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I would like advice for a beginner.

I'm a "newbie" who needs veteran advice. I'm an ex-music teacher, ex-folk singer who is facing retirement and I didn't have a stereo. I have told my friends I'm going to buy a used system for not much money and incorporate the "dink" system. No, that's not "D-ual, I-come, N-o, K-ids"!! It means I want to "dink around" with my new hobby. I know nothing, but my motto will be "Learn First, Upgrade Later."

Presently I have purschased a factory reconditioned Yamaha RX-596 receiver($179) and a Yamaha CDC-845 demo CD changer($129). I purchased Yamaha, for the time being, because my local stereo shop guy told me they would be adequate and were "work horses." I have them hooked up to old JVC 50 watt speakers from an old bookshelf stereo system with a broken cartridge CD changer(free). Now, I can, at least, listen to music while I shop for speakers.

This is fun!!

I would like advice for speakers. I have liked the sound of stand mounted speakers better than floor speakers. The heavier bass sound seems to get in the way of what I want to hear. I listen mostly to classical, especially choral, Celtic and folk music, with an occasional slip into classic rock and bluegrass. The speakers I have most appreciated have been the B&W 601's and 602's followed closely by the Paradigm Studio 20's and 40's. Any opinions offered on those speakers or any other similar speakers would be greatly appriciated. Oh, by the way, I plan to spend $200 to $400 for used speakers.

After I get the speakers, I will have $500-$700 invested and will be listening to a good solid system. Let the DINKING" begin.

Thanks in advance for the advice.
baileyje
sean
6,231 posts
 
Not to sidetrack this thread, but i've read the reviews on PSB's ( always glowing with good measurements ) and listened to them on several different occassions and always wondered what the hype was about ? They sounded dull, thick and bloated to me. From what i can remember, the speakers were hooked up to NAD gear, which is typically offers a good "bang for the buck" but is "typically" on the "warm & smooth" side of neutral. My guess is that these components may work great individually, but i don't think that they work too well as a pair. I"m not trying to "dig" on Charlie's comments about speakers / electronics or anyone else that suggested PSB, only warning that one really should try out combo's for themselves and see if they like it. Some stuff that we think should work well just doesn't live up to our expectations once you try it.

As to the comments about cabling, i do think that cables make a difference but there is little need to spend tall cash to obtain good performance. This is especially true if the level of components aren't up to responding to increased bandwidth and lower dialetric absorption. The use of some Belden ( or equivalent ) copper based cabling with teflon insulation and decent connectors will get you a LOT of bang for the buck. Sean
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ecclectique
509 posts
 
Hello Baileyje.... Danvetz's....Bravo! very astute advice, Baileyje... pursue it if at all possible!The paradigm studio 20's and nad are a very musical combo for very little money [new or used] and a combo I have highly recommended and put together numerous times for friends and family.Very hard to beat for the money when purchased new. That said..... and as Danvertz alluded to.An older pair of the rogers or chartwell LS 3/5a's bbc monitors[15 ohm versions]paired with the current nad stuff can easily embarrass many multi-thousand dollar rigs.The midband of the bbc monitors are legendary and can still compete with ANY speaker systems out there... regardless of price! They are a music lovers dream! I purchased a pair back in 1978 and still use them today in my kitchen system. These miniatures have floored and amazed many many guest's[musicians included] over the years.I will never sell mine and will probably take them to my grave. Cheers and all the best in your pursuit.
baileyje OP
45 posts
 
Thankyou all. I'm having a little trouble keeping up with all the new names of components I've never heard of. It's going to keeping me dinking a long time. As I write this, I'm listening to "Finlandia" and loving every minute. I spent hours in the kitchen yesterday while cooking for family and I had the stereo going the whole time as my kitchen is open to my stereo area. I know my Yamaha stuff leaves a lot to be desired, but it is head and shoulders over nothing.

I noticed nobody sang the praises of the B&W. Is there a reason for this? Is there something I should be listening for.

Again, thanks for all the great advice.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Speakers are more of a personal preference and room acoustics type of selection than any other component that you will deal with. There are obviously hordes of people that like B&W's and their "house sound", but they must all be on vacation for the Holiday. Otherwise, they'd be making suggestions in this thread like the rest of us "sheltered" people still dwelling at home : ) Sean
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cdc
1,822 posts
 
Teac Reference 350 receiver is $200 at:
J & R Music
and try these on the 600's. Then put the $150 you saved over the B&W 601's towards an Adire Audio Rava subwoofer. The point is an amp upgrade can do more than a speaker upgrade. Yamaha is a good brand but just bring in your Yamaha reciever and compare to a Bryston B60 or Creek 4330 on B&W.
Other speakers to look at are KRK ST6 (sold at Guitar Center), Monitor Audio Bronze II, and Epos has a new <$300 speaker.
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