If you are building a system, maybe start with 2 channel and work your way up. Working with 2500 I would suggest looking into NAD, Rotel, and Arcam. These are great receivers for the price and will drive almost anything. For front floor standing speakers I recommend Paradigm Monitor 11 (not 9), Reference 60 or 100 depending on budget. It takes some hunting but also look at B&W if you want nice detail (to some they are bright) Dynaudio because of their oversized voice coils (awesome for vocals, jazz, classical, acoustic) Revel F30,F32, or Vandersteen 2Ce or newer. I am sure that you can create a killer 2 channel set up with 2500 looking at those brands. Good luck and have fun!
Traditional looking speakers
Suggestions please. I've been living with low end audio equipment for a long time. Now that I am completing a family room addition I am ready to purchase some great sounding equipment.
I want to start with speakers and build a system around them. Room size 17 X 18 with 10' ceiling. Speaker budget $2,500 plus or minus for pair. I need speakers that are "traditional looking". In other words GMA Europa, Meadoelarks, Maggies, etc. are all out of consideration although they all sound great. We listen to a lot of female vocals and acoustic music.
In short, I need speakers that are attractive when my eyes are open, and sound like the band is in the room with me when my eyes are closed.
I know "Beauty is in the eye of the speaker lover".
I want to start with speakers and build a system around them. Room size 17 X 18 with 10' ceiling. Speaker budget $2,500 plus or minus for pair. I need speakers that are "traditional looking". In other words GMA Europa, Meadoelarks, Maggies, etc. are all out of consideration although they all sound great. We listen to a lot of female vocals and acoustic music.
In short, I need speakers that are attractive when my eyes are open, and sound like the band is in the room with me when my eyes are closed.
I know "Beauty is in the eye of the speaker lover".