2. speakers
  3. 1216059186

best speakers on AGON for about $500

Here's the story. My father loves Jazz and Blues. He still owns many old LP's dating back to his single days in the sixties. Back then he had a Sansui Receiver, Sansui record player, and a pair of Acoustic Research AR3's. Since 40 or so years have gone by, he has nothing left except the LP's and no way to listen to them (it's been this way for about 20 years).
A couple of months ago, while listening to my own system, I remembered how much he liked his music. So, I thought, why not put together a budget system for him for a Christmas Present.
So far the only thing I have bought is a B&K Pro10mc Preamplifier. I plan to pair it with something along the lines of a B&K ST-140,ST-202, EX442, etc. It's just a matter of time before I buy one of these amps mentioned.
This post is to try to get some opinions of speakers available here on AGON now, or commonly available for about $500 give or take. Not interested in rare hard to find speakers. Just ones I will have a chance of getting in a timely manner. A few names that come to mind are EPOS, Vienna, Usher, Quad, Paradigm and more. What do you think would pair nicely with these electronics and his old LPs? Keep in mind I'm not interested in rare hard to find speakers. Just ones I will have a chance of getting in a timely manner here on AGON/Ebay. Thanks for the input.
jdfelice
sufentanil's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sufentanil
782 posts
 
For the price, I like the VS VR-1 mentioned above, except I feel that it's a little thin for jazz and blues.

I would consider something like a PSB Image series, any of the NHT offerings in that price range, perhaps a Paradigm Studio 20 or Acoustic Energy AE100 series.

Depending on the amp you choose and the room geometry, you might actually consider Magnepan MMG's. I sent my pair back before the end of the trial period, but if I didn't have a more expensive speaker I was comparing it to and I only listened to jazz and blues, I would have definitely kept them. They are great speakers for the money, but you need to make sure that you have the room and amp for them. (And maybe a sub.)

Good luck,

Michael
jdfelice OP
26 posts
 
Thanks guys, I have thought about the VR1's. Don't know why I forgot about those. Good suggestions.

Reubent, no preference, just the price range.

More info, the speakers will be in a semi large room.
and
speakers with a bright/lively top end would be great, my father has some hi-frequency hearing loss. He misses the highs he used to hear, therefore when he hears good tweeters with good imaging and soundstage, he likes it.

What about Dali, don't the Helicon's have a dome tweeter and a ribbon? Are they in this price range when used?
jdfelice OP
26 posts
 
Sorry, I was thinking of the Dali Mentor not Helicon's.
sufentanil's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sufentanil
782 posts
 
Jdfelice, based on what you've said about the room and listening priorities (imaging and soundstage), I'd say the Magnepan MMG's should be at the top of your list. They're available NEW with 60 day no-fuss return policy for only $50 above your price limit.

Michael
jdfelice OP
26 posts
 
Good Point Michael. I'll check into them some more. At one time I was very interested in these for myself, I just could not accommodate the placement requirements.
More to discover