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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
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
765 posts
 
Sogood51, I have to disagree on one of your points...there are plenty of (what I consider) reasonably priced speakers out there. The Vandersteen, Theil, and Dunlavy lines are perfect examples. You can spend less than $1000.00 or more than $10,000.00 (a stupid amount IMHO). However, each of these lines (no matter the price) use 1st order crossovers, are time and phase aligned, and will basically not be out-classed by any hardware you match with them.

I'm not a believer that expensive hardware automatically sounds better than inexpensive hardware. Also, I'm not the type of person to attempt to acquire the last 5% of audio nirvana with a cost-no-object fervor. I guess that's where I draw the line.

However, I don't believe that you can emphasize the following enough: Always take your room size, layout and flexability of speaker placement into account first. I have B&W Nautilus 805s driven with Rotel hardware. Until I have a better physical space for my toys, I have no desire to upgrade. Well, I have a desire....but I can't justify it.
aball
2,016 posts
 
I had Vandersteen 2ce for a while and got a great used deal on them but I like my current Paradigm Reference 100.2s better in may aspects but especially soundstage presentation which is #1 one in my book.
ekistler_sj OP
60 posts
 
Wow! I am pleasantly surprised at how many responses have been posted, and I do appreciate it!

I expected a couple of people to mention Paradigm, and a coworker told me about Meadowlark. I had heard the Vandersteen name, but never actually seen any of their products. It looks like I have a bit of research ahead of me...

There is a gentleman across town with a pair of Coincident Conquest floorstanders for sale. I know nothing about Coincident but I have the feeling that they're geared toward tube amps - is this correct?

Should I even take the time to audition them or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Everyone - Thanks again!
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