My grandfather needs some suggestions for speakers


Hi all,

My grandfather is an amateur audiophile, and is looking to upgrade or replace his current speakers, as he is unhappy with the way they sound. He has a pair of Infinity RS111B's that he loves, but those are in his private office, and don't match the decor of the room(also a little bulky).

Currently, his set up(for music only, not cinema) is:

Onkyo Grand Integra Pre Amp P-308
Onkyo Grand Integra Amp M-508
Onkyo Grand Integra Tuner T-4087
NAD C565BEE CD Player

Speakers: Polk Audio LSi25's

He is looking at purchasing new speakers, but is unsure of what to get, as many of today's up and coming brands he is unfamiliar with. I suggested he post on this site for some suggestions, and he asked if I would.

His budget for new speakers is approx. $2000-$2500 each.

I also suggested that maybe its his amp that needs upgraded/replaced...

Regardless, any suggestions would be appreciated. Currently he is looking on Crutchfield at some Thiel CS1.7's or MartinLogan Theos, or PSB Imagine T2's.

I don't have any experience with higher end audio, so I referred him here.

Thanks for any suggestions in advance. Thought I'd post on here before he traveled a couple hours to some showrooms to test.
tachyon42
Another suggestion for you grandfather... I have experience with the Revel Performa F30 loudspeakers, also for sale here on Agon. I enjoyed the sound from these as well and IMO these are hard to beat for the sellers asking price. Have fun with it and best of luck in your search. It's not all that difficult to put together an impressive sounding system. LMK if I can help.
Here is another speaker suggestion for your grandfather... I also have experience with the Revel Performa F30 loudspeakers. There is a pair for sale here on Agon. I enjoyed the sound from these as well, and IMO these are hard to beat for the sellers asking price. Spend the extra $ on room treatment.

Have fun with it and best of luck in your search. It's not all that difficult to put together an impressive sounding system. LMK if I can help further.
I turned 60 2-1/2 weeks ago and am a step-grandfather. I have been an audio enthusiast for 44+ years. After much contemplation and several auditions, I brought home a new pair of Magneplanar 1.7s a couple of weeks ago. I came to realize that I'm really done with 44 years of listening through the noise and artifice of boxy resonances that come with cones 'n' domes unless the speaker enclosures are heroically built after the fashions of Wilson, Magico, Focal Utopia, etc. I like Maggies' ability to sort out all the parts and complexities of large-scale orchestral works and cantatas and oratorios, not to mention their natural and engaging reproduction of small group acoustic music such as jazz and acoustic pop vocals.

I was so taken by them that I finally had to say "decor be damned; I want *these*!" Every time I put on some music is a treat, an escape into a recreation of the musical event that made the recording. It makes me feel more alive and puts a big smile on my face whether I'm sitting in the sweet spot and experiencing a 3D playback of the performance or just doing the dishes in the next room and enjoying the natural timbres and dynamics.

If my budget were $2500 each, I'd get a pair of Maggie 3.7s in a heartbeat.
Good on ya, JohnnyB! It is soooo nice to find speakers that really, ummm, speak to you! I found the same when I got my Gallo Ref. 3.1s. And I, too, will never again put up with the coloration that comes from box speakers...

-RW-
Waxwaves wrote: " It helps to have a good reference to start from, and this gentleman wants a good set of loudspeakers first."

WW, the Polk speakers are actually pretty good. The point I was trying to make is that no matter how good the speakers, if the room is not "tamed", even the best speakers will not perform to their potential. If he concentrates his efforts there first, better speakers will shine even more brightly...

-RW-