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Large room but not large budget-suggestions please

We are moving to a new house in December that will have a fairly large listening room (about 22x25)with a 2-story vaulted ceiling. I originally posted this question in the amp forum a couple months ago when I thought I would be moving to a similar sized smaller room and could upgrade amp and speakers but that is not the case now. My budget is $1000-$1500 tops.

We listen mostly to Classic Rock, Jazz, Blues as well as some vocal and classical. Most listening is moderate volume. We currently have a Cambidge Audio Azur Integrated (60wpc)and some Altec bookshelves. The speakers will not be doing HT duty. I am considering the Totem Arro's, Monitor Silver 6, Vandersteen 2Ce Signature, and Revel Concerta F12's.

I know I should probably upgrade the amp as well as speakers but the budget will only allow one for now. I want to get the most bang for my buck and I'm thinking that the speakers will make the biggest impact. What are some opinions on the speakers I'm considering, are there any better ones (used/Audigon) is fine.
ruleof72
jalapenos
81 posts
 
I wonder if you would be better off upgrading your Cambridge Audio integrated. I used to believe speakers were, by far, the most important component in a system. I have learned that the room itself, AC power, and amplification (in that order) are the absolute starting points for a well designed system.

I bet you could find a pretty nice integrated within your price range here on Audiogon -- perhaps, a SimAudio I3, or better yet an I5. Then, once you have extracted the full potential out of your existing speakers by careful room tweaking and speaker placement, you could start all over by looking into speakers...
Post removed 
celtic66
1,681 posts
 
I like the Cambridge, a power cord upgrade maybe. The Totems are great but will not carry a large room. Vandys will. Or look for some higher efficiency speakers in the 92-94db range with at least 6" woofer should do the trick.

How you do the room as far as acoustical treatment will make a huge difference. Hardwood floors with throws will project much louder than say carpet with cloth furniture and heavy drapery. I think you have enough power here with thoughtful room design.

Brace yourself for self serving propaganda. I've my Coincident Triumphs up for sale and they are 94db.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
If you are patient and can keep an eye on the ads here on a regular basis, I bet you could upgrade both amp and speakers and have a really nice system. I'd look for Soliloquy 5.3's (because the company is no longer in business all their speakers seem to be going for a song). I've seen them for $600. Take the balance and pick up a used Portal Panache...OK, you'll need to go a few hundred more, but you'll be cooking with gas with that combination. Only downside is no remote for the amp, but if you can live with that, the combination would be a significant upgrade, IMO.

Marco
wdrazek
100 posts
 
The larger B&W 600 series models are worth looking at. They are not my cup of tea - not as smooth as the CM series - but the 604 would probably fill the room nicely. It will be less lush than the Vandersteens but depending on your tastes might work out.
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