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Speaker Suggestion for teenage pre-stereophile

I started off with an HK and JBL setup that I really enjoy for music. However, I've realized that I listen to music for hours upon hours a day, and hardly ever even get to use the multi-channel stuff. I've decided to get an integrated amp (probably NAD) and single cd player setup for my room-my question is what sort of speakers would work well for a 16 year old who only wants to spend 600 or so on the pair. Sadly, bussing tables will not buy nautilus' or krells! I listen to a very wide range of stuff; each day usually has neil young, cat stevens, the beatles, and other timeless greats....but also newer underground hip-hop (mos def, talib kweli, the roots). The room these would be used in is fairly small (unsure on exact sizes...but maybe 25x15???). I'll consider monitors or towers, but asthetics are important haha. Sorry, I know this isn't any easy question to answer, but any starting point for speakers would be greatly appreciated. Everytime I think I've decided on a set of speakers, another set steals my affection!
audiokid16
gregm
3,405 posts
 
IMO, put aside ~100 for good speaker stands; these are always useful (i.e. not short-lived, more like keepers). The Energy's above are nice, used LS3/5A are also a legendary speaker (& a keepeer). Used Sonus Faber could also be the ticket. Last, you may want to check out products from nOrh. They have unusual speakers in the $400 range, new. Good luck & have fun!
jaica
81 posts
 
I agree with Gregm about the stands if the speakers are monitors. Go listen to Acoustic Energy, AE-three. These are $700/pair new. These are floor standing speakers. Their sound is excellent, if you can find them used they would be that much cheaper. Use the rest for a good pair of cables, or music. This speakers are mdf with vinyl, not wood veneer, but the vinyl is as good a quality as you can get.

Good luck
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
For $600 you can easily get a pair or Vandersteen 2 series, 2ces or 2 cis. They sound good with a variety of electronics and sources, assumming you have room for them. Usually sold with Sound Anchor stands. You will need bi-wire cables to get the most out of them, but you can use jumpers to start. Maybe too big ofr a bedroom, but if youhaved room for floorstanders, these are a good way to go.
drrasta
224 posts
 
Paradigm Studio Reference 20 monitors are a good value and sound great with NAD gear. Someone is selling here on Audiogon. Also B&W make nice monitors 601-602 series 3. These will all have good resale value. Think ahead. Are you going to be living in a dorm in a couple years? Would you bring your stereo? Another solution might be the Aego 2 sub sat system that you can hook up to your computer.
Good luck!
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I have given my 2 teenage sons each an HK330B in good condition. They compete quite well with today's low-power NADs, IMO, and were a lot cheaper. Note the 330B has screw-down speaker connectors.

One son will be getting a used pair of Paradigm Titans, the other will be getting used PSB Alpha Minis. These would be too vulnerable on stands so they will be wall-mounted (on a side wall, not the back wall because both models are rear-vented).
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