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Just confused about where to start

Hello all,

I'm looking to add speakers to my audiophile setup which currently consists of (very high end) headphones. I want speakers for everything the headphones cannot do - simple enough. Problem is, I'm having difficulty deciding which gear I want to buy. I demoed a pair of B&W 705 S2's today and was very impressed. Unfortunately, my budget isn't that high. It's $1500 total, for the speakers and amp combined. Source is a computer. I listened to a cheaper pair of B&W bookshelf speakers (can't remember which, but were around $1200) and was not impressed. I am leaning toward bookshelf speakers but don't know if getting floorstanding at this price point would be a large increase in quality. The room they will be placed in is only 100 square feet. I am willing to buy used.

So, my questions, summed up are:

Is bookshelf a better option than floorstanding?

Is it worth looking at cheaper B&W models, or should I look at other companies altogether?

At least with headphones, I like a pretty neutral sound, if not a tad warm. Are there any companies that predominantly have this sound signature?

How should the room size inform my choice of speakers?



muffinhead123

Showing 2 responses by ethos123

ethos123
83 posts
 
You've discussed New vs Used, but there's a middle-ground option...Refurbished. That gets you a significant discount and still usually includes a decent return policy if you aren't happy with the results.

At accessories4less.com they have refurbished Kef LS50s & Focal Aria 906s both for $999. I have a pair of LS50s and highly recommend them.

Pick up a decent integrated amp for <$500 (yamaha a-s501?) and talk one of the flatmates who uses them for TV into picking up the cost of the subwoofer if any deem it necessary to feel the room shake. I have my LS50s in a master bedroom system and am more than satisfied without the subwoofer though.
ethos123
83 posts
 
I've never heard the LS50W described as sounding that way. I wonder if there was a problem with that speaker, a poor quality source, etc., but there are plenty of other great options out there and it sounds like you have some you're excited about...pick what sounds great to your ears and best of luck.

You definitely aren't obligated to buy from your local dealer, but if you're buying something they offer, I think it's a good idea once you've worked with them to at least make a phone call as a courtesy and see if they can match the price you can get online or elsewhere...many times they will get far closer than you expect and you'll have the benefit of someone local to deal with any issues down the line. They'll appreciate getting the chance to earn your business and most are very understanding that you buy elsewhere when they can't come close on the price...and if they're a total jerk about it, you know you're better spending elsewhere anyway.
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