Speakers to pair with Arcam A65 plus under $600?

I own the JM Lab Chorus 707, Kef Q1, and the PSB Alpha's. All of these loudspeakers are very good for the money. All of these loudspeakers need a long break-in and then they will greatly improve. I suggest you give the JM Lab Chorus 707 a listen. They will loss that "harshness" with break-in.
They have a very detailed sound with a tight bass. They have the ability to sound effortless. They will play loud and are very efficient. The Q1's also sound very good.(Excellent bass) For the $ a very fine choice. I'm not familiar with the Arcam a-65+ sound (once owned an alpha 10
int. amp) or what cables you're using etc, etc... but give
the Chorus 707 a shot. Ask the dealer to let you audition
in your own surrounds w/your equipment for a week or so if
possible then decide. Good Hunting. How do you like you're A-65 Plus? Bill

For what it is worth, the Oct. "02" issue of "What HIFI", under their "Sound Advice" section, match up the Arcam CD62 and the Arcam A65 with Quad 11L monitors. At 379 Pounds Sterling, they would be around $600 US new (if my math is approx. right).

Matty

A couple things. First, I have owned the CDM 1 NT's and really liked them. You can usually find them used for about 750. Or you can find the CDM 1 original version for about 600. If you don't want to go used look Monitor Audio Silver Series S1. A little tiny book shelf with good bass response.

I think that there is a pair of used meadowlark kestrels on augiogon for $695. These will give you wonderful sound and remember you may be paying a few dollars more than you want to but you wont be needing stands as you will with most of the othe budget suggestions. The meadowlarks run beautifully on any amount of power and are personal favorites of mine.

Used Totem Arros, Axiom, Spendor.

Thanks guys! Keep em coming! In response to Mista Kotta Mista Kotta (hehe), the problem is that the speakers in the store were presumably broken in already because theyre used to demo the equipment. The guitar did stand out in a good away but a little too much. The sound right now with the PSB's is kinda murky. Do the Kefs handle acoustic guitar well? How about dance music? How about the JMlabs how do they handle the same? THanks mista Kotta and the rest of the class and Happy Holidays!

By this time the Meadowlark Kestrals are long gone...and quite a steal at $695...new in this range I would audition Triangle Titus,Paradigm Studio 20,Krix Equinox,Dynaudio 42,and Energy C-3...good luck!

Hi Bundee1. The JM Lab 706/707 are quite a bit diferrent. The 707 uses a 7" double coil woofer which gives stronger bass and balances the sound better. The speaker is rather heavy and the cabinet does not resonant at high volume. The sound from these speakers is very source depedent. Some recordings sound absolutely phenomenal. I personally would use mellow source equipment/cables/amps. The reason I purchased this loudspeaker is that it is a very good match with the the Jolida 102B tube int. amp. An excellent loudspeaker for its $600 retail price. The Kef Q1 is also an excellent loudspeaker. Plays loud, has good bass, and the fit and finish is excellent. Bought mine from Greg at www.Kiefsav.com. For their price a steal. How does it compare with the JM Lab? The JM Lab is a much more refined loudspeaker. The mids are better as well as the highs. The JM Labs have an ability to play loud with an certain ease, moreso than the Kef's. The Jm's have very tight bass that is precise. However, I believe for the money the Q1's at a discount are a better buy. Everything is so system/room/personal depedent that you really have to hear for yourself. I think in your case if you want to spend as little as possible and take a chance I'd go with the Kef Q1's. Bookshelve loudspeakers you could always use somewhere. These would be a nice step up from your PSB's.
If you want to spend a little more and buy used look at older Snell J-IV's and D series. Lots of choices! Happy Holidays to all.

Meadowlark Kestrels or Verios. Dynaudio 42s (new or used)or 52s (probably used). Maybe (in your price range) a pair of used Dynaudio Contour 1.3.

My local Arcam dealer likes to pair their stuff with Ruark speakers. I've heard that combo and it sounds very good. The Ruark bookshelves (Epilogues?) would be in your price range. They occasionally show up on the 'Gon for much below your price range.

KEF Q1! Excellent bass response and fills your room with music (especially on a good pair of stands). Very well put together 'bookshelf'.