Okay...The Next Recommendation Request...for Speakers!

[PearlcorderS701]

As I have been getting help from everyone on the forum regarding a new integrated amp and possible turntable to outfit my two channel room for the new house we're moving into, I now need some advice for a good pair of speakers for this room.

My initial requirements were for larger floor-standers with larger woofers because I won't be using a sub in this system, but I think I am looking for more of a "box" speaker for music listening priorities -- something almost vintage style like stereo systems used to utilize.

Can I find something perhaps vintage and second hand for this application if I looked around? What would be recommended in the new category? Which brand would be more geared toward audio? I have used Polks in the past, but I'm not sure if they're the best for two channel listening...I was recommended to look at PSB Images by a member here in another thread; is this a good idea?

 

[mikesd]

If your looking in the vintage/used arena you might look around for Polk's LS series from the mid 90's. The flagship was the LS 90's but also included the 70's and 50's. A nice set of 90's usually go for the $300-$350 range and driven with a quality power amp are exceptional speakers for the money in a 2-channel rig. I use the 90's for my mains and cannot justify making an upgrade to a newer speaker. http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/ls90/

Good luck in your search
Mike

 

[Drifter]

E-bay has a fairly large selection of nice vintage speakers of every style and price range.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Thank you very much, guys. If there are any other suggestions, please fire away!

 

[tcarcio]

Check www.audiogon.com I got my B+W's there for a great price.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Thank you!

 

[KEW]

A target price range would be helpful.

 

[deedubb]

Large floor standers, no sub, vintage, second hand...PSB Stratus Golds would be perfect. You won't believe how good they are for how little you spent for them. The only caveat is they need a decent amp to run them as they are 4 ohm and drop well below that at times. You need some decent current for these speakers. As above, check audiogon.com for a used pair.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Large floor standers, no sub, vintage, second hand...PSB Stratus Golds would be perfect. You won't believe how good they are for how little you spent for them. The only caveat is they need a decent amp to run them as they are 4 ohm and drop well below that at times. You need some decent current for these speakers. As above, check audiogon.com for a used pair.

Thanks, 'Dub. Much appreciated!

I've already been directed towards PSBs even for new models from some folks on here...which model would you recommend from their new lineup? Would these be good for musical accuracy/applications?

 

[Drifter]

If you come across some vintage Audioanlayst Phase Matrix M8's or M12's, give them serious consideration. They're exactly what you described. Big 4-way box speakers with big woofer and were considered high-end audio in 1977.

I just picked up a pair of M8's for $60.00. The original MSRP was over $800.00 in 77. They sound great! Audioanalyst was a spin-off company from Audio Research.

 

[Seth=L]

I'd look for some older Polk SDA speakers if you are into Polk, arguably some of the sweetest sounding speakers Polk has ever made. Great for systems without subwoofers because many of them cover the low end down into the 20's.

 

[3db]

Thanks, 'Dub. Much appreciated!

I've already been directed towards PSBs even for new models from some folks on here...which model would you recommend from their new lineup? Would these be good for musical accuracy/applications?

We need a budget. I own the older PSB IMage T45s which are rated down to 35 Hz which is good for most music except for rap and pipe organ.

Here are the specs;
http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Image-Series/Image-T45-Tower

Here's a review by soundstage,com

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/psb_image_t45.htm

If you click on the graph icon in the review, you'll notice how flat the frequency response curve is. PSB has revamped their Image line so you should be able to pick up a pair for under $500.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

We need a budget. I own the older PSB IMage T45s which are rated down to 35 Hz which is good for most music except for rap and pipe organ.

Here are the specs;
http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Image-Series/Image-T45-Tower

Here's a review by soundstage,com

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/psb_image_t45.htm

If you click on the graph icon in the review, you'll notice how flat the frequency response curve is. PSB has revamped their Image line so you should be able to pick up a pair for under $500.

Thanks -- those Images look good. I'll probably look into those.

Any other suggestions for towers that would be good for stereo listening, not necessarily home theater?

 

[3db]

Thanks -- those Images look good. I'll probably look into those.

Any other suggestions for towers that would be good for stereo listening, not necessarily home theater?

Paradigm Studio series is another good series too look at.

 

[greggp2]

Pearl,

What type of music do you typically listen to and what price range do you want to be in? Speakers were my biggest upgrade to SQ in my system. This is where you want to spend your money... Paradigm are good speakers, but I hear they are better for HT than Music. If you listen to a lot of jazz, classical, vocals and instrumentals, I'd check out Vienna Acoustics or Sonus Fabers. Vienna's (Hayden) have the older box look you are seeking and sound really nice. You can also pick up Sonus Fabers for a good price on Audiogon or Ebay as well if you look. Most people love these speakers from what I've read on forums. I just picked up some Sonus Fabers for a bedroom system I am doing. Depending on how much I like them, I may consider getting Cremonas for my main system.

 

[njedpx3]

Defintive Technology Speakers

OP,

Since you never mention budget then I will suggest the top Defintive Technology speakers, the BP7000SC. They will give you awesome Bass sound without a separate subwoofer. They have a built in 1800 watt subwoofer. http://www.definitivetech.com/products/products.aspx?path=Floor-Standing Speakers&productid=BP7000SC#More

I have the BP7002s which are a couple of steps down in price and they still deliver solid bass even without my SVS PB12-Plus. They have a powered 300 watt subwoofers. http://www.definitivetech.com/products/products.aspx?path=Floor-Standing Speakers&productid=BP7002#More

Good Luck.

If either of these does not meet the $$$ you were planning on spending, maybe if you give us you target budget we can give you a more precise solution.

Peace and Good Sound,

Forest Man

 

[rnatalli]

Ascend Sierra-1. They have small woofers, but put out an amazing amount of bass. Totem's might also be worth a look.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

OP,

Since you never mention budget then I will suggest the top Defintive Technology speakers, the BP7000SC. They will give you awesome Bass sound without a separate subwoofer. They have a built in 1800 watt subwoofer. http://www.definitivetech.com/products/products.aspx?path=Floor-Standing Speakers&productid=BP7000SC#More

I have the BP7002s which are a couple of steps down in price and they still deliver solid bass even without my SVS PB12-Plus. They have a powered 300 watt subwoofers. http://www.definitivetech.com/products/products.aspx?path=Floor-Standing Speakers&productid=BP7002#More

Good Luck.

If either of these does not meet the $$$ you were planning on spending, maybe if you give us you target budget we can give you a more precise solution.

Peace and Good Sound,

Forest Man

Thank you Forest Man!

I totally forgot about Def Tech -- those are probably the way to go since they have the built-in subs! That would work perfectly for me; can you suggest a stereo pair of the models with the built in subs?

 

[AVRat]

Pick your poison: DT BP 7000/1/2/4

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Thanks, 'Rat.

I have to consider these for a bit longer because I think they may be out of budget.