The Von Scweikert VR-1's in African Hazelwood finish look stunning. Check out the system of Megasam here in Audiogon. High-mass stands are must for the VR-1's (e.g. Target HR60 or Osiris), therefore, factor the cost of stands in your budget. Performancewise, the VR-1's are fast, detailed and have a HUGE soundstage. They really sound big! They should match well with your warmish CJ amp. Bass is also excellent for their size. GMA Europa's are also an excellent buy but WAF is low IMHO.
Speaker Upgrade?
I have a Shanling cd player directly wired to a Conrad Johnson CV-50, in my living room (18 x 12). I'm currently listening to Vandersteen 1C's, and I'm thinking of upgrading my speakers. I listen to everything from tango to techno, John Cage to Nick Cave. Right now, I have about 1k to spend, and am considering Von Schweikert VR-1's, Quad 12L's and GMA Europas: the Taylo minis are intriguing but a budget stretch. I'm wondering if any of you have advice on the matching of these speakers with the cj and Shanling tubes. I'm also wondering if there are other speakers I should consider, and if these I've mentioned are an actual upgrade. I'm not unhappy with the Vandy's, but they're six years old and I'm a bit tired of looking at them. I'm also wondering if I should wait, save my pennies and go for a major upgrade (say 2k) in a year or so. WAF is a HUGE consideration, as this is our living room and she'd (we'd) prefer something beautiful to look at (the Europas will be a hard sell visually). Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks much.