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Speaker Upgrade

Hello. I'm considering upgrading my speakers. I can't say I'm unhappy with my current speakers (what you don't know won't hurt you) but suppose I'm curious if new speakers will make a difference. I'm actually quite happy with my current speakers but psychologically I wonder if a new set will sound better.

My system consists of a Yamaha DSP-1A integrated amp, Pro-Ject Debut Carbonturntable (acrylic platter equipped) with an Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge, a Denon DVD-2900 DVD/CD player (used just for CD's) and a DBX 3BX-DS. My speakers consist of a pair ofWharfedale Rubiance RB-27's in the front and RB-23's in the rear with a Mirage FRX-S15powered subwoofer. Everything is about 20years old except for the turntable which is about a year old. room is 15 feet by 12 feet and is fairly heavily furnished (it doubles as my office). I have the listening area set up width-wise. And I listen to primarily classical, jazzand big band.

I started thinking about new speakers after seeing so many articles and videos praising the Elac Debut speakers. So naturally these arewhat I'm considering (F5/B5 or F6/B6 combos) and I'll keep the Mirage sub. I did speak to alocal high-end audio shop who suggested thatI also audition Klipsch and B&W. I did meet someone recently who is selling his 1 monthold Elac F5 speakers for $350 so I considering that heavily. But I don't want to just buy a newset of speakers (even if they are a great deal) if they don't sound much different (or better)than my Wharfedale's.

If I do this, I don't think I want to spend much more than $1,000 if new for fronts and rears (I can get the Elac F5/B5 combo for about this new and much less it'd I go used).

Does anyone out there have any experience with and thoughts on Wharfedale Rubiancespeakers as compared with today's speakers like the Elac F5 ad F6?

Thanks
cspiegs

Showing 9 responses by cspiegs

cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
Absolutely i would get Elac B5's or B6's for rear speakers if I get the the corresponding Elac floor speakers for the fronts.  And yes, they spare appear to be the hot speaker currently.  But keep in mind that the purpose of the system is for listening to music, not home theater.

I'm hoping that someone can chime in with any experience with wharfedale speakers as compared to today's speakers like Elac.
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
I remember vandersteen speakers from 30 years ago as mid to high-end speakers, similar to KEF, Dahlquist, ADS, Ohm.
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
An opportunity just arose for me to purchase a pair of ADS L1290 speakers for $350. I can also purchase a used pair of Elac F5 speakers for the same price. What would you guys do?
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
Without listening to them, that's my thoughts as well despite all the rave reviews about the Elac's. I owned a pair of ADS L1230's 30 years ago and they were amazing speakers. My room is about 15 feet by 12 feet and the listening setup will be horizontally. They will be placed about a foot and a half away from the rear wall and about four feet away from sidewalls.  My Yamaha DSP A1 integrated amp has 110 watts per channel into 8 ohms and has a switchable impedance selector to 4 Ohms.

I'm going to pick up the speakers today and hopefully they're in good shape.
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
One more thing, ADS L1290 ($350) vs Vandersteen 2CE ($600).  Listening to classical and jazz. Which one? 

Thanks
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
Looks like the Vandersteen 2ce signature speakers are going for at least $1,000 plus shipping (none local) on eBay.  The one my friend is selling is not a signature version.  It is about 15 years old and in mint condition. He is asking $600 but I can try and get him down to $500.  And I can drive over and pick them up.
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
I'm not really familiar with vandersteen speakers. I suspect the two series is better than the one and the 3 Series is better than the two. Not sure what it means exactly when signature is put in.
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
Sounds good. Already spoke to Pete for about an hour today and plan on calling John tomorrow.
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
 I am also not a fan of the B&W speakers. Please keep in mind though that I do have a mirage 15 inch down firing subwoofer.

FYI, I hooked up the ADS speakers last night and in all honesty found little difference between them and my Wharfedales. They did have a little bit more at the bottom end, but when I kick in the subwoofer, I really couldn't hear that much of a difference.

I'm going to meet the gentleman with the used Vandersteen 2Ce this afternoon. I'll let you know what I think of them later tonight.
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