floor speakers upgrade

Thats my only issue is I wont be able to have a test-run with the speakers. Most of the electronic stores by me don't have much of a selection unfortunately.

Hi J...consider browsing the used stuff here to get an idea what some of your options might be. Also, explore the "Budget" virtual systems. Posting your other equipment will help people give you some more relevant suggestions but Zd542 is absolutely right...ya really gotta hear 'em yourself to know if it's a keeper and preferably in your own room with your own gear. There are some mftrs. and dealers that might work with you to arrange an in-home trial. I think Tekton Design was one such. Might be others. Not certain. Also, that link with the top 10 speakers? Gotta say, that list just didn't seem right to me. Names I would expect to see weren't on it. The names listed just seemed very mass market and I think you are trying to take a first step into something better. Finally, after doing more research, you might find you are better off waiting a bit and adding another $400 or $500 to your budget. Haste makes waste - I know...been there done that. Good luck in your search.

Agree with above posts. At least Tekton offers a 60-day trial period, although you'll probably be out some shipping dollars if you return them. The mini Lore and Lore Reference are in your basic price range and may be worth a look. Another choice, especially if you like the sound you're getting now, would be the Elac F5. Like your Pioneers the F5 was also designed by Andrew Jones but likely offers meaningful improvements in driver technology, cabinetry, etc. The other option is obviously to buy used, and then you can start looking at speakers like the Silverline Preludes or the Monitor Audio RX6. Not knowing your system or what sound characteristic are important to you make these blind recommendations, but at least you have some ideas to work with. One big thing is to make sure whatever speakers you choose match well with and can be driven by your amplifier. Best of luck.

You might find some worthy candidates here. I've had Wharfedale diamonds and have heard many of the other brands on this page and they're all good values.

The Elac Debut F5 is desined by the same Andrew Jones who designed your Pioneers, but with a bigger budget, more sophisticated drivers and more rigid cabinet design. In other words, from a design standpoint it is precisely a good-sized step up from your current speakers.

He's also designed several 5-figure state-of-the-art speakers for TAD, Pioneer's premium speaker line.

Let us know what you're using for amplification. It makes a big difference on what comes out of the speakers.

Good advice from Zd. I agree.