Upgrading system, looking at speakers.

ralfrey -- Fri, 10/02/2009 - 13:39

I have just upgraded my amp and preamp (Adcom GFA-5500, GFP-710) with a Conrad-Johnson MF-2200 amp and PV-7 preamp. They are used but in terrific condition. My present speakers are Dahlquist DQ-10s (completely refurbished and upgraded about 2 years ago) and a Regnar subwoofer. The difference in the amp and preamp was absolutely amazing but also revealed the deficienices of my old DQ-10s, especially some harshness at the high end. I was so amazed that I am now willing to let go of some money on speakers (yes, I'm so cheap I squeak!). Probably 3k to 6k.
I listen to about everything (except opera) but mostly rock (Dylan, Moody Blues, Hendrix, Knopler, Eagles, etc.). I don't listen at window shaking volumes but medium to high. I play a lot of vinyl (Music Hall MF5.1, Grado Platinum reference), redbook CDs, SACDs, and DVD-As (Marantz Universal). My listening room is large (25' X 20') with wood floors and cathedral ceilings. I could move to the rec room downstairs of the same size but it has 8' ceilings and ceramic tile floor.
Two of my friends have PSB speakers (Synchony One and Platinum T6) which I like very much but not sure how well my CJ MF-2200 will drive them. Same with another friend that has Canton Vento 890 DCs. What do some of you suggest I audition?

ralfrey -- Fri, 10/02/2009 - 13:44

There are some good buys out there on used speakers so comments on new higher priced speakers are welcome (squeak! squeak!)

Randy L. Alfrey

Boomzilla -- Sun, 10/04/2009 - 22:28

Hi ralfrey -

You're budgeting between $3-6K and you think you're CHEAP? You can score awesome used speakers at that price range and even some great new ones. I'm not familiar with the CJ equipment except via magazine review. I have, however, owned DQ-10s and didn't ever find them harsh on top (using a tube Dynaco/Van-Alstine PAS tube preamp and an Adcom GFA-1 power cube).

If you find the Dahlquist's too hot in the treble, I don't know how to advise you. Most of the "better" new speakers tend toward treble accuracy, which may not be any better for you than the DQ-10s. Have you tried cable swapping?

Happy Shopping!

Boomzilla

A good sense of humor makes it ALL sound better!

ralfrey -- Thu, 10/08/2009 - 17:25

Thanks Boomzilla, I really do need to upgrade my interconnect cables. I have Tara Labs speaker cables right now and they should be OK. I am going to replace my old interconnects with Kimber Kable PBJ series and see how that improves things before upgrading my speakers.

rossop -- Mon, 10/05/2009 - 01:59

The Focus Audio FS-888(about $10k new) have the Scan Speak Revelator 9900 tweeter. I have not heard all tweeters but it has the sweetest treble I have ever heard. Soft dome tweeters are generally smoother than metal tweeters in my experience. You shouldn't have any trouble getting something to drive with the cj amps as most speakers are an easy load to drive. Just find something you like and be sure you can drive them to the levels you desire without straining your power amp. Good luck!

Robert Harley -- Mon, 10/05/2009 - 17:41

You should also look at DALI loudspeakers. They are designed to be easy to drive, and they deliver excellent treble resolution from their dome-and-ribbon tweeter assembly.

ralfrey -- Mon, 10/05/2009 - 20:27

Thanks Robert. I'll see if I can find a dealer to audition at (there's not any hi-end dealers in Topeka, Kansas at all). By the way, bought your book several years back. It's on my reference shelf!

OgOggilby -- Tue, 10/13/2009 - 13:19

I had the Dahlquist DQ-10's and liked them for everything but bass (no SW at the time). I did not find them to be high end to be harsh. I have Salk HT2 TL's now and I feel the Salks are a substantial upgrade to the DQ-10's. They are right in the middle of your price range.