Speaker Recommendation Needed

Fishboat: other components haven't been decided on; thought we'd do speakers first. But she wants a reciever (doesn't like the idea of separates). So, she's going to need lots of power for the Vandersteens or the Snells, right? How much power, minimum?
Everybody: I hear the Vandersteens have a great soundstage, but what about imaging? As good as my Spica's? Unfortunately, we live in Ky.; very little choice as regards auditioning speakers.

Steve O.

I'd consider Totem Sttaf's - which can be found used at the upper part of your price range. They image like there's no tomorrow. The only concern I may have is with a room that large they may thin out.

As for the GMA Europas - I agree with Evita - I had a pair, and they're great, but IMO may get lost in a room that large.

The Sttafs have enough low end - nearly as much as the Vandersteen 2s - to be worth considering. The added advantage of the Totems is they have a small footprint and are really easy to place. OTOH, if you can't place them 4 ft from the wall you'll lose a lot of that great imaging.

In that price range, for classical music, I'd suggest a pair of Magnepan MG12s. They do like a good helping of power, tho...

Vandy's are fine but if you're in KY, isn't Thiel a natural choice? Especially in a large room.

Vandy's are fine but if you're in KY, isn't Thiel a natural choice? Especially in a large room.

I thought about Thiel, but considering the size of the room, larger Theils would be out of her price range, even used?
I've also heard that Thiel has a clinical sound; not very warm.