what's best sounding speaker you have ever heard?

[Rexp]

I've noticed the 'there is no better' brigade are often 'digital only' audiophiles. Is this a coincidence I wonder.

 

[LL21]

As someone who committed a long time ago not to split resources across multiple sources and is digital only, I definitely believe there is ALWAYS better. You just have to make it or find it. Forget audio. That's just life.

 

[tima]

You are effectively eliminating the concept of implicit.

"The fact that you have not said something does not rule out that you are in fact saying it implicitly"

Bzzzzt - the buzzer sounds. You are eliminated for shallow argument.

The rejection is not of "the concept of implicit" but of the absence of evidence on which the purported implicit implication exists. I say let's see it or stop your self indulgent whining - just lay it out al, resnick,hogan, facten, lee, kingsrule. Be explicit so there is no doubt. Here is the opportunity for all the perpetual victims to have their class action prosecution and enjoy the comfort of your numbers -- maybe have a group hug. Let's see the evidence for the implicit charge. There is none. You don't have any.

 

[PeterA]

I've noticed the 'there is no better' brigade are often 'digital only' audiophiles. Is this a coincidence I wonder.

The “there is no better brigade” is pretty funny. Al knows there is poor, good, and better. We used to discuss the systems of our friends, and each other’s, and what we heard in various settings, and rank them in terms of specific sonic attributes and describe how they sounded to us. We often had very strong opinions about what systems worked and didn’t in specific areas. Other audiophiles likely do this too.

I don’t believe there are any audio files who don’t prefer some systems over others for whatever reason. They might not want to admit it publicly on a forum for any number of reasons. We have preferences and we judge the quality of presentations. Listening, judging, and discussing is one way to learn.

 

[Rexp]

The “there is no better brigade” is pretty funny. Al knows there is poor, good, and better. We used to discuss the systems of our friends, and each other’s, and what we heard in various settings, and rank them in terms of specific sonic attributes and describe how they sounded to us. We often had very strong opinions about what systems worked and didn’t in specific areas. Other audiophiles likely do this too.

I don’t believe there are any audio files who don’t prefer some systems over others for whatever reason. They might not want to admit it publicly on a forum for any number of reasons. We have preferences and we judge the quality of presentations. Listening, judging, and discussing is one way to learn.

You're too kind. Do you believe in absolute truths in audio/sound reproduction?

 

[PeterA]

You're too kind. Do you believe in absolute truths in audio/sound reproduction?

I believe in at least one. Good topic for a new thread.

 

[Kingrex]

I am not going to say I have heard a "Best" speaker. I hear speakers that play well. And other that don't really move me. I play more Jazz and Classical with Standards. I do whip out some pop and rock at times. Anyhow, I did work at a dealers showroom in Portland OR. He carried Coherent Audio speakers.

Coherent Audio Loudspeakers

High Sensitivity Full Range Coaxial Loudspeakers. Superb sonics. Made in Canada by Frank Fazzillari

www.coherentspeakers.net

I liked what I heard. I would call it a Quasi horn. Ported box woofer with a midrange horn shot through the center and a horn tweeter on top. With the right amp of a SET on up in power and you have a really good speaker. They also look good. I could have them in my living room.

You want the Reference of each line. Better wire and crossover parts. And, these speakers are relatively affordable. The 18 inch Ref is only $17,800. All the others are less. Down to $6600 for a compact 10 inch driver. But I think the 15" and 18" are more the real deal.

 

[AudioHR]

I am not going to say I have heard a "Best" speaker. I hear speakers that play well. And other that don't really move me. I play more Jazz and Classical with Standards. I do whip out some pop and rock at times. Anyhow, I did work at a dealers showroom in Portland OR. He carried Coherent Audio speakers.

Coherent Audio Loudspeakers

High Sensitivity Full Range Coaxial Loudspeakers. Superb sonics. Made in Canada by Frank Fazzillari

www.coherentspeakers.net

I liked what I heard. I would call it a Quasi horn. Ported box woofer with a midrange horn shot through the center and a horn tweeter on top. With the right amp of a SET on up in power and you have a really good speaker. They also look good. I could have them in my living room.

You want the Reference of each line. Better wire and crossover parts. And, these speakers are relatively affordable. The 18 inch Ref is only $17,800. All the others are less. Down to $6600 for a compact 10 inch driver. But I think the 15" and 18" are more the real deal.

As I have Coherent Audio speakers I have to respond!. Very positively!

My first were the Coherent Neo 15, they were exceptional for the price and played well with my first explorations into the SET world. Coherent is a small Canadian company and their speakers are basically custom made for you by speaker designer and master craftsman Frank Fazzalari. The workmanship is outstanding and his innovative but keep it simple design yields sound well beyond what you might expect.

The Coherent 15 are wonderful and punch well above their price class and for the average audiophile it could be an end game speaker. Fazzalari in this design made the decision to provide quick accurate bass rather than the usual faux full but inarticulate bass. While extremely satisfying for most music those that feel the need for deeper bass might want to consider a subwoofer.

After visiting Frank in Ontario, Canada I was intrigued by what he was exploring with a new 18" driver. I was extremely pleased with the Neo 15 but despite their exceptionally musical performance they lacked that last bit of deep bass and well slam. In conversation with him and some early adopters I was excited about the potential of his latest speaker. So I decided to order his 18" model.

So as good as his previous Neo 15 was the Neo 18 is at the next level! The vividness, dimensionality and dynamics along with their deep and wide soundstage makes the music sound real! The musicians are there in your room. And yes the low end is all there deep, full and rich!

So end game? How would I know, I probably haven't heard as many speakers as most of you? Still I have been around and heard some exceptional systems. These modestly priced speakers, don't let that scare you, lol, need to be considered, especially if you are tube and/ or SET inclined!

 

[Kingrex]

As I have Coherent Audio speakers I have to respond!. Very positively!

My first were the Coherent Neo 15, they were exceptional for the price and played well with my first explorations into the SET world. Coherent is a small Canadian company and their speakers are basically custom made for you by speaker designer and master craftsman Frank Fazzalari. The workmanship is outstanding and his innovative but keep it simple design yields sound well beyond what you might expect.

The Coherent 15 are wonderful and punch well above their price class and for the average audiophile it could be an end game speaker. Fazzalari in this design made the decision to provide quick accurate bass rather than the usual faux full but inarticulate bass. While extremely satisfying for most music those that feel the need for deeper bass might want to consider a subwoofer.

After visiting Frank in Ontario, Canada I was intrigued by what he was exploring with a new 18" driver. I was extremely pleased with the Neo 15 but despite their exceptionally musical performance they lacked that last bit of deep bass and well slam. In conversation with him and some early adopters I was excited about the potential of his latest speaker. So I decided to order his 18" model.

So as good as his previous Neo 15 was the Neo 18 is at the next level! The vividness, dimensionality and dynamics along with their deep and wide soundstage makes the music sound real! The musicians are there in your room. And yes the low end is all there deep, full and rich!

So end game? How would I know, I probably haven't heard as many speakers as most of you? Still I have been around and heard some exceptional systems. These modestly priced speakers, don't let that scare you, lol, need to be considered, especially if you are tube and/ or SET inclined!

Is that a Decware your driving them with. I heard the 18s and like the look. I was told that is the speaker to get. I wish the smallet ones punched as high. I need a living room set of speakers.

 

[Googaliser]

Darn, he beat me to it. It doesn't matter. But that doesn't mean I don't care.

Hey Tim - small world. I think you guys were impressed with how my TAD R1's measured (Australia). Still my favourite speaker to this day. Unfortunately, they needed a bigger room than I had available at the time. Best, Marc

 

[AudioHR]

Is that a Decware your driving them with. I heard the 18s and like the look. I was told that is the speaker to get. I wish the smallet ones punched as high. I need a living room set of speakers.

I do have the Decware Zen Triode but so far I have only played the Coherent 18s with my Shindo Cortese 300b. The Decware and Coherent 15 sounded lovely together so I would anticipate it would play well with the 18.

The Coherent 18 are the ones to get, as good as the Neo 15 are the 18 truly is a next level speaker.

All of the Coherent speakers are extremely attractive in my opinion. There are a number of finishes available and Frank would likely customize something for you if you wished.

 

[steve59]

At Axpona the big wilsons in the big room are very impressive. I enjoyed the self powered Legacy Aeris enough to make an offer on the floor demos at axpona 22. In short demos I'm easily impressed tho' and usually after time I find something that ruins the illusion.

 

[Willgolf]

The best speaker I have heard is the Aries Cerat Aurora speakers. As a result, I ordered a pair. I hope they sound as good in my room as when I heard them.

While I have heard hundreds of speakers around the country, Most of the time I was listening to speakers in my price range ($20k - 160k). I am sure there are many speakers that sound better for more or less money but I am budget constrained to a degree.

 

[Argonaut]

While I have heard hundreds of speakers around the country, Most of the time I was listening to speakers in my price range ($20k - 160k). I am sure there are many speakers that sound better for more or less money but I am budget constrained to a degree.

Will , might you decrypt this a little please.

 

[Willgolf]

Argonaut
I have been on multiple speaker journeys that were chronicled in this forum and Audiogon. I have traveled the country listening to speakers that would meet my budget. I have had B&W, Wilson, Sonus Faber, and Viking Acoustic Grande Voix Dual horn speakers.
During this journey, I heard some speakers I could not afford in the 200k-350k range that I did not like. I had no intention of ordering the AC Aurora speakers until I heard them. Then I said, wtf, this is my be-all end-all speaker for me. It cost me a lot of jewelry for my wife as she loves the Viking speakers.

TBH, I was hoping to get a speaker under $75k. So going to the Aurora is a major investment for me.

So, while I have heard a ton of speakers at various price points and types, if I knew they were over my price range I really didn't listen to them with the critical ear that I do for whatever I end up purchasing. I never thought I would end up with horn speakers, but I just loved the sound.

I don't know if I decrypted your note but if I did not please ask me any question that comes to mind.

 

[Argonaut]

Much clearer Will , and congratulations … I wish you Joy of your new Aries Cerat Aurora horns .

 

[christoph]

It cost me a lot of jewelry for my wife as she loves the Viking speakers.

Second system, then

 

[Willgolf]

Second system, then

Christoph --- now that was funny and true. My wife has finally caught on to my expensive hobby. So for every component or cord/cable I now get she is demanding jewelry...lol. Some of you might say I should get rid of her. Thank God the jewelry does not equate to the cost of my audio addiction. I did promise her that this was it....no more buying.

 

[steve59]

Christoph --- now that was funny and true. My wife has finally caught on to my expensive hobby. So for every component or cord/cable I now get she is demanding jewelry...lol. Some of you might say I should get rid of her. Thank God the jewelry does not equate to the cost of my audio addiction. I did promise her that this was it....no more buying.

When I shop hifi or motorcycles I have to consider whatever I spend will come with an additional luxury tax.

 

[morricab]

Christoph --- now that was funny and true. My wife has finally caught on to my expensive hobby. So for every component or cord/cable I now get she is demanding jewelry...lol. Some of you might say I should get rid of her. Thank God the jewelry does not equate to the cost of my audio addiction. I did promise her that this was it....no more buying.

Mine too…I hate this hobby…