Used vs New vs Vintage vs Floorstanding vs Bookshelf vs ..... OMG!
As others have emphasized, you need to go out and hear a few candidates to get a better idea of your own preference. It is also a good idea to hear different fundamental types, such as large planar speakers (e.g. Magnepan), omni-directional speakers (e.g., MBL, German Physics), electrostatic and hybrids (e.g., Martin Logan). A lot of these might be out of your price range, but, used models might be in the balllpark. As for any specific recommendations to audition, that is a bit tricky without any context of what you have heard and liked, and what are your plans for electronics. I do have some general recommendations for models and brands that are sort of universal--they may not be everyone's favorites, but, most people do not find these highly objectionable. It is like recommending chocolate, almost everyone at least likes chocolate even if it might not be a favorite, vs. recommending cilantro (I like the flavor, but, a lot of people really hate it). My "chocolate" recommendations are: 1) Tekton Double Impacts (good sound for the money and BIG advantage of being easy to drive which opens up the choice for electronics); 2) Audio Note AN-J, AN-K (warm, rich sound while still being lively; easy to drive); 3) Rethm Bhaava (built in powered woofer and easy to drive; a super bargain); and 4) any ProAc model near your price range). |
Hi tykozen, remember one thing! Your ears are your ears. If a certain speaker appeals to you, don't be intimidated by others opinions. If your goal is to buy used do look at issues such as; Are there proprietary drivers or parts? Are they available? I own several sets of Snell speakers. Snell is out of business (like many). Snell receives very little respect in the audio community for mostly poor reasons. I picked up a set of Snell Type B's for a measly $700.00 They compete with anything out there. I've been to homes of audiophiles and well as shows and dealer showrooms. I've listened to the latest speakers (with fabulous reviews of course). The Snell A5s and Type B's sound better than the $40,000.00 speakers that so many drool over! But that's MY opinion. Good luck and enjoy. Joe |
I agree with soix-- get out as much as you possibly can and demo as many speakers as possible. Every listener will have different tastes! And every speaker will sound different. My only frustration with this hobby is that even though I live only about an hour outside of Manhattan, in one of the wealthiest parts of the country-- yet have no places to demo speakers, no dealers carrying a lot of different brands that are reasonably close by. I have to go into Manhattan, and even there it isn't easy. Anyway-- if you want to go really cheap, yet find speakers that can rock it and also give great detail, try the Klipsch Reference Premier. Either the RP-8000F ($1000/pair) or the RP-6000F ($800/pair). I have not listened to them, but the reviews are remarkable for a speaker that is that inexpensive. You might want to try the manufacturers that allow 30 or 60 day demos, but you have to deal with returns, a hassle-- and sometimes speakers take that long to break in. I will say it isn't easy! BTW I have Raidho XT-2's and love them, on good recordings it sounds as if the musicians are right in my room. But they are out of your price range at 18K/pair. Maybe Golden Ear? Best of luck! |
