I started 8 months ago with a pair of paradigm mini monitors (v.6 made in canada, not the current v.7, which is made in china) and they were good enough that I caught the upgrade bug and now have paradigm studio 20's, which I absolutely love. If you are really interested, I will connect them to my 55wpc onkyo to let you know how they sound with that amp. As for stands, I've always used cinder blocks as they are solid and heavy as hell, along with being acousticaly dead and cheap. I used to place my turntables on them with great results too. You can also stash your c.d.'s in them. You could get a pair of v.6 mini monitors for $200, or a pair of used studio 20's for $1,000.
Bookshelf speaker ideas....
I am looking for a nice set of bookshelf speakers and will have them on stands.
Want to do some serious enjoying of classical, jazz and soft rock music in my collection. Have a decent 55 wpc Onkyo receiver. Reading up on Polk RTi A3, Klipsch RB-81II and Energy RC10. Obviously, I am not looking to spend in three figures. Called a well regarded stereo store who doesn't do the "boutique" brands and claims there are speakers to be had for around $300 a pair that are "better than monitors".....any thoughts on all this? I am trying to sort this all out and it's hard to find stores that have a lot of brands to compare. Thanks!
Want to do some serious enjoying of classical, jazz and soft rock music in my collection. Have a decent 55 wpc Onkyo receiver. Reading up on Polk RTi A3, Klipsch RB-81II and Energy RC10. Obviously, I am not looking to spend in three figures. Called a well regarded stereo store who doesn't do the "boutique" brands and claims there are speakers to be had for around $300 a pair that are "better than monitors".....any thoughts on all this? I am trying to sort this all out and it's hard to find stores that have a lot of brands to compare. Thanks!
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Hmm I was just reading about the studio 20 and was not aware of the differences in v.5, 6, 7 etc. If these are really great I could splurge and get a pair for $1000. Are you suggesting I avoid the v.7? What about v.5 etc. That would be great if you could connect to your onkyo but from what I've been told in a store, the amp does not make a huge difference in this price range unless it's really to high or low in power for a particular speaker....Thanks in advance! |
Well Moverbob, I think with the difference between 300 and 1000 means different animals, esp. you are considering used, so you might ant to narrow your ideal range a bit. For example, I'd be surprised if the below linked Montana Monitors were not pretty substantially better than the 300-500 speakers being mentioned (you might add the very well reviewed Warfdale entry level to the list at 350, though I've not heard it). I own a pair of Montana towers and love them. If I had 1k to spend right now, and didn't want to risk used, I'd buy the Zu "Dirty Weekend" for $999, no stands needed. Zu is a strong flavor, but lots of fun, and it is a great company -- Sean and the gang will treat you right. I assume they have their usual 30 day return policy, which minimizes risk, and the used market seems to be strong. Why not give the Zus a try, at your upper end? John http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-montana-monitor-free-shipping-2012-10-06-speakers-92841 |
It is good to get recommendations, but I've learned that you really must listen to a lot of speakers to find the right ones. I heard the Totem Dream Catcher was the bee's knees. But when I went to listen to them...and I preferred the Rainmaker. Bought those instead. Because each person appreciates different aspects of music reproduction, its impossible to just go on recommendations. My friend Bill listens to heavy alternative, and thus really wants powerful and tight bass. I value the midrange more. Make a CD or playlist of music you know intimately, and go have fun listening to a bunch of speakers! Enjoy, Mot |
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