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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
ctsooner's avatar
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
680 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. 

2tuby's avatar
2tuby OP
36 posts
 
As was suggested I did some research.  I do like the CP-800 preamp/DAC to match my current CT-2300 amp but as I read more about the CP-800 I believe it has software issues that the company needs to address and since the company has been sold I do not see software upgrades being on the horizon.

My further search has led me to the Auralic Vega preamp/DAC. Has anyone in the group had any experience with the Auralic? How will it pair with the Classe CT-2300 and the Vandy 2c sigs? 

As always, thanks for any advice.
caphill
680 posts
 
I've never heard the Auralic Vega paired with the Classe CA-2300 power amp and the Vandy 2C Sigs before. 
You should highly consider the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC. It is very good. 

In regards to the Classe CP 800 stereo preamp/DAC, I haven't heard of the software issues. Dunno. 

2tuby's avatar
2tuby OP
36 posts
 
I thought I would check back in with an update. I tried the PS Audio Stellar gain DAC for a few weeks and it sounded good but. . . My wife (the black sock hater) who has a good ear said she preferred the teac.  I looked into the Direct Stream but it is out of my price range. So I located a used Classe CP-800 on Audiogon and purchased it.  The unit arrived today. I have been listening for the last three hours and it really sounds WONDERFUL in my system! Makes the Vandys sing. Caphill, thanks for the CP-800 suggestion. 
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