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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
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.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I have not listened to the Dynaudios, but the Tylers and especially the Paradigms are extremely fine speakers. I love the S2, and think that it is an incredible bargin. Why would you eliminate the Paradigms? I don't know anyone who has heard them, who did not love them.

Good luck.
s23chang
620 posts
 
Don't forget to match the speakers with right amp.
This is very critical.
tripper
223 posts
 
Those EVOs are a good starting point at $250. Dynaudios are generally 4-ohm spkrs and as such require an amp with some cojones to coax the best sound from them. A little more fussy in placement and wire choices. I was never ga-ga over Paradigms; Energy/Mirage and PSB offering much better values, imo. Spendors will probably give the greatest satisfaction over time, and you may avoid chasing the sonic dragon with upgrade-itis. I finally learned that the ultimate luxury is wanting what I have, not what I want. That was a big $$ journey, but the lesson is priceless. The Spendor S6 avoids stand issues and they will look good and play great in nearly any room. Best of luck in your quest.
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