2. speakers
  3. 186084-139617

Speaker and Cable Suggestions Please

Greetings, some time ago (maybe over a year ago) I asked for some advice as to what tube integrated amp to buy. It was to be my first tube amp and I needed a lot of help. After a long search and much study, I decided on an ARC VSi75. Now I need your help again. I currently have a pair of Focal Aria 926. My listening room is small, 15'7" x 11'7" (4.75m x 3.5m).

I'm looking for a speaker for a near-field situation that extends into the upper mids and high frequencies. Since my amp puts out 75 watts of output, I need something with decent sensitivity, say at least 91db. I also need new speaker cables. I'm using circa 1980s Monster Cable now.

One more consideration, I have lost some hearing due to a neurological autoimmune condition. Yet, when I auditioned Paradigm Persona Bs recently through an ARC, I could here all the sound that I remember hearing when I was a teenager. The point being, I know that upper range I'm chasing is possible I just don't know if it's achievable on my budget. I have about $4,000 to spend on speakers and cables. I was thinking about DH Lab Q-10 for cables and the rest for speakers. What do you guys think? I don't mind buying used. Thank you.

diminishedchord

Showing 4 responses by audphile1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,353 posts
 

What source and interconnects are you using?

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,353 posts
 

In that size room and if you don’t listen very loud, B&W 805 D2 would be a good fit for what you’re trying to accomplish. They love power though so your ARC integrated is going to work for its money but I think it should be fine.
As far as speaker cables, I can second the suggested on Audience AU24sx above. Used all this may be slightly over $4,000 used but not by much. If you want to do cheaper cables, you can find a used pair of Acoustic Zen Hologram II. 
 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,353 posts
 

I’m beginning to think I should just get better cables and bid my time, use my Focal Arias, and wait until I can better afford a more appropriate speaker for my room. It’s just that my trade-in value for my Arias is never going to better than right now.

I think this is a good move. The Arias are very nice speakers. And I think the Hologram II will be a good match. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,353 posts
 

@diminishedchord hook up VSi75 with your speakers. It should have no issues driving the Arias. You can experiment with 8 or 4 ohm taps and land on whatever sounds best. Get a baseline for the sound you’re getting. The Aria 926 are pretty competitive and with the right amp will sound very good. You can then either upgrade the cables or research what speakers to get next but keep in mind, again, the 926 are not garbage. 

More to discover