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Top 5 Entry-level audiophile speakers $1500-2000?

Newbie looking to get some decent stereo speakers less than 2k. Prefer recommendations for speakers that are available to audition locally in DC area. Initially would be stereo, w/ upgrade to 5.1 at later date. First priority is music, then movies.

Have in mind: paradigm studio 60, 100, b+w, dynaudio, Dali brands, etc. Prefer something not too harsh on the ears. Need to sound good at low to medium volumes. I have a smallish room and do not tolerate extremely loud playing. Anyone could please shed some light on the best quality speakers in this price range I should look at. I would appreciate it, as I am very confused with the ammount of choice. Would be paring it with SACD player in the future.


Best
Aqua
aquablue2
bdgregory
1,716 posts
 
Totem should also be on your list. Soundworks in Kensington, Md. has them (or the did last time I was there). They also carry Vandersteen, Gallo, and probably several others.
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
Studio 60's from paradigm are nice speakers, for sure. But, on the used market, they are just over 1000 dollars, and your maximum was up to 2000 dollars. You can do better than the studio 60's for 2000 dollars.

I would say your room is big enough to support a floor stander, but I love monitors and would start there. B&W has the 805S that should be able to be purchased in your price range. It's a very good speaker, one of my favorites. Also, the Revel M20 or M22 are quite good, and may be worth a listen.
semi
649 posts
 
slightly over your budget, but you should seriously consider Usher BE-718, one of the best monitor out there.
gsm18439
895 posts
 
There are a pair of used Zu Druids for sale and pick-up in SE Virginia. I have the Zu Definition MK2s, but the Druids have also gotten great reviews. I agree with the comments about Deja Vu audio; great guys and great equipment. However, most of their products are from outside the US. I especially liked the Audio Note speakers. With the weak dollar, I chose to buy American.
cleaneduphippy
323 posts
 
Aguablue,

If you're looking for speakers like Paradigm, NHT or Energy you might go to Audio Buys. For B&W, I believe Myers-Emco carries them. Of course, I feel that Spendor, Quad, Proac, ect are better sounding speakers than similiar priced Paradigm or B&W. But you need to let your ears be the judge. Btw, for amplification are you going solid-state or tube? Makes a big difference in the speakers that you select. When you go to Deja Vu, you quickly find out that Vu like tubes. Just from reading your last post, it sounds like you're putting a complete system together. If that's a fact, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you work with Vu at Deja Vu, as I feel that he could help you put together a system that would not only meet your budget, but could also exceed your musical expectation. btw, I have no connection with Deja Vu Audio other than being a customer.

As for SACD, it's pretty much dead. If it was I would get a high quality CD player, and stay two-channel.
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