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I need 'decent' speakers for my cheap system

First, I should probably admit that I still have most of the 'hi-fi' gear that I acquired in the early '80s - which means, of course, that I do not have anything that would be considered 'hi-fi' these days.

Now, to try and make a long story short - I just purchased an almost-new Rotel RA 1070 and RCD 1070 for a VERY attractive price. I was actually looking around for a used Creek integrated amp and a quality CD player, but a friend-of-a-friend was willing to sell this Rotel stuff CHEAP.

So, now I'm looking to replace my old JBLs. I'll need a tuner and some other stuff too but new speakers are first.

I have spousal approval to spend $1K on speakers, which I can probably stretch to $1200 or so. I am hoping to buy a used pair of loudspeakers that will stay with us when I do (eventually) upgrade the amp and CD player. I realize that some of you will say that I should have bought a higher quality amp/source and went for better speakers later - but there is no going back for me now...

I listen to classic rock, blues, and some jazz in my carpeted living room (approx 18X20). I would prefer floorstanding models, but I will audition anything.

What are the most appropriate used loudspeakers in my price range? What about 'affordable' cables?

I would appreciate any assistance!
ekistler_sj
esun
32 posts
 
Do you need spousal approval on the style and looks of the speaker too? Because in that case, you might want to look at smaller minimonitor speakers, such as those from Totem, the Dynaudio contour series, Revel m20, Amphion Argon2 (very high wife acceptance factor!) All of these speakers should produce excellent bass despite their small size. They should be available in the just over $1000 range on Audiogon. I agree that the Vandersteen 2ce's are great, but that mass of charcoal grey/back mesh look just doesn't fit my living room.
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
765 posts
 

I'll jump on the Vandersteen bandwagon as well. Even if you pay full list price for the 2Ce Sigs, you will still have your self one hell of a bargain.

About 2 months ago, I auditioned the Vandersteen 2Ce (not the Sigs). At that point, I really didn't know a thing about the Vandersteen line. The imaging was excellent, the bass was full and satisfying, the high end was properly placed. There was something magical about the Vandersteen / Rogue / Sony setup I was listening to. As I would listen with my eyes closed, I could feel my pupils darting back and forth "looking" at the soundstage.

When the dealer asked me what I thought, I told him my nitpicks, and my praises. In the back of my mind, I kept thinking, "For a $6k speaker, they sound pretty good." It wasn't until I got home and started to research to what I had listened did I discover the cost of the components.

And mind you, these wern't the Sig line.

If you find a pair of the 2Ce Sigs for under $1k, snatch them up and dance a jig.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,305 posts
 
I agree with the Vandy recommendations, they will fill a room with very pleasant sound with decent quality solid state gear. A friend had a Vandy system with all Adcom gear and it sounded very nice on all music. They sound especially good biwired, maybe it has to do with the passive woofer but the bass tightens a great deal biwired.

Also do not cut corners with wire, I believe you will get better sound with cheaper speakers (maybe Vandy 1B's) and better wire than the other way around (within reason)
celtic66
1,610 posts
 
Totem Sttaf floorstanders used in this price range and you can upgrade source/amplification later and the Totems will run right along.
edesilva
768 posts
 
My recollection was that when I looked at Vandy's years ago, they were a lot more sensitive to room placement in the sense that they really didn't like being in corners or, for that matter, anywhere *near* a corner. I know, ideally, most speakers are supposed to be somewhere like 1/5 to 1/3 of the room width away from the side walls, but my sense was that (at least the 3s) weren't as tolerant as, for example, minimonitors to accommodating the realities of most people's living spaces. I keep seeing recommendations for the 2Ce's and 3's on A'gon forums, but I got driven away by the compromises I had to make in my life at that time placement-wise. Maybe some Vandy owners can chime in if I'm right, because its something to consider if my memory is right (its generally pretty bad, frankly). They sure sounded good tho'. Also, if you do go the minimonitor route (might look at the ProAcs as well), you should budget some funds for some good solid spiked stands.
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