Speakers to build a $6500 system around


I am frustrated with all the speaker choices available in the $2k range. There's just too many! I listen to all music types but I lean towards jazz, vocals and reggae. I have a bedroom system consisting of an Rega Apollo cd player, Music Angel EL34 integrated pushing an old pair of Energy 4.1e's which I enjoy very much. However, this set-up in my larger tiled family room just doesn't cut it. Can someone recommend a source,full range speaker and integrated combo that can deliver "you are there" kind of sound for around $6500? My room is not ideal. It measures 16' x 20'. One side opens out to a dining area. I have to place these speakers against the long wall. I would really appreciate any opinions on speakers in the $2000 dollar range that I can really build something special upon. Thanks!
ejineffect

Showing 2 responses by johnnyb53

It would help to know in what ways your current system doesn't cut it. A tiled room is always cause for concern. Is this a power, dispersion, and room treatment issue? My first priority would be to address the room and then address the system to fit the room. Otherwise you're just flailing and throwing money at it.
Since you like Energys (and I can't blame you; I like Canadian speakers in general and API speakers in particular), why not look into the Energy RC-70 floorstanding speakers? The claimed sensitivity is high -- 92 dB anechoic, and 95 dB, both speakers in-room. If that latter figure is honest, your 35 wpc tube amp should be able to produce clean peaks of 110 dB with these. They're $2200/pair list price.

As for whether this particular model is made in China or Canada, I can say that I have several pairs of Canadian-made Mirages (also an API company) and a new pair of OMD-15s made in China. The Chinese-made ones are *at least* as well built as the Canadian ones. My OMD-15s are superb in every way--sensitivity, dispersion, linearity, frequency extension, imaging, dynamic range at both ends of the scale, etc.