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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
artk's avatar
artk
33 posts
 
Vandersteens are wonderful speakers and one of my favorites. They require a good amplifier to be at their best.
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itball
103 posts
 
I have a very similar room set-up and bought the Totem Hawks - I auditioned the Arros in my room and they were just too small - the bass got lost in the second story. The Hawks are better but not perfect. I kind of wish I'd spent a little more money and gone with a fuller range speaker. That being said though, the clarity and imaging of the Hawks is beautiful to listen to.

So... I am in the process of evaluating subwoofers to provide a better situation and thus far it is working out although I have not settled on one yet - I may end up with the best of both worlds if I can find a sub that passes the always stringent wife/decor test. Bottom line however is that we both have listening room issues that nothing will completely overcome short of huge, expensive, full-range speakers. I think your amp is fine for any of the speakers you might consider in this price range.

Feel free to email me with any specific questions....
wdrazek
100 posts
 
Yes, the 603 is worth exploring, as is the 604 which is a bit bigger and would definitely fill up your room. I think the Vandersteen will be a little more refined than these but depending on your sonic preferences you may prefer them.
ruleof72 OP
26 posts
 
As I sit here in our tiny furnished apartment (part of the relocation package) imagining my new listening room I am wondering which speaker in my price range has the widest soundstage? Since the room is fairly large it would be nice to have a nice wide soundstage instead of one located between the speakers. My expectation is that the speakers would be no farther than 10 feet apart. What is everyone's opinion? Am I asking the speakers to do something that $1000+/- can't buy?
ruleof72 OP
26 posts
 
OK, I had a chance to measure the room today during the inspection. The dimmensions are 23Wx18Dx20H. The speakers will be along the 23' wall and we will most likely sit 8-10 feet away from them. The floor has carpet but the rest of the walls are drywalled. The ceiling is vaulted and open to the 2nd floor which is a loft on one side of the room only. Given the measurements my guess is that I should be looking at the same speakers (higher efficiency floorstanding) as before, right?
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