For speakers: Legacy Audio Accent ($1,995.00). 3 driver 2-way speaker with 2 7.5" kevlar midwoofers and a 1" titanium dome tweeter. Rated 92 dB sensitivity, frequency response 39Hz-22,000Hz +-2dB. Recommended amp watts: 25-300. dimensions 38"H x 10"W x 10"D. 45 lbs each. Check out website www.legacy-audio.com for pictures, reviews, finishes, and ordering info. Mail order only with 30 day in home audition, but increased savings makes Legacy a great value - you get more speaker for your dollar. I am a very happy Legacy owner (I own the smaller Studio minimonitor $995). I also own a pair of B&W DM602s, but I think the Legacies are more refined, dynamic, and open than the B&Ws. The treble is definitely smoother on the Legacies vs. B&Ws aluminum dome tweeter, which can be harsh and spitty at times. For amplification, check out the new Classe CAP-101 remote controlled integrated amp ($1,200 or less). Rated at 100watts at 8 ohms, it'll put out 140 watts into the Legacy Accent's 4 ohm rating. I don't own any Classe equipment, but in listening to them at area dealers, I have been very impressed with their smooth, liquid presentation. They are detailed and transparent, but are easy to listen to for extended periods. Website is www.classeaudio.com. The Legacy Accent and Classe CAP-101 would make an excellent system for around $3,000. Look on this site for used equipment to save some money, and you may end up only spending $2,400 or so. Good Luck, use your ears to decide, and post your findings here for us to see!
putting together a budget system
I'm looking for advice about putting together a system in which the speakers cost about $1200 and the amp system $800-$1200. i'm hesistant about getting a new cd player, with SACD or DVD on its way. for speakers, i'm considering either a pair of used vandy 2ce signatures or a pair of new B&W 604 series 2. for amps, i'm looking at Arcam's integrated 9, or possibly the Arcam pre-amp 9 and power amp 10. or maybe the NAD 317. for now i'll probably just hold on to my old NAD cd player. comments?