Speaker Suggestion for teenage pre-stereophile


I started off with an HK and JBL setup that I really enjoy for music. However, I've realized that I listen to music for hours upon hours a day, and hardly ever even get to use the multi-channel stuff. I've decided to get an integrated amp (probably NAD) and single cd player setup for my room-my question is what sort of speakers would work well for a 16 year old who only wants to spend 600 or so on the pair. Sadly, bussing tables will not buy nautilus' or krells! I listen to a very wide range of stuff; each day usually has neil young, cat stevens, the beatles, and other timeless greats....but also newer underground hip-hop (mos def, talib kweli, the roots). The room these would be used in is fairly small (unsure on exact sizes...but maybe 25x15???). I'll consider monitors or towers, but asthetics are important haha. Sorry, I know this isn't any easy question to answer, but any starting point for speakers would be greatly appreciated. Everytime I think I've decided on a set of speakers, another set steals my affection!
audiokid16

Showing 2 responses by tobias

I have given my 2 teenage sons each an HK330B in good condition. They compete quite well with today's low-power NADs, IMO, and were a lot cheaper. Note the 330B has screw-down speaker connectors.

One son will be getting a used pair of Paradigm Titans, the other will be getting used PSB Alpha Minis. These would be too vulnerable on stands so they will be wall-mounted (on a side wall, not the back wall because both models are rear-vented).
Woops, I didn't read this post carefully, thought I was hearing from a father not a son. 600 bucks eh ? I like Asa's idea of buying something to carry you through later upgrades, and I like the Totem and Triangle suggestions. The Totem Ones are _much_ harder to drive than the Triangles though. Maybe one could get lucky and find a used pair of Meadowlark Kestrels ?

However I run a Linn LP12 and I say source first. I have always wanted to spend more time with a system whose source was superb but whose downstream stuff was not, than vice versa. My advice would be to look for speakers that you will love for $600--Totem, Triangle and Meadowlark might be right, keeping in mind they are not equivalent and need different electronics--but do this only if you already have a great source.