Have $4,000 to spend and looking for new speakers?
Q. I have an Emotiva preamp and amplifier and am looking for new speakers between $4,000-$6,000 per pair. I could spend more if they would be something I would be happy with. The room is 12x17 feet with an open beam ceiling. What do you recommend? — D.N., San Francisco
A. Your price range is close to the maximum for equipment I recommend. Speakers selling for more than $10,000 per pair tend to be the domain of audiophiles. There is also the law of diminishing returns, and a lot of exotic audiophile speakers do not sound very good despite prices approaching or exceeding six figures.
I am going to list my three favorite speaker lines in alphabetical order. I own at least one pair from each series, so I am putting my moneywhere my mouth is.
Axiom Audio omnidirectional speakers have drivers facing both front and rear and include a separate digital signal processor (DSP) component that is connected to a four-channel amplifier. The DSP optimizes the sound and generates an omnidirectional sound field that creates an experience unlike any other speaker. The LFR880 system with amplifier is $5,480, and if you check the “I can wait 25 days” box, the price is reduced to $4,858.32. The speakers are handmade in Canada. axiomaudio.
Ohm Acoustics Walsh speakers use a unique transducer called a Walsh driver. The Walsh driver has a storied history and is capable of reproducing waveforms more accurately than any other technology. The sound is sublime, with crystal clarity and effortless stereo imaging that can be experienced almost everywhere in the room. Ohm Walsh speakers are handmade in Brooklyn and highly sought after, and there is currently a waiting list of approximately six months. They are worth the wait. A pair suitable for your room would range from $3,800 to $9,000 per pair. ohmspeaker.
I have been a big fan of the Polk Legend speakers, specifically $999 Legend L100. The $3,498 Legend L600 towers would be a good fit for your room. These speakers are more of a conventional designthan the Axiom Omnidirectional or Ohm Walsh speakers, but the sound is competitive with most anythingon the market. polkaudio.
None of these speakers are inexpensive, but they are still considered high value given their quality and performancefor the dollar.