Need help choosing speakers that will blow away my A5's

[Aiml3ss]

Hey guys,

Im a pretty regular guy over at Head-fi and I asked a simliar question and they told me to come over here!

Anyways, I absolutely adore my A5's. The crispness of the highs and smooth mids have left me impressed every single time I turn them on. The only problem I have right now is that my dads old Polkaudio speakers hooked up to a Luxman R-115 (which many believe is one of the better music recievers made in the past 25 years!) that absolutely destroyed the soundstage and clarity that I thought I had in my A5's. Don't get me wrong the A5's still kick the crap out of anyone elses speakers i've listened to but my dad being a semi-audiophile, honesty those speakers seriously rock!

I think I would like to go the passive speaker route with an amp since I can upgrade more easily in the future. With that being said, I'm looking in the price range of around $600 for the speakers and the cheapest amp I can get that will sound decent for now until I can upgrade that.

I've heard the Monitor Audio Silver RX1, Paradigms, B&W CM5, Dynaudio and a crap load of other brands are amazing and will tear my A5's apart. The problem is, I don't even know where to start looking! So I ask you guys what would you do with $600 bucks for passive speakers? I listened to mainly lossless files ranging from rock, rap to piano solos. I guess i'm a bit of a bass head but I can always grab a sub later on.


FYI, right now I use my MBP > Musiland 06 > A5's.


Thanks!

Andrew

 

[Seth=L]

Steps to help you find a speaker that will blow away your current speakers.

1. Go to Radio Shack and purchase inexpensive KLH speakers.

2. Get some explosives (sorry, I've never had to blow away my speakers before, I don't know where to get explosives).

3. Rig the explosives on or in the KLH speakrs.

4. Place the rigged KLH speakers in a controled area

5. Place the speakers you want to be blown away by other speakers in the blast radius

6. Detonate

Your speakers have successfully been blown away by other speakers.

On a serious note. What kind of Polk Audio speakers does your dad have? Are they towers, large bookshelf speakers, small bookshelf speakers? Does he use a subwoofer?

The A5's are a powered desktop monitor which are meant to be used in small spaces. Most active desktop and studio monitors can't compete with full size speakers and amplifiers. You also need to consider how your A5s are set up. I imagine how your dad's system is setup is hugely different from yours in terms of distance between the speakers, listening position, and room size as well as room acoustics.

 

[Aiml3ss]

Steps to help you find a speaker that will blow away your current speakers.

1. Go to Radio Shack and purchase inexpensive KLH speakers.

2. Get some explosives (sorry, I've never had to blow away my speakers before, I don't know where to get explosives).

3. Rig the explosives on or in the KLH speakrs.

4. Place the rigged KLH speakers in a controled area

5. Place the speakers you want to be blown away by other speakers in the blast radius

6. Detonate

Your speakers have successfully been blown away by other speakers.

On a serious note. What kind of Polk Audio speakers does your dad have? Are they towers, large bookshelf speakers, small bookshelf speakers? Does he use a subwoofer?

The A5's are a powered desktop monitor which are meant to be used in small spaces. Most active desktop and studio monitors can't compete with full size speakers and amplifiers. You also need to consider how your A5s are set up. I imagine how your dad's system is setup is hugely different from yours in terms of distance between the speakers, listening position, and room size as well as room acoustics.

I literally laughed out loud. Thanks for making my day.

My dads Polk Audios are the Monitor series 7. I would post a link/image but I can't since I need 5 post or more.

In terms of competing with my dads, I should of been more clear. I do NOT want to have speakers that big. They are extremely large and kind of ugly. And yes, the sizes of the room is compeltely different then where his Polks are compares to my A5s. This is why I would like to go the bookshelf route. With that being said, I probably wont be able to compete with the sound stage they deliver. What I have been looking at recently were the B&W CM1, MA GS10 and others in that money slot. What I need is for someone to point me in the best under $1k passive speaker/amp pairing that will come close or even surpass my dads speakers in clarity, mids, ect.

 

[jamie2112]

If you are not opposed to buying used I would recommend www.audiogon.com
there are many good deals over there on speakers.....for amps I would get a EP2500 Behringer amp.Just my 2 cents

 

[Aiml3ss]

My goal is to buy used. I believe I can get a much better sounding speaker under 1k used then buying all new. I will check out that amp.

What is you opinion on Rotel, NAD and Cambridge amps and on the passive speakers I listed above?

Or would it be better to get a Pre-amp/amp combo? I am up for any suggestions.

Thanks

 

[Seth=L]

If you are not opposed to buying used I would recommend www.audiogon.com
there are many good deals over there on speakers.....for amps I would get a EP2500 Behringer amp.Just my 2 cents

In all honesty Jamie, the Behringer EP2500 isn't for everyone. That amp is only necessary if intense amounts of power are required. There are plenty of alternatives that I'm sure would more than satisfy their needs. Since they did state the Polks were ugly I would think cosmetics would be a concern, and the fan noise in a small room may be disruptive. A good amp to be sure, but vastly overkill. nb4 replace with quiet fan

I'm assuming these are the Polks he has.

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/monitor7/

Yes, they are large and ugly. They are also from Polk's most illustrious period of speaker design and manufacturing and they are well regarded speakers to be sure. They certainly have a very open sound to them.

Bookshelf speakers matched with a subwoofer sounds like a good route for you to go in. Once you've arrived on what speakers sound best to you then you should proceed to match them with proper amplification. The rest is fairly simple, cables, preamps with features needed. It's entirely possible you could use a receiver or integrated amplifier as well with which ever speakers you happen to choose.

B&W certainly has a few good speakers in your range. If you have an opportunity to listen to them before you buy and you are taken with them you should go for it. I'd still say try to listen to as many speakers as you can. All the while, it's not impossible to beat out dad's old speakers. Technology has come a long way. While a bookshelf speaker may not match the bass handling performance of the Polk Monitor 7s, you could certainly find something to best it in every other way. Just remember, pick what pleases your ears.

I literally laughed out loud. Thanks for making my day.

I figured you'd roll laughing, or you'd roll on me and bust a cap in my lower rear quarters.

 

[Aiml3ss]

Correct. Those are his Polks except finished in wood.

I've narrowed down my choices for amps: The Musical Fidelity A3 and the NAD C372.

Now the hard part. I've seen so many $600 used bookshelf speakers on Audiogon that my head might explode. From recommendation that I've been hearing, here are the top bookshelfs for me to consider.. (I think):

B&W CM1 or 5
Paradigm Studio 20 V3
NHT Classic 3
Castle Acoustics Warwick 3
Canton Ergo 603
Silverline Minuet

Now since your an Audioholic overlord, what speaker and amp would you personally choose? I will worry about a sub later on.

Thanks so far with your help.

 

[Seth=L]

My personal preferences should not affect your decision at all, since they are purely my preferences.

However, since you asked. The MF A3 is a very nice looking piece of gear and it's made in Britain. I believe NAD components are manufactured somewhere in Asia even though the company is Canadian owned. The stability and headroom on both will be tremendous. Without benchtests I couldn't say which is the superior performer, both have very robust amp sections. Personally I'd get the MF A3 for the simple fact it looks nicer, has a slim profile, it's not made in Asia, and my personal experience with dual mono amplifiers has been good.

Of those speakers I have no experience with Castle, Canton, or Silverline. I've owned a pair of Paradigm Studio 20s, they where version 1. I've listened to the V3 in a showroom. The setup was not appropriate, however they still sounded great. The B&W CM series speakers have excellent cabinet build quality and finish. I've also owned some NHT speakers, however they are quite a bit different from the Classic 3. I've not heard anyone complain about the Classic 3, and I have also not heard a lot of praise either. Of course that doesn't mean they aren't good. NHT has a good reputation, I'm sure they are great speakers. Out of curiousity I'd end up picking those more than likely. Holding out for a pair of used CM5s could be costly though.

 

[GO-NAD!]

I've had my C372 for a 2 or 3 years now and I'm very happy with it. It has plenty of power and has not given me any trouble whatsoever. But, as Seth=L pointed out, it ain't the most attractive piece of electronics out there. That didn't matter to me, although it might to you. I have the Studio 20 V5's and am very happy with them as well. I've never heard the V3's, so I can't comment on them.

Good luck with the hunt!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I listened Cantons before and I liked what I heard...
Tannoys and Wharfardales would be strong opponents for the pound
I guess OP is in EU

 

[Aiml3ss]

I listened Cantons before and I liked what I heard...
Tannoys and Wharfardales would be strong opponents for the pound
I guess OP is in EU

Haha nope i'm in the USA.

What do you guys think of the Onix ref 1 with the MF A3? This is what someone over at head-fi recommended over the Paradigm Studios...

I guess I have narrowed down my choice of speakers to either the Onix, or Paradigms.

From what I've read, the Onix slaps the Paradigm in terms of clarity and highs. Agree?

Thanks everyone for your help so far.

 

[GO-NAD!]

Haha nope i'm in the USA.

What do you guys think of the Onix ref 1 with the MF A3? This is what someone over at head-fi recommended over the Paradigm Studios...

I guess I have narrowed down my choice of speakers to either the Onix, or Paradigms.

From what I've read, the Onix slaps the Paradigm in terms of clarity and highs. Agree?

Thanks everyone for your help so far.

Well, if at all possible, you should give them both a listen; preferably, in the same room, side-by-side. Unless a speaker has been objectively reviewed, i.e. under DBT conditions, I wouldn't put much stock in night and day judgements as you may be referring to. I've never heard an Onix speaker, so I couldn't offer an opinion on how it compares to any Paradigm.

 

[Aiml3ss]

Well, if at all possible, you should give them both a listen; preferably, in the same room, side-by-side. Unless a speaker has been objectively reviewed, i.e. under DBT conditions, I wouldn't put much stock in night and day judgements as you may be referring to. I've never heard an Onix speaker, so I couldn't offer an opinion on how it compares to any Paradigm.

See the problem I have is where do I get to hear these speakers side by side? The good think with buying used speakers is that you can always sell them for just about the same price sold to you. So, for instance, if I pick the Onix and find that I dont like the way they sound, I can always sell them and try the paradigms but I understand what you mean. The best way to compare the two is listening to BOTH of them side by side. Wish I could

Currently, I could score some B&W CM1's for around $600. I don't know if the CM1 is in the same/above the speakers listed here.

Onix Ref 1 ($450 used)
Paradigm Studio 20 ($450 used)
B&W CM1 ($600 used)

My mind is going to explode.

 

[Seth=L]

See the problem I have is where do I get to hear these speakers side by side? The good think with buying used speakers is that you can always sell them for just about the same price sold to you. So, for instance, if I pick the Onix and find that I dont like the way they sound, I can always sell them and try the paradigms but I understand what you mean. The best way to compare the two is listening to BOTH of them side by side. Wish I could

Currently, I could score some B&W CM1's for around $600. I don't know if the CM1 is in the same/above the speakers listed here.

Onix Ref 1 ($450 used)
Paradigm Studio 20 ($450 used)
B&W CM1 ($600 used)

My mind is going to explode.

If you happen to buy any of those speakers you'd virtually be able to sell them back for what you paid minus the shipping. Chances are you won't be dissapointed with any of those speakers should you get them, and you wouldn't be losing a lot in the event you didn't like them.

 

[GO-NAD!]

See the problem I have is where do I get to hear these speakers side by side? The good think with buying used speakers is that you can always sell them for just about the same price sold to you. So, for instance, if I pick the Onix and find that I dont like the way they sound, I can always sell them and try the paradigms but I understand what you mean. The best way to compare the two is listening to BOTH of them side by side. Wish I could

Currently, I could score some B&W CM1's for around $600. I don't know if the CM1 is in the same/above the speakers listed here.

Onix Ref 1 ($450 used)
Paradigm Studio 20 ($450 used)
B&W CM1 ($600 used)

My mind is going to explode.

I never said it would be easy and convenient to set up a side- by-side comparison. However, it might save you some nagging doubts if you can do it.

FWIW, when I chose my 20 V5's, I had the opportunity to compare them with a pair of CM5's. I found the B&W's to be a bit bright, when compared to the Paradigms. It certainly wasn't a night and day difference and if I'd not been able to hear them together, I don't think I would've been able to make that judgement. That difference, combined with the Paradigm's higher sensitivity, swayed me in that direction.

 

[Aiml3ss]

I never said it would be easy and convenient to set up a side- by-side comparison.

Actually, I might buy the Onix and the Paradigms since they both are rockin' deals.

I will first buy the Onix Ref 1 ($400) and pair it with a MF A3 ($400). I think thats a pretty solid 2 channel system.

 

[Aiml3ss]

Update:

Here is what I have ordered:

• Onix Ref 1 MKII
• Audio-GD DAC19-MKIII

Still trying to find:

• Musical Fidelity A3 integrated amp
• ~$500 sealed musical sub

Not bad, huh?

 

[Seth=L]

Note: A subwoofer does not need to be sealed to be "musical". Sealed designs, in my opinion, are a cheap/quick way to get tighter bass. They do this at a sacrifice of dynamic output in most cases. Accuracy is the most important factor of a subwoofer if "musical" is your goal. There are many ported subwoofers that are effective in this regard. HSU is a good example of well designed subwoofers that deliver the goods for both dedicated home theater and music only systems with a great bang for buck ratio.

If sealed is your bag though, I'd say have a look at the Martin Logan Dynamo with your budget.

 

[Aiml3ss]

Note: A subwoofer does not need to be sealed to be "musical". Sealed designs, in my opinion, are a cheap/quick way to get tighter bass. They do this at a sacrifice of dynamic output in most cases. Accuracy is the most important factor of a subwoofer if "musical" is your goal. There are many ported subwoofers that are effective in this regard. HSU is a good example of well designed subwoofers that deliver the goods for both dedicated home theater and music only systems with a great bang for buck ratio.

If sealed is your bag though, I'd say have a look at the Martin Logan Dynamo with your budget.

Really? Hmm.

Then why do SVS (forgot the model number), REL strata III and VS subs have outstanding reviews when they are sealed?

I don't need a sub for HT. I just want a fast, tight sub for music. If you could lead me in the right direction that would be swell.

BTW, how many posts do I need to be able to make a for sale post in the classifieds?

 

[Aiml3ss]

Like this sub: Von Schweikert VR-S/1 has very good reviews. And I can probably talk the seller into a cheaper price.

You would still recommend a non-sealed sub over this? I am just wondering because i've had other people tell me that sealed subs are better for music. I don't know who to believe...