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Speaker and Cable Suggestions Please

Greetings, some time ago (maybe over a year ago) I asked for some advice as to what tube integrated amp to buy. It was to be my first tube amp and I needed a lot of help. After a long search and much study, I decided on an ARC VSi75. Now I need your help again. I currently have a pair of Focal Aria 926. My listening room is small, 15'7" x 11'7" (4.75m x 3.5m).

I'm looking for a speaker for a near-field situation that extends into the upper mids and high frequencies. Since my amp puts out 75 watts of output, I need something with decent sensitivity, say at least 91db. I also need new speaker cables. I'm using circa 1980s Monster Cable now.

One more consideration, I have lost some hearing due to a neurological autoimmune condition. Yet, when I auditioned Paradigm Persona Bs recently through an ARC, I could here all the sound that I remember hearing when I was a teenager. The point being, I know that upper range I'm chasing is possible I just don't know if it's achievable on my budget. I have about $4,000 to spend on speakers and cables. I was thinking about DH Lab Q-10 for cables and the rest for speakers. What do you guys think? I don't mind buying used. Thank you.

diminishedchord
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,332 posts
 

I’m beginning to think I should just get better cables and bid my time, use my Focal Arias, and wait until I can better afford a more appropriate speaker for my room. It’s just that my trade-in value for my Arias is never going to better than right now.

I think this is a good move. The Arias are very nice speakers. And I think the Hologram II will be a good match. 

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,382 posts
 

You compromised and bought a 75 watt amp for your low sensitivity speaker.  If you wanted to replace your speakers, you should have done that first, got a 96dB+ speaker and gone SET.  So buy a sensitive speaker so in the future you can.

diminishedchord OP
26 posts
 

Thanks carlsbad2. My Aria's are at a relatively high sensitivity at 91db, that fact was why I chose the 75 watt output amp. I'm considering different speakers to achieve more definition and air in the mid and higher frequencies. In terms of volume, the Arias do quite nicely. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,332 posts
 

What source and interconnects are you using?

marco1's avatar
marco1
496 posts
 

You can buy the original version of  AU 24 speaker cables for less than $1,000.  Maybe even gen. 2.  I bought my 3m pair for $500.  They come up occasionally on A’gon and US Audio Mart and will be a nice match for your speakers.  

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