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Speakers in the range of $3 to $4.5k per pair?

Upgraditis is setting in, and I'm looking at first replacing my loudspeakers. I'm putting together my first list of candidates which will be narrowed down in the next weeks to 5-10 candidates I will want to audition. What's your recommendation for speakers in the range of $3000 to $4500 per pair (prices in the US), for stereo use?

My current system is a Rotel CD player (RCD-1072), pre-amp (RC-1070), and 200 Wpc amp (RMB-1080), connected to B&W CM-4 (2.5 way floorstanders, recently discontinued; CM line is between the 600 and 700 lines). Having B&W and knowing a dealer, my starting point are the B&W 804 Signature, which I can get for $3000 (MSRP is $4000). Having said that, I want to consider other options as well. My new speakers will have to work well with the Rotel setup for a good 2 years. My next step is likely to be in replacing the pre-amp and then amp, and my guess is I will stick with solid state.

Looking forward to your suggestions.

Horacio
lewinskih01
blkadr
739 posts
 
You might want to consider using some of your budget on a preamp upgrade. Some (including myself) have found untapped potential in their Rotel power amp by upgrading the preamp. Just a thought.
Good luck.
newmanoc
295 posts
 
"JM Lab Electras would be a good match if you like B&W sound."

Except that they sound MUCH better. B&W's have a tweeter that seems like it is trying to rip my ears right off of my head whenever I turn them up enough to get adequate mid-range. Just one man's opinion, and one man's ears, however.

A wonderful speaker in this price range on the used market is also the PMC OB-1. Significantly harder to drive than the JM Labs, but your Rotel gear has plenty of umph, so not an issue.
lewinskih01 OP
907 posts
 
Thanks folks.

Actually several of these were in my initial list. But some interesting additions too. I thought the Von Schweikert VR4Jr, the Thiel CS2.4, and the Dali Helicon 800 would show up in the suggestions, but they didn't. Do you guys see these as lesser speakers? They've got very good reviews, and some at audiogon are adamant about the VR4Jr.

Which JM Lab Electras do you guys recommend? Do you guys know a dealer? Their website wasn't fantastic, really.

Thank you guys!
Horacio
drseid
201 posts
 
I'll give a positive vote for the Helicon 800s... I just am not quite sure if they would match up well with Rotel electronics. A good match (just for reference) is McIntosh solid state, IMO.
sbrtoy
122 posts
 
I posted earlier about the Gallo's and I actually went from them to Dali Helicon 800's, and though I barely had time to get used to the Gallo's, I think I can speak for both.

The Dali's are incredible speakers, but are more sensitve to the upstream equipment, and thrive on transparent components. They are another great option but you will likely be happier with the Gallo's if you do not plan on upgrading electronics, just my opinion.

The Gallo's don't seem to need as much power, and are less revealing in the highs making it less fussy about the components, especially CD players. They throw a huge soundstage and have excellent bass extension for such a small speaker.

FYI I am using Bel Canto components through the whole chain and running a bridged Evo 6 to the Helicons at 380 wpc and they really open up with lots of power.
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