speaker recommendation


Looking for suggestions on speakers:  

Equipment: McIntosh c2300, mc275, Yamaha receiver that will be replaced soon

Room size: 12x10 but hopefully soon be around 20x18

Music: Across the board, jazz, rock,  alt.

Budget: under 4,0000

Also can my mc275 handle 4 ohm speakers?

Thanks

















nate5968
Check out the Wavetouch Anteros. $2800 and 40 day money back guarantee. I've had mine for 2 weeks and I can honestly say they are the best speakers I've ever owned. Speakers are so system and room dependent you just can't beat trying before buying. I'm keeping the Anteros.
I also use a MC275 Mk VI in a modest size room (14.5' x 17.5') and have broad taste in music. Speakers are 40 year old Gale GS401As, you can see and learn about them here:

http://www.vintagegale.com

Not only does this system sound spectacular, it also looks it. See my previous post on this system. For the money I really think I have reached audio Nirvana. The best part is; a fully restored, look and sound like new, pair of Gale GS401A speakers, and matching stands cost, about $1,500 delivered! Furthermore, David Smith at Vintage Gale is a great guy to work with.
You would be hard pressed to find a better speaker than an ATC SCM 19 they are compact but good sized monitors.

The amazing thing about the ATC is that they have exactly what a rock or jazz guy craves they sound emotional and dynamic. The midbass is so tight and driving, the sound stage is huge and the top end is very natural. 

My only concern is the Mac stuff tends to sound a bit muddy.

The nice thing with the ATC is they play loud and can work in any size room for a larger room just add a good sub and you are good to go.

We are ATC dealers and love how real music sounds on ATC.

Dave owner
Audio Doctor NJ
You may want to wait until you are in your larger space - and arrange for a home audition before buying.
+1 for helomech

OP, you have to visit some dealers and get an idea of what you like. Though you may not be close to a large city, make it a weekend or weekday getaway. Call dealers you are interested in visiting and have them acknowledge that they will provide audition time.
B
Yes, the McIntosh has 4 ohm speaker post taps for use with lower impedance speakers. In a 20×18' space, if you go with 4 ohm speakers, you should look for a sensitivity spec of at least 89 db and benign phase angles at low impedance (for this you'll need to find some published measurements, such as those in Stereophile). If you want to play it safe, speakers with a 90+ sensitivity spec and an 8 ohm nominal impedance should be easy on your Mac. Others will tell you that you need super efficient speakers with 97+ sensitivity ratings, such as Zu Audio or Klipsch. Not True, unless you intend on destroying your hearing.

Other than those concerns, you simply need to audition some various models. Ask dealers if you can bring your amp for the audition. Ask them to position the speakers to your liking. 

Everyone here is a fanboy of one or more brands and they'll claim their favorites are the best. That won't do you much good, as everyone hears differently.
I prefer the British monitor brands, but I understand why they're not exciting enough for many folks. I dislike the sound of Focal and Golden Ear speakers, but many love them and think they're a great bargain.This is why it's a personal matter and auditions are critical.

If you have no dealers nearby, consider the internet direct brands like Zu, Tekton, Ascend Acoustics, and Salk Sound. I believe all these brands will let you keep the speakers for a trial period and return them for the cost of shipping. Also, some internet dealers like Music Direct and Crutchfield will allow a trial period.