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Speakers for a first-time separates system?

In a parallel thread, many of you have offered helpful suggestions as to which new/used amp+pre-amp combinations would be great for someone starting out in separates.

Meanwhile, I have been auditioning speakers and have narrowed the choice to three models, with one line a wildcard. These are all roughly the same price, new or used:

Paradigm S2
Dynaudio Contour MK 1.3
Spendor 3/1

The wildcard is Tyler Acoustics: there are several models in my price range, but I cannot listen to any of them since the showroom is in KY.

My hard price limit is $1800.

Any insight regarding these for manufacturer's products (these four only) would be great!

Thanks,
ivyinvestor
bignerd100
515 posts
 
Speakers are (in my opinion) the most important link in the chain and the most personal. Yes the pre, amp, source, etc does matter but the speaker is the only component that actually makes sound (ideally). Those who like horns are not often into mini-monitors and those who are into electrostats are not often into horns.

The Spendors you chose are awesome speakers that hold their resale value about as well as anything else out there. They are forgiving without limiting detail. Chances are they will not be the first thing you want to upgrade when the bug strikes.

Good luck!
myraj
351 posts
 
Hi Ivy,
I'm not familiar with the Spendors, but am completely with the Paradigm and the Dynaudio models mentioned, and recommend you play your "wild card" and check out the Tyler Acoustic Linbrook monitors. They are pretty amazing!
You can usually pick up a used pair here for around your budget price. If your timing is right, I've seen them go with the matching stands for less than $2000, depending on condition.
Good luck!

Disclaimer: I have NO vested interest at all with Tyler Acoustics, nor any for/to sell. I've owned a pair and Ty is a GREAT guy to deal with!
hifidreams
109 posts
 
I have a friend that just bought a pair of Tyler's. And they do sound great. And the build quality is excellent. He also had nothing but great things to say about the customer service. I just might have to look into a pair myself.
ivyinvestor OP
37 posts
 
Hi...

Yeah, I've pretty much knocked the Dynaudios and the Paradigms off of the list as of tonight...The Spendors are on it because they were the first speakers that I found, out of my entire list (about 14 speakers) that did what I wanted, when I wanted...

I had a conversation with Ty today: what a fantastic experience. Nice as can be and so informative - and real.

So, the revised list is as follows, in no particular order:

Tyler Taylo Reference Monitor
Spendor 3/1
Tyler Linbrook Reference Monitor
upstateaudio's avatar
upstateaudio
249 posts
 
Try Totem Rainmakers if they are available in your area.
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