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First system

Hello,
I hope to get some advice on my new system.  I want something to listen to music and watch tv/movies.  I have a listening room that is 15x20x12, but also is connected to my kitchen and dinning room.  Due to constraints I have to put my speakers on a bookshelf with limited space behind them.  I was initially thinking that the LS50 would be the best option for my price range, even though they are not front ported (I really haven't seen any stellar front port reviews!).  I also know that my ears aren't what they used to be, and I can't even hear above 13Khz, so part of me things this all is in vain.  

I was thinking of a sprout 100 to drive it.  My question is, 1 Does this system make sense?  I can't see why I would put more money into a dac/amp than around this amount based upon money spent on these speakers.  Would I really need more than 100W?  It seems that besides a subwoofer, this system isn't likely to get much better without putting more like 4K into it.   

Thoughts/Ideas?
128x128jacobo2u
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,569 posts
 
The combo would make perfect sense were it not for bookshelf placement of the speakers.

However the LS50’s do come with foam plugs for the ports and hopefully, someone will chime in about their use/sound.

FYI LS50’s are currently on sale KEF Direct/$999/pr.
chefbarnes
12 posts
 
Hi Jacobo2u,
on bookshelves with little room between and behind says no rear firing ports. Form follows function. 

My my first thought when you mentioned not being able to hear above 13khz is vintage. There are quite a few excellent vintage speakers that roll of around 13 to 16khz. And they sound amazing. 
Something like a Goodmans maxim. The jbl D123 in a small enclosure would be nice as well. 

I had an original ps audio sprout. A couple of times really. It's very convenient and sound quality was good. I trust Paul McGowan and PS Audio so assume that the Sprout 100 will be even better. Another option in the PS Audio lineup is the trio line of downsized separate components. There are even some out there with Cullen Mod/Upgrades. 

if your looking for a nice all in one, had a Naim UnitiQute2 recently. Excellent piece of equipment. Don't let the low wpc output fool you. It's high current output can push some air around. 
Ive also been want to get my hands on a Cambridge Audio Minx Xi 
chefbarnes
12 posts
 
....also
i was looking into Super Tweeters recently. Specifically the Townshend Audio model. 
There was a forum or review I had read that stated above a particular frequency range( the Townshend are rated to 70khz) the sound is picked up through the eyes. I haven't done any further research on this and maybe total crap. But worth looking into. 
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
You should audition the Sprout 100 and LS50 pairing before you commit. 
It will probably sound real good but I think you can get an equally good sound with speakers half its price when paired with the Sprout. The full potential of the LS50 will not be realized but it will give you room for future amp/preamp upgrades.
soix
9,456 posts
 
Due to constraints I have to put my speakers on a bookshelf with limited space behind them.

You have my sympathies.  Best of luck with that. 
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