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Small room, "budget priced" speaker advice, please

Hi,

I recently sold my dearly beloved, old Vandersteen 2C's here on Audiogon (and I hope SgtPeppers is loving them at this moment!) :-) I did this because in our remodeled house, my new listening room (which will double as a guest room) is just too small for the 2C's. The Spousal Acceptance Factor was just too low. ;-)

I have a PS Audio Elite-Plus integrated amp for power (around 70 W/Ch) and a soon-to-be-shipped-off-for-a-refurb Sota Sapphire for an analog front end (I have "miles" of vinyl)! I will also get a CD player at some point.

For now, I need to find a pair of best-of-breed, truly "budget" speakers. By "budget," I'm talking upper limit of $850/pair. (Gone are my free-spending, single days... I'm a dad now...) :-)

Listening habits: lots of 60's and 70's folk and rock, some jazz, Donald Fagen/Steely Dan, a little classical. Listening volume: not too loud. Sonic preferences: I value transparency and imaging/soundstage. Bass should be accurate above all, as opposed to chest-pounding powerful.

I've looked at Paradigms, which I know are highly regarded at lower price points. Trouble is, our one, local dealer is primarily a TV/home theater outfit, so you're trying to hear them in a showroom crammed with other stuff... you know the drill. I've also hit a high end shop. Listened to a pair of PSB small towers and disliked them; they sounded muddy and veiled to me. Listened to a pair of the smallest Rega's and liked them quite a bit, but would want to go back to listen again. I even wrote to PS Audio for advice; they recommended the "baby" Epos monitors, but they're out of my price range.

Thanks if you've read this far. Knowing how subjective all this is, I'd still welcome any advice you have to offer about what I should try to audition.
rebbi
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,457 posts
 
Rebbe,

Tube amplification for the Arros was definitely a good move.

Audioquest is a safe bet for ICs and cables.

Here's another option on Ebay if needed.

http://stores.ebay.com/essentialhifitweak_W0QQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

I use DNM Reson and Harmonic Technology ICs acquired from this vendor cost effectively to good effect. I've found their product description to be pretty accurate based on experience.

The particular strength of the DNM Reson compared to Audioquest is PRAT (pace, rhythm, tempo). I was skeptical that an IC could actually provide this prior, but the DNM Resons in comparison to MIT interconnects in particular have made me a believer.

Audioquest may provide a bit brighter sound with more detail. My speaker cables and ID from my Roku Soundbridge are both Audioquest.

I like Harmonic Technology for overall neutrality as well, and use this brand between my amp and pre, but these are a bit more pricey.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,617 posts
 
The so called GBC is I think the bulk version of Audioquest Type 6 cable. Look here for user reviews and product info for both:

http://www.audioreview.com/cat/cables/speaker-cables/audioquest/type-6/PRD_116385_1584crx.aspx

http://www.audioreview.com/cat/cables/speaker-cables/audioquest/glc/PRD_124891_1584crx.aspx

http://whathifi.com/forums/p/2194/11916.aspx

http://www.avland.co.uk/audioquest/type6/type6.htm

Kimber 4VS and 4TC speaker cables are another very good deal (under $100 USD for 8ft. pair).

http://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=26

If you are looking for a really reasonable route to well built but no nonsense cables that will probably perform better than your >20 year old Monsters for less than $70 for both 1m interconnects and terminated 8ft. speaker cables before shipping, try this site:

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/

Finally, when you are ready to suspend reality and invest up the cable ladder, The Cable Company (http://www.thecableco.com/) is a terrific place to purchase higher end cables because they carry many brands and let you try them before you buy.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Knownothing,

Wow... a wealth of resources there... thanks... I'll comb through those pages tonight. :-)
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
I contacted Usedcable.com for a recommendation and they offered JPS Labs Ultra Conductor for $105 for a 6 ft pair, and XLO HT Pro HTP1 (RCA) $ 75 for interconnects. Thoughts?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,617 posts
 
My guess, the XLO will be fine and probably similar to the Audio Quest Coral.

JPS is a great company. I think the Ultraconductors will provide a more sophisticated and airier upper end but will sacrifice some of the bass response you would get with the Audioquest GBC.

Nice thing about The Cable Company is they will let you try them before you buy them. I would try try their suggestions and compare to what you currently have.
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