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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
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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,389 posts
 
Price is not the most important thing. What matters is that it sounds good to you over a period of time and extended listening sessions.

Good electronics that match and synergize will bring out the best in any speaker design at any price.

FOr me, a good speaker design is one that does what it does well, even if it does not do everything possible.

For example, other than low end extension into the 40Hz range or so, a pair of $500 Triangle Titus monitors that I own match up very well against my much more expensive Dynaudio monitors.
nieuwen
60 posts
 
I agee with the idea that price is not necessarily an indicator of quality. Relatively inexpensive speakers with great electronics, especially the source, can make often make better music than expensive speakers with poor electronics. The aim of the game is not to "match" the price/quality of the source, amps and speakers. The aim of the game is to make great music come out from your system into your room. The room, by the way, is as significant to the quality of the music you get as the source, amps and speakers.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Before you make a decision please educate yourself and understand the benefits of time and phase coherence built in to either Vandersteen or Thiel speakers.

You may find this is what you're looking for.
aktchi
274 posts
 
Start visiting dealers at a leisurely pace, just to acquaint yourself with what is out there. Also, your friends, other A'goners, anybody who'd let you listen to their speakers.

Avoid all stress of thinking that this is to buy your next speakers: be like a wandering tourist rather than a home buyer. :) In particular, also listen to speakers way above and below your price range, and attend live concerts too. Listening to very expensive speakers as well as live music will help you recognize an exceptional affordable speaker when you chance upon it.

If out of this experience something stands out as an exceptional buy for your taste, get it. Otherwise keep enjoying the process.
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