Looking for a pair of tower speakers for under $2000

[GGTiger]

Howdy all - I was hoping to get a little advice on my upcoming speaker purchase.

In the interest of full disclosure here, I've never shopped for or owned a nice set of speakers. The only speakers I've ever had any experience with (and purchased) was a 5.1 system that I purchased for my college dorm-room about 10 years ago - an inexpensive but loud 5.1 Altec Lansing system designed for computers. The potential universe of speakers is massive, and frankly quite confusing. I'm still in the process of moving past what merely just "sounds good" and starting to understand some basic concepts like imaging, brightness, etc.


I was looking at the $2,000 or so range for a pair of tower speakers for two reasons. 1) My budget couldn't handle more (and probably can't even handle that, but oh well) 2) My understanding was that this price range was about where my limited experience would be able to tell the difference by going much higher. If I'm wrong on that count (if that point is much lower or higher in price) please let me know!


While the quality of the speaker is obviously the most important thing to me, the design/aesthetic is also fairly significant - since they'll most likely stand out quite a bit. I've been perusing the local stores and very much like the look of the Monitor speakers I've seen.

The speakers will at first be used pure for listening to music and then probably segued into a 5.1 home theater system in a couple of years. I listen to a wide range of music, so something that can handle a new recording of Schubert, the Beatles' White Album, some Led Zeppelin as well as the latest hit playing in the clubs (yes I'll get a subwoofer), would be great.

I've listened to several sets of speakers (the Monitor RS6 and the Dali Ikon 5 most recently) and the more I'm looking, the more I'm confused. I'm not sure what approach to take about getting more educated. So, if you have any particular speakers you'd recommend as stand-outs in the price range, I'd be very appreciative and I'll go give them a listen. Or if you have a guide/magazine/book that you'd recommend that would allow me to get more educated, I'd be equally happy.

Also, if you need any other details, etc, please ask.

 

[Matt34]

Howdy all - I was hoping to get a little advice on my upcoming speaker purchase.

In the interest of full disclosure here, I've never shopped for or owned a nice set of speakers. The only speakers I've ever had any experience with (and purchased) was a 5.1 system that I purchased for my college dorm-room about 10 years ago - an inexpensive but loud 5.1 Altec Lansing system designed for computers. The potential universe of speakers is massive, and frankly quite confusing. I'm still in the process of moving past what merely just "sounds good" and starting to understand some basic concepts like imaging, brightness, etc.


I was looking at the $2,000 or so range for a pair of tower speakers for two reasons. 1) My budget couldn't handle more (and probably can't even handle that, but oh well) 2) My understanding was that this price range was about where my limited experience would be able to tell the difference by going much higher. If I'm wrong on that count (if that point is much lower or higher in price) please let me know!


While the quality of the speaker is obviously the most important thing to me, the design/aesthetic is also fairly significant - since they'll most likely stand out quite a bit. I've been perusing the local stores and very much like the look of the Monitor speakers I've seen.

The speakers will at first be used pure for listening to music and then probably segued into a 5.1 home theater system in a couple of years. I listen to a wide range of music, so something that can handle a new recording of Schubert, the Beatles' White Album, some Led Zeppelin as well as the latest hit playing in the clubs (yes I'll get a subwoofer), would be great.

I've listened to several sets of speakers (the Monitor RS6 and the Dali Ikon 5 most recently) and the more I'm looking, the more I'm confused. I'm not sure what approach to take about getting more educated. So, if you have any particular speakers you'd recommend as stand-outs in the price range, I'd be very appreciative and I'll go give them a listen. Or if you have a guide/magazine/book that you'd recommend that would allow me to get more educated, I'd be equally happy.

Also, if you need any other details, etc, please ask.

Salk SongTowers

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/salk-songtower-qwt

http://www.salksound.com/SongTower.shtml

 

[john72953]

Totem Sttaf

 

[raidersrule76]

Everyone always seems to have an answer for a question, so heres mine.
I just bought a pair of Polk audio LSI25's from polk direct's ebay store, they are factory refurbs but come with the warranty. New price on these pretty much anywhere you look is bout 1400 each, bought mine for 999 plus shipping for the pair. Oh and by the way they each have a built in 150 watt amp and a 10 in sub. So thats my opinion, good luck and happy shopping, I always like the shopping part.

 

[captiankirk28]

Here would be some great speakers to take a look at the MTS-01 and in your price range, i have some so i can tell you first hand that they are top shelf and better than anything you are going to find in the big box stores. And their coustomer service is outstanding to say the least.

Have fun in your search that is what it is all about.

Kirk

 

[lsiberian]

I think the SVS MTS series would be a great move, but I must speak honestly with you. Do you really want to spend 2000 on a 2.0 setup? Yes you can get amazing speakers, but you are coming from altec lansings so your standards my not be as high as 2000. I highly suggest you audition as many speakers as you can find. Sadly Internet Direct seems to be the best deals these days. Unless you are a DIYer. In which case you can build your own speakers and subwoofer.

I recommend that you spend 1000 on sub and 1000 on other speakers. I believe even in a stereo setup a sub is a must. For 1000 you can build 2 Infinity Kappa Perfect Builds which are stickied on the DIY section of the website. You can give those plans to a cabinet maker if you are scared of wood working. And they will build it for you. I don't suggest a commercial route because a DIY option will almost always beat a commercial sub. After that you can decide if you want to try your hand at building mains or just buy some. I suggest you look at bookshelves first. They are easy to place you will get better drivers usually in a 500 dollar 2-way speaker than in a 3-way.

I know many are intimidated at building stuff, but it can be done. And it can be very rewarding.

 

[Jeff R.]

One important thing to understand is what do you plan to power these speakers with? Do you plan to buy a new high powered receiver, entry level receiver or do you want individual amps and preamps?

I think you will need to keep this in mind while shopping.

You can walk into a stereo shop and listen to a nice pair of speakers that retail for $1000-$2000 dollars and they always sound great. What you may not notice is that they are powered with a $2500 high end amp.

If you plan to use a relatively inexpensive receiver then you will need to stay with an 8 Ohm relatively efficient speaker. If you are going to buy more expensive amps that can run down to 4 Ohms and have high outputs then you can really open up your selection.

Just some ideas, because I have a pair of 4 ohm 87 dB towers and pair of 8 ohm 90 dB towers and there is a major difference it the power required to drive each pair.

Enjoy your shopping!!

 

[jamie2112]

Heres a suggestion although I like the Salks as well...http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1239661286&/Lsa-Von-Schweikert-Model-2

 

[griffinconst]

One important thing to understand is what do you plan to power these speakers with? Do you plan to buy a new high powered receiver, entry level receiver or do you want individual amps and preamps?

I think you will need to keep this in mind while shopping.

You can walk into a stereo shop and listen to a nice pair of speakers that retail for $1000-$2000 dollars and they always sound great. What you may not notice is that they are powered with a $2500 high end amp.

If you plan to use a relatively inexpensive receiver then you will need to stay with an 8 Ohm relatively efficient speaker. If you are going to buy more expensive amps that can run down to 4 Ohms and have high outputs then you can really open up your selection.

Just some ideas, because I have a pair of 4 ohm 87 dB towers and pair of 8 ohm 90 dB towers and there is a major difference it the power required to drive each pair.

Enjoy your shopping!!

Hey jeff
How do you like your Swan's. I considering them. Do they have enough bass for satisfiing music listening? Do they sound good at low and high volumes?

 

[GGTiger]

Thanks for all the replies!

To fill in a bit more information that I see I left out:

1) I'm probably going with the Denon 3808Ci for a receiver.

2) I'll be purchasing a sub woofer in the near future as well - a bit clueless on this one.

3) There is about a 50/50 shot that I'm going to make them part of a 5.1 system, but there's no rush on this. For now they'll just be for music listening.


I've been checking out the Salk's on the website - I really wish I could listen to them, as the website is pretty persuasive.

The MTS-01 look interesting, I've found a bunch of reviews that I'm off to go read now. I'll be honest - I'm not flipping out over the finish on those speakers.

Also, @ lsiberian. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm definitely comfortable with wood-working - it's the electronics and shape of the main speakers that intimidate me. I'm giving some serious thought to building a sub, though!

Again, thanks for all the replies!

 

[3db]

Put the PSB Imagine towers in your audition list; getting favourable reviews

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Imagine/Imagine-T-Tower

 

[Swerd]

I've been checking out the Salk's on the website - I really wish I could listen to them, as the website is pretty persuasive.

Where are located? I have the standard SongTowers. If the Washington, DC area is nearby, you're welcome to come hear them. I've had mine for about a year and a half and I love them .

You can look at this site where many Salk owners post. There is a thread that lists owners who welcome auditions.

You can also ask Jim Salk by email if he knows of an owner nearby you.

Read all the SongTower reviews here.

 

[browninggold]

I have these paired with the 3808ci. 2 channel music is awesome. Lot of detail. Check them out.
http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/Intimus-6T-Tower-Speaker,110,28,255.aspx
Also free shipping both ways, 30 day in home trial, excellent customer service.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Well, I love my speakers, but I'm prohibited from recommending them due to bias.

I like NHT speakers a lot too - like the NHT Classic Four towers ($1k each retail), which sometimes go on sale for $600 - $700 each.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have these paired with the 3808ci. 2 channel music is awesome. Lot of detail. Check them out.
http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/Intimus-6T-Tower-Speaker,110,28,255.aspx
Also free shipping both ways, 30 day in home trial, excellent customer service.

Yeah, that's another great one. Gotta love the free BOTH WAYS shipping!!!

That's a great idea. Get 2 Intimus 6T Tower Speaker ($695 ea) first. If you love them, get 3 more for 5 identical towers + a Sub.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Not to be a Paradigm fanboy or anything but....

Since the V.5 Studios are about to come out, I would look for a used pair of V.4 Studio 100's that will likely be deep discounted.

Make sure that you also listen to all the speakers you can find. My favorites are:

Paradigm
B&W
Dynaudio
PSB
Totem
Monitor Audio
Warfs

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for all the replies!
Also, @ lsiberian. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm definitely comfortable with wood-working - it's the electronics and shape of the main speakers that intimidate me. I'm giving some serious thought to building a sub, though!

I think you should build yourself speakers and a Sub if you are good at wood working and have the tools we have Dr. Mark, Andrew, and Chris that are amazingly helpful and will point you to a very good solution. By building your own you will get better bang for your buck and be able to tailor the speakers toward your tastes.

On a sub the only real wiring you is just connecting the wires to the driver and stapling it through to a binding post. You can use a wire coupler to hook a post to the wire. Very easy. So there is no reason you can't build a sub.

For main speakers you will need a crossover, but there are places and people that will design one and even assemble it for you. Then you can even use wire couplers to hook it to the drivers. Literally you can get away with almost no soldering. If you can solder than you definately should have no issue building your own.

The advantages of your own builds are so great especially in subs that I think you would be crazy not to give it a go. And we have lots of people that have built the kappa perfect on this forum. If you go that route you will also be able to finish or laminate the sub to your liking. And you will have a way better sub than any in your budget range.

 

[cl35m]

Everyone always seems to have an answer for a question, so heres mine.
I just bought a pair of Polk audio LSI25's from polk direct's ebay store, they are factory refurbs but come with the warranty. New price on these pretty much anywhere you look is bout 1400 each, bought mine for 999 plus shipping for the pair. Oh and by the way they each have a built in 150 watt amp and a 10 in sub. So thats my opinion, good luck and happy shopping, I always like the shopping part.

I avoid Polk's current line-up which is all made in china. Their vintage stuff is audiophile grade and worth taking a look at.

http://www.polksda.com

 

[xrodney]

I am right now looking for similar and so far from all i have chance to listen those 2 make it to my 2nd round.

B&W 683
Wharfedale EVO 2 - 30

still looking for place i could listen to PSB and Totem, but not luck so far, probably because i am from Europe.

 

[lsiberian]

I am right now looking for similar and so far from all i have chance to listen those 2 make it to my 2nd round.

B&W 683
Wharfedale EVO 2 - 30

still looking for place i could listen to PSB and Totem, but not luck so far, probably because i am from Europe.

In Europe you should have an easier time finding other good brands. I know there are good speakers that we just don't know about here in Europe so listen to everything.