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Speaker recs. Please read all and reply. b&W, Vand

Full Disclosure. I recently purchased Adcom equipment. The GFA7400 amp and GTP-830. I understand this may not be the best in terms of quality equipment however for the price I bought it for, considering I wanted separates I could not turn it down. My plans are to make a solid system that will last me for years and give me audiophile performance. I need to still purchase speakers and a source for DVD/CD.
I listen to all kinds of music but I predominantly listen to Hip Hop, R&B, Rap. I also listen to rock and classical music once in a while. My wife has more varied tastes in music and I want to ensure the system will perform to her expectations as well. (this is a secondary goal) My buget for the speakers and DVD/CD is about $2000. Since I plan on making this a hobby I do not want to buy 5 speakers and a sub all at once. I want to expand bit by bit. I will need the system to meet all my home theater needs in the future.
I was thinking to begin by buying the DVD/CD, front speakers and sub first.
Thus far I have auditioned B&W DM603 s3, the 604, the 600 sub. During this listen I had brought my own CD's and therefore I know what it sounds like with the music I typically listen to. It was awesome until --

I listened to Vandersteen 2 Signatures. Please note I did not have the CD's I typically listen to but with the music the dealer played it just killed the B&W's. They aren't as pretty but the sound quality could not even compare.

I still want to try Magnepan's and any other hi end speakers that will fullfill my audio dreams. I really don't know what to do.

I want speakers that will last. If I buy the Vandys or Maggies, I don't know if they are good for the music I listen to. From what I have read it seems that these type of speakers are for folk and chamber music. If I play my harsher music on these speakers will it damage the speakers?
I know with a sub it the system will have an adequete amount of bass. Any suggestions would be helpful.
nbonde4c77
driver's avatar
driver
750 posts
 
It's OK to solicit advise but like you've already discovered there is a difference & let your ears decide. (or at least be in the majority)

As for music damaging speakers, only if you clip. The speakers were made to reproduce a signal & don't know what the signal is. I'm not trying to be flippant but simply buy the speakers you like.

You've made a good start by going out & listening to different types & I suggest you keep doing this until you find something you're happy with!
south43
386 posts
 
Keep in mind that with the Maggies you will need the room to keep them away from the back wall. With the Vandys placement is not as critical and you can get away with less power. Good listening!
drewfidelity
178 posts
 
It sounds like you are well on your way to making a quality speaker choice. The Vandersteen 2CE Signature is an excellent speaker as are the B&W's that you have mentioned. The Magnepans are wonderful, but may require more power to work well. As others have already mentioned the Magnepans need to be critically placed to get the most out of them.

The Vandersteen 2CE Signature speakers are a very safe choice to make. They sound great, they will work well with your amplification setup, and they are not fussy in terms of placement. They are full range so you can enjoy R&B and Rap without the use of a subwoofer. Richard Vandersteen has produced this speaker in different upgraded forms for over 20 years. Tens of thousands of pairs are out there being listened to as you read this. I have owned them. I would assume that many of those who participate on this site have owned a pair of Vandersteens at one time or another. They are one of the great bargains in High End Audio. They would be my suggestion. I have suggested them to numerous people, even my ex-girlfriend from years ago still has a pair, and they all seem satisfied with the choice.

Good luck in your purchase and welcome to this disease of a hobby. May you be totally satisfied with your purchase and never look at another component again.
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