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Speaker Upgrade

Hello. I'm considering upgrading my speakers. I can't say I'm unhappy with my current speakers (what you don't know won't hurt you) but suppose I'm curious if new speakers will make a difference. I'm actually quite happy with my current speakers but psychologically I wonder if a new set will sound better.

My system consists of a Yamaha DSP-1A integrated amp, Pro-Ject Debut Carbonturntable (acrylic platter equipped) with an Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge, a Denon DVD-2900 DVD/CD player (used just for CD's) and a DBX 3BX-DS. My speakers consist of a pair ofWharfedale Rubiance RB-27's in the front and RB-23's in the rear with a Mirage FRX-S15powered subwoofer. Everything is about 20years old except for the turntable which is about a year old. room is 15 feet by 12 feet and is fairly heavily furnished (it doubles as my office). I have the listening area set up width-wise. And I listen to primarily classical, jazzand big band.

I started thinking about new speakers after seeing so many articles and videos praising the Elac Debut speakers. So naturally these arewhat I'm considering (F5/B5 or F6/B6 combos) and I'll keep the Mirage sub. I did speak to alocal high-end audio shop who suggested thatI also audition Klipsch and B&W. I did meet someone recently who is selling his 1 monthold Elac F5 speakers for $350 so I considering that heavily. But I don't want to just buy a newset of speakers (even if they are a great deal) if they don't sound much different (or better)than my Wharfedale's.

If I do this, I don't think I want to spend much more than $1,000 if new for fronts and rears (I can get the Elac F5/B5 combo for about this new and much less it'd I go used).

Does anyone out there have any experience with and thoughts on Wharfedale Rubiancespeakers as compared with today's speakers like the Elac F5 ad F6?

Thanks
128x128cspiegs
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
An opportunity just arose for me to purchase a pair of ADS L1290 speakers for $350. I can also purchase a used pair of Elac F5 speakers for the same price. What would you guys do?
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 

I would get the ADS without any hesitation as long as my room size allows it to breath. Their bass can get boomy if your room is too small or the speakers are too close to the wall. The only other consideration would be your amplifier since those ADS speakers will require a 4 ohm capable amplifier. In my opinion they are in a completely different class from the lower end Elacs.

Keep us posted.

cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
Without listening to them, that's my thoughts as well despite all the rave reviews about the Elac's. I owned a pair of ADS L1230's 30 years ago and they were amazing speakers. My room is about 15 feet by 12 feet and the listening setup will be horizontally. They will be placed about a foot and a half away from the rear wall and about four feet away from sidewalls.  My Yamaha DSP A1 integrated amp has 110 watts per channel into 8 ohms and has a switchable impedance selector to 4 Ohms.

I'm going to pick up the speakers today and hopefully they're in good shape.
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
One more thing, ADS L1290 ($350) vs Vandersteen 2CE ($600).  Listening to classical and jazz. Which one? 

Thanks
gdnrbob
4,419 posts
 
If you do go the Vandersteen route, try to buy the most recent iteration. Mr. V. constantly upgrades his speakers, so the most recent will have the best components.
That being said, I would opt for the 2ce Signature. Though it will cost more, the closer you come to a current serial number, the closer you will be to current production.
 Vandy's don't discriminate between music styles, they just play it, and play it well. Time and phase alignment, and pistonic drivers make them one of the best buys in hifi. Don't take my word for it, just find a dealer near you or an Audiogon member.
B
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