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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 mitchagain

mitchagain
414 posts
 
Tykozen:

If you like watching movies or concert DVD's thru your audio system, then finding a multi - format player is a good idea. But, in doing so you'll probably need to add a stand alone DAC in order to get a higher level of sound quality. Compared to the cost of a high end CD/SACD player, you're probably talking about a similar budget.

You can use the same scenario when it comes to your selection of speakers:
                 Do you go with a larger, full range speaker or something smaller and then add a subwoofer to it? Again, you're looking at a similar budget. The bottom line is figuring out what works best for your wants and needs. Good luck in your search! 
mitchagain
414 posts
 
Based on my recent speaker shopping experience, some of the older speakers that you are likely to encounter probably are outdated.

I tend to replace my speakers every 10 years. My last speakers were DALI Helicon 400's. They initially retailed for $4500 and had creeped up around $6,000 by the time they were discontinued. So, I assumed I'd need to shop for speakers in the $10,000 range for a significant improvement. Boy was I wrong. 

One of the speakers I auditioned was the new Focal Kanta # 2. I was very impressed with that speaker; but, I didn't think it was quite worth the $10K list price. So, I tried the Focal Electra 1038 BE, which the Kanta is replacing. I found the 1038 BE's to be stunningly disappointing when compared to the Kanta's. Unfortunately, I have not heard their Aria line.

As I continued to shop, I  was very surprised at how good Revel Performa F 206 & 208's sounded @  $3500 & $5000 respectively. So, some speaker brands (perhaps most of them) appear to have taken a large leap in the last 10 years. So, as many others have said, listen to as many speakers as you can. I know it's time consuming and often frustrating; but, I bet your patience will be rewarded
mitchagain
414 posts
 
Ty; if you are going to buy used equipment:

THE MUSIC ROOM:
                                   Pro's: They are the only used outlet that I know of that you will give you a trial period where you can listen to what you bought and then return it if you're not happy. Your only out of pocket will be the shipping costs (to & from).

                                  Con's: Their selection of available components is nowhere near as large as what is on Audiogon.

AUDIOGON: 
                       Pro's: Obviously the large selection. Check the sellers feedback rating and transaction history before buying. I've never had a bad experience on Audiogon.

                       Con's: Since there is no trial period, you will have to do lots of shopping & listening to be sure of exactly what you want to buy.

Personally, I have bought much more on Audiogon; but, I would not hesitate to purchase from the Music Room. I have a friend who is in the process of purchasing his first system in 30+ years and I have urged him to use The Music Room if possible, since he plans to be used stuff.
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