OT - $1000 budget for loudspeakers

[Kurt]

Thanks iPhone. I didn't realize Vandersteen's could be had in this range used. I'm assuming my NAD 2400 wouldn't have any problems driving them properly?

[opaqueice]

That's a relatively small room - you might consider smaller speakers over full range floorstanders.

ATC SCM-7's are an option (might be slightly over $1000 new). I haven't heard that specific model, but I've heard several others, and they're probably the premier studio monitor manufacturer in the world, so I don't think you could go wrong. There are lots of other good choices in the small monitor category as well - Genelec and B&W to name two.

In a totally different category, a lot of people swear by Gallo Reference 3.1. I don't care for them personally, but I've seen used pairs recently on agon for only slightly over $1,000. Here's a pair that just sold:

http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?spkrfull&1205169285

[alekz]

The good thing about Thiel CS 3.6 (apart from their sound, of course) is that they can be placed at 1 foot from the real wall.

The bad thing is their low sensitivity (86 db/m) and low impedance 2-4 Ohm.

OTOH, your room is quite small (that can help your amplifier), your NAD can withstand 2 Ohm load and can provide the recommended 100W. Also see: http://www.thielaudio.com/THIEL_Site.../faqpower.html.

The recommendations are good to create a "top5-10" list. Then it's upto your music, system, personal preferences, etc. If you could borrow speakers before buying them, that would be the ideal situation.

[alekz]

Genelec and B&W to name two.

Biamped Genelec's are absolutely amazing! The only problem is the price and good speaker stands (what also adds to the total price). I doubt it's possible to stay within $1000.

[twylie]

what kind of music and what attributes are you drawn to in systems you've heard? - imaging, midrange, rhythm, etc? I've had my 2 channel stuff in a smaller room (about the dimensions you stated) on various occasions. Unless you're willing to do some serious room treatment, anything that realistically plays below 35-40 Hz may overpower your room and be very fussy, placement-wise, to avoid boominess. I'd look for some small footprint floorstanders or small monitors (although the cost of stands as mentioned may be 1/4+ of your budget).

[selfdivider]

Hey, I think the Spendor 3/5 se's might do it for your room, especially if you're in for very musical & accurate speakers for your money. There's one on Audiogon for sale right on yr budget:

http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1206129421

I second other people's nominations of used Vandersteens. To me, they're one of the best big-sounding speakers which also sound great played in lower volumes. You can also find used Quad 22L2s on Audiogon for a bit more than $1k.

There are MANY options for you.

[GuyDebord]

Check out the Reference 3A Dulcet's, one of the best monitors you can get for that money. The Vanderteen 2ce Signature's are not a bad recommendation at all if you have the space and if you are willing to sacrifice a bit of the transparency, resolution and lush mids that you can get with a monitor speaker. You could also go for a Magnepan MG12. If I had 1000 to spend on a speaker I would go for a used Monitor, good full range is asking to much for that price.

[Kurt]

Thanks guys. Lots of good ideas here.

[alekz]

Speaking of sensitivity vs power, here's a good chart:

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/produ...agnostics.html

[GuyDebord]

Speaking of sensitivity vs power, here's a good chart:

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/produ...agnostics.html

That chart is crap!! suddenly all the SET cult members are wrong? and most of tube amplifiers also dont cut the deal? totally simplistic output, its just marketing crap brainwashing again, havent you noticed their million dollar publicity campaign (free charts) in all major hifi magazines!!!

more watts better sound? common!!!