Speakers


I value everybodies opinion, so I would appreciate any input you fellows can give me. I realize how many superb speakers are out there but since I can't audition hardly anything do the fact I live in a rural area I'm having a hard time deciding on an upgrade to my sound system, mainly speakers. I have approx: $5000 to spend on a pair and want some mains that will do it all including some serious bass as I listen to a lot of blues,jazz, home theater, and occasionally some head banging rock. I've listened to B&W, nice but too expensive and NO bass. Dynaudio, real nice but I don't think I have enough power. I need speakers that can stand to be fairly close to the rear wall,ie:18 to 24". From what I've read here on AudiogoN (great site I love it ) most speakers are geared for super nice amps and pre amps., which I don't have, but planning on upgrading in the future. I'm currently running 80 watts per channel of fairly clean power. Any insight you guys can give me I would be greatly appreciate. Thanks.
norton
I'm a dealer,Beware! I may intend to sell you something God forbid. But If I didn't believe in what I sell would you want to buy from me? Anyway look into Soliloquy 6.3s. they will rock, they will work well later on when you decide to SET amp, and they are made well. Plus they have a good resale if you do get tired of them.
I agree completely with Tok2000. Not just because of the compatibility issue, but because speakers vary much more in "personality" than other components (notice that I didn't say quality). There is also the issue of matching with your room - you don't mention the size - which will rule out a lot of speakers.

You mention home theater, does that mean that you want speakers where center and rear speakers are available as well? Does it mean that you will be using a subwoofer which will offload your main speakers in the bass? I have - in the absence of information - assumed that you want a 2-channel system with full range speakers.

I don't know whether you would consider DIY in which case you should look at the following non-conventional speakers

- GR Research Alpha LS (www.gr-research.com)
- Rick Craig Excelarray (www.se;ahaudio.com)

You can buy completed cabinets for the Alpha (total expense will be about 4000) and the Excelarray can be bought complete at around 5000. These speakers are both fairly efficient and should work with a wide range of amps, but they do require a big size room.

I haven't heard the VMPS RM-40, but they may well match your requirements from the reviews and owner comments. Note that there is a new ribbon option which is supposed to be a big upgrade. There may be some good offers coming for second hand speakers as owners upgrade to the RM/X that is to be announced at the CES.
Look at Revel Studios. You may be able to get a pair on Audiogon for around 5k. These have a fantastic soundstage and wonderful bass. You may consider as an alternative the Revel F30s with the Revel B-15 sub. Revel makes great speakers that are musical and robust. I agree you should get speakers you like and then work on pairing the amp. I have tried a number of combinations with varying results.
If you want to spend 5000 ,VMPS RM40 or used Legacy Focus would be fine for you..If you want to spend less then Paradigm Studio 100 is a good choice..
Coincident speakers work well with SET amps but I also agree with TOK2000, gotta love your speakers first.