Need advice on a couple of speakers for Stereo/Classical usage

[bcom66]

Hi to all
I am a beginner when it comes to audiophile equipment, I am trying to rig together a mid range system for Stereo use, mostly classical and jazz. Budget all told (amp + speakers) is somewhere in the region of 500-1000 euroes.
Would therefore appreciate suggestions on a pair of speakers for the intended use, and a nice amp to go with them. I prefer quality over power, 80 W should more than enough for the type of room I have. Bookshelf, no self standing types.
I had a listen to the B&W 600 S3 in a shop today, sounded pretty good for me, what are pros and cons and any suggestions in that price range?
many thanks for any advice!

 

[j_garcia]

I'd take a look at the offerings from Cambridge Audio (UK) for source and power in Europe. Decent prices and should be in your range for an integrated amp and CD or DVD/CD player. www.cambridgeaudio.co.uk

If you aren't going to use / don't need a sub, I'd opt for a bit larger speaker. The 602 is the best of their bookshelf speakers and is what I'd shoot for, or at least the 601, just to get a more full midrange than the 600. IMO, these guys are great for jazz & classical.

Another to look into would be Mordaunt Short. www.mordauntshort.co.uk The 902 or 912 are nice little speakers that handle most music well without breaking the bank.

 

[jaxvon]

I'm not sure if they sell to Europe, but Phase Technology makes some large bookshelves that I think sound excellent (PC3.1). Paired with a high-quality integrated amp like a Rotel, Cambridge, Onix, etc, you'll have a great little setup. I don't know if they ship to Europe, but I think this would be a killer package in your price range. Very good looking, along with high quality, good sound, and high value. You can even add a nice, esoteric CD player and should still be at the upper end of your budget.

 

[VS540]

I don't know if they ship to Europe, but I think this would be a killer package in your price range. Very good looking, along with high quality, good sound, and high value. You can even add a nice, esoteric CD player and should still be at the upper end of your budget.

That Onix setup does seem to be a killer deal, and most people think it's worth it just for the SP3 tube amp. GoodSound just did a review of that speaker, cd player, SP3 combo. http://www.goodsound.com/equipment.shtml

Only problem is shipping to Europe, .

 

[bcom66]

That Onix setup does seem to be a killer deal, and most people think it's worth it just for the SP3 tube amp. GoodSound just did a review of that speaker, cd player, SP3 combo. http://www.goodsound.com/equipment.shtml

Only problem is shipping to Europe, .

thanks for all your comments, really appreciate it. Shipping to Europe seems a big problem as so far, the only speakers readily available in my parts are the b&w...I am finding good deals on the 602 series, what's the general opinion on classical and jazz usage for these speakers and, even though I go slightly off topic, what would be the best amp pairing for the intended use ? 80 W + power is more than enough...
thanks again!

 

[nibhaz]

602 man!

Defiantly go with the 602s over the 600s for all of the reasons mentioned previously. IMO classical and jazz are where B&Ws really shine, but that's just my opinion

As for paring them based on the information you've provided... Rotel RA-1062.
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/Rotel-RA1062-RCD1072.html

However there are much more affordable offerings from the mass market makers like Denon, Pioneer Elite, HK, Yamaha, Marantz, and Onkyo that will fit your needs.

 

[bcom66]

Defiantly go with the 602s over the 600s for all of the reasons mentioned previously. IMO classical and jazz are where B&Ws really shine, but that's just my opinion

As for paring them based on the information you've provided... Rotel RA-1062.
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/Rotel-RA1062-RCD1072.html

However there are much more affordable offerings from the mass market makers like Denon, Pioneer Elite, HK, Yamaha, Marantz, and Onkyo that will fit your needs.

thanks for the advice.
I had a bit of a look around, I have narrowed down the amp part to either the Rotel RA-02 or the NAD c320BEE. Price wise, they fit the bill, although the Rotel is sensibly more expensive.
As for speakers, besides the B&W range, and KEF Q1 has popped up too. What are everyone's opinions about the amps and the KEF Q1. Would either amp pair up with the Q1 better than the B&W's, and which amp would go better with the B&W? thanks!