Floorstanding mains <$800/pr recommendations

[algernon]

Hi all,
I'll be upgrading my receiver to a yamaha rx-v1500 or 2500 (not sure yet) and am looking into getting some new mains. (I currently have an old Yam pro logic receiver with a sat/sub setup) I'll be using these as part of a home theater setup, but am primarily concerened with 2 channel music performance. I most like to listen to progressive rock and jazz.

Please recommend any speakers you think would fit my budget. Thanks.

I'm already considering (but have not yet auditioned):
Axiom M40ti or M50ti
Sapphire ST2B
Paradigm monitor 7

 

[rschleicher]

If you like the characteristic sound of bipolar speakers (some people do, some people don't), you might consider DefTech BP10B's, which are bipolar towers, but without the built-in powered sub that higher-priced DefTech's have. They still provide good bass extension, since a "pseudo-transmission line" cabinet design is used. DefTech claims bass response down to 20 Hz. for this model, but that is sort of a "usable response" figure. My understanding is that the -3dB point is more like 27 Hz., which is still pretty good.

In typical bipolar fashion, the soundstage is expansive, with the trade-off being a little less precise imaging or localization of sound. Speaker placement is important, as you want to have them a foot to maybe 18 inches in front of a wall. (Corner placements are not too good.) But, once you have a good speaker placement, they have a broad "sweet spot", in that your seating/listening position is less critical than with other speakers, so that the sound doesn't degrade as much when you move one cushion over on the sofa. This is also a byproduct of the bipolar design, in which each speaker is acting more or less omni-directional.

Price per pair is going to be somewhere between $700 and $800, maybe requiring a bit of a sale or some negotiating. If you have a Magnolia Hi-Fi in your area, they carry them. Web site is www.definitivetech.com.

 

[jaxvon]

At that point, you may want to check out a pair of Magnepan MGs. They're about $500 a pair. They are dipolar and quite large, but Magnepan users are a loyal following becuase of the awesome soundstage these speakers can throw. Check 'em out. www.magnepan.com

 

[cornelius]

I agree with the Maggie MMG recommend. In your price range I don't think it's unreasonable to be willing to deal with the positioning, listening window situation with that design. Once you get them comfy in your listening room (if they fit), every other speaker sounds like sound coming from a box!

It is my opinion, but I do really believe that there aren't any speakers (yet) in that price range that will allow someone with a taste of true "hi-end!" I decided to spend quite a bit more and went with another brand due to listening room size and desire for a wider listening area - but I had to pay a lot more for those features. Note: you'll want to add a sub.

Oh yeah, I would also recommend Vandersteen 1C. I'm a huge fan of time coherent designs. If you demo a pair ask if they've been set up properly!

 

[Duffinator]

I like the Paradigm Monitor 7's a lot in that price range. Or in keeping with the Canadian manufacturers you might want to check out the Mirage Omni 250's. They should be in your price range and have a big sound stage without having the bipolar arrangement of speakers and placement problems.

http://miragespeakers.com/omni250.shtml

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Maggies and Def Techs are awesome speakers. I'd put them a tab above the Paradigm. The Paradigm are awesome speakers, but I don't think they have the wow effect of the first two. The all sound very different, so an audition is a must - especially dropping that kind of dough. Great choices.

 

[warpdrive]

Maggies and Def Techs are awesome speakers. I'd put them a tab above the Paradigm. .

I disagree on Def techs, they never really stirred me. I actually disliked them a lot.

I'd check out some Boston Acoustics VR series, and Energy's C-series towers. Those were my winners after auditioning a whole bunch of speakers.

I'd also throw in a set of Vandersteen 1C's....those are some interesting speakers, unlike most normal box speakers I've heard. I became a fan after I heard the 2C's....wow, what a musical speaker.

 

[zumbo]

I have to also disagree on the Def Techs. Not my cup of tea.

 

[Yamahaluver]

Try auditioning Yamaha's NS-777, truly accurate speaker, beautiful finish and great value, too bad the higher end Yamaha NS-8HX is not sold in the US, oen of the best speakers out there. Magnepan is quite good and so is Def Tech. Paradigm too goes well with Yamaha and so does MB Quart and Canton.

 

[Khellandros66]

Actually its poor understanding on how bipolar speakers work and relation to room acoustics. Every studies how the benifit as rear channels and neglect how they also help in the front as well. With the Bipolar front channels they fill in all dead spots in the front sound stage and creat a wider more realistic 3D scape. With a properly calibrated room and system the Definitive toweres will run down even the most expensive European towers. My local dealer has been really great with Definitive products and has fantastic room accoustics as well.

Paradigns are the most over ratted speakers I have come across, IMO you would be better off with B&W for similar asthetics and yet more to offer on the technical end.

~Bob

 

[Yamahaluver]

Khellandros raises a good point, one of the reasons, Yamaha was among the first to offer DSP with front presence speakers when others in the industry was scoffing at the idea. It was Yamaha's contention that front presence filled in the void and gave a better 3D rendition, I have been using front presence since my first Yamaha DSP-A1000 unit and continue to do so today with my Z-9.

 

[WooHoo]

I am running Energy C-9's with the 2500 Yammi. They can go down low for 2 Channel, but still recommend a sub. Smooth Jazz and Vocalist reproduction is awesome. Mid Range performance is especially nice. So many choices, so little time!

 

[shokhead]

Hard to answer as you can see,you get what everybody likes,not what you might want because we dont know the room size,shape,home,apartment,hardwood floors,carpet,furniture,ect. Me,i might listen to what others recommend but wouldnt buy a speaker i couldnt listen to first. If i were going to buy speakers,i'd go for some real nice bookshelfs and stands and with the money i saved from not getting towers,get a killer sub.

 

[Leprkon]

You should check the specs on the Magnepans.. I think they are 4 ohm speakers and might be a tough drive for the Yammie. It's notoriously sensitive about lower-ohm speakers.

 

[TriodeAmp]

My son has recently purchased a pair of the Athena AS-F2. I can heartily recommend these, and they can be found at Audio Advisor online - current price $400 per pair.
I've had a pair of Vandersteen 2C's for years and we compared them side by side with the Athenas a couple of weekends ago. To make a long story short - after 16 years I'm no longer satisfied with my Vandersteens (admittedly an older model). The Athena's offered much more resolution and imaging. The bass from the Athenas was at least the equal of the Vandersteens, and was much more clearly defined. The Athenas are also pretty efficient, I think 93db, and should be easily driven with moderate power.
I think these speakers are a steal for the money and worthy of your consideration given your budget, unfortunately you'd likely only be able to listen to them at Best Buy, not the best situation obviously.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

My son has recently purchased a pair of the Athena AS-F2. I can heartily recommend these, and they can be found at Audio Advisor online - current price $400 per pair.
I've had a pair of Vandersteen 2C's for years and we compared them side by side with the Athenas a couple of weekends ago. To make a long story short - after 16 years I'm no longer satisfied with my Vandersteens (admittedly an older model). The Athena's offered much more resolution and imaging. The bass from the Athenas was at least the equal of the Vandersteens, and was much more clearly defined. The Athenas are also pretty efficient, I think 93db, and should be easily driven with moderate power.
I think these speakers are a steal for the money and worthy of your consideration given your budget, unfortunately you'd likely only be able to listen to them at Best Buy, not the best situation obviously.

Really? I guess there is no better comparison than side by side in your home. Did you know the parent company of Athena - Audio Products Int'l. - also owns Mirage and Energy? A co-worker bought the entire 5.1 setup of Athena's, and he is thrilled! You may enjoy this review - I subscribe to Stereophile mag. Speakers have come a long way, haven't they?

http://www.stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/914/

 

[cornelius]

Vandys aren't for everyone, but I think Richard Vandersteen has made some imrovements in the last 16 years.

He hasn't been in business for almost the last 30 without doing so. Although remember that the basic design is the same - says a lot.