WAF and a slightly soft top being huge factors in our HT (secondary) system, I went with gorgeous Spendor S3/1p in rosewood, used for $800, atop the Target-clone 4 pillar Plateau v23 (inch) shot/sand-fillable stands from Canada ($200). Hard to beat for $1k, and far more sensitive and bigger bottom than the diminutive S3. Whatever you decide, be sure to demo IN-ROOM, and have fun.
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.