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Speakers for Rock - up to 1kusd

Hello everyone,
While I have been reading the forum for quite some time, this is my first post.

I have a modest audio set-up that I want to upgrade: Yamaha rxv 657, Infinity P253 and technics 1700 turntable. Just sold a Denon CD player that I need to replace too.

I want to start with the speakers. I listen exclusively rock music in a 4x7 square meter room.

Due to availability in my country, I wonder what would be the best speakers that 1 kusd could buy. My options are:

- BW 685 s2 (due to great reviews).
- Paradigm 20 
- Monitor Audio S6
- Dynaudio x14

Could consider/get Jamo 803 and Dali too.

I wish I could stretch to the Sonus Faber Venere 1.5.

What would be your recommendation, taking into account that most dealers do not have demos.

Thank you!



gustavos
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

Like paraneer says, it is best to match amp and speakers, however it is important to look at some specs carefully. The Paradigm 20 and B&W 685 have almost identical specs.

B&W 685 - 87db, 8 ohm dropping to a 3.5 ohm minimum
Paradigm 20 - 87db, 8 ohm dropping to a 3.45 ohm minimum

Paraneer's comment about a sensitivity rating of 90db for the Paradigm is a room sensitivity rating, not anechoic chamber which is 87db, the same as the B&W 685 anechoic rating. IMHO, the match of these to the amp is very similar.

The Dynaudio x14's spec is a low 85db, measuring even lower, so agree it should be avoided.


paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Thanks tls49.  Guess I missed that second rating.

OK, strike the Paradigms off the list too.  That should leave the MA's as the easiest to drive.  All the more reason to budget for a new amp in addition to the speakers.  The AVR is seriously limiting you.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,618 posts
 
All excellent suggestions.
add Thiel speakers to this list.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,388 posts
 
Add a pair of Golden Ear Tritons to your mix.  They work well with everything and the powered woofers are great for rock.  I have a pair of Triton 1 in my main system and Triton 2 in my secondary system.  I listen to 96% rock and they are excellent at reproducing rock music.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
40 yr old JBL L100 rock out big time!!
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