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Some Stereo Speakers Appropriate to my Setup and Around $500 or Less (if possible)

Hi.  First post here.  Looks like a good forum.

First, my system:

Denon AVR-1912
Oppo BDP-93

The "home theater" is in a small living room, wood floor with an area rug, plaster walls, the usual furniture: chair, couch, etc.

I've had a cheap Infinity 5.1 speaker set for 10 years or more and they are finally burning out.

My plan is to start with a pair of stereo speakers, as in the old days, for the purposes of listening to music.  Genres are all along the spectrum -- mainly rock, folk rock, singer-songwriter, blues, but also classical and jazz, though not much hip-hop.  Can't say speaker selection would be based on a specific genre.  I want a good, solid, fairly clean pair of stereo speakers for music, but with the option of adding on satellites at a later date for movies that make use of 5.1 and also audio CDs that are mixed for 5.1.  

Is this possible?  Any recommendations for a "decent" pair of stereo speakers for around $500 that would work with my system and room?

Thanks!

Paul Spillenger

spillenger
marktomaras
544 posts
 
This is better, though a touch higher than your budget...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-vandersteen-model-2ci-floorstanding-speakers-pair-3034-...
gsm18439
895 posts
 
I think that the most difficult part of your wish list is the ability to expand to 5.1. I have built several systems based on Spica TC50 speakers. The price is right. They sound great for a wide range of genres. But as the foundation of a 5.1 set-up? Not sure. 
cedargrover
302 posts
 
If if there existed a Vandersteen speaker in your budget, I would have made it my first suggestion.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 

I was (very) lucky to find a pair of Vandersteen 2Ci speakers with Sound Anchor stands locally and bought them about a month ago. They look truly brand new and I only paid $450.They do come up for sale occasionally but they are very heavy, especially with the stands so the shipping cost may be very high. They sound excellent even after so many years and would have been worth it even at 3-4 times the price I paid. They replaced a pair of a year old Magnepan MMGs that I was also lucky to find used locally, around the same price. Only had them for two months but had to let them go when I found the 2Cis and can not be happier with my decision. If going the used route, depending on where you live, there are great bargains out there. Just need to keep your eyes open and look, and be a little patient. All the best.

spillenger OP
1 posts
 
Thanks, everyone, for all your helpful advice.  Clearly, I need to rethink the plan to build onto stereo speakers a 5.1 system.
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