Speaker recommendations


Hi guys (and girls),

As some of you may know, I'm assembling an inexpensive system purchasing used gear in order to get the best bang for the buck i can manage.

So far, I have an old Rotel RCD971 (which i will replace with a more current, better sounding unit after i upgrade my speakers), a sugden A48b integrated amp w/ $500 of upgrades by Dan Santoni, and a pair of Rega Aras.

Room is small, heavily damped (Can't change this as it's a rented condo). So, room is not 'alive' sounding.

Amp is warm and robust sounding, HC of at least 50wpc. A bit rolled off in the treble, but good midrange and, as mentioned, robust sounding.

CD player is 'meh'...sterile...but gets the job done for the moment.

Rega Aras - seem to also be warm sounding...

Soo, with the triple warmth of the room, amp and speakers, overall the sound is too dull/ muddled.

I want speakers that are significantly more open, airy, extended and pack more of a punch.

I've made a thread about Epos m12.2 and Monitor Audio GR10, asking which would be the better match.

But, after receiving an email from a fellow 'goner, who provided a short list of alternatives, I'm wondering what opinions others may have in terms of what might work for me.

NOTE: I've tried out the arros, but i feel that they are not for me... too light in the loafers and not capable of high enough output w/out overtaxing their cones.

Can ANYONE recommend anything that I could pick up here in Toronto, Canada for 1000 bucks canadian or less that have the characteristics i'm searching for?

I'd really like to purchase locally, if at all possible, and i want to buy used gear to once again get the best bang for the buck.

Thanks again, as always.
loose

Showing 3 responses by loomisjohnson

you can find used martin logan aerius or focal cobalts at that 1k price point; both are open and airy up the yin yang, though not the last work in low-end grunt. the monitor rs8 or rs6 are alos quite exceptional for the price and will produce more bass.
you're right, the martin logans do require breathing room and are fussy about placement, so they may not work in your room. i reiterate my monitor audio recommendation--very punchy, small footprint, good value. i actually much preferred them to some much pricier gear (vienna acoustics, definitive)
loose:
in context, it makes little sense to pay full retail; agon is full of quality speakers at or below your 1k target--if you're not enamored with the mas or epos, look at meadowlark, von schweikert or lower-end totem--all good values.