$500 giant killer speaker system

[chesebert]

OK..I am ready to get into this speaker thing having recently bought the insignia and found I actually like using speakers. Insignia right now is about 30% of my reference headphone rig.

Only got $500 need a pair that sounds like HD650/Cardas+Dynahi or as close to it as possible. Mainly for Classic/Jazz/Pop ...Need to be Mahler concert certifed (It will play Mahler without sounding like crap, which the Insignia does

Here is what I have to drive the $500 beast!

Sony SCD-CE595 (I will only feed SACD)
NAD C320BEE

Thanks!!

 

[tkam]

You should be able to find these used for under your budget: http://ascendacoustics.com/pages/pro...m/cmt340m.html

Even new they are just a bit above your budget.

 

[clarke68]

I think you're gonna want more bass than the Ascends can deliver on their own. The most giant-killer-esque system around right now (that I know of) is the Onix x-ls and x-sub....$400 total, with shipping you'll still have enough left over for a few new CDs. I don't know about sounding like the 650s, but they can certainly deliver Mahler with aplomb.

You'll need to be patient, not only because they're currently out of stock, but also they have bigger, better stuff coming out (soon? someday? who knows): a bigger sub and a tower version of the x-ls.

 

[rsaavedra]

I second the Ascend Acoustics even though have never heard them (can only be purchased online if I'm not mistaken, no auditioning possible in brick stores). But the flat response, the excellent price, and the raving reviews are very strong motivators. In fact I would go as far as recommending the CBM170's instead, which are much cheaper and still have similar response and reviews:

http://ascendacoustics.com/pages/pro...70/cbm170.html

One thought, however, those speakers (or any bookshelf for that matter) will need a subwoofer to really approach your bass expectations having the 650 as a point reference. Roll off starts right around 80Hz, which is normal for a bookshelf, but that suggest a setup with those speakers would certainly benefit greatly from adding to it a decent subwoofer. Btw in their hometheater packages they recommend the HSU STF-2 and the VTF-2 MK2 with their speakers:

http://ascendacoustics.com/pages/pro...mt340chts.html

 

[mulveling]

The Ascends sound fine but they are no giant killer. I much preferred the $1000 Polk LSi9 over the CMT-340 and CBM-170. The LSi9 is a great deal used on audiogon at $500-$600 a pair. There are also more expensive speakers I prefer over the LSi9 - Tannoy Eyris, Taylo monitors, Legacy. I don't know what giants the Ascends are supposed to kill.

I think the budget "giant killers" - much like the giants they claim to kill - are more myth and hype than reality. Look for good quality for the price, good design principles and good resale value - the Ascends certainly do achieve these goals. More importantly, audition and find a sound you like - the Ascends were not my sound. Don't buy blind thinking you're getting a giant killer that will please any ear, because you won't find it.

Also, I agree that the Ascends really need a sub. I've happily used bookshelf monitors up front without a sub (even for HT) - the LSi9 and Taylo Ref monitors sounded great like this even if the low bass was missing - the Ascends however cannot be used without a sub, IMO. That was a problem since I wasn't a big fan of the Hsu STF2 I had at the time. Then again, mind how picky I am. The Ascends had a tough go at it since I was spoiled by high end headphones. Personally I think it's not possible to match the HD650/Dynahi in all areas on that budget, though I think you can find a pair you'll really enjoy. The LSi9 (used) should be strongly considered; it's got a very smooth, airy sound, nice dynamics, good soundstage & imaging and good bass response like the Senns. They're in no way bright which should be valued by a Senn lover. Actually it's a pretty good match to the HD650 tonally. Build quality is top-rate on these Polks, much better than the Ascends.

 

[VicAjax]

i would recommend a used pair of Von Schweikert VR-1. they usually show up on audiogon for ~$600.

using head-fi math, that's $100 under your budget
(you say $500 which actually means $700 so i suggest $600.

).

 

[chesebert]

Quote:

Originally Posted by VicAjax i would recommend a used pair of Von Schweikert VR-1. they usually show up on audiogon for ~$600. using head-fi math, that's $100 under your budget (you say $500 which actually means $700 so i suggest $600. ).

actually its more like $500 but I really want to spend $350

 

[mofey]

what do you guys think about Axiom speakers? (for example M3 v2?)

2chesebert: I keep looking at your avatar lol!

 

[Bosk]

For $500, IMO you will get far and away better sound than any pair of commercial speakers by building your own pair of single driver fullrange speakers using Fostex or Lowther drivers.

There are many reasonably simple designs out there waiting to be constructed, Single Driver Website is a good place to start looking.

 

[Snake]

Or a pair of low-or-midrange Paradigms with a (used) sub. Heck, even you might even like Atoms with a new, modest sub combo.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I'll chip in with Bosk. DIY is the way to go if you want to save money on your speakers.

Also, full-range drivers will get you closer to the headphone sound than just about anything else. Bosk's link is a good one, but check these out, too:

http://www.commonsenseaudio.com/

The Audio Nirvana drivers look good, and $150 a pair is better than good. Also consider:

http://www.eddiecurrent.com/

Check out the Moth Cicadas they're selling. Those run $240 a pair, and they're excellent drivers. I love mine.

The other nice thing about full-range drivers is that you can (usually) run them off a flea watt amp. Some amps, like the Dared and Bottlehead S.E.X. will drive both your speakers and headphones. Or you can piece together an inexpensive SET amp for them.

Don't dismiss any of these based on the price and don't think you need something with a crossover. Single drivers are a big part of the headphone magic, and if you like that, get single driver speakers, too.

 

[ooheadsoo]

If you're going to build your own, don't forget http://www.zaphaudio.com

 

[Asmo]

Not to rain on your parade, but for $500 you just arn't going to find 'giant killer' speakers, not even close.

If you get lucky with a good used deal, or go DIY, then it may be possible.

The biggest problem you may encounter is finding something with adequate bass response, depends how picky you are.

 

[Joey_V]

Try these:

Polk LSi9
Onix Reference 1
Polk RTi8
Onix Rocket 550mk2

Those are pretty decent and can be found around the $500-600 mark.

 

[skullguise]

I'll echo the Onix X-LS and X-Sub recommendation.

Also, I'll add the Athena AS-F2.2 as a recommendation. I've heard a couple of the original series, and they were great for the $.

Check out Audio Advisor for the 2.2's......

Good luck,

Todd - skullguise