best budget hi-fi speakers for my specific system



Hi. It looks like everyone's been pretty helpful to others so I hope to get some of your advice also. My issue:

Just started a "budget high-end" system with:
Audio Refinement Complete system (integrated amp and cdp) Oval Twelve speaker wire
Acoustic Energy Aegis Two floorstanding speakers

I know some people on this board seem to dislike the AR system but I really love the sound: great details in the medium and high ranges and provides very airy soundstage that provides for great separation.

The problem is that my Aegis Two speakers sound kind of "smallish," there's a distinct lack of bass, and guitar strings all sound metallic. I've tried some Whatmoughs (australian company) that give missing bass and lushness but they lack detail and also separation. I've also heard some lower end B&Ws but I wasn't impressed.

For ~$500-600, is it possible to find floorstanding speakers that provide the positive attributes of the Aegis Twos but also give better bass/warmth? Thanks for your help!

PS - I'm pretty set on keeping the AR Complete system.
jwferrie8f42

Showing 1 response by seandtaylor99

You asked:
For ~$500-600, is it possible to find floorstanding speakers that provide the positive attributes of the Aegis Twos but also give better bass/warmth? Thanks for your help!

Ans: Used pair of Spica Angelus

They are tricky to find used, they're big and ugly, but in this price range they beat any speaker I have ever heard across the frequency range, for imaging, for space. I have also heard B&W DM602 and DM603 and I thought that they were pretty bad ... no finesse. (I haven't heard your AE speakers ... but I've heard AE-1 and AE109 (small floorstander) and none of them come close to the Spicas.

Very low WAF ... but amazing sound.