Over the Thanksgiving weekend I decided to take a break from my search and try to clear my head. I also decided it was important to go to some better stores, listen to some speakers, etc.
I also decided not to buy the used Snells.
First I went to a Magnolia Audio, which was not a good experience. A very disengaged salesman first said, "You need to double your budget to $2,000 minimum." He played some Monitor Audio RX8 towers connected to an Arcam Solo Mini, but these were out in the open area, and between the TVs, people talking, etc., it wasn't easy to hear if these were good. I asked for other suggestions, within my budget, and the guy just faded out...so I left.
Then I went to an Audio Video City the next day. This was a better experience. The salesman was much more helpful, and I listened to Monitor Audio BX2 ($489) and RX1 ($675) bookshelf speakers and NHT Classic Three (which AccuDefTechGuy suggested in this thread) ($800). These were connected to a Denon receiver, but I didn't write down the model number since the salesman said to definitely buy the receiver in Italy. I actually liked the sound of all these speakers, probably the NHT the best.
The problem is we're not sure we can afford the NHT Three. Audio Advisor has the NHT Classic Two demos for $525/pair, but I don't know if these are as good as the Threes. The store didn't have any Twos.
I liked the finish on all three, although I prefer a real wood veneer (NHT and RX1) over vinyl (BX2). I like the looks of the NHT the best, but that's not a driving concern. In fact, the MA were pretty elegant too, I thought.
The last store I went to was the best. There were 2 salesmen, I was the only customer, and they were both very good. One was European and confirmed I should buy the receiver in Europe. This store had by far the most expensive products of all the stores I have visited (including these amazing looking turntables by Clearaudio and Transrotor. Really incredible looking things. This store was definitely the most professional.
They really listened to me and had only two solutions to offer (only one, really). I listened to some PSB Image B6 ($600) and some Tannoy Revolution ($1000) speakers, both connected to a NAD 326 integrated amp and NAD CD player. These speakers both sounded fantastic, to me better than the Monitor Audio or NHT (but I'm not sure, because this store also had the best listening environment). I thought the Tannoys sounded really good, but those are too expensive. They also have PSB Imagine B speakers ($1000), but they were at the other store so I didn't hear them.
They actually printed out a proposal and can sell me the PSB Image B6, with 2 7' Kimber Kable 8 PR cables with Nordost Z plugs, already terminated, for $600, tax included.
They could do the same with the Tannoy Revolution or PSB Imagine B, but at $1,000 all-in.
They said the Kimber Kables are better than Monoprice (I had mentioned that I thought I would make my own) and really recommended them. They said that they thought for my budget and desires the PSB B6 package is a very good deal.
They also highly recommended the NAD receiver (or separate tuner + amp) but those are quite expensive in Italy. They did say they thought the Marantz SR4023 receiver would be fine with the Image B6, but that if I were to buy speakers like the Tannoy Revolution or PSB Imagine B, I would be better served by going with NAD or Arcam (they sell both as well as Marantz). They did say they thought the Arcam Solo Mini rec at Magnolia was not a good rec; that the Arcam FMJ series was the better choice.
But at that point they also said, "Look, you have your budget, and the Tannoy/Imagine are going to require also a more expensive amp/receiver to really use them at their best, so we really recommend the Image B6 and the NAD receiver if you can swing it, the Marantz if you can't. We're confidenjt in this recommendation." They weren't trying to jam a $2,000 set-up at me like the guy at Magnolia, and I respect that.
So, to sum up, I've probably driven you all crazy with my questions, but I have tried to learn for myself and do the research/listening.
Part of me thought that I shouldn't waste anyone's time with a long post and simply buy the PSB Image B6; part of me thought that I would appreciate some reaction and feedback before doing that.
Within my budget, there are the PSB Image B6, the Boston Acoustics VS260, the Monitor Audio RX1 (or BX2), maybe the NHT Classic Two.
Of these I have heard the PSB and Monitor Audio, and preferred the PSB. Both lines also have very good reviews online.
The issue I have with BA VS260 is I can't hear them, they have 0 reviews or presence online (which baffles me), and only zieglj01 here has recommended them. They intrigue me a lot, but if there were other reviews or other people also recommending them, I would feel more confident in buying them blind. They just feel like real mystery speakers to me, and I don't get it.
The other speakers that I have not heard (but get great reviews and the company intrigues me) in my budget are the Ascend CMT-340 SE.
A bit over our budget are the NHT Classic Three. The Tannoy Revolution/PSB Imagine are just too much right now. But at $800 for the NHT Three, I might be inclined to buy the Acend Sierra-1 at $50 more, which do get rave comments/reviews all over the place and really appeal to me the more I read.
I apologize for the very lengthy post. If you have been patient enough to read this far, any advice or comment would certainly be greatly appreciated.
