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audio newbie question

I don't currently have a good stereo... and the logical thing to do in shopping for a system seemed to be to start with the speakers.

So I've been listening to as many speakers as I could, and so far I'm leaning toward the Dynaudio Audience 72 or the System Audio 1270. I've heard the following speakers: Magnepan 1.6, Thiel 1.5 & .5, numerous B&W up to $1500USD, Proac Studio 125, Paradigm Studio 100 & Monitor 7, Meadowlark Kestrels, Triangle Celcius, Martin Logan Aerius, Quad 988, Tannoy Revolution 2, Klipsch RF3, Mirage, Boston Acoustic, Dynaudio Audience 72, & System Audio 1250 & 1270 (believe me, I'm getting tired). I'm still planning on auditioning the JMLabs & Vandersteens.

Anyway, my question: Is there anything else I should consider (I'm trying to stay under $2K for the speakers - new or used)? I'm starting to lean toward used, since it seems to be a much better value... only problem is my lack of experience with most speakers. I'm also thinking that at the price range I'm looking at, I'll need a subwoofer (I like very tight bass, but with weight... not boomy!). Should I go with a less expensive option and get the subwoofer up front?

BTW, I listen to everything from jazz & folk to electronic & pop to rock & even heavy metal. I like crisp imaging and good dynamics... and a large sweet spot. I also don't know what electronics to get, so I'll take suggestions on that as well (trying to stay under $1600 for that). I'll work on the source at a later date. Thanks in advance for the advice.

Dennis
eeerie1
eeerie1 OP
43 posts
 
I was considering the Klipsch, but I prefer the sound of the Dynaudio... hard for me to describe what I like. I also really did like the Thiel 1.5, but the "soundstage" (don't know if that's the proper term) seemed very distant. Also, female voices seemed kind of flat to me (again, it's difficult to describe sound!

I am already understanding what foreverhifi2000 is talking about, which is why I'm leaning toward used equipment. I figure I can more easily experiment with used equipment (if I choose wisely, I can probably just sell whatever doesn't fit and break even).

Dennis
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
That's interesting about the Thiels. One of the things that I thought was, truly, wonderful with that speaker, was the reproduction of the female voice. One of the best; to me. I guess that's what makes the audio world go 'round.
wailbait
7 posts
 
I have a pair of the Tyler Acoustic Linbrooks. I think they are terrific. I heard the Tyler Reference Monitors. Not going to claim that they are any better than anything else on your list or better than the recs that other people have made. (For the record I'm a big Vandersteen fan) but I think the Tylers are good bang for the buck and can be had used for ~1250 if you look around. New, I think they're about 2500 or thereabouts. Good luck.
bianchi27
189 posts
 
I auditioned the vandersteens side by side with the maggies and preferred the 1.6's. Any way I think no matter how many speakers you listen to you need to do two things.
1) always listen to the same musical pieces that represent the cross section of music you enjoy for comparisson.

2) keep in mind what associated equipment is being used to audition them. Try to have the speakers set up with equipment comparable to what you will have when your system is finished. for example if you are going to end up with a 100 watt integrated amp. you should not be listening to them through huge monoblocks.

3) be straight with the dealers your are using for these auditions because they need to make money in order to saty in business.
eeerie1 OP
43 posts
 
I am being very straight with the dealers... and have actually found a few great places. However, I have noticed that some dealers are not straight with me! They can actually be quite condescending to a newbie (especially since I'm not spending $10K).

I have been using the same music on all they systems I've been listening to (good cross section), and I've been making sure the same level/type of equipment is used in my auditions. Anyway, thanks for the input.

Dennis
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