New or used???


I'm currently building a two-channel system starting with the speakers, and of all the speakers in the $3-$6K price range I have listened to (including Joseph RM25XL, Paradigm S6, B&W 804S, Totem Forest, Thiel CS 2.4, PSB Synchrony 1) the Von Schweikert VR-4JR, Dali Helicon 400 and Sonus Faber Grand Pianos and Cremonas all stood out for me.

Here's my dilemma ... For budgetary concerns (and so my fiancée doesn't kill me), I'm trying to keep the speaker purchase near $5K. I was wondering if any of you have any advice on buying new (the VR-4JRs or Dalis) vs. used (such as picking up the Cremonas or a pair of VR-4SRs used) as well as your opinion on how these speakers compare to each other. Thanks for your help.
jhkear

Showing 2 responses by bongofury

Figure that you will lose 50% value the day you pick something out new or used.

Electronics has the worst depreciation of any consumer category and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.

Additionally, the aftermarket is fueled by tweakers who are constantly moving on to the next best thing. Your model, used or new, will likely not be desired, as "new" or "better" product is served up as the replacement technology. Very few audiophile products have an iconic status that hold up against the test of time.

Also, audiophile space is littered by small engineering companies that are usually undercapitalized and or have limited distribution. You are paying the R & D dreams of some inventor.

The premier English and Canadian companies know value out of the box. ATC studio monitors from the UK and PSB and Paradigm from Canada make excellent product. The quality and build is excellent. With that said, most consumer oriented audiophile gear can't hold a candle to pro gear--the best pro gear from ATC, Harbeth and Tannoy will run circles around the speakers you have auditioned, and are built to be played often to professional sound engineer ears that make their living and reputation by them. Before you buy the next great audiophile product, I would seriously view pro gear as an option, especially active designs preamped that eliminate the need for amplification components and cables (and an optimal signal path).

I would try the ATC 20-2 or 16A--true honest and transparent sound.

If you want to go with separates, Almarro is a wonderful tube amp company out of Japan.RFD makes the best sounding integrated amps out of the UK. Both companies offer simplistic design sourced from solid parts. Try to match the speaker to these first.
Nice sounding gear from the UK that has great synergy is the Rega Apollo CD player, Rega P3-24 turntable, integrated amps by either RFD or Roksan (I have the Kandy), and ATC 11 or 19 speakers or B & W 803s. NAD makes great amps, the 372 and M3, both made in China, which can be interchanged for the RFD or Roksan. The whole system will set you back a few thousand.