What speakers for an old Nakamichi receiver


My daughter is into audio appreciation and, just starting, the early stages of audiophilia. She is ready for new speakers after bearing with budget-driven JBLs and old Genesis for several years. The electronic driver is one of the Nakamichi receivers of over a decade or more ago, with the Stasis circuitry somehow licensed from Nelson Pass/Threshold at the time. The power of that receiver is small, I think about 35 watts, but the sound is clean. She has easy access to dealers with B & W speakers and perhaps others, and her budget would be around a list price of $1200. While my own system is an audiophile system, I do not have the chance to listen to the zillions of new-generation speakers and models which are in the market. Any help would be appreciated.
jdh9

Showing 1 response by sugarbrie

I agree that $1200 speakers would be overkill. They may also be revealing, and show the shortcomings of the receiver. She really could put together a nice small system for $1200. What CD player does she have?

Whether or not she wants to keep the receiver for now, or put together a nice small $1200 system; for only $300 she could get a new pair of B&W DM303; which would sound great in comparison with what she's got. They are also efficient, so 35 watts will be fine. They are the European loudspeaker of the year. The DM302 they replaced was a Stereophile Editor's Choice award winner.

She can spend some of the rest of the money on lots of music and some decent speaker cables to go with the DM303s. Then save up the rest for a better amp later. Those inexpensive B&Ws will really shine with better amplification.

Just bring her old speakers with you to the dealer for comparison. Audition the new DM601-S3 and DM602-S3 while you are there.