DENON APO 1500


Hello I own a Denon apo 1500 AMP, I will like to know what kind of speakers should i get.

Thanks.
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Showing 3 responses by marktomaras

Well, there is not a lot of info to go on here.  While the amplifier that you have makes a difference, the larger considerations in choosing a speaker are your room, your taste in music, and your budget.

please answer these questions and I'll give you some suggestions.

how large is your room?
what are your listening habits (loud, soft, background music, or dedicated listening)?
how much money would you like to budget for speakers?

With an amp of 150 watts and a speaker of 90db of sensativity, you should be able to get fairly good volume out of them.  I'm not convinced a $500 speaker on the used market will be the way to go unless you just plain don't like the Polk speaker that you have.   What is the problem now?  Does it distort at high volume?
And I agree with Paraneer :-)

In fact, a cursory search for 2nd hand speakers at the $500 price point does show more promise than I had originally expected.  Especially if you are willing to choose a speaker that is a bit on the older side, or has a minor bit of cosmetic damage, you will be able to get a speaker that retailed for 3-4 times (or more if you're lucky) of what you Polk speakers cost new.  Cost is not the end all be all factor of quality by any means, but it is a reasonable barometer.  A $2000 speaker is usually universally better than a $600 speaker, even with a few exceptions to the rule. 

If you do not like your speakers, here is what I would do.  Research what your Polks will sell for on the used market.  Add the expected amount to your $500 budget, and see how far north you can stretch it.  Then research what that budget (hopefully about $700 or $750) can get you on Audiogon.  Location is a factor as some larger speakers are expensive to ship.  If you can find a pair that is selling at less than half of retail or better, you are probably looking in the right direction for a sweet upgrade.

Be sure to choose an 8 ohm speaker, with a sensitivity of no less than 88 or 89 to be able to get the most out of your amp.  90 or 91 would be even better.

Good luck!