2. analog
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SME Model 10 How much should I spend on speakers?

I know this sounds like a speaker question but I wanted the Analog types to answer it.

Background:
Currently I have Revel M20s and a Revel B15 sub for speakers. I just got a new PS Audio phono preamp GCPH, this is to hold me back from trying to get a Manley Steelhead phono preamp for a year or so. AMP is a Sony N90ES which is a SS MOSFET amp, with XLR inputs and build quality is amazing. Turntable is pro-ject debut III which was bought to allow me to listen to my records while I search for a great turntable.

Question:
I think my speakers are pretty nice considering I use a pro-ject debut III as a source. I guess I am wondering if I do spring for a SME Model 10 should I be using a 10-15,000 dollar speaker? Would it be odd to see a SME Model 10 with Revel M20s and a B15 as speakers? I'm still pretty young and move apartments approx every year and I don't know if I should get floor standing speakers yet.

Tastes:
I pretty much listen to vinyl only now if I have the choice. Right now I listen to a lot of stuff from www.insound.com indie stuff. Sufjan Stevens, Clap Your Hands Say Year, The Postal Service, Her Space Holiday, Sleater-Kinney. I also love Bob Dylan and my favorite is female vocalists. So I want everything to sound amazing I would pick female vocalists or vocalists in general to sound the best.

Ok I've written too much. So should I keep my turntable and get some floor standing Revels Studios or Marten Design Miles III or Sonus Faber Cremona or Von Schweikert VR 5.

Or Keep my Revel M20/B15 combo and get a SME Model 10 or VPI super scoutmaster or Nordic Concept Reference.

Thanks for reading if you got this far.
rhohense

Showing 1 response by raquel

raquel
841 posts
 
I think that as long as you have the patience to dial in your monitors and the sub, your speakers are not holding you back. The other speakers you mentioned would merely be a different flavor, and it is only for you to determine whether you would like something else better. Especially if you move around a lot and live in apartments, the adaptability of monitors/sub and ability to turn down / turn off the sub if you have bass-sensitive neighbors makes this approach compelling.

So in response to your specific question, "[W]ould it be odd to see a SME Model 10 with Revel M20s and a B15 as speakers? ", the answer is no, not at all. Looking at your system, I am inclined to suggest that, in addition to improving your analog rig, you look at a good used integrated tube amp, as it would work particularly well with monitors, a sub and analog front end.

PS - My speakers: Salons and Mahlers.
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