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Upgrade entire system, speakers first

I want to upgrade everything but thought I would start with speakers. Room is about 10 x 12 ft. Current system is Arcam alpha 8 integrated, Arcam CD and PSB bookshelf speakers on stands. Listen to mostly jazz and chamber music but would like to be able to listen to orchestral pieces as well. Budget for new system will be around $10K, thinking SS integrated, CD and speakers, new, not used. I would like to start with speakers now, maybe $4K and upgrade components 6 to 12 months later (cash flow!). Any suggestions for speakers appropriate to my small room would be appreciated (with comments on components to match in the future).
artch
artch OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I do like the idea of easy to drive speakers but am reluctant to try any DIY projects.I have done some reading on the web about acoustics, treatments etc. I have tried to audition several systems however I find that many systems even retailing around $5K or so don't sound to me that much "better" than what I have now, eg bookshelves from Focal (Chorus?),B&W (805), Neat (Petite). I'm not certain I can describe what I want other than a more "full bodied" and natural sound. Suggestions regarding specific equipment to audition would be most helpful. Used is a bit difficult as it involves International shipping which is why I wanted to stay with new equipment.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Maybe the Green Mountain Callisto would be good, the sound amazing, just not sure if you will be far enough away from them (1storder crossover) but others will chime in.
Also look at DK Design for Integrated, tube pre and SS amp built into one, even has a Phono stage at a great price, and it sounds really nice.
audiokinesis
2,737 posts
 
Artch, where are you located?

What larger - presumably unaffordable - speakers have you heard that you do like?

Have you considered just moving up the PSB line, or are you looking for something significantly different?

Duke
artch OP
5 posts
 
Looking for something completely different. I did hear a pair of Wilson Sophias and liked them.
audiokinesis
2,737 posts
 
Artch, thanks for the additional information.

Okay this is going to sound completely nuts, but...

I suggest you completely re-think your projected dollar allocation, and hold out for a pair of used Wilson Sophias. That's an excellent speaker, and Wilson Sophias driven by three grand of integrated amp & CD player will outperform just about any four grand speakers driven by six grand of electronics. I say this as a builder & seller of four grand speakers.

Once upon a time, years ago, I sold virtually everything I had to buy a fourteen thousand dollar pair of electrostats. I drove them with a $350 amplifier. Yes it was mismatched, but it was the best sound I had ever heard in any stereo system up until that time. Of course things improved when I bought more expensive amps, but if I had $14,350 and no more to spend on speakers + amp I'd go back to that combination (okay the prices have changed since then, but I think you get my drift).

I know a recording engineer who used Watt-Puppy 5.1's driven by a $600 amp, and he produced some excellent jazz recordings.

Best of luck to you!

Duke
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