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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
tqt2005
2 posts
 
Can I suggest you listen to a pair of Audes speakers, Excellent 3? I find these speakers to be very good for in the range of 4K and looks good. These speakers are relatively efficient @88db (2.83V/1M)I think you can pick one up for around 3.5K if you can wait. I listened to these last night powered by the Belles Reference 150 amp/Pre-amp from Exempler audio. WOW I would never guess the Belles/Audes can sound so good. The Belles is retail for $3K and again to can probably buy it used for less. Make an effort to listen to the Belles 150 reference because it's a must......

www.audes.ee
www.powermodules.com
Good luck
dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 
Artch, you have some great sugestions given. That is a tough size of room to work with and even with the Sophias you might have problems but a great speaker.

Here's my thoughts for you, JM Labs Mini Utopia or others from the JM Labs line up making sure that they are the "BE" series. Hook them up to a integraded amp such as Sim Audio and you will have a amazing system, the stage presence etc. will have you in awe. I looked on Audiogon and there are some for sale New Regular $8,200.00 Sale $4,000.00 obo with matching stands.

mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
with all of the advice being given, keep in mind, only you can decide what you like. listen, listen, listen. go to as many dealers as you can to find it what type of presentation you like and what's available.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
Give a try to Tyler speakers.
Check their home demo program: http://tyleracoustics.com/home_demo.html.

I've listened to Tyler Woodmere and Taylo Ref monitor, and they are by far the best speakers I've ever listened to, Woodmere for full range and Ref monitor for monitor speakers.
artch OP
5 posts
 
Thank you everyone for all the responses to my first post on audiogon. I think the Sophias are just too large for my room but my approach now may be to "blow the budget" on speakers at this time and then upgrade electronics at some point later. I was already planning to audition the Jean-Marie Renaud and also the JM Lab. The electra 1007 Be sounds interesting - anyone have any experience? I will certainly audition the other brands as well.
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