Best $1,500-ish New or Used Floorstander -


Hello,

After pouring through many posts over the last few weeks, I thought I would tap the collective Audiogon genius for advice on my quest to get back into the hobby. I have been a many year (decade?) fan of the community (lurker) but wanted to engage directly as I look for a good set of speakers for a 2 channel system I will be building.

What should my short list look like for speakers in the $1,500 range?

I am very open to used, but if there are any current production speakers that eclipse the used value equation I'll certainly give them deep consideration.

My room is "lively" and roughly 15 x 20.

Associated electronics: TBD - but budget commensurate with speaker pricing.

I'd like "well rounded" speakers in terms of music genre - not focusing on speakers that do well for "opera" and not rock, for example. If anything I'd like to make sure they "rock" though.

If you had $1,500 to spend on speakers that you hope last you many years - what would you get?

Thanks!
968firehawk

I agree the Monitor Audio RX series should be on your list, too, especially if they tamed the peaky treble from the RS series.
The TAS and Stereophile reviews indicate that they did. Because Robert Reina reviewed the RS6 a few years ago he did the review of the new RX6. An excerpt from his new review:

I was intrigued by Monitor's statement that in the Silver RX6 they'd eliminated the RS6's slight peak at 11kHz. Sure enough, as I switched back and forth between the RX6 and RS6, I noted that the RX6 had more natural and realistic highs. Sibilants were more prominent through the RS6, and could be a bit brash in highly modulated passages, but not through the RX6.
You have the perfect room for Vandersteen 2Ce.
Rrog

+1 on the Vandersteens. Although at your price you should look at the Signature or SignatureII series.
The only problem I see is getting full size speakers shipped. It can be hazardous. Look for a local seller who will meet you or let you pick the speakers up.
Anthony Gallo Classico CL-3 new,Acoustic Zen Adagios used,or anything by Joseph audio used in that range.
Dynaudio Contour 1.8 MKII as a suggestion, used < $1500. Use a good 150W/ch high current amp.