybe DSP/DRC applications.

https://www.pureaudioproject.com/pro...ffle-speakers/

[Jack]

Another option to the PAP speakers in the same price range also utilizing the AMT if you don't want to do the assembly yourself.

http://www.spatialaudio.us/x2-modular

[freesole]

I am looking in this price range as well. Considering the Magico A3, Joseph Audio Perspective and the Spendor D9's. Hard choice!

[steve59]

I set my $10k limit new or used and I listened to the f228be, persona3f, contour 60, f208, kanta2, and then bought a pair of Salon2's very slightly used and went a little over budget, started looking for advice on amp's and placement and was startled at the disregard for decent amplification many of these owners had! A $22k pair of speakers connected to an emotiva amp! yamaha ht receiver!! unless there's an upgrade plan I doubt the salon2 would sound better than an f208 connected to an emotiva.

[ben]

I set my $10k limit new or used and I listened to the f228be, persona3f, contour 60, f208, kanta2, and then bought a pair of Salon2's very slightly used and went a little over budget, started looking for advice on amp's and placement and was startled at the disregard for decent amplification many of these owners had! A $22k pair of speakers connected to an emotiva amp! yamaha ht receiver!! unless there's an upgrade plan I doubt the salon2 would sound better than an f208 connected to an emotiva.

Steve59,

Heard those salons need some serious juice to make them sing. If not seperate then may be good quality used integrated would do nice job with those power hungry speakers.

[steve59]

Thanks Ben, I actually preferred the C60 of all the $10k speakers I heard, but they were connected to Dan D momentum amps. I owned a pair of kef R105/3 bought new and it took me years to find,afford, amplification that made them sing. Affordable power is much better now then it was 25 years ago, but that magic that happens when speakers and amps are matched is still real and makes threads like this one incomplete. Somebody posted a thread suggesting amplification is more important than speakers and $10k is probably where component matching starts paying off.

[ben]

Thanks Ben, I actually preferred the C60 of all the $10k speakers I heard, but they were connected to Dan D momentum amps. I owned a pair of kef R105/3 bought new and it took me years to find,afford, amplification that made them sing. Affordable power is much better now then it was 25 years ago, but that magic that happens when speakers and amps are matched is still real and makes threads like this one incomplete. Somebody posted a thread suggesting amplification is more important than speakers and $10k is probably where component matching starts paying off.

I see you own Hegel h360. Have you tried your salons with it? how's the result?

[Mr Peabody]

I haven't heard the Salons with Hegel. I have heard the Revel 228's with the 360 & 590, seems Revel and Hegel do have a good synergy.

I've had the 360 on my JBL, seems like a strong amp, never a waver at high volumes.

[steve59]

I actually bought it for the Salon1's as the H360 really opened up the mids and low treble on those speakers. With the Salon2s I've only used the h360 with them so have no comparison in the same room. The best sound in my listening room yet! Bass detail and piano really make listeners pay attention and I love the imaging and detail the combination deliver tho' getting placement took time. I did activate the H 360 thermal protection after about 40 minutes of red hot chili peppers with the volume turned way up but they played cleanly thru it and the amp was working normally after a half hour cool down.