Help with Speakers - Stereo rig setup

[timechaser]

I am looking for a stereo setup to replace the existing micro unit I have in the living room. Having been spoilt by my HT system, I have refused to spend £100 for another sub-optimal solution!

I have liked (after hearing) the

1. B&W CM1 - http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.models/label/Model CM1
2. EPOS m12.2 - http://www.epos-acoustics.com/products.asp?logging=122&lookup=m12.2

They cost the same, look similar, but the EPOS sounds more "rhythmical" though it has problems (to me) at high frequencies. However, I somehow trust B&W more - and they have a better frequency response, and certainly sounds much better at higher frequencies.

Any other speakers I should look at? Any advice/comments etc. would be appreciated.

I also need a good stereo amp - roughly 100w per channel to drive these, as well as a decent CD player.

I live in the UK and my budget is roughly £700-800, which is around £1500ish. The speakers are £400, so have another £400 for the CD player and the amp!

thoughts please!!!

 

[markw]

You seem to be on the right track.

first off, don't limit your listening to just these two. These are just two of the more advertised ones. I don't know what's available to you locally (I'm in the US) but there are reasons for so many different brands. People like 'em and you may also. Give 'em all a try.

Second, and perhaps more important. Many speakers do things "right". In fact, I'll venture to say that once you reach a certain level, most do most things right. So, finding speakers that do things right is not an issue.

At this level, you need to start tossing things on what they don't do wrong. As you seem to indicate, you have stumbled on this little fact. That's an inmportant thing. Just like in a marriage, it's the little things they do wrong that can be a killer.

Personally, I like Magnapan speakers but they are not for everyone.

 

[Nick250]

I demoed the CM1s a few weeks ago. The room was maybe 15' by 15'. They were beautifully detailed and articulate. I also listened to Paradigm Studio 20s at the same time. In that size room I preferred the 20s. Much bigger sound-stage and "impact" with almost the same detail and articulation.

Nick