$3K to spend on 2.0 speakers...

[GTaudiophile]

If you had $3k to spend on a nice a 2.0 stereo speaker system, what would you consider?

So far, I am entertaining the following brands:

B&W (CM9)
Boston
DynAudio (X16, X32)
Salk Sound (SongTower)
Paradigm (Studio 100)

I auditioned the CM9s yesterday, along with some Martin Logans. I despised the latter. Very "V" shaped sound. The CM9s are 90% of what I want but would like a little more bass extension and warmth. The latter may also be achieved by a tube amp. I demoed them with a Marantz amp and preferred it over the Yamaha and Pioneer amps I listened to.

 

[SLCentral]

Is the $3k budget including amp?

I just grabbed a pair of Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grands (bookshelfs - smallest line in the series) and I love them. Very warm sound, and is very inviting to listen to.

I'd also seriously consider buying used (audiogon). You'll save a significant amount of money, or you'll be able to get much better speakers than your budget allows.

 

[GTaudiophile]

No, add another $500-$1k for an amp.

 

[sdifox]

room size and dimensions? Have you listened to Energy Veritas?

 

[SithSolo1]

I personally haven't heard anything in that price range before. My current klipsch reference HT didn't even break $1500 w/ the sub/rec/BDP but it was all used/B-stock. I personally enjoy the "Klipsch Sound" and in the $3k range I would probably look at a pair of used Klipschorns or La scala but I have a massive amount of room.

I whole heartedly agree with the recommendation to buy used on Audiogon, you'll get much more speaker for the money.

Other brands you might want to eye(esp used) include: Totem Acoustic, Sonus Faber, PSB Speakers, and Definitive Technology.

As for amps both Outlaw Audio and Emotiva are know as "high-end bang" for your buck brands.


*Edit*

Found these on Audiogon: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1306638521&/definitive-bp7000sc-bipolar-po Only problem is getting them home.

 

[EvilYoda]

Kind of an odd list of manufacturers...I wouldn't really consider Boston with the rest of them. I've liked the Salk's I've heard. I owned a set of Paradigm Studios about 5 years ago and loved them for the price. I currently own (well, they're in boxes waiting to get sold) Dynaudio Contour S1.4's and am looking to upgrade after I move to Chicago. I would suggest you spend as much time auditioning at your local dealers as possible - being in DC you have access to some really nice lines, whether it's in DC or in a nearby major city.

Maybe consider Aerial Acoustics, Monitor Audio, Magnepan, Sonus Faber, Focal, Harbeth, ProAc, Spendor, Canton, Jamo...I guess there's no end to this list, LOL.

I love the auditioning process...there's just so much to listen to.

 

[richardycc]

check out goldenear triton 2, supposingly very good for $2.5k, I have yet to find a dealer close enough to audition them yet.

 

[EvilYoda]

check out goldenear triton 2, supposingly very good for $2.5k, I have yet to find a dealer close enough to audition them yet.

I've read a few reviews online and in the mags...turns out that a dealer 40 minutes from me carries it! Too bad they don't carry any lines I'd be interested in.

 

[Howard]

http://www.gedlee.com/Harper.htm

Probably the last set of speakers you'll care to buy.

EDIT: Why no subs?

 

[Emulex]

just buy them all and return the ones that don't work out. that is what i'd do. can't possibly estimate the sound quality in your unique environment. kind of like when you are deciding between bmw,mercedes, jaguar,etc they let you use one for the weekend.

 

[sdifox]

just buy them all and return the ones that don't work out. that is what i'd do. can't possibly estimate the sound quality in your unique environment. kind of like when you are deciding between bmw,mercedes, jaguar,etc they let you use one for the weekend.

That is kind of an asshat approach. At least go listen to them first.

 

[Apex]

Which Salk are you listening to?

 

[Anubis]

Which Salk are you listening to?

his post says Song Towers

 

[Apex]

his post says Song Towers

Bah, that's old age for you. Apparently, my reading skills have been taking a dive.

Might be worth auditioning Aurum Cantus too.

http://www.aurumcantususa.com/Product_Name.asp?Category=27:39:43

 

[Pia]

Genelec 8040a:
http://www.genelec.com/products/2-way-monitors/8040a/

Orion / Pluto:
http://www.theorionspeakers.com/

Note that all of these are active speaker setups, so you don't need separate amplification.

 

[Howard]

Genelec 8040a:
http://www.genelec.com/products/2-way-monitors/8040a/

Orion / Pluto:
http://www.theorionspeakers.com/

Note that all of these are active speaker setups, so you don't need separate amplification.

How do you figure he's going to buy the Orion with $5k?

 

[Aharami]

Not sure how much the orion costs, but it looks to be a similar design to GR Research's Super V - http://www.gr-research.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=158
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=73341.0. Much cheaper than the Orions, I'd assume, even if having the speakers built for you by someone else.

Danny also has a cheaper model of the same design called the V2 - http://www.gr-research.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=157

Now I've never listened to the SuperV's so I can't personally comment on how they sound, but I've heard nothing but praises from audiophiles (and by audiophile, I mean the type of people who claim to hear the difference between different speaker cables). I have built a set of N3 TL speakers + a sealed version to act as a center channel, and I think my speakers sound fantastic. The best I've ever heard.

OP, have you ever considered DIY route? Even if you don't have the time, or aren't handy, there are quite a few people who build these kits as a business or as extra income on the side. And their quality isnt shoddy either. Here are a few examples of the quality of work Im talking about

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=89483.0
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=82801.msg829090#msg829090
This guy does FANTASTIC work:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=92302.msg922580#msg922580
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=90702.0
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=82290.msg791781#msg791781

Here's someone's DIY V2 build - http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=87816.0
This guy's willing to build someone a V2 kit for fun - http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=92384.0


Honestly, you cant beat the value of going DIY route, even if you have someone else build the cabinets built for you. If you're interested, I'd say join the GR-Research forums and ask around. You'll get A LOT of help and advice from everyone there. Better yet, give Danny a call, he is super nice. When I called him, a total stranger, and a complete newb, he stayed on the phone with me for over an hour, and explained everything to me in detail.

http://www.gr-research.com/

 

[Anubis]

your have some amazing suggestions between this one and the one you made at AVS. I really like the song towers with the RT. Swan also makes things in this price range. RM/M series IIRC and they are always very well liked for what you get for the money

 

[Joseph F]

You should check out the Klipschorns as well.

 

[gorb]

Out of the ones listed, I'd go for the SongTowers with upgrades. I'd also look at the Ascend Acoustics tower (whatever it's called). The GoldenEars interest me and measure very well but I don't think they have a matching center if you ever feel like expanding to surround but they'll probably make one eventually.

 

[glen]

Well, the weak link is always the sub.

The ONLY sub out that is truly a subwoofer, rather than a woofer is the SVS PB13-Ultra or the PC13-Ultra. Not a single other option goes down to 10HZ at realistic levels.

They are $1800. So, as far as I am concerned, getting that is a no brainer.

From there, it is logical to use the other SVS speakers.
They are great, AND your receiver will smooth out any problems with Audyssey or what ever your brand's active EQ system is called.

You could also pair the sub with some Genelec's, which have their own internal amp/EQ system.

 

[gorb]

There are plenty of other great subwoofers out there...of course the PB13U is awesome (along with the other svs subs). Seaton and JTR have some killer offerings as well as Funky Waves, Elemental Designs, and HSU.

 

[Howard]

Well, the weak link is always the sub.

The ONLY sub out that is truly a subwoofer, rather than a woofer is the SVS PB13-Ultra or the PC13-Ultra. Not a single other option goes down to 10HZ at realistic levels.

They are $1800. So, as far as I am concerned, getting that is a no brainer.

From there, it is logical to use the other SVS speakers.
They are great, AND your receiver will smooth out any problems with Audyssey or what ever your brand's active EQ system is called.

You could also pair the sub with some Genelec's, which have their own internal amp/EQ system.

I see you are a fan of the pipe organ.

 

[glen]

There are plenty of other great subwoofers out there...of course the PB13U is awesome (along with the other svs subs). Seaton and JTR have some killer offerings as well as Funky Waves, Elemental Designs, and HSU.

None of those will go down to 10Hz over 105 dB, as far as I know. In which case, they should more properly be called, woofers.

 

[LiuKangBakinPie]

With what will you be driving the 3k speakers OP?