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Looking for speaker recommendations

I retired a couple of years ago and as a hobby have become a bit of an audiophile.  I need some speaker advice from those of you who know more than I. 

I listen mostly to classical and jazz. System is on most of the day for background music.  I do more critical listen from 8-10 in the evening at low volume (50-60 db.)


Been buying and selling gear and my current system is a Mac computer, Teac UD-301 DAC/preamp, Classe CT-2300 amp, Vandersteen 2CE signature speakers. My listening space is a 20 X 18 foot living room with cathedral ceilings. Due to WAF restrictions, the stereo system is in a corner of the room with the speakers 10 feet apart, directed at my listening chair that is 12 feet away.  


The Vandys sound nice but I suspect they are too directional for my listening space and style.  I am looking for a speaker that has a more fuller sound stage and will fill the room with sound. Speakers will need to have a better WAF than the Vandys. (Wife does not like the black socks on the Vandys.)


I prefer to buy used and am looking in the $2-5K range.


My current short-list for speakers is-

Legacy-Signature SE

DeVore-Gibbon X


Any advice/recommendations would be appreciated.



2tuby
2tuby's avatar
2tuby OP
36 posts
 
Audionoobie (aren't we all?)-
You seem to be where I am in this audiophile hobby.  I like my Vandys but I think I can get better sound. (If you do not look you will never find it!)

I read the hype on Audiogon for the Tektons and was attracted to them too but not enough buy them.  Please let me know what you think of them
.
I think that the Ohms will be different than the Vandys but not  $3-4K better. I think I may give the Ohms a home trial. 

Caphill- 
I have been looking for a less expensive Gibbon and have not had any luck but I will continue my quest.
I agree that my DAC/preamp is the weak link in my current system.  As an audiophile newbee I have two questions-1) Do you believe that I should replace the DAC/preamp before the speakers?  2) Do you believe there is a discernible difference between a $1K DAC/preamp and a $3-4K DAC/preamp?
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
I recommend Evolution Acoustics Mmmone speaker to you.
It looks good but with nice tumber and clear sound.
It will meet Waf.
shadowcat2016
132 posts
 
I have the Vandy 3A's. I've discovered that proper setup, room placement, is a huge factor in how they sound. I'm fortunate to have a dedicated listening room, so I can do whatever works within the constraints of the room itself. My only concern, given your listening preferences, is that they tend to really open up when driven a bit harder than it seems you listen. .............As for "Mamma", well, I'll grant you that they won't win a beauty contest, but you're paying for performance, not looks. As in women, beauty costs money:).............Best of luck!!
betweentheframe
9 posts
 
Totem hawks. Amazing sound, hit lows and highs, first order crossover, long throw scanspeak revelator and mb tweeter are beautifully paired. Great soundstage, full sound. Detailed without crapping out when source is not ideal. 

Like power so your amp will kick it out of the park. Peachtree dacitx works great for me. Vinyl rips from my brother and apple music only.  
assetmgrsc
59 posts
 
2tuby; I think that you would be well served to spend forty or fifty bucks to acquire back issues of the Absolute Sound and Sterephile, especially their issues with "editors' choices" and "best of"  recommendations.  It will get you some good reading and expose you to both a wide range of speakers and DACs that are in your price range.
I like these forums, most people mean well, but they can get confusing. Reading over back issues of both of these Mags may give you a better idea of what to choose from. 
good luckps chk out the forum on Road trip to demo $10,000 speakers  and you will see what I mean.
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