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Upgrade entire system, speakers first

I want to upgrade everything but thought I would start with speakers. Room is about 10 x 12 ft. Current system is Arcam alpha 8 integrated, Arcam CD and PSB bookshelf speakers on stands. Listen to mostly jazz and chamber music but would like to be able to listen to orchestral pieces as well. Budget for new system will be around $10K, thinking SS integrated, CD and speakers, new, not used. I would like to start with speakers now, maybe $4K and upgrade components 6 to 12 months later (cash flow!). Any suggestions for speakers appropriate to my small room would be appreciated (with comments on components to match in the future).
artch
hesson11
237 posts
 
Four of the more popular recommendations that may work well in your room are Spendor, Harbeth, Audio Note and Jean-Marie Renaud. All make smallish speakers that work well in smaller rooms, are very highly regarded and seem to have decent international distribution.
-Bob
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
I second Duke. What he says is not nuts at all!

You can find many fine integrated amps for $600 that sound very much like many a $6000 amp (only lacking power or some features).....but you will generally find a marked improvement in speakers up to around $4000. Above $4000 speakers start to become a diminishing return (mainly improvements in dynamics, SPL handling and bass extension.)
elsneb
126 posts
 
The GMA Callisto is perfect for your room. Add a subwoofer in the future and very little can touch the sound for the money. Easy to drive also.
Good luck in your search.

http://www.greenmountainaudio.com/Speakers/Callisto/Welcome.htm
tqt2005
2 posts
 
Can I suggest you listen to a pair of Audes speakers, Excellent 3? I find these speakers to be very good for in the range of 4K and looks good. These speakers are relatively efficient @88db (2.83V/1M)I think you can pick one up for around 3.5K if you can wait. I listened to these last night powered by the Belles Reference 150 amp/Pre-amp from Exempler audio. WOW I would never guess the Belles/Audes can sound so good. The Belles is retail for $3K and again to can probably buy it used for less. Make an effort to listen to the Belles 150 reference because it's a must......

www.audes.ee
www.powermodules.com
Good luck
dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 
Artch, you have some great sugestions given. That is a tough size of room to work with and even with the Sophias you might have problems but a great speaker.

Here's my thoughts for you, JM Labs Mini Utopia or others from the JM Labs line up making sure that they are the "BE" series. Hook them up to a integraded amp such as Sim Audio and you will have a amazing system, the stage presence etc. will have you in awe. I looked on Audiogon and there are some for sale New Regular $8,200.00 Sale $4,000.00 obo with matching stands.

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