I have a client that has Sonus Faber Concertos on his mind, (which I don't carry), and can spend about $5K on a pair of speakers. He'd be easily persuaded into another speaker and wants to look at a variety before deciding and I'd like to offer this but I have to admit that outside of KEF and Induction Dynamics, which I do carry, I'm stuck for other suggestions. I'm aware of most brands that are out there but none in this price range that might take me on in short notice. Any suggestions.

B&W and Paradigm are my first choices but I believe their dealer requirements are to have a storefront.

I'm in CA and don't have a store.

Dynaudio?

I am going to sound like a broken record with my speaker recommendations, but hear me out...

I would talk to this customer about Triad Speakers.

They use the best European drivers from Scan-Speak and SEAS, just like Sonus Faber. In fact, the Triad Monitor and Mini-Monitor models share the same sliced paper Scan-Speak midrange driver as the models ion the Cremona line, which is a step above Concerta in the Sonus Faber heirarchy.

The Concertas use the concentric ring tweeter (aka the "nipple" tweeter) from Vifa, who are Scan-Speak's little brothers in the D-S-T family.

The Gold Monitors [Link: triadspeakers.com] use the flagship Scan-Speak concentric ring tweeter, which is CONSIDERABLY more detailed, and more expensive, than the Vifa version.

Paul Scarpelli at Triad jokes that that tweeter costs more per unit than their massive 18" cast basket Platinum subwoofer driver!!

Once the driver story piques his interest, talk about the Triad's unique position to be able to offer InWall versions of that same model with the same drivers, the same point-to-point hand-wired crossovers from audiophile components, the same heavily braced and damped enclosure...

The Silver Monitor is an excellent example, they make that modlel in FOUR different configurations for use on stands, in cabinetry, in walls, and as a directional in ceiling speaker.
[Link: triadspeakers.com]

The InWall models are re-engineered with shallow depth and a flush grille for an InWall application...
[Link: triadspeakers.com] for 2x4 framed walls

[Link: triadspeakers.com] for 2x6 framed walls

The InCeiling model is re-engineered with a 45 degree baffle and a flush grille for directional placement in a ceiling.
[Link: triadspeakers.com]

NOBODY at ANY price can offer the kind of application solving solutions that Triad can.

Dynaudio are still a little old school in that they generally want a steep opener and a heavy commitment... not a very CI friendly approach.

I second 2nd rick choice. The Triads are more easily attainable than most and are excellent and the finish options are second to none. I am surprised that your client is willing to go 5K for the speakers. The last I checked the MSRP on the Sonus Fabers were 1000 or 1200/pair?

Rick, you couldn't have gotten stuck on a better section of the groove. I don't think there's a better overall performer than Triad.
T., as close as you are, you ought to consider a trip up to the factory. Superb people to deal with.
Jeff

I was at the Traid Factory last week and it was amazing to see the just in time systems in place. No enclosures or other stuff sitting around like in other speaker factories. Literally the start of the line is a flat piece of MDF and about an hour later out the other end pops a finished speaker. Very cool.

Thanks for the input guys, I've actually been talking to Triad over the last few weeks so I'll close the circle and see about getting signed up. Thanks again and I'll try to do the factory tour if I get a chance Jeff.

Triad or Martin Logan

I guess we're old school, then...;)