Just confused about where to start


Hello all,

I'm looking to add speakers to my audiophile setup which currently consists of (very high end) headphones. I want speakers for everything the headphones cannot do - simple enough. Problem is, I'm having difficulty deciding which gear I want to buy. I demoed a pair of B&W 705 S2's today and was very impressed. Unfortunately, my budget isn't that high. It's $1500 total, for the speakers and amp combined. Source is a computer. I listened to a cheaper pair of B&W bookshelf speakers (can't remember which, but were around $1200) and was not impressed. I am leaning toward bookshelf speakers but don't know if getting floorstanding at this price point would be a large increase in quality. The room they will be placed in is only 100 square feet. I am willing to buy used.

So, my questions, summed up are:

Is bookshelf a better option than floorstanding?

Is it worth looking at cheaper B&W models, or should I look at other companies altogether?

At least with headphones, I like a pretty neutral sound, if not a tad warm. Are there any companies that predominantly have this sound signature?

How should the room size inform my choice of speakers?



muffinhead123
If budget is tight, nothing beats Yamaha with their AS 501/701/801 integrated amplifiers or their receivers like the RN803d that was mentioned earlier. I see no point in going second hand with budget gear: by the time you have had them refurbished, you may have spent more than on a new unit.
Howeer, you have not yet answered my question about your DAC/headphone amp: can you use it as a pre amplifier? If so, all you would need is something like a $200 Behringer A500 power amplifier.
I see no reason that the Lyr2 could not be used as a preamp for an amplifier. I suggest starting another thread requesting input for an amplifier to be used with your Snell speakers. 
@willemj Sorry, guess I didn't tag you in my blurb about the headphone amp.
https://www.schiit-europe.com/index.php/producten/lyr-2-high-power-tube-hybrid-or-solid-state-headam...
This is the amp. It's stated that it can be used as a preamp with "powered desktop speakers"
So does this mean it would work fine with a power amp as well?

I'm creating a new thread as has been suggested and will tag you there as well.
The simple answer is: yes that would be the same situation as powered speakers. Off to a weekend assisting in a course on bicycle maintenance (cycle touring is my other hobby).
@willemj thank you very much. I used to be into cycling and bike maintenance myself. Sadly no more... Enjoy your weekend!