Looking to buy new speakers

[voyaging]

I currently have the following system.

NAD Compact Disc Player 5340
NAD Stereo Preamplifier 1130
Carver Power Amp M-400a
2x Realistic Optimus T-110 Floorstanding Speakers

I assume a logical upgrade would be my speakers. I will be listening to classical, jazz, and various rock styles, in that order from most frequent to least, but would like speakers that could handle all three. I would very much like to keep the price below $500 if possible, but still get speakers that would complement the rest of my equipment and not be significantly lower in quality. I would also like to ask: should I get a subwoofer? Or any other items I don't own?

 

[fredk]

I am not familiar with your speakers, so I don't know what you might upgrade to in the $400 range that would give you an improvement.

If this is strictly a music system, I would consider spending a little more to get a floor stander that will do justice to the classical and jazz you listen to. Look at something that will reach as low as 40Hz with authority.

Alternatively you could look at bookshelves and a sub, but that still means upping your budget a little.

What size is your room?

 

[JerryLove]

Alternatively you could look at bookshelves and a sub, but that still means upping your budget a little.

The EMP deal that's raised so many eyebrows around here is $200 for a pair of bookshelves and $300 for a sub.

I have to say, for music, I prefer towers. I believe a pair of used Infinity RSIIIb run about $200-$250 on craigslist/ebay/audiogon. I'm using a pair in my family room.

I'd wonder aloud what the EMP floorstanders sound like with a sub, but that would be $700.

 

[chris357]

look for some used NHT 2.5i, or 3.3's they will be close to that price range.. and blow you away/ they are greedy for power though.

 

[HDPCsound]

You want to keep your neighbors awake?
Get an Aperion Intimus 5B Harmony SD sound system speakers. You can look for new ones or used.

 

[3db]

You should be able to get a good deal on PSB's Image series towers (T45, T55, or T65) as PSB jsut revamped their model line and i'm guessing dealers are willing to give you a good deal just to get rid of old stock. I have the T45s and they are great speaker.

 

[voyaging]

I am not familiar with your speakers, so I don't know what you might upgrade to in the $400 range that would give you an improvement.

If this is strictly a music system, I would consider spending a little more to get a floor stander that will do justice to the classical and jazz you listen to. Look at something that will reach as low as 40Hz with authority.

Alternatively you could look at bookshelves and a sub, but that still means upping your budget a little.

What size is your room?

My room is quite large, without measuring I'd say 25-30 by 12-15 ft, with angled walls in several spots. There is also what I would call an alcove that makes up about 1/4 of the space.

 

[3db]

My room is quite large, without measuring I'd say 25-30 by 12-15 ft, with angled walls in several spots. There is also what I would call an alcove that makes up about 1/4 of the space.

With a room that large, look at the PSB ImageT65

 

[fredk]

Hmm. I'm guessing you have 8' ceilings. Thats a mid sized to large room. If you are closer to the smallest dimensions (2400 cu.ft.) you will be fine with bookshelves and a sub. At the upper end, (3600 cu.ft.) you might get away with bookshelves, but towers would probably be better.

The reason I mention both options is that $500 spend on good bookshelves will get you better quality sound than %500 spent on towers. Its a way to maximize the money spent.

Either way, I would start by finding a good local audio store (not Best Buy) and listening to some speakers with material you are familiar with. Listen to a few speakers above your price range as well. This will give you a good idea of what sound you like. You can then come back here with some info we can work with to make more suggestions.

At this point, the best any of us can do is suggest the speakers we like best.