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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.



128x1282tuby
tomstruck's avatar
tomstruck
353 posts
 
I have a Arye Codex for my DAC but the last time Richard Vandersteen was at Audio Connection I was talking to him about my next upgrade either amp or speaker he said the biggest change will come from the speakers and  ask if I had a good frontend Nick insured him it's very good so upgraded your speakers change out my Vandy 2Ce sign II for a used pair of Quatros the model before the carbons excellent choice
pinthrift
210 posts
 
Salks.  Jim Salk is a true gentleman, will make lovely and to order, within your budget new...those RAAL tweeters with his designs simply make music at reasonable cost.  Within your budget, new.  Grats on your retirement and happy tunes.  Best, Norm
pinthrift
210 posts
 
OOPs, sorry for duplication
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I'm a Vandy guy and would go with a set of Treo's. I fully understand what your wife is feeling.  I honestly do, but you do need better electronics.  the Pre and DAC are sooooo important.  Go see Rutan at Audio Connection.  He has the Ayre Codex DAC that is great.  I'd honestly think about an integrated that Rutan carries Belles Aria that lists for 1800.  Guys, this is a sick integrated.  It should sell for about 5k. Yes, it's preamp is unreal.  
caphill
676 posts
 
@2tuby 

Instead of a PS Audio Stellar DAC you should get a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC/preamp with Perfect Wave ll which is superior sonically to the Stellar DAC / pre. But I would think that the PS Audio Stellar DAC is better than what you have now. However, the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC with Perfect Wave ll will be a step up from the Stellar DAC. 

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