Looking for some help on speaker choices

[Scotthg1]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and have been reading alot of threads to refamiliarize myself with audio equipment. I was debating with my wife to get back into audio but in a very limited fashion. I really enjoy listening to really demanding music, what I mean is a large number of instruments playing and I like trying to pick out each instrument as it plays. I started with a pair of Klipsch Forte II's. I was pushing them with an Adcom GFA 6000,Adcom GTP 600 and a Sony 7es player. I then moved to a pair of PSB Stratus Gold i's, a C6 center and B&W DM602's for the rear. I then was married and sold everything on Ebay. I have tested alot of speakers and the ones I enjoyed the most were a pair of B&W 802's. I loved the sound and tight bass especially. I am now looking to get an Onkyo receiver and maybe a pair of Wharfedale 8.4's. I am trying to find a place to audition a pair and having no luck. I live in the Buffalo area and I'm wondering if someone knows were they sell Wharfedale's. I read alot of reviews and I think the 8.4's are as close to 802's as this poor mans budget can buy. My price range is less than $400.00 for front speakers. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the lengthy post.

Scott.

 

[Nomo]

I'd be real surprised if those Wharfedales could beat out the B&Ws.
Pleasently surprised but surprised none the less.
I've seen the Wharfedales myself on the internet. Ubid among other places and those prices would be amazing if they were a quality speaker. I have no idea where to go to listen to them. I'd be very interested in your accessment of them if you find them. Or better yet info on where.....

Sorry if was of no help here, just wanted to throw my 2 cents in.

 

[Scotthg1]

I agree with you that the 8.4's are no match for the 802's but I was trying to let you guys know my listening taste. And as for the budget that I am on, if they had good tight base and were somewhat accurate I'd really concider them.

My Goldi's were nice but the bass was a little too boomy and that was after I had used the Stereophile breakin with white noise and the speakers directly pointed at each other. I also played them for about 2 months and no change. That could have been my amp or room size. Thanks for the response Nomosony.

Scott

 

[Scotthg1]

Well, I auditioned some speakers yesterday. The first pair were the B&W DM603s but I couldn't really get a good listen becuase they were near the door and people kept walking in,so I'll try again on Monday.
I also listened to Paradigm, nice sound but the base was too boomy. Then I listened to Martin Logan and liked the base but the highs were too bright.
Then I went to Klipsch and I had a pair of Forte II's and I would like them for home theater but I'm not fond of them for music. My question is for you guys is what speakers have you heard in a floor standing speaker with tight base and a warm and accurate mid and highs? Now my wife wants something nice looking (no black) and small. I want check out the Athena's AS-F2's but they only come in black. Any other suggestions would be great.
Oh and my price is less than $700.00 a pair.

Thanks Scott.

 

[Leprkon]

these might be worth a look. pretty splendid visually, decent sound, moderate price.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=39.1

 

[zumbo]

MB Quart! Sounds like B&W's for a fraction of the cost. Not like 802's, but 803's & 703's. You will get a 30 day trial from Yawa . I have the 830's & just love them. Yawa is authorized to sell, and you get a five year warranty! They are working on their website, but you can go here for details.

 

[Nomo]

I'd definetly have a better listen to the B&Ws. I would think those would take you over $700/pr.
Have you looked into Polks? RTi8s are not bad, although they seem a bit inefficient.
With an Onkyo, Klipsch should be a pretty good match.

 

[nm2285]

Have you tried Monitor Audio? It's another british company that may have a similar sound. Also mordaunt-short.

 

[Scotthg1]

Thanks for the info guys, I will look into theses choices you have given me. They all look pretty damn good. I just hoping that I can find some dealers close to me. I just need to get through the next two years and when my wife goes back to work in two years(kids will be in school full time) I can then unleash more cash into audio. I am wondering if anyone has listened to or have any BIC America speakers? I've read some good reviews on them. Thanks for your time guys, I really appreciate it.

Scott.