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Pre-audition advice needed

I am building my first "high end" system. I am taking what might considered to be an unorthodox approach in that I've gone ahead and purchased both a MHDT Havana DAC and a Rogue Audio Cronus integrated amp sight unseen based on characteristics common to their reviews. I now need to complete the setup with a pair of speakers.
Room size: ~12'x14' with a large doorway to the right that cannot be closed.
Music tastes: Classical, blues, rock (nothing too heavy), jazz, world.
I live upstairs in an apartment so i would like to avoid a subwoofer. I am flexible on speaker placement and while I do have a wife, the W(acceptance)F=0 because my W(awesomeness)F=10. I would like to avoid speakers that have too narrow of a sweet spot since these would be pulling double duty watching TV and movies and I don't want my guests to be hearing crap off axis. Based on a week long research blitz here is a preliminary list of speakers that i have my eye on. I almost certainly want to buy used since bang/buck is very important to me. The budget is $500-$2500 (willing to pay for quality).
-GMA Rio
-Eminent Technology LFT-16 or LFT-8b
-Vandersteen 2CE
-Omega (something in the Alnico range)
-Devore Gibbon Super 8
-Merlin TSM-M
-Totem, something in the Arro-Hawk range (would also consider a monitor from them.
-Basically anything that is a good deal used.
What I am curious to hear from you all is whether any of the choices listed above would be a particularly good (or bad) choice given the front end I've assembled. I am also of course open to any other suggestions. One thing I am worried about is whether I might be better off with a smaller cheaper speaker that my amp will find easy to drive vs a more expensive, potentially nicer sounding speaker that my amp would find more difficult (not straining, just more difficult) to drive. I've heard two things about speaker demoing:
1. never buy without auditioning in store
2. you can't really know what it will sound like til you get it home in your own room.
Based on the many contradictory experiences you can read about for the same speaker, I'm inclined to believe more in number 2. Since I don't foresee myself being able to bring a plethora of speakers home for in home auditioning, I'm sort of leaning towards just buying something that is a good deal used, and if I end up not liking it, just returning it if possible or selling it and moving on. I know this is a long post and thanks for sticking with me. Any advice is much appreciated.
thp57
15 responses Add your response
vernneal's avatar
vernneal
438 posts
 
Given your choices I would recommend the-
Vandersteen 2CE. (used)
But I would add the others
Thiel CS2.2 and CS 2.3 (used. these need power)
Harbeth llp3
B&W (used)

And I would reccommend given your budget to spend
$1000 on used speaker
$1100 on used JL F100
(I know you said no sub but it will elevate these speakers)
and $100 on the ANTI CABLE
nolitan
865 posts
 
suggest you try the Harbeth HLP3 ESRs. They are very good in a small - medium size room.
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
619 posts
 
Omega link.

http://www.omegaloudspeakers.com/contact
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Audio Connection has had fine results with the Rogue Cronus
integrated and Vandersteen 2 series as well as the less expensive 1 C.
One thing that Swampwalker points out which I agree has made them their success is for this reason.....
Because the speakers are able to incorporate
4 serious drivers in a Full range better measuring
box less design multi enclosure vs spending the money on a typical 6 sided 2 way veneered box design.
one thing I disagree with is the the latest Vandy 2CE sig 2
features the Model 5 Patented Midrange and Tweeter and
is more open and alive than any prior 2 Series before.
With a simple input/driver tube upgrade change to the Cronus that Mark OBrian can help with you will experience a level of refinement
that puts you right into your favorite music.
Johnnyr
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
619 posts
 
Omega is located in Norwalk,CT. Louis has a few different modles that will fit right in your budget. Give him a call to set up an audition. Bring your gear and music. Omega also offers a no hassle,flexable,30 day money back gaurantee.
Rodge
rockadanny
1,224 posts
 
I can't really burn any of the gear in beforehand

Why not? I would strongly suggest you burn in your equipment at home for at least 25-50 hrs. before using it to decide on anything. I would never evaluate speakers with brand new electronics, especially tubes. IME tubes can vary wildly in sound within the first 25 hrs. and may not settle in until around 50 hrs.

If it is because you do not yet have any speakers I would go to Goodwill or Craigslist and buy an el-cheap-cheapo pair to load your equipment for burn in of your new gear.

I might be better off with a smaller cheaper speaker that my amp will find easy to drive vs a more expensive, potentially nicer sounding speaker that my amp would find more difficult (not straining, just more difficult) to drive

Do not equate size of speaker to dictate which speaker might be able to be driven easier or be more difficult. Not a good indicator.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Thp= Maybe is goes w/o saying but I'll say it anyways. I think you need to decide if you are going to go the dealer route or the buy (used) and try route. Don't have the dealer set up a demo, make your selection and then buy on-line. T'ain't fair. I don't know anything about your front end but the Merlins are easy to drive, so should be easy on your amp. And there is a reason that the Model 2 Vandersteens in their various iterations are probably the longest running, biggest seller in hi-end. Not a lot of sizzle, but plenty of steak. A bit on the laid back side and cannot do realistic concernt spls, but always sound good. The used prices on the 2cesigs are, IMO, an absolute steal. I am puzzled about one thing, tho. What is your source? CD transport or computer files? Network player or direct from HD? If you go w the Vandys used you would have plenty of $ for cables, source upgrade, music, life!!!
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Nothing, and I mean nothing, substitutes for an in home trial. Yes, choice at a dealer is the first step. Elizabeth covers that one in-depth. But, do not buy anything unless the dealer will let you 'audition' your dealer showroom choice in the actual room that the speakers will be used in. Thirty day, 100% refund is a must, and get it in writing. Just don't expect the dealer to do any serious discounting.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
aaronmadler
94 posts
 
Thp57 - I live near Boston as well. I have four pairs of excellent speakers that I will be willing to let you hear. Feel free to contact me. They are:
1: Revel Ultima Salon2
2: Anthony Gallo Reference 3.1
3: Dahlquist DQ 10
4: Paradigm Mini Monitor

Regards, Aaron
Post removed 
thp57 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks everyone so far.
@ Elizabeth, yes I have a very good CD of lossless files with various songs that I know very well ready to go. I also live in Boston so there are several well respected audio shops around that should let me demo for as long as I need.
@Tvad, yes I do plan on bringing my amp and DAC along with me. The only problem is that I can't really burn any of the gear in beforehand.
@Pdreher, Are there specific reasons why you would suggest the Merlins or Devores? In a review I read for the Rogue Cronus they do specifically mention using the Gibbons and really liking the pairing.
Thanks again everyone I really do appreciate the advice.
corazon
210 posts
 
Elizabeth has given you excellent advice.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,208 posts
 
Based upon your amp selection and the speaker choices listed, I'd be looking at Merlin's and Devore.
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