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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
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
There is a pair of Vandersteen 2Ce Signatures for sale right now here on Audiogon (see the featured ads at the top of the sales listings). They're priced at $980, and you won't do any better for the price.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
I second the Vandersteen recommendation.
xpuk
5 posts
 
KLIPSCH FORTE II WILL FILL OUT YOUR SYSTEM NICELY AND CAN BE HAD USED FOR UNDER $600 / I JUST GOT MY FIRST PAIR OF CARDAS INTERCONNECTS AND ITS TIME TO THROW OUT THE AUDIOQUEST I CURRENTLY USE.
tsrart
79 posts
 
I'm using NHT speakers with Rotel power amps, and I like the combo a lot. For around $1000, you should be able to pick up a used pair of 2.9s -- Stereophile Class B, which should last you beyond that Rotel as long as you avoid amps that are on the dry side.

Alternately, you could buy a used pair of 2.3s or early 2.5s if you don't like the metal tweeter sound, and get em for about $500.
esun
32 posts
 
Do you need spousal approval on the style and looks of the speaker too? Because in that case, you might want to look at smaller minimonitor speakers, such as those from Totem, the Dynaudio contour series, Revel m20, Amphion Argon2 (very high wife acceptance factor!) All of these speakers should produce excellent bass despite their small size. They should be available in the just over $1000 range on Audiogon. I agree that the Vandersteen 2ce's are great, but that mass of charcoal grey/back mesh look just doesn't fit my living room.
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