Speakers for Rock

For what it's worth, I agree on the Thiel's -- they need some muscle behind them to rock well. For the 2.3's, I'd suggest 200w per channel minimum for rock and for the 6's, 400+ is better (a watt is not always a watt, but you need the current flow that is typically associated with these kinds of amps IMO). The Thiel's also need the right cabling -- i.e., MIT speaker cable -- to really sound right. They can definately rock, but it takes the right combo to help do it.

The B&W's are a little too laid back to rock well (for me). If you switched out the cross-overs, that could help but I didn't think that was in the budget.

As others suggest, you may want to look at the alternatives mentioned above.

As a unconventional alternative: If you really want the bass impact at a lower price, you could also consider combining a reasonably priced full range speaker with a subwoofer. The balance needs to be right and that can be tricky -- it's hard to get it so the bass is not overpowering and is seamlessly integrated. That allows you to get a full range speaker which may bottom out at 40-50 Hz and still get the bass slam from the subwoofer addition. Full range speakers that get way down the bass curve normally cost a lot more or sacrifice something else along the way. Good luck.

Klipsch Forte 2's or Klipsch Chorus 2's. Horn mids/tweets
and 12" woofer/15" passive radiator (Forte 2), 15" woofer/15"
passive radiator (Chorus 2). Mate these with a smooth-
sounding copper speaker cable like Anaylsis Plus oval 9 or
oval 12, and you've got a very rock-ready setup.

With these speakers, you're better off using an amp with a
wider presentation (b&k tends toward wider soundstage but
less impact), rather than a congested soundstage with lots
of impact (like an acurus), as the horns will really project
their sound into the room, and won't need any help in that
regard. The suggestion for tube amps here is a natural, but
I would check the impedance curve of the Forte and Chorus
to make sure they didn't dip too too low before comitting
to that path.

Good luck, and let there be rock!

PSB Stratus GOLDi's: You'll love them. Stereophile Class B recommended component. Approximately $1,800.00 US$/pr. Accurate, tonally neutral, impressive clarity and detail, stable stereo image, awesome bass extension and power handling! Look no further.

peter jasz

I agree with Allied, though others may differ. I have the McCormack DNA-225 with a Kora tubed pre driving Stratus Goldi's and enjoy them with BOTH rock and jazz. Certainly not the "end all" speakers in comparision to what some here on the Gon own but, in their price range, I've not heard better (and I auditioned quite a few before buying mine). When I eventually do decide to upgrade, I will not being selling the PSB's to raise the funds. They will be kept for a second system...

Paradigm Studio 100v2 should be very appripriate... My father is a rock head and he listens to music louder than I you can imagine... On top of that, it sound very good for this price point. It's a value hard to beat even when bought new...

Godd luck

Luc