Classical music speaker recs for small room?


Hi,

I'm currently in the market for a pair of good classical music speakers that are under $500 and for a room roughly 120 square feet.

I don't intend to live in this box forever, which is why I don't want to invest in something bigger/more expensive. But---how can I put this---Altec-Lansing and Schubert aren't really on the best of terms right now, and I need a huge upgrade in order to make at least one of them happy (schubert).

I primarily listen to classical---especially newer music with sharp, percussive attacks; piano music; and the standard orchestral fare. Next on the list would be experimental/electronic music, jazz, bluegrass, etc. For what it's worth, I'm a classical musician myself and tend to be fairly picky when it comes to these things.

The Paradigm Atom V5 and PSB Alpha B have been recommended, but I'm willing to spend up to $500 and would welcome any recommendations in that ballpark. Also, I'm willing to get something a little too big for this space so that they can be of SOME use when I finally decide to move...

A million thanks,
Robert
therearegoats

Showing 2 responses by no_regrets

Do yourself the biggest favor you have ever did. Find a pair of vintage Wharfedales model W25, W35, W40, or W60's and you will never look back! Very easy to drive and sound excellent with tube gear. Great for classical, jazz and vocals. You will forget all about hi-fi and fall in love with the MUSIC. Trust me. I've also got highend stereo systems but I gotta say I love what the Wharfedales do with piano, strings, voice, etc.
12-20-09: Kr4
I never trust anyone who says "Trust me." FWIW.

Kal

That's fine....but not much of a suggestion to help the original posters question. I on the other hand have been a musician the last thirty five years playing the tenor and bass trombone, baritone/euphonium, as well as the cello. I play both classically as well as jazz and have been an audiophile for well over twenty five years. I have components that cost in the tens of thousands of dollars as well as inexpensive ones. For a budget of less than $500 for a pair of speakers to be used in such a small room for the type of music he prefers, you will be hard pressed to find a better sounding speaker. It is easy to drive, sounds fantastic with tube gear, it gets the timbre correct, it is dynamic and plays great in that size room. I would not recommend them for large rooms however.