$500 pair of speakers?

[SavidSelim]

Hello. I have B&W DM600 S3 bookshelf speakers with stands. I know somebody who will buy them for $300 (i paid $200). I was considering adding a couple hundred dollars to the pot and buying a new set of speakers. Would a $500 pair of speakers be a worthy upgrade?

My system:
PC
Maverick Audio DAC
Technics SL-1200MK2
Grant Fidelity p307 preamp
Alesis 45w power amp

Options:
Klipsch RB or RF series
Infinity Primus <- found these floor standers on CL for $150 for the pair
Kef IQ series
Polk RTi bookshelf
Energy CF-30

I am sure there are more, but these are just a small sample.... would any of these be superior speakers to the B&Ws?

Klipsch sounds exciting because I don't have much power...

thanks in advance!

 

[rnatalli]

You have to audition the speakers and decide for yourself what sounds best. Don't forget to include some ID brands like Axiom, Ascend, Aperion, SVS, etc.

 

[SavidSelim]

the only electronics retailer anywhere near me is best buy. not only is it impossible to hear anything in there, they dont really have any products that are on my radar.

I have looked up the Infinity Primus and they seem to be popular on this forum.

My question:

From those who have heard either: Would the Primus 250 floor speakers be worth putting up against my B&W DM600 S3 bookshelf speakers?

I can get the Primus for really cheap or in trade for a TT.

David

 

[rnatalli]

Do you feel anything is lacking with your B&W's? Have you ever heard any speakers that you really liked and if so, what were they? Also, Aperion pays for shipping both ways if you decide to return speakers so I would give them a listen regardless.

 

[SavidSelim]

My B&Ws do everything well except they lack full rich bass. having one 5 1/4 driver with a rear port and a small cabinet doesnt do much for bass. plus they cross over at 78Hz. I have a sub but would rather not use it. i dont listen to heavy bass music and find my subwoofer to be distracting sonically and visually. i heard some $3000 Dali bookshelf speakers that i really liked.... ok, seriously... I have heard the Klipsch RB speakers at a friends house, and they seem harsh, like they would hurt my ears after a few hours. But he is using an entry level receiver from the 80s and who knows where his EQ is. My setup might be a bit smoother. I have heard B&W DM603 S2 and they sound wonderful. The reason I am so interested in the Primus is because i can get them on craigslist right now for essentially $5. (i am selling a turntable for the same amount and i paid $5 for it.)

Oh yea. I am keeping the B&Ws.... they are good for small speakers.

thanks for your response!!

 

[rnatalli]

Klipsch are efficient speakers so pretty much anything will drive them. What you heard at your friends is what you'll get using anything else. Klipsch are known to be a bit on the harsh side which some folks like, but you obviously don't.

Unfortunately, in this price range, you aren't going to find too many speakers that dip below 80Hz with any kind of authority. The Ascend Sierra-1's put out a fair amount of bass for bookshelf speakers, but they're substantially higher than $500. I would check out Monitor Audio Silvers which several online dealers carry for a great price. You may also like KEF. I also would give Aperion a try as there's no financial risk in doing so. Another option is to check out tower speakers from EMP and Elemental Design both of which sell pairs at $500.

 

[j_garcia]

Just over $500, I'd say the Ascend CMT370SE would be worth a look for sure.

 

[Pablo2k]

I like B&W 686 or 685 on that price range.
But I like KEF XQ Series on the next bracket up.