Hello, I am currently checking various speakers that have been recognised as good value in the $4000-$7000 range. I have started with this list: KEF XQ 40, Definitive ST, PSB Synchrony One, Anthony Gallo 3.5, and Paradigm signature Series S1 or S2 with Subs or S6.
I value clarity, articulation, pace and rhythm and lack of fatigue. According to my own test, I can not hear beyond 15-16khz. My living room is approx. 14.4*22*8.8 ft
I have heard the KEF XQ 40 in Munich High end and it did not move me. I mentioned it just in case it might shed a light on my preferences. I have also heard both the XQ 40 and the Ref 203 (though both were not fully broken in) at the local importer briefly again and got the same impression. They also came across as not clear enough but of course the Ref 203 was better in this aspect. I do not know if it issome sort of horn loading effect in the UniQ mid/high divers? I did not like the horn speakers I heard at Munich High End in general with the exception of the huge Western Electrics. On the other hand, I had listened to the Klipsch Palladium series briefly before and found them to be enjoyable particularly with the sense of ease of their presentation.
Definitive ST: Unfortunately I have not heard these. For some reason, the local importer gets a few far and between which end up going to the pre-ordering customers. Aside of their very deep bass, how do they compare with the Synchrony ones in the mids and highs?
Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5: I know these have not been heard by many yet and locally they are going to be available around mid July at best. However, I think the Strada can give a good approximation for the quality of the Ref 3.5 from the mid range up. Given that the Ref 3.1 was acknowledged as a very good speaker I would like to know how the Ref. 3.5/Strada compare to the synchrony ones
PSB Synchorny Ones: I like these speakers and the way they communicate music and hence so far they are my main benchmark. My main concern about them is the tweeter, which I think is the Achilles heel of those speakers. I feel the tweeter is a bit too prominent and might induce fatigue ( I did not listen long enough and a home test is not likely to be possible). I do not know if there to a way to tame the tweeter without looking for laid back electronics.
Paradigm signature series: I think I'll have the opportunity to give these a good audition. However, I value a second opinion on how they compare to the other speakers I mentioned and what to pay attention to during the audition, as well as any insights on the pros/cons of combining the S1 or S2 with 2 subwoofers ot to go for the s6. The memory of a previous brief listen to the current Paradigm Signature series (with the Beryllium tweeters) makes me wish to rip the tweeters off a pair of paradigms and fit them in the Synchrony ones :-)
thanks