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Speaker Upgrade

Hello. I'm considering upgrading my speakers. I can't say I'm unhappy with my current speakers (what you don't know won't hurt you) but suppose I'm curious if new speakers will make a difference. I'm actually quite happy with my current speakers but psychologically I wonder if a new set will sound better.

My system consists of a Yamaha DSP-1A integrated amp, Pro-Ject Debut Carbonturntable (acrylic platter equipped) with an Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge, a Denon DVD-2900 DVD/CD player (used just for CD's) and a DBX 3BX-DS. My speakers consist of a pair ofWharfedale Rubiance RB-27's in the front and RB-23's in the rear with a Mirage FRX-S15powered subwoofer. Everything is about 20years old except for the turntable which is about a year old. room is 15 feet by 12 feet and is fairly heavily furnished (it doubles as my office). I have the listening area set up width-wise. And I listen to primarily classical, jazzand big band.

I started thinking about new speakers after seeing so many articles and videos praising the Elac Debut speakers. So naturally these arewhat I'm considering (F5/B5 or F6/B6 combos) and I'll keep the Mirage sub. I did speak to alocal high-end audio shop who suggested thatI also audition Klipsch and B&W. I did meet someone recently who is selling his 1 monthold Elac F5 speakers for $350 so I considering that heavily. But I don't want to just buy a newset of speakers (even if they are a great deal) if they don't sound much different (or better)than my Wharfedale's.

If I do this, I don't think I want to spend much more than $1,000 if new for fronts and rears (I can get the Elac F5/B5 combo for about this new and much less it'd I go used).

Does anyone out there have any experience with and thoughts on Wharfedale Rubiancespeakers as compared with today's speakers like the Elac F5 ad F6?

Thanks
128x128cspiegs
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
I remember vandersteen speakers from 30 years ago as mid to high-end speakers, similar to KEF, Dahlquist, ADS, Ohm.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
What changes they have made.  I was blown away when listening to their newest stuff a few years ago.  That's when I got the Treo's and now teh Quatro's.  I was a Pro ac guy for years.  I have loved many speakers over the years, but tonality, no smearing etc.. are important to me now.  I owned ADS, Ohm and Dahlquist for a bit, but always wanted more. I have no desire so far to leave Vandersteen as I've auditioned soooo much gear over the years adn nothing to my ears, beats them in their various price ranges.  JMHO....These aint your dad's Vandy's, lol.
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
I bought Ctsooner's Treo's and am a Vandy fanb.....A Vandy fan, too.
Your Yamaha should have more than enough power for a pair of VLR's or 1ci's. With a sub, you should be good to go, though I always suggest a Vandersteen 2w or 2wq sub.
Though you mention Vandersteen as mid to high end, Vandersteen always offered high end sound at a reasonable price. Ohm, Dahlquist, Theil, Magnepan
are often linked
with Vandersteen and I like their sound, as well. The main thing with Vandersteen is the time and phase alignment of their speakers. It just makes thing seem right.
B
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
An opportunity just arose for me to purchase a pair of ADS L1290 speakers for $350. I can also purchase a used pair of Elac F5 speakers for the same price. What would you guys do?
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 

I would get the ADS without any hesitation as long as my room size allows it to breath. Their bass can get boomy if your room is too small or the speakers are too close to the wall. The only other consideration would be your amplifier since those ADS speakers will require a 4 ohm capable amplifier. In my opinion they are in a completely different class from the lower end Elacs.

Keep us posted.

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