Speakers for Simaudio Moon I-5


I'm starting to build a system from the ground up and I'm really quite new to it all. The only piece I currently have is the Moon I-5. From here I want to buy speakers and a cd player -- both used. I'd like to get the best bang for the buck.

I'm not very concerned about the cd as I plan to go cheap (a relative term here :) -- probably less than $700. The speakers are another issue. I want to buy something I can live with for a long time.

My current room size is "medium" -- an apartment that I will be in for the next few years until I buy a home. I mostly listen to what most would consider "rock" music. I'm a guitarist and I like listening to others guitarists but with the right setup I'm sure I'll enjoy some classical and jazz.

I'm thinking I'd prefer to go with monitor speaker vs floorstanders and I've been to a few shops to sample what they have - though, since I'm buying used I'd really prefer to stop wasting the saleperson's time.

Short and sweet....out of the few speaker I've heard (dynaudio, B&W, Thiel) I loved the Dynaudio S1.4

Which leads me to believe that the 1.3se might be a great used buy. Although I'm a little concerned about the Moon's ability to drive these speakers. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations or advice. There are so many choices out there it can be overwhelming. That along with buying used/untested can be tough.

Any help appreciated...

John
jroth

Showing 4 responses by richard1441

Just got a chance to audition the Focus Audio 788 since 688 were sold out. I believe Focus Audio is a very very good speaker. Just want to see any suggestion for the interconnect and speaker cables for the Simaudio I-5 (both LE and non LE) and Focus Audio 688 combo???.
Almost get ready to order the Simaudio I-5 Limited Edition, a friend suggested me to audition the Unison Research Unico integrated Amp and save up some money for other stuffs such as interconnect and cables. Most likely I could not tell the difference unless I put them side my side (due to my experience)

Suggestions are very welcome!

Focus audio FS688 still in my top list.
Phil, Thanks for your information, do you know how much will it cost? The local Simaudio dealer suggested me to use cardas cable. any comment? Also please give my some suggestion on my future setup and what kind of digital cable should be used for my DAC?

My future setup will be:
MSB DAC 3 with half Nelson part and a P1000 power supply (currently owned)
Simaudio I-5 LE (plan to get)
Focus Audio 688 or Paradigm signature S2 or Paradigm signature S4(2.5 way) or dynaudio 52SE.

Thanks in advance
Focus Audio FS688 VS Paradigm S2
Does anyone audition the Paradigm S2 and Focus Audio FS688 side by side? Although they are both Canadian products, it is hard to find a dealer to carry both. In general, I found the Asian Sales Rep. are more prefer to the Focus Audio FS688 (as high end speaker for I-5)as opposite to some Canadian Sales Rep. are more prefer to Paradigm especially the new signature series and they feel the Focus Audio is over priced and old technology, they even suggest me for the price of Focus Audio ($3500cdn) I should get the Paradigm S4. For a different of $1300cdn, please share your point of view of these 2 products...