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Used vs New vs Vintage vs Floorstanding vs Bookshelf vs ..... OMG!

OK. I am new in this (new in HIFI, in Audiogon, in discussion forums). I need to buy a pair of speakers for a newly-to-be-built HIFI system, and I am getting a little overwhelmed about all the options and possibilities (and opinions). By the way, I am NOT rich so that helps me a lot to discard a bunch of options.

I started checking vintage HIFI speakers for around $500, basically old JBLs, Technics, and the like (eBay, Craiglist, Letgo). Of course as soon as I began I started checking newer and pricier loudspeakers... and I am trying not to be a consumerist… Either way first  I decided for a pair of JBLs vintage. Until I watched John Darko's youtube review on the ELAC Navis ARB-51. So I changed my mind, I raised my budget and changed from vintage to new, from big to small.

Then I learned about the huge immense used HIFI market. For the same price of the Navis I could buy speakers from enormous brands like Sonus Faber and Focal and B&W in the used market. There I could find Sonus Faber Veneres for 1500, B&W 802 for 2000, and so on. When I contacted somebody from another webpage (The music room) about which was the best option.... the response was... Vandersteen 2Ce signature, "by far". I looked for opinions about it and all I read about them was "OK but meeh". 

So I was really confused. Until I learnt about the Tekton Double Impact, and now I started to get some dizziness. "The best loudspeakers for that price range", "the best period", etc. I contacted Eric Alexander, who kindly took his time to explain me why paper speakers are still the best, and so on. So they are great, really great, for "just" $3000... and I raised my budget again.

Either way, I have read so much, heard so much, watched so much, and I haven't learned much really. Different experts have different opinions, whether the speakers should be flat or not, colored or true, whether it is a matter of "taste" or "you should listen and like them". Well I am no expert, I am 45 years old and I probably won't listen wavelengths of 50 Htzs or lower.

I just want a pair of good speakers so I can enjoy King Crimson, Ramones or Beethoven.

Can anybody help? PLEASE???....

tykozen
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,172 posts
 
Nice summary in general by jhw9.

Another factor to consider is where the speakers will be located and where you will be listening from. A very specific "sweet spot" or a broader range of listening locations?

If the later, then wider dispersion or omnidirectional speakers would work best for sound stage and imaging, if that is of value for you. Ohm Walsh speakers (www.ohmspeakers.com) fit the bill affordably for many in that case.

The tonality of the OHMs (modest efficiency) is more like Vandersteen, somewhat laid back and balanced top to bottom...very coherent and non-fatiguing... with very good dynamics, especially with a well suited amp.

OHM Walsh speaker models have similar sound from bottom to top of the line. The main factor in choosing a model and how much it will cost is room size and need for extended bass in larger rooms. Some models (the larger 5XXX line) are also adjustable and can work well in most any room.
dalewhale
10 posts
 
Build LXminis and add a sub if you want more bass.

vtvmtodvm
66 posts
 

Here's some well-intended advice for "tykozen", and anybody else who's considering the purchase of used loudspeakers: DON'T. You will regret such purchase, and if you don't, it will only be due to your disregard for diligence. (E.g.: You failed to open the enclosure and visually inspect everything, and you were not prepared to conduct exhaustive electrical testing to assure proper "in spec" operation of all components, including those archaic passive crossover parts.)

Loudspeakers are commonly subject to all sorts of excessive and unintended (and unrevealed) user abuse, and passive crossover networks are often inaccurate when new, hopeless after aging. Buy new, or don't buy.

Do disregard all of the satisfied A'goners that will advise you otherwise. Many are naive and unaware of the flaws inherent in the used speakers that they purchased, and most lack the competence (and the instruments) necessary to conduct the requisite electronic testing. Ears alone cannot assure adequate evaluation.


passet02's avatar
passet02
267 posts
 
Try old polk or infinety speakers
jhw9
39 posts
 
I do get vtv..’s concern. If you have (and are willing to part with) the money, buying new is preferrable. However, given the 5 and 6 digit prices good (new) full-range speakers command these days.. buying used can save you several of those digits.. but you definitely do have to go see them first, personally. You have to listen to them with good, educated ears. This means traveling. That is most likely only a 3 digit expense, hwvr.

Most often, given butyl surrounds (not foam), all you’ll need to do for service is ferrofluid (which is simpler on woofers and tweeters than it is on small mid-ranges). For those you’ll need an expert.. but again, this is only a 2 or 3 digit expense. Capacitors are fairly robust on good quality crossovers.. esp if they’re under 20yrs old. I’ve gone through my original film caps on my 25+ year old x-overs boards, and suprisingly, they all still measure within what’s printed on the outside.
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