New member seeking speaker advice

[dza]

Hello new Internet friends.
I have been collecting and listening to vinyl for 15 years and am currently upgrading my system. First step was the Pro-ject debut carbon turntable. Next was a Sansui g9000db. Now it's time for new speakers. Budget is under $1,000 for a pair. Hopefully well under. I think I've narrowed it down to the ascend cmt -340 or wharfedale diamond 10.5. But I'm open to other suggestions in the 6-800 dollars a pair range. I know I should go out and listen to them but I think the ascends are online only? And there is no wharfedale dealers in my or neighboring state.

 

[markw]

While nobody can get into your head to know what you will like, you can at least give us a hint. What do you have now and what do you like and dislike about them?

And, as far as ID buying goes, be aware of the return policy, be prepared to use it, and keep hold of all packing and papers.

 

[Swerd]

I agree with what Mark said, especially about the internet direct (ID) speakers. For example, Ascend Acoustics and Salk Signature Sound are reputable ID companies that make excellent products.

For less than $900 a pair, in my opinion, the best choices are two bookshelf speakers, the Ascend Sierra-1, and Salk SongSurround I speakers. These Salks make excellent main speakers even though they are marketed as rear channel speakers in a surround system. Salk has among the best veneers and finished available anywhere. Similar sounding, but not identical, is the Sierra-1. If you like black cabinets, they are available at a sale price.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Wharfdale are solid speakers, but not as good as options mentioned by Swerd.
A bit above your budget, but still worth considering are these speaker:
http://philharmonicaudio.com/BMR Philharmonitor.html

 

[dza]

Thanks guys. Right now I have a pair of radio shack yamaha bookshelves, don't really like much about them. My pioneer system went out so I'm stuck with these for now. I was okay with the pioneers but thought they were too bassy, lacked in the high end. I'm sure all these mentioned would be a huge upgrade, just looking for the biggest bang for the buck.

 

[Ricardojoa]

Have you check on emotiva speakers?

 

[Big Jake]

I have a Wharfdale Diamond 9.CM center channel speaker for the time being, and I've always thought it a pretty decent speaker considering the ridiculously low price I paid for it, but, as it works well for movies in the HT, it really shows it's boxiness sound, although it doesn't have a box cabinet, when I play 5ch stereo or Dlby PLII music. It will soon be replaced with a Bowers & Wilkins Centre2 S2, as I have one on order. To stay on B&W, I'd recommend something like a DM602 S3 or DM603 S3 for your system. Good buys on those can be found on ebay.