Speaker recommendations


Hi guys (and girls),

As some of you may know, I'm assembling an inexpensive system purchasing used gear in order to get the best bang for the buck i can manage.

So far, I have an old Rotel RCD971 (which i will replace with a more current, better sounding unit after i upgrade my speakers), a sugden A48b integrated amp w/ $500 of upgrades by Dan Santoni, and a pair of Rega Aras.

Room is small, heavily damped (Can't change this as it's a rented condo). So, room is not 'alive' sounding.

Amp is warm and robust sounding, HC of at least 50wpc. A bit rolled off in the treble, but good midrange and, as mentioned, robust sounding.

CD player is 'meh'...sterile...but gets the job done for the moment.

Rega Aras - seem to also be warm sounding...

Soo, with the triple warmth of the room, amp and speakers, overall the sound is too dull/ muddled.

I want speakers that are significantly more open, airy, extended and pack more of a punch.

I've made a thread about Epos m12.2 and Monitor Audio GR10, asking which would be the better match.

But, after receiving an email from a fellow 'goner, who provided a short list of alternatives, I'm wondering what opinions others may have in terms of what might work for me.

NOTE: I've tried out the arros, but i feel that they are not for me... too light in the loafers and not capable of high enough output w/out overtaxing their cones.

Can ANYONE recommend anything that I could pick up here in Toronto, Canada for 1000 bucks canadian or less that have the characteristics i'm searching for?

I'd really like to purchase locally, if at all possible, and i want to buy used gear to once again get the best bang for the buck.

Thanks again, as always.
loose
Are you a member of CAM?Have you checked out the used classifieds there. CAM stands for Canuck Audio Mart which is the Canadian equivalent of AudiogoN. Most of the used gear there is owned by people in the G.T.A. If you are not a member then just Google and join it's free. By the way posting a classified ad there is completely free.
Have you listened to the Reference 3A de Capo i's, or any of the Reference 3A products?
you can find used martin logan aerius or focal cobalts at that 1k price point; both are open and airy up the yin yang, though not the last work in low-end grunt. the monitor rs8 or rs6 are alos quite exceptional for the price and will produce more bass.
Sound Dynamics 300Ti. There are a pair of these on the Gon right now. Great sounding speaker with plenty of heft.
Good luck!