[shawntp]

I see the origional poster allready mentions some components (rega planet and such) I know people who like these ..I would love to get one for my headphone listening system.

For the speakers you should examine the efficiency of the speakers you are looking at and make sure that the amp is a good match to dive them.

 

[Dimitris]

So far I am thinking of getting a Rega Planet as source and a Bryston 4B STT as amp. I am going to audition some speakers this weekend to see how they sound and let you guys know. The bad thing is that only the big brands are available for audiotioning around my country. Any ideas where I should go next time i visit NY?

 

[Dimitris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRESCENDOPOWER I vote Audio Physics, or System Audio with tube monos.

I have heard Audio Physics on an end-fi show last weekend and I really liked them! All the dealers had brought some amazing equipment but Audio Physics has brought some small comparatively speakers that sounded awesome!

 

[eyeteeth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimitris a Bryston 4B STT as amp

Bryston amps are great on both an absolute and value for the dollar scale but are you sure you need 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 500 watts into 4 with over 1000 watts available in bridged mode?!!!

Pick your speakers first. Maybe you fall in love with a pair that happen to have 93dB sensitivity? You'll be happy with 50 watts per channel and save a good amount of money.

 

[Ayreonaut]

Which speakers should you buy? You MUST audition and choose from what you've heard. Hit the phone book, find all the Hi-Fi stores and get to listening.

This seems obvious, but I spent WAY too much time researching on the internet and reading magazine articles. So what if a reviwer says a speaker is the world's greatest? Do you trust them more than yourself? In the end it comes down to what you have the opportunity to hear and which you love the most.

 

[shawntp]

Wow ...you are going to have some power under the hood.

You could check out the B&W Nautilus 803 ...I have seen them paired quite often with the Bryston.

 

[Aman]

How about an Ohm Walsh 100 MK2? http://ohmacoustics.com/styles_walsh.cfm

I have their MicroWalsh Tallspeakers, and they are by far the best speakers I've heard for the price (I searched for new speakers for almost two years before finally deciding on Ohm). Ohm is basically an unsung hero when it comes to audio companies - they put the absolute best worksmanship into each product they build and design, and they've survived thirty years without a dealer network. That could only be done by a company that TRULY values their products and their customers. Plus, you use the term 'lush' as a characteristic you value in the speakers, and, I think that 'lush' is the single best word to describe their sound characteristics. The speakers are lush, romantic, and very, very transparent.

 

[eyeteeth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aman The speakers are lush, romantic, and very, very transparent.

Those characteristics are completely contradictory.

 

[Aman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeteeth Those characteristics are completely contradictory.

I wouldn't say so. Because the speakers are transparent, they are able to emphasize the lush characteristics of a recording, which many other speakers are unable to do because they present a too-forward and too-bright sound.

Although, the way I worded it, there is certainly much room for misinterpretation.

 

[aerius]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimitris I am looking for very good mids and tight bass and lush sound. Something that matches my HD650 but in speakers!

I checked out some speakers today and I'm in the middle of writing up some short impressions. Auditioned today were the B&W 805 & 804, the Sonus Faber Concerto, and the Dynaudio Audience 72 SE. Of those, the closest to the 650 is the Dynaudio, but I don't think it meets the criteria of very good mids & tight bass. Guitars sounded muffled and the strings didn't ring out very well, and in terms of dynamics it just sounded dead.

The Concerto was the most lush sounding of them, a little too lush & mellow, plus it had some issues with the bass which I found to be too slow & a bit too "one note". Really nice with Kate Bush & Sarah Slean, but when the pace picked up and it was asked to rock, it couldn't.

Which leaves the B&W's. Not as lush as the Sonus Faber, but still a bit on the warm side. Highs were a little zingy until we switched it to a warmer amp, but other than that there were no real issues. Had the best dynamics & drive, and was equally happy playing grungy rock & blues as sweet female vocal music. The 804 has a fair bit more bass & a bit more fullness to the midrange than the 805, and it sounds more at ease, otherwise they're pretty close. Also of interest, they also had the best soundstage & imaging by far. They could project sounds that come from only a couple feet in front of me and well off to the sides, the wrap-around effect was freaky.

Out of all the speakers I've heard to date, I think the Dynaudio Special 25 is the one that comes closest to what you're looking for. Similar sound signature as the 72 SE, but without the problems and with much better detail & resolution. Problem is I'm pretty sure it's a heck of a lot more than $3000.

 

[Dimitris]

Anyone ever auditioned Von Schweikert speakers? It seems that they are getting some very good reviews and can be found in Audiogon. Whatever I get is going to used since the prices are much lower than brand new and I dont care about having completely new speakers. BTW what should I be looking for when buying used speakers? Are there any watchouts?

 

[eyeteeth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aman Although, the way I worded it, there is certainly much room for misinterpretation.

Yep.

Play some crappy sounding CDs and you'll look with suspicion at your crappy sounding speakers, as I do. Then play that lush, beautiful recording and your in rapture.

The speaker which has gotten the most press recently, which I've not heard, but believe a fellow headfier's description who got them, is the TAS product of year the Gallo Acoustics Nucleus® Reference 3.
http://www.roundsound.com/reference-3-speakers.htm
It seems everyone loves them.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/news...150/gallo.html
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/gallo/ref3.html
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Iss...oreference.htm
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue16/galloref3.htm
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue18/gallo.htm
http://202.186.86.35/audio/story.asp...&sec=audiofile

I like that there is an upgrade path with the addition of the Gallo Subwoofer Amplifier later when funds permit. http://www.roundsound.com/subwoofer-amplifier.htm

That head-fier is using a PrimaLuna ProLogue integrated tube amp to drive his. I didn't think it could do the job; I guess it's a gutsy not so little amp

 

[Vicks7]

In case no one has mentioned them already, you should also consider the Merlin TSM-MM Speakers - many experienced hi-fiers say there is nothing to touch them at this price point (USD2,800).

 

[KShaft]

Look at aci saphire xls. I had the IIIs and they are beautiful sounding.

Youll need a sub for full effect, but get a force or titan and your still under the 2500 mark.
k.s.

 

[Yikes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimitris I have been looking around and it seems that the B&W 803D are highly recommended. Do you think they would be too much for my room? Would they be too difficult to drive? I was all thinking about the JM Lab 926-936 series. Anyone owns these speakers around here?

B&W 803D are $8000 a pair

B&W 803S are $5500 a pair