Best speakers for classical music 2k ?


I'm planning to purchase a Hifi system. I listen almost exclusively to classical music. I'm thinking about spending between $3k and $5k. What kind of system (CD player, amplifier, speakers) would you recommend? I think speakers are key. Which ones should I check out? I'm in the UK, but could possibly buy in Germany. Any good Hifi store in London? Thanks,

Heiner
heinerschulz648d
best speakers in this price are the biro L/1. new about $1500, unbelievable imaging and clarity. our group has audiotned many and this is THE best speaker under $5000 BAR NONE! add a van alstine amp tube or solid state whatever your preference and this makes the best budget rear end in the businiess. this combo would also leave you $2500 for a front end. best wishes on your qwest.
In London or anywhere in the UK, go to Richer Sounds. They have several locations in London alone. The owner Julian Richer is a major player in Cambridge Audio. The Cambridge Audio D500SE is a very nice CD player for classical, and is cheaper Richer because no middleman distributor; probably about 200 British Pounds (List is $450US). B&W Speakers are great for classical. $2000 will get you a pair of floorstanding CDM-7NT, but for classical, I would probably opt a pair of the bookshelf CDM-1NT ($1200US) and get a pair of very very very good stands. The Nautilus 805 is $2000 new. You could get a used pair and once again get some very good stands like the Sound Anchors. Since we are shopping in the UK, for an amp take a look at one of the higher powered Creek integrated amps or Musical Fidelity.
I owned a pair of Castle Acoustics Isis speakers that worked very well with classical music (I preferred them to my old Rogers Ls3/5a's). They are UK based and you may want to check out their larger floorstanding speakers. Their is such a model reviewed (highly rated) at the HiFi Choice website that retails for only $800US. They have more expensive models as well. Both their US distributor and Castle (UK) themselves were a pleasure to deal with on several occasions. Linn also has a new line out.
For $5,000, I would guess that Alastair Gardner (Signals) at www.signals.demon.co.uk (get his email address and phone number and lots of information about speakers and components he carries) can put together a very good system for you including a pair of world-class Harbeth Compact 7 speakers.

His store is in Suffolk, a bit of a drive maybe, but well worth the time.