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Confused and unsure about upgrading my speakers.

I guess there are two general thought about how to spend your money on your system. One is to spend the larger % on your speakers. The other is to spend the more money on electronics.
At least something like that.

Anyway, I am happy with my system. Which currently consists of: DK Designs MKII VS1 amp. Stello DA220 MKII DAC.
Cambridge Audio 640C V2. Philips 963 SACD/DVD player. Revel Concerta F12 speakers.

For some reason (probably budgetry constraints), I have always gravitated towards speakers that are very good value.

But as you can see, I seem to have spent a larger amount of money on the Amp and the DAC. Event though I got them at a reduced price they are still more then what I paid for my speakers.

So I keep thinking, should I upgrade my speakers to something more in line price wise with the rest of my system? But if so, what can I gain considering that according to the press the F12s are overachievers. Off course everyone has their opinions and some people won't like the F12s but generally they are considered to be a very good value.

So I guess the question is really how much would I have to spend to make an improvment? Off course I have to go and listen myself and decide myself. I understand that. So I guess I am just looking for some general answers and words of wisdom.

My local dealer has suggested I come and listen to the Magneplaners 1.6. I sometimes think the Paradigm Studio 100 might be the way to go. I haven't listened to them yet so I don't really no yet. Both of these would be in the $2000-$2500 range for me locally. Or should I be saving more and spend up to $4K-$5K on something really better.

I am just very unsure and confused as how to approach this problem and where the greater gain is to be made. Also just where do speakers that are very good value fit into audio.

I will appreciate any wisdom you can provide from your experiences.

Oh, I also listen to mostly classical (Both European and Indian). Also a lot of Jazz. Some new age stuff like Jean Michel Jarre and Asian Underground or what ever they call it like D J Cheb etc.

Thanks,

-- Sanjay
schugh
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,389 posts
 
You can pick from a very nice variety of speaker models for the price you probably payed for the Rebels by going with something used but in good shape from here on A'gon or even ebay, if you're careful.

If you must go with something new, the Maggies sound like a good choice. A decent pair of Triangles might be had in this range as well.

If you want to try something a little different, you could probably pick up a pair of Ohm Walsh speakers direct from the manufacturer in this range as well.

I would also recommend the Dynaudio line as well, depending on budget, but these don't come cheap, especially new.
lapierre
547 posts
 
Wait and save your money. Continue to shop in HiFi stores and learn about different speakers that plays jazz and classical very well.

Focus on a speakers strength of midrange and treble with satisfying bass.

ATC SCM 20
Quad ESL 989
Dali Helicon 400MKII
AudioNote
Vandersteen Quatro
saki70
907 posts
 
"Anyway, I am happy with my system."

What you are experiencing is called "Upgradeitis" .

There is a cure...put on your favorite disc , take that fat wallet out and hold it in your hand , sitback , close your eyes and listen .

Done ? Did you enjoy it ?

Now think about how good it feels to have that money close at hand and readily available . Nice huh ?

You have had two enjoyable experiences ! Congratulations !

Are you ready to sacrifice one of them ?
Only you can make that determination !

Good luck .
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,389 posts
 
I like Saki70's assessment.
schugh OP
19 posts
 
Thanks for the responses so far.
I appreciate the suggestions for the some of the speakers.
But that was not exactly what I was after.

I also don't think I am experiencing the upgrade bug this time. I've been down that path many times, and it does not feel the same. :)

Generally my setup is decent, limited by having to set it up in a living room etc.

But what I was really wanting to know is that I spent $2400 on my amp, $1100 on my DAC etc. But I only spent $1000 on my speakers. I like the speakers for the most part, but are they in line with the rest of the equipment price wise? Does that really matter? And if I want to get something more in line and say I purchase $2500 on speakers, how much can I gain. I know the law of diminishing returns etc.

I think I sort of know the answer which is that price doesn't have to be important and that I need to just go and listen what is available and make my decisions.

It's just that I sort of became confused thinking about the old adage where they say things like "spend 50% of your budget on speakers etc". Off course I didn't buy all of these at the same time, but my system is about $6300 Canadian (or at least that's what I spend on it) including speakers and cables and everything. Of that $6300 only $1000 was put towards the speakers. That's about 16%. That's really what I was questioning to myself and asking myself did I do right from that perspective.

-- Sanjay
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