Looking for speaker recommendations


I retired a couple of years ago and as a hobby have become a bit of an audiophile.  I need some speaker advice from those of you who know more than I. 

I listen mostly to classical and jazz. System is on most of the day for background music.  I do more critical listen from 8-10 in the evening at low volume (50-60 db.)


Been buying and selling gear and my current system is a Mac computer, Teac UD-301 DAC/preamp, Classe CT-2300 amp, Vandersteen 2CE signature speakers. My listening space is a 20 X 18 foot living room with cathedral ceilings. Due to WAF restrictions, the stereo system is in a corner of the room with the speakers 10 feet apart, directed at my listening chair that is 12 feet away.  


The Vandys sound nice but I suspect they are too directional for my listening space and style.  I am looking for a speaker that has a more fuller sound stage and will fill the room with sound. Speakers will need to have a better WAF than the Vandys. (Wife does not like the black socks on the Vandys.)


I prefer to buy used and am looking in the $2-5K range.


My current short-list for speakers is-

Legacy-Signature SE

DeVore-Gibbon X


Any advice/recommendations would be appreciated.



128x1282tuby
i have heard the benchmarks in brother in laws system including Vandersteen 2 ce sig, very very musical....i have no experience with the PS Audio

Have not heard the PS Audio Stellar Gain DAC.

The Benchmark DAC 3 is very detailed without sounding digital - no harshness or digital glare at all

I think you you can try it and return it if you dont like that level of detail/precision.

That said, changing speakers will make a much bigger difference than changing DACs, IMHO.
Unfortunately, you will not find the Devores used for even twice your max budget. John is 3 months in waiting and the used market has soared. There is a used pair of Silverbacks for $7800. Even The Nines are in the $4k range and I have these. The 96’s are unbelievable speakers but you cannot find a pair with the newer drivers for less than $8500. They will fill any room and are on the extreme side of efficiency! As much as I love Devores they are not holographic in sound. I got used to electrostatics and still feel confined by the box. I am auditioning a pair of Emerald Physics with DSP. Maybe this will do it for me:)
1st question: how big is your space?

DEFINITELY DO VINTAGE/USED:Rarely do you find them - but if you find a clean pair of GERSHMAN AVANT GARDE RX20s, or even the more recent AVANT GARDES, you could be happy for a lifetime. Do your internet research