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Floor Speakers Needed after "Remodel"

So it's happened.

There has been a change to decor in our living room which means that all the existing sound equipment has gone. On the bright side, I'm looking at this as an opportunity to do a little of my own shopping in the electronics area but the budget is definitely bargain oriented.

To stay within the new aesthetic, I've switched to a Marantz NR-1608 Slimline receiver which does indeed look very svelte but is rated at a modest 7x50W of power. I'm hopeful that my 2 channel output might come in a little higher than this. Other than concern about the power, I really like it.

On the speaker front, my first attempt to replace my previous Paradigm Studio 60's has been a flop. While the cabinets of the Phase Tech Teatro 11.5s I've brought in look very nice, the sound has been a great disappointment. So here I am on AudioGon looking for speakers and filtering on "Price Low to High".

Before I get too far I thought I would ask for general suggestions. I'm looking for used floor speakers under $1000/pair. Music performance is most important to me but they will also be used as part of a home theater setup. I listen to all genres of music but am not obsessive about room shaking bass. Failures in the midrange are the source of my current disappointment. I like detail as much as anyone but typically avoid horns and overly bright tweeters. My room is around 20x25.

When I browse AudioGon I see everything from B&W to PSB to Thiel to Revel in my price range. However, I don't know if that implies that these offerings are either ancient models or in poor condition.

What would you be looking for if you were in my shoes? 
jambon
Post removed 
donvito101
278 posts
 
You should check out the Vandersteen model 1 or 2. If you want to up your budget a little you can get a new pair of the 1cis for a few hundred more!
vandersteen.com/products/model-1ci

roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
A used pair of Vandersteen 2's in fine condition would be a good choice!
jambon OP
2 posts
 
I would so like to go for the Vandersteens but the all-black speaker is what I'm trying to replace. Unfortunately for me I'm trying to make a choice based on both looks as well as sound. While I consider the Vandersteens very attractive, I'm trying to find something in a mostly light wood veneer to match furniture.

These compromises are getting painful.
soix
9,456 posts
 
Yeah, you have a pretty good-sized room and a fairly low-powered AVR -- not an optimal starting point and will limit your speaker choices, especially at your price point.  Case in point, although all very good speakers I wouldn't recommend any of the four you found in your A'gon price search as they are likely too much of a load for your Marantz to drive them optimally (or even effectively) in your room.  IMO you should focus on speakers with upwards of 90dB efficiency and that don't drop much below 6 Ohms in impedance, generally speaking.  Since you said you're not a bass hound, at your price point you'd have many more choices if you expand your search to include monitors. 

That said, there's a pair of Silverline Audio Preludes for sale on USAudioMart for $800 that might check all your boxes.  Off the top of my head, some other brands that might work well with your AVR are Joseph Audio and ProAc if you can find any that meet your requirements.   Hope this helps, and best of luck in your search. 

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