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Used vs New vs Vintage vs Floorstanding vs Bookshelf vs ..... OMG!

OK. I am new in this (new in HIFI, in Audiogon, in discussion forums). I need to buy a pair of speakers for a newly-to-be-built HIFI system, and I am getting a little overwhelmed about all the options and possibilities (and opinions). By the way, I am NOT rich so that helps me a lot to discard a bunch of options.

I started checking vintage HIFI speakers for around $500, basically old JBLs, Technics, and the like (eBay, Craiglist, Letgo). Of course as soon as I began I started checking newer and pricier loudspeakers... and I am trying not to be a consumerist… Either way first  I decided for a pair of JBLs vintage. Until I watched John Darko's youtube review on the ELAC Navis ARB-51. So I changed my mind, I raised my budget and changed from vintage to new, from big to small.

Then I learned about the huge immense used HIFI market. For the same price of the Navis I could buy speakers from enormous brands like Sonus Faber and Focal and B&W in the used market. There I could find Sonus Faber Veneres for 1500, B&W 802 for 2000, and so on. When I contacted somebody from another webpage (The music room) about which was the best option.... the response was... Vandersteen 2Ce signature, "by far". I looked for opinions about it and all I read about them was "OK but meeh". 

So I was really confused. Until I learnt about the Tekton Double Impact, and now I started to get some dizziness. "The best loudspeakers for that price range", "the best period", etc. I contacted Eric Alexander, who kindly took his time to explain me why paper speakers are still the best, and so on. So they are great, really great, for "just" $3000... and I raised my budget again.

Either way, I have read so much, heard so much, watched so much, and I haven't learned much really. Different experts have different opinions, whether the speakers should be flat or not, colored or true, whether it is a matter of "taste" or "you should listen and like them". Well I am no expert, I am 45 years old and I probably won't listen wavelengths of 50 Htzs or lower.

I just want a pair of good speakers so I can enjoy King Crimson, Ramones or Beethoven.

Can anybody help? PLEASE???....

tykozen

Showing 3 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,865 posts
 
Best thing to do always is read and learn what is out there then decide. 

Also take every opportunity to listen to gear at shops shows peoples homes etc. 

Buying used is is a good idea to start.  You can always sell and move on with minimal loss that way.  
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,865 posts
 
Nice summary in general by jhw9.

Another factor to consider is where the speakers will be located and where you will be listening from. A very specific "sweet spot" or a broader range of listening locations?

If the later, then wider dispersion or omnidirectional speakers would work best for sound stage and imaging, if that is of value for you. Ohm Walsh speakers (www.ohmspeakers.com) fit the bill affordably for many in that case.

The tonality of the OHMs (modest efficiency) is more like Vandersteen, somewhat laid back and balanced top to bottom...very coherent and non-fatiguing... with very good dynamics, especially with a well suited amp.

OHM Walsh speaker models have similar sound from bottom to top of the line. The main factor in choosing a model and how much it will cost is room size and need for extended bass in larger rooms. Some models (the larger 5XXX line) are also adjustable and can work well in most any room.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,865 posts
 
How big is the room, how loud will you listen, and what amp will you use?

Also any constraints on where the speakers will be located in the room?

Oh and your budget or cost limit for the entire new system including new speakers?

There is always some subjectivity in speaker selection but if you can answer these questions it will help to identify those that have the best chance of fitting the bill.

Thanks.
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