Best bang for the buck used speakers under $50k ?

[smodtactical]

Looking for an upgrade over my paradigm signature s8v2s. Want to spend max $50k but hopefully get a used speaker that has an MSRP that is much more or a sonic quality that makes it worth much more.

So far speakers im considering:

Most interested =====
Nola concert grand reference
Rockport Cygnus
Focal stella utopia 2 EM

Somewhat interested =====
Von Schweikert VR10
TAD Reference 1
Magico S5 MK2
Magico M3
Revel Salon 2
Lumenwhite Kyara
Canton 1k
Paradigm Persona 9H
Dynaudio evdience platinum
MBL 101e
Peak consult Kepheus
Surrountec monolog

Of this list I only heard stella evo (not the old gen in this list, and I enjoyed it). I enjoy detailed sound but also some warmth and bass impact and extension. Listen to mostly Jazz, classical, ambient some techno/house. Rest of system will probably need an upgrade but its bryston 4bsst x 2 (with sst2 mobos), denafrips terminator, audio gd he9 (preamp), sotm 200 ultra streamer.

Thanks.

 

[Bodhi]

If you could find a pair of Magico S5 Mk2's in good shape, they are one of the best value high end speakers under $40k (along with the Wilson Sasha Daw), and even moreso 2nd hand. They're a very 'complete' speaker with no weak links I've been able to find yet. They are the most coherent of speakers, have excellent detailed bass, and are very transparent sounding. The drivers are fast & almost electrostatic-like. The diamond-coated BE tweeters are very smooth and detailed & image very well. The speakers have notably good off-axis response compared to the old Mk1's (something I loved about my previous Infinity Renaissance 90's). I recommend the optional SPods with these speakers which further lock in the bass and are the icing on the cake. I wouldn't call these speakers warm. They have a touch of warmth, but I would say the previous Mk1's sounded warmer. Though to me the Mk2's have more accurate tonality which I prefer.

That said, the Magico M3 do jazz very well and sound a touch warmer than the S5 Mk2's, hence you may prefer them. But the S5 Mk2's have the exact same midrange drivers as the M3 & have better bass imho, though it depends on how big your room is. In a small-medium size room that would be a moot point. The new Magico M2 would be better again in a small or small-medium size room, though it could be a while before ex-demo or used pairs start coming up FS. In a medium or medium-large room, of the speakers you mentioned, I would probably pick the Rockport Cygnus if you could find a used pair. Though I haven't heard any Rockports, so I'd have to audition them to know how they compare to the S5 Mk2's. The most obvious difference is sealed box vs reflex designs. Though reflex done well (eg: Marten) can sound as good as a sealed box design. Around the same price point as the Cygnus, you should also consider the Wilson Alexia Series 2.

 

[kach22i]

Want to spend max $50k ....

For a second I read it as fifty dollars.

All I can say is at that price point the speakers seem to be all about impressing people and putting them in awe.

That's great but not exactly snuggle up with your favorite musical artists time.

All that boldness and need to achieve makes me feel like a captive, like hey buddy you are not going anywhere, this is perfect reproduction and you are obligated to pay homage to our greatness.

Can speakers be authoritarian?

Can they cop an attitude?

50k speakers taunt me, they know that I'll never have them yet they flirt with me anyway - so cruel.

 

[marty]

I had to make the same decision a while ago with the same 50K budget. I opted for Wilson Alexandria S2's, which can now be had for a bit under 50K. Satisfied many of my criteria nicely. The key is to hear them in a proper set-up. Not as easy as you might think. Good luck in your search.

 

[smodtactical]

Thanks for the great suggestions. I do have a small room, 12 x 16 x 8 ft so s5 mk 2 is a good option. I can get them mint for 22k usd.

 

[smodtactical]

I had to make the same decision a while ago with the same 50K budget. I opted for Wilson Alexandria S2's, which can now be had for a bit under 50K. Satisfied many of my criteria nicely. The key is to hear them in a proper set-up. Not as easy as you might think. Good luck in your search.

Heard lot of mixed things about wilson but I'd like to have a listen.

 

[DSkip]

I am selling a clients pair of Rosso Fiorentino Siena for him and while at the lower end of your budget at $13k, they are definitely worth consideration.

 

[thomask]

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/classifieds/evolution-acoustics-mm3s-for-sale.72/

This appears to be good value.

There are several users of Evolution Accoustics in WBF including Mike Langevine.

You may want to get their input on this.

 

[BlueFox]

I will also say go for the Magico S5 MK2. However, you can get them new for less than $50K.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Welcome to WBF, smodtactical!

On your original list I vote for the Rockport Cygnus!

Off of your list I vote for the Magnepan MG-20.7 and a “six pack” of REL G1 Mk. IIs.

 

[NorthStar]

? https://www.stereophile.com/content/bang-olufsen-beolab-90-loudspeaker

 

[smodtactical]

Welcome to WBF, smodtactical!

On your original list I vote for the Rockport Cygnus!

Off of your list I vote for the Magnepan MG-20.7 and a “six pack” of REL G1 Mk. IIs.

Interesting you say this. The guy selling the cygnus also has the rel six pack in his listening room

Out of my price range but the Rockport Lyra looks awesome... and... (***cough*** rockport arrakis)

I would love to hear magnepans! Thanks for the suggestion man and appreciate your website.

 

[smodtactical]

? https://www.stereophile.com/content/bang-olufsen-beolab-90-loudspeaker

thx ill read more

 

[smodtactical]

I will also say go for the Magico S5 MK2. However, you can get them new for less than $50K.

Would you go S5 mk2 over a Q3 ?

 

[BlueFox]

Never heard a Q3, so I can’t say. However, I think the S5 is newer technology than the Q3. If so then that’s another point to consider.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Get the Cygnus and the REL 6 pack!

 

[Ron Resnick]

Cake Audio in Southern California is offering a steal: Rockport Altair II for about $40,000!

 

[Al M.]

Cake Audio in Southern California is offering a steal: Rockport Altair II for about $40,000!

Hard to drive speakers, side firing woofer may require painstaking set-up in the room.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Yes, they need power. But they are not hard to position.

 

[Bodhi]

? https://www.stereophile.com/content/bang-olufsen-beolab-90-loudspeaker

I heard that speaker at the Melbourne Hifi & AV Show a few years ago and thought it was an abomination.