2. speakers
  3. 1004188645

Best speakers for 2000-USED

I'd like some suggestions on speakers. Are there any high quality speakers out there that really excell at producing a very big and very 3 dimensional atmosphere for around $2000 -USED. Good tight bass (hearing detail in an acoustic bass in jazz), timbre and smooth detail are also very important. I listen at moderate levels although I sometimes like to really fill up the room with music as long as it remains smooth and clear and not start to get edgy or harsh. My tastes in music range from rock to jazz to pop to symphonies to blues, with more of a emphasis on guitar pieces; artists like R.E.M., James Taylor, The Beatles, Acoustic Alchemy, B.B. King, Pat Matheny, Mannheim Steamroller, Lynard Skynard, Dave Crusin, Dianna Krall,Micheal Hedges, Mark Knopfler- Dire Straits, Heart, ZZ Top. I'm trying to get that sence of presence and 3 dimensionality I get with good headphones.
Amplification:
Citation 7.1 amp (4 x 150)-will bi-amp or bridge to
2 x 450-Which is best?
Adcom GTP-750 Pre-amp-another Citation 7.1 in the sys.
for movies
CD player:
Luxman DZ-111 (old 16-bit dual DAC unit
Cambrige Audio D500-SE
P.S. I don't drive and there's no audio places within 20-plus miles so I don't get much of a chance to audition. Also; I haven't been in the market for audio equipment for the last 12 years so I'm not up on what's out there that's new and exciting and what's mid to high quality nowadays
say811
south_park
103 posts
 
I second the Vandersteens, you could get the 2's (special edition) or the 3's (used). I have had Vandersteen 2Ce's for a very long time (about 7 yrs), and recently went speaker shopping, looking for something smaller, more precise and with better imaging for 2K-4K. Know what, the smaller speakers imaged a tad better, but could not come close in total sound, in bass (smaller in size but some had subwoofers), and in impact. I really don't think I will be selling or disconnecting mine anytime soon. Its scary how $4,000 speakers with fancy electronics in a special room with supposedly good interconnects sounded worse than my 2Ce's. Go figure? Anyhow, I don't think you will be unhappy with these speakers and they can be had new for your price, or used for about 850-900 (with stands). Anyhow thats just my opinion.
fiddler
581 posts
 
Dan,

I would hardly call Newforms obscure at this point and they are rarely seen for sale in the used market.

And secondly, if you buy locally, you have already paid for shipping, marketing, commissions, sales taxes, the retailers and the manufacturers insurance, retail rent, etc. When you "add it all up", it just doesn't "add up" to ignore buying direct. Like it or not, the web will continue to change the way we do business. I for one like the opportunities it presents.

I personally believe I would have had to pay two or three times as much through the retail system to get these phenomenal speakers.

There is nothing in the price range of the 645's that can touch them. IMHO

(And no, I am not associated with Newform in any way or any other audio tentacle for that matter)
kasboot
25 posts
 
Try NorthCreekAudio.com. They have a kit for the Rhythem Unlimited project that costs $2300 with the cabinets. This is the same speaker as the Pro Ac 3.8 at less than 1/3 the price. The Pro Ac sells for $7500. The kits have BETTER crossover and a better more silent cabinet. This is one of the BEST speakers for the price in the market period!!
travis's avatar
travis
239 posts
 
Go figure? Everytime I go to a dealer showroom (which seems to be rarer and rarer), I'm always appalled at the way the systems are set up, even the real expensive ones. Sorry, but, of all places, the dealer is NOT the place to get a real handle on speakers. Got to get 'em home and check 'em out there. Having said that, I did check the Maggie 3.6s out at a dealer and heard just enough that I knew I had to have a pair. Go figure.
danheather
108 posts
 
Fiddler, the topic is best speakers for 2000-USED! When I refer to buying locally, I'm talking about from a private party, not a dealer - necessarily. You said it yourself, the Newforms are rarely seen in the used market. If you think that's because they're such a tremendous speaker that nobody ever sells them, don't kid yourself. Honda's have a great resale value because they're well known and are famous for having great reliability. Does that mean that you never see a used Honda?? I don't care how great a product is, if it's not marketed well, nobody will know about it. If nobody knows about it, they're unlikely to pony up their money to buy it. My only point here is that if SAY811 is uncertain about what to buy, he's better off getting something that's a "safe" bet. By that I mean that it's got a good chance of meeting his expectations, but if it doesn't, he can turn around and sell it w/o getting burned. Hence, a speaker like the Thiel 3.6 or Vandersteen 3A, or Magnepan 1.6QR, etc., is a safe bet. I'm sure the Newform is quite good, but let's face it, since they aren't available for audition at the local audio salon, most of us can't give a recommendation one way or the other. Which is also why a potential buyer might shy away from such a speaker, especially in the USED market!! Know what I mean??
More to discover