Best speakers/brand for music listening only?

[Tech HiFi]

www.psbspeakers.com

www.stereophile.com

 

[greggp2]

Depending on what kind of music you like, I think Sonus Faber makes some of the best sounding musical speakers around. I've had Definitive Tech, B&W Nautilus series and now Sonus Faber. I've also auditioned Wilson and Paradigm and the Sonus Fabers are definitely my favorite. Especially the Cremona line and above, but even the lower end models have very nice highs and mids and image extremely well.

 

[manlystanley]

I'm sure that you've looked around and have found tons of speak companies. The reason why, is that everyone has different preferences and so like different sounds. For me, I tried several speakers that have huge followings, such as:

-- B&W Nautilus 803's
-- Magnepan 1.6's

For the 803's I listened to them in my listening room for almost two weeks, and the Magnepans I listened to them 3 months (and am in the process of selling them). They are both great speakers, but didn't trip my trigger.

We'll I recently got a set of Jamo C809's, had them for two weeks and as I listen to them I like them more and more. Someone else, very well might hate them.

So, I suggest that you go and spend some time listening to different speakers. Also, remember that they will sound very different in your room with your equipment. So, if possible listen to them at home for an extended trial.

Best Regards,
Stan

 

[Chicagorep]

There's agreat little company in Montreal called Totem, have listen, I think you'll like them

 

[Kordeo]

In terms of receivers, is there some strictly good stereo receivers that I could be looking into..i'm thinking since i'm not planning on using this for surround sound, maybe I can save money by buying a good 2 channel (do good 2 channel receivers even exist) instead of 5.1..etc?? I haven't seen a whole lot of stereo receivers tho.

 

[jostenmeat]

In terms of receivers, is there some strictly good stereo receivers that I could be looking into..i'm thinking since i'm not planning on using this for surround sound, maybe I can save money by buying a good 2 channel (do good 2 channel receivers even exist) instead of 5.1..etc?? I haven't seen a whole lot of stereo receivers tho.

Your chances of saving money sort of depends on what you intended for the receiver budget to begin with.

There are stereo receivers, and integrateds. The former has a tuner, the latter doesn't.

I like the Outlaw RR2150. It's $699 right now.

 

[greggp2]

Your chances of saving money sort of depends on what you intended for the receiver budget to begin with.

There are stereo receivers, and integrateds. The former has a tuner, the latter doesn't.

I like the Outlaw RR2150. It's $699 right now.

Agreed. For the money, this is a great unit. Outlaw makes very good products. If you purchase this, let us know how you like it.

 

[Kordeo]

That's quite the receiver i'm guessing but a little out of my price range. i'm hoping for something under $400

 

[3db]

There are tons of Canadian speaker manufacturers out there.. starting with my favourite brand PSB.. followed by Totem, Paradigm, Axiom, Gershman, Focus Audio, Energy, Mirage (yes now owned by a non Canadian company) and piles more.

What I would do is to take a pad of paper with you, write down the make and
model of each speaker you audition and what you liked and disliked about the
speakers you were auditioning. Was the bass tight and deep or was it boomy
and loose sounding? Were the mids life like or were they hollow or just too
pronounced? Was the treble irritating and harsh or were they dark and not
revealing or were they smooththat made you want to listen for more? How was the imaging?

Bring music with you that you are very familiar with and know quite well.

I would go to speciality stores first and start auditioning speakers first
instead of going to the internet first. Once your likes are determined, you can
mention them here and fellow members can make internet brand recommendations based on your likes/dislikes. The specality stores are better setup acousticaly then the big box stores which will make auditioning a little easier. It will give you an idea of what you like in a speaker.

Keep track of what amp or receiver is powering the speakers you're auditioning.Try to get a receiver/amp that closest resembles what you have or want to get. It just reduces another variable when audtioning speakers.


One thing to keep note off. When auditioning speakers, make sure the volume
levels are matched between the diiferent speaker pairs because the louder
speaker pair will always sound better. Listen to levels that you think you
would listen to most of the time because thats how you are going to be using
them most of the time.

 

[Kordeo]

Thanks for all that good advice 3db, much appreciated Especially about looking around in the real world before spending too much time online researching.

 

[KEW]

That's quite the receiver i'm guessing but a little out of my price range. i'm hoping for something under $400

I was in the same boat. Despite the video and extra channels, I decided to get one of these:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6001/Marantz/Sr6001-Receiver-100w-X-7ch-Hdmi-Home-Theater-Surround/1.html

It is refurbished, but that is a great way to stretch your money.

I do not believe I will ever use the video or extra channels, but I did not find a better unit for the money.

One advantage is this unit has built-in base management, so if you decide to add subwoofer(s), it will provide high pass filtration to your mains and low pass filtration to your sub with adjustable crossover. Even though they have subwoofer outputs, stereo receivers don't offer such good control. Off the top of my head, I believe they send full range signal to the mains and have a fixed "crossover" point for the subs (but please verify this).

It also has Audyssey, which appealed to me because I knew I would not be doing much room treatment nor have too much flexibility on speaker placement.

By buying a SR-6001, it is older technology from an HT standpoint which is why it is so heavily discounted, but the audio aspect is not a concern!

I see their stock on the SR-6001 is pretty low. This is 10Watts less per channel, but probably a better deal for use as a stereo reciever.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5600/Marantz/ZR6001/SR5600-Receiver-90w-X-7ch-Home-Theater-Surround/1.html#tabber

If you feel better sticking with stereo gear:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/StereoReceivers/Home-Audio/Stereo-Receivers/1.html

With all of that said, focus on your speakers first. Invest as much time as you can stand to find the speakers which sound good to you! Speakers have far more influence over your final sound than the electronics you power them with.

As an analogy, a Honda Civic with great tires can out-handle & out-brake a Porsche with crappy tires. Speakers are where the rubber meets the road, if you will!

Lastly, while a standard receiver will handle most standard speakers, it may happen that your best speakers have some unique requirements and you really need to ID the speaker before you select the receiver, just in case.

Cheers,
Kurt

 

[droht]

Here is a nice pair of PSB Stratus Bronze towers that go pretty low without a sub for $300 and a Music Hall a25.2 integrated amp for $250 on Canuck Audio Mart. If I were you I'd start with a set up like this and go from there. PSB is a great option IMO, and they will give you a point of reference as you make future purchases. Buying used let's you try in your space for an extended period of time. Take care of what you buy and you can re-sell for a minimal loss when/if you want to upgrade.


http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/171455-psb_stratus_bronze/

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/171822-music_hall_a252_/

 

[Funkmonkey]

I apologize if this has been covered many times over already, I couldn't find anything in my searching here tho.

I'd like to get a kickin' stereo system (2.0, 2.1) for music listening purposes, NOT a movie setup. I haven't bought anything for this yet, just doing some research. So..I'll need a receiver, and 2 speakers (tower or bookshelf), and a sub if needed. I would like to stay under $1500 cdn for everything.

My big question is what speaker brand is best for MUSIC? I'm quite interested in Klipsch, but am wanting more educated suggestions.

Room-size-wize, I still live at home with my parents, and speakers would probably end up in our carpeted rec room (14'x30' ish), but I will likely move out within 2 years, so I can't help you too much with room dimensions etc. Sorry!

I'd also be into some discussion on bookshelf vs towers for music applications or anything else you think might be of value for me to know!

Thanks in advance.

I see this discussion has turned to receiver as well as speaker recommendations. Just keep in mind that it is all subjective.

Buying used equipment is a great way to stretch your dollar. Check out Audiogon.com for some deals. Often you can find stuff very lightly used, in perfect condition for about 1/2 what you would pay for a new unit. It's a good source for both speakers and electronics. You can even find some great deals on craigslist.com for local stuff.

Also, consider the source for your music. Are you going to spin LPs on an old turntable, listen to CDs, Mp3 files from your iPod or computer, stream music from internet radio, or are you going to run a music server? Just consider what kind of connectivity you need now and what you may want in the next couple of years...

For example: If you are only going to use one source, like your iPod (or computer) that is full of music downloaded from iTunes, then seriously consider something like Audioengine A5. They are very capable speakers, and have an amp built right in. They seriously rival much more expensive systems, and include RCA outs to hook up a sub. You can get them delivered for around for $325 (american). That is a very simple, no frills solution that could save you a ton of money... or cost you a whole lot more in a couple of years... I bought a pair a few years ago to use at work and as computer speakers and they sounded so good that I had to upgrade my entire home system substantially to get it to sound better than my A5s...

...With all of that said, focus on your speakers first. Invest as much time as you can stand to find the speakers which sound good to you! Speakers have far more influence over your final sound than the electronics you power them with....

Cheers,
Kurt

this is absolutely true.

You say $1500 is your budget for everything? Then spend at least $1000 on the speakers, if you already have an old receiver, or anything to drive the speakers with, then use that and spend the whole nut on the speakers, they will affect the sound more than anything, except perhaps the room itself. As others have mentioned get out there and audition, audition, audition. It is really the only way to find something that YOU like.

I will second PSB, and Totem. I have heard speakers from both companies that I thought were much better than the competition.

Also, be sure check out Salk Sound (I believe Nuance mentioned them earlier in the thread). They are an internet direct company that makes custom built speakers, and represent an outstanding value. Search the internet and you will see how well they are regarded. The SongBird might be a good fit for you, though it would be almost your whole budget, you would still have a couple of hundred to spend on electronics. Yes, they can be difficult to audition, especially that model since it is so new. If you call or email, Jim Salk (the owner) will do his best to help you find an owner willing to let you listen to their speakers and make sure that you are a happy customer. He's a great guy, and second to none for customer service. Just tell him what you are looking for and how much you want to spend. For me, that was the best option and I looked extensively at what was available.

Again, this is really all about what you like, and want. For $1500 I would buy a pair of Songbirds and something like an Onkyo TX-8555 or something used. But thats just me.

Good luck in your search, I hope that this helps a little.
Have fun and enjoy.
Peace
-Funk

 

[3db]

Here is a nice pair of PSB Stratus Bronze towers that go pretty low without a sub for $300 and a Music Hall a25.2 integrated amp for $250 on Canuck Audio Mart. If I were you I'd start with a set up like this and go from there. PSB is a great option IMO, and they will give you a point of reference as you make future purchases. Buying used let's you try in your space for an extended period of time. Take care of what you buy and you can re-sell for a minimal loss when/if you want to upgrade.


http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/171455-psb_stratus_bronze/

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/171822-music_hall_a252_/

They are an outstanding speaker even to this day with very few peers. Their only down side is that they require power and lots of it. They are 4 ohms and i I remember correctly, not that efficient so they're besr pair with a beefy power amp.

 

[droht]

They are an outstanding speaker even to this day with very few peers. Their only down side is that they require power and lots of it. They are 4 ohms and i I remember correctly, not that efficient so they're besr pair with a beefy power amp.

The specs don't look daunting, but I trust your judgement. Thanks.

specs:
40-20,000 hz., low frequency cutoff 29hz
90 db sensitivity
15-200 watts recommended, 4 ohms
bass reflex design, 1" dome tweeter, 2x6 1/2" mid-woofers
front 2 1/2" port
bi-wireable
9" x 36 3/4" x 12 3/4", 39 lbs

 

[Kordeo]

Finally got out so some shops on saturday. Speakers i checked out (recomended by salesmen because of my budget etc) in various shops included:

-KEF IQ series
-B&W 684 (this store had PSB, but I didnt hear any of them unfortunately, I think maybe all out of my $$ range)
-Totem Sttaf

Still want to check out Paridigm at another shop.

It was my first day out listening to hi-fi speakers, so I don't feel very qualified in terms of reviewing them. I think I need to get my head around accurate reproduction instead of booming bass out of car audio/boom boxes etc... so that was my main thing to get used to.

The KEF's seemed quite lacking in low end, these were the first ones I heard tho. Easy to listen to tho.

B&W's were pretty good although on the high side price-wise.

I liked the Totems pretty good.

I'd welcome comments on these speakers if you wish.

I still am extremely interested in the Axiom's, haven't heard them yet tho.

 

[ryanshaw3ball]

look into some mid-level onkyo receivers for around 300-400 bucks, then try and find some good deals on a 15" model cerwin vega speaker set. i'd choose the cls if you can find a good deal around 400 per or less. if you have some extra money maybe find a decent 2 channel external amp to really push those CV's, they wont need a subwoofer at all and offer tonal balance at every sound level.

i'll probably get ridiculed for suggesting CV's but they are excellent sounding stereo speakers for music

 

[3db]

Finally got out so some shops on saturday. Speakers i checked out (recomended by salesmen because of my budget etc) in various shops included:

-KEF IQ series
-B&W 684 (this store had PSB, but I didnt hear any of them unfortunately, I think maybe all out of my $$ range)
-Totem Sttaf

Still want to check out Paridigm at another shop.

It was my first day out listening to hi-fi speakers, so I don't feel very qualified in terms of reviewing them. I think I need to get my head around accurate reproduction instead of booming bass out of car audio/boom boxes etc... so that was my main thing to get used to.

The KEF's seemed quite lacking in low end, these were the first ones I heard tho. Easy to listen to tho.

B&W's were pretty good although on the high side price-wise.

I liked the Totems pretty good.

I'd welcome comments on these speakers if you wish.

I still am extremely interested in the Axiom's, haven't heard them yet tho.

Did you run out of time during the B&W audition? Go back to the store and audition the PSB Image series speakers. They won't be anymore expensive than teh 684 series and offer better sound for the money.

 

[Chicagorep]

Canada is the home of some amazing speaker companies, go out listen, listen and listen. That's half the fun. Good luck, let us know what you decide to buy and why.

 

[Kordeo]

Actually, when I was auditioning the B&W's we store was closing soon..so I did kind of run out of time. The thing was that the 684's were already over the budget I had told him..but I have in mind he said the PSB's were considerably more than those yet. I think next time I go out tho I'd like to hear more speakers out of my price range just for more of a taste of what GOOD stuff really does sound like

Funny thing..as I shop around it makes me want to increase my budget a bit ...

Oh dear