Best in depth of soundstaging and ease for 2k?


Hi,

I'm looking for a pair of speakers that will go for $2000 or less on Audiogon. I listen almost solely to classical music, and what I really care about is deep soundstaging, and ease of presentation. I think ease is really my most important criterion. Since those two criteria will generally make for a relatively analytical speaker, I plan on warming up the sound with tube gear, likely from Rogue Audio(seems to be the best value on the used market). Does anyone have any recommendations? My room is 17 x 13. Bass response is not my biggest concern, so I might be willing to go with a pair of monitors, but I worry about their presentation of large orchestral works...

Thanks very much.
omains

Showing 1 response by mikesinger

audio physic virgo's. really surprised nobody mentioned these.

they totally disappear and have been stereophile "a" reccomended for years.

i recently pu the libra (one up from the virgo- i was orginally looing for virgos and found these locally) and i am really surprised by how well they disappear.here are a couple pro and cons of the speaker:

Pro
1. nearfield listening is required ( go to the immedia site and see if the speakeres will work in your room- they are VERY room specific.
2. totally disappear
3. very musical ( greatest strength)
4. warm sonic signature
5. a friggin deal at &1700 - $2100 for a used pair ( version ii is said to be the best. the libras go for $3k
6. holographic imaging ( greatest strength)
7. audio physic house sound- either you will love it or hate it
CON
1. Nearfield listening - they are VERY room specific.
2. careful setup is reuired to sidefirng woofers- bass can be boomy if not placed correctly.
3. ok dynamics ( this is where the libra smokes the virgo)
4. warm sonic signature - requires gear and cable synergy
5. not the deepest bass- good to 35 k ( libra is better here again)
6. careful setup - takes a long of time and patience to find the sweetspot
7.audio physic house sound- either you will love it or hate it

the nearfild listening position is very close to the speakers (6-7 feet- takes a little bit to get used to.

the setup requires 4 feet from the back wall and some space sround the speaker- preferred setup is on the long wall ( i use mine on the short wall fine though. you will get good bass response in your sized room and the speaker disappearing act in your room if positioned correctly.

the footprint is a very narrow but deep box ( btw,the wife commented on how these were the best looking speakers she has ever seen (i have ever brought home)

check the virgo threads and audio review. it is a awesome speaker and in the price range youare looking for. if you like the audio physic house sound- the question will be if you want the version i or the version ii.

good luck,

mike