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Used vs New vs Vintage vs Floorstanding vs Bookshelf vs ..... OMG!

OK. I am new in this (new in HIFI, in Audiogon, in discussion forums). I need to buy a pair of speakers for a newly-to-be-built HIFI system, and I am getting a little overwhelmed about all the options and possibilities (and opinions). By the way, I am NOT rich so that helps me a lot to discard a bunch of options.

I started checking vintage HIFI speakers for around $500, basically old JBLs, Technics, and the like (eBay, Craiglist, Letgo). Of course as soon as I began I started checking newer and pricier loudspeakers... and I am trying not to be a consumerist… Either way first  I decided for a pair of JBLs vintage. Until I watched John Darko's youtube review on the ELAC Navis ARB-51. So I changed my mind, I raised my budget and changed from vintage to new, from big to small.

Then I learned about the huge immense used HIFI market. For the same price of the Navis I could buy speakers from enormous brands like Sonus Faber and Focal and B&W in the used market. There I could find Sonus Faber Veneres for 1500, B&W 802 for 2000, and so on. When I contacted somebody from another webpage (The music room) about which was the best option.... the response was... Vandersteen 2Ce signature, "by far". I looked for opinions about it and all I read about them was "OK but meeh". 

So I was really confused. Until I learnt about the Tekton Double Impact, and now I started to get some dizziness. "The best loudspeakers for that price range", "the best period", etc. I contacted Eric Alexander, who kindly took his time to explain me why paper speakers are still the best, and so on. So they are great, really great, for "just" $3000... and I raised my budget again.

Either way, I have read so much, heard so much, watched so much, and I haven't learned much really. Different experts have different opinions, whether the speakers should be flat or not, colored or true, whether it is a matter of "taste" or "you should listen and like them". Well I am no expert, I am 45 years old and I probably won't listen wavelengths of 50 Htzs or lower.

I just want a pair of good speakers so I can enjoy King Crimson, Ramones or Beethoven.

Can anybody help? PLEASE???....

tykozen
andrew31829's avatar
andrew31829
13 posts
 
As you are new, any system is going to be a huge improvement on what you know.  I get the impression most people here are experienced and have built up their system over years.  I started out with a 1000 Euro Arcam and B&W system when my mass market junk died.  My dealer in Ireland with true integrity assembled a low cost system for my budget that was incredible to me as a newbie.  Spend all your money now and you'll never get to appreciate an upgrade. 
In Ireland a large living room is your size and stand mount speakers fill it easily.  Floorstanders( and I have auditioned many) do nothing extra for me.   Its good to know what you want by listening but listen within your SET budget.  I agree with high sensitivity spec speakers as you may go for a low watt tube amp which can't give power like solid state million watt amps.  Remember when auditioning you're listening to the system.  Fabulous speakers on a poor amp/system  will sound poor.  Good speakers on a great amp will sound good.
I think you're over-analysing.  Dive in at your budget.  Listen to a couple of sources, a couple of speakers, a tube amp versus solid state and just go do it!  Dealers will have used ex-demo items too but ask and walk away from the dealer that laughs at your budget or constantly tries to stretch it beyond affordability. 
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roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,016 posts
 
OMG? What brand is that?
andrew31829's avatar
andrew31829
13 posts
 
OMG.   I wonder if I hear snobbery.  Some of us of necessity start small and progress. Makes the journey more exciting.

If you're responding to my post Arcam are one of the most respected brands in British audio.  If you're not I apologise. 
tlinkie
107 posts
 
I have another question: is there really any difference between a Sony CD/Blu ray reader and an incredibly-expensive used CD reader from Audiophile brands?


Yes, the Sony won't break and if it does it can either be repaired cheaply or simply replaced. 

Don't be afraid of used equipment. Just use your judgment and buy from people who have good track records (feedback). Avoid snobs and forum posts exceeding 5000 words.
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