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Itching for better sound

Pretty happy with sound through my Sennheiser HD700s listening through headphone amp to classical CDs on Marantz CD6006...but too much headphone listening makes my ears buzz, so I want to start listening more through speakers.

Could set up either the Marantz or a NAD 516bee cd player, connected with RCA to an old Denon AVR1404 receiver to speakers.  My PSB speakers are fair.  What I want to know is how much will a pair of Kef LS50s improve my sound?  Is my $800cdn (used) better spent on something else--other speakers or another component?
shostakovich
loomisjohnson
1,903 posts
 
i agree that your avr is the limiting factor--i'd look at the dynaudio xeo 2 powered speakers, which are $800 new--very impressive
shostakovich OP
13 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestion.  I will look into that.  What do figure would be the best way to connect these to the Marantz CD6006?  Optical?  The cable's going to be about 40ft.

Do others agree that this is going to get me better sound than the setup described above?
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Maybe you need to go to Itchycoo Park. 
loomisjohnson
1,903 posts
 
40' may be a long run for optical + you don't know if the dac in your cdp sounds better than the one in the powered speakers, so i'd try rca as well and compare
ljgerens
152 posts
 
Your receiver really will be a limiting factor with whatever speakers you choose. The Klipsch are very sensitive and your receiver will drive them. The KEF LS50 requires a good amp with sufficient power to get the best out of them. These speakers have a different sonic signature and I would suggest you listen to them to see which you prefer. 

A speaker at the $500 price point that I would suggest is the Wharfedale Denton 80th. They are available online and you can return them if you don't like them. I actually preferred them over the KEF LS50 and I am a long time KEF fan currently running several different KEF speakers in 3 systems. 
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