Speakers for Vintage Marantz ? Plus other Qs


I recently rescued a Marantz 2265B receiver, which I just had repaired by a competent technician. I'm now looking for used speakers to pair with this receiver, as well as ideas for an appropriate source.

Regarding the speakers, I have a very limited budget of up to $500 CAD, but I prefer to spend much less (~$200). I want something that has good synergy with the receiver, is capable of playing many genres well, and has decent but tuneful bass response. Unfortunately, the speakers will have to be placed very close to the back wall, which is made of brick, as the speakers will sit directly in front of a non-usable fireplace. The receiver is rated at 65wpc, which I assume is a conservative rating.

Given these constraints, I presume the most sensible choice would be vintage speakers ('70s-'80s), high efficiency (88dB+?), medium-sized cabinets, and front ported. Does this sound right? What specs should I look for when determining if a speaker would be suitable? I'm hoping to find something local on Canuck Audio Mart. Vintage B&W? Vintage JBL? What should I be looking for?

Regarding the source, I'm debating between using a tradition CDP, or perhaps integrating some PC audio. I'd really like to figure out how I can incorporate an iPhone 6 dock -- if they even exist -- so friends can simply plug in their phone when they come over for a visit. Any advice? The receiver will sit on top of an Ikea Expedit cabinet -- the one that everyone uses to store vinyl records -- so if I can fit a laptop in one of those squares, it would be nice if I could connect it directly to the receiver for high-res playback. I just don't know anything about the state of PC audio, or how it can be incorporated into vintage 2-channel setups.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
jferreir

Showing 3 responses by chrshanl37

Two speakers that I would recommend are ADS l710 or Boston Acoustics a150. Both can be found for around 200 if your patient. Ive used both on a Marantz 2285b with great results.
I've heard the pioneer speakers that have been gushed about on here And other forums. With all due respect they are cheaply made and to me sounded no better than the budget klipsch and Bose that were on the shelf next to them. You will not find a new speaker with the build quality and sound of a pair of ADS speakers for 200.
Yes different I agree but I didn't say that. I said no better. Audiophiles often equate different as better. I didn't recommend the ADS because they are vintage but because they are simply better made than anything that is currently selling new in that price range plus they are easy to drive. To each their own.