I agree with Labtec, but I will tell you that I went from a pair of DNA 0.5 A+ and a pair of 2Ws, to Merlin VSM-MMs + BAM. You can certainly pick those up used in your price range and Bobby may even know of a used pair that's available. I went tube amplification as well, and I am very happy with what I have now. I do not listen to much bass heavy R&R anymore, but I imagine I will queue up for the Merlin sub, if it ever becomes available. One other thought- if you stretch your budget a little, you may be able to find Model 5s, now that the 5As are out there.
Selecting Monitors for the First Time
I am scheduled to have my DNA-225 upgraded to Steve McCormack's Platinum level performance. Will be selecting a balanced linestage soon to complement the Mc and my tube phono stage. I listen almost exclusively to vinyl with probably a 90%/10% split between vinyl and CD. I listen to a wide variety of music - from hard driving rock, jazz, soul, bluegrass, female vocals, reggae. Nearly everything save classics, which get only a very occasional play.
Currently, I own Vandersteen 3A Sigs which I like very much with the McCormack - the synergy between the two is well discussed. So, I guess I'd say I am relatively happy with the Vandy "signature", as it were.
I have not personally owned a pair of high-quality monitor-sized speakers in decades (excepting some smaller PSB’s in a HT setup). I'd like to try a pair of monitors in my 23X17 room. I prefer a balanced sound with a large 3-D soundstage, a sweet midrange, articulate top end, and DEEP and tight bass but I DO NOT want to use a subwoofer, for various reasons.
What would folks recommend in the $4-5K retail range? Or am I asking too much of a monitor? Thanks in advance.
Currently, I own Vandersteen 3A Sigs which I like very much with the McCormack - the synergy between the two is well discussed. So, I guess I'd say I am relatively happy with the Vandy "signature", as it were.
I have not personally owned a pair of high-quality monitor-sized speakers in decades (excepting some smaller PSB’s in a HT setup). I'd like to try a pair of monitors in my 23X17 room. I prefer a balanced sound with a large 3-D soundstage, a sweet midrange, articulate top end, and DEEP and tight bass but I DO NOT want to use a subwoofer, for various reasons.
What would folks recommend in the $4-5K retail range? Or am I asking too much of a monitor? Thanks in advance.