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Newbie needs advice for upgrade.

Hello,
I've some questions in regard to upgrade options for my living room rig. If any one word could be used to describe my set-up, it's shoddy. It's tolerable, but barely so...

Anyway, here's the rundown:

Rega Planet ->
The Chord Cobra 2 ->
Rega Luna ->
(erm, the rest is embarrassing)
Monster ->
Yamaha Sub ->
Monster ->
Mission 5" bookshelf speakers

This system leaves much to be desired, this is not to mention that the room that it is in is open to a sprawling studio apartment layout....

Okay, no more apologies.

The reason that I am here is to find some recommendations for a speaker upgrade. I have noticed recently that the port on both speaker cabinets are emitting a fluttering sound due to excess stress on the cones from lower frequencies (perhaps someone could explain what might actually be causing this since I am a total novice). I could swap out for new drivers, but I feel that driver replacement is silly for an entry level speaker.

I have been eying the PSB SubSeries 1 to replace the Yamaha, as it is within my price range, but that is to suggest that I am going to stick with stand mounted speakers. I love the idea of getting my hands on some floor-standing full-range speakers, but these are typically very expensive and I don't know what the Luna is capable of driving.

To put it simply, the sub has got to go, the Mission's are near toast and the speaker cable is depressing.

Based on the information that I have given, can you make some suggestions for my little stereo?

Any input is appreciated!

Greg
escudemor
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
Here is a thought - try to find used Energy Veritas 1.8 (or others but the 1.8's were very good) and then get something like a Bryston 4B ST used to drive them. But watch out the neighbors may complain about the noise...so you had better invite them over!
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soundsbeyondspecs
132 posts
 
Escudemor,

I recommended active over passive studio monitors based on your experience and questions. Active monitors will make your component matching easier. By choosing active monitors, you won't have to match amps and speakers. Active studio monitors have specially designed internal amps and crossovers designed to perfectly match the internal drivers.

When you are ready to match components and select larger speakers, your ears will have been trained by listening to your favorite music and HT through perfectly balanced, accurate studio monitors. That's a huge benefit.
Passive studio monitors can do this just as well if the amps and speakers are matched correctly. Active moitors may be simply the easiest solution.
escudemor OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for the clarification, Bob.

And to Soundsbeyondspecs, I do have some experience with properly matched systems so I have a pretty clear understanding for what I am listening. The powered monitor solution makes good sense to me so I will try this to see how they act, but I am more inclined to continue using the Luna as a main power source with a passive system.

With that being said, I will experiment with the studio monitor idea and see what towers I can find on audio row in my city.

Thanks again everyone, and I look forward to sharing what I find in the future.

Cheers,
Greg
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