Speaker buying for COMPLETE newbies

[bobom]

Hi! I just joined this forum because I have some questions.
I've always made do with a very basic audio setup, and have recently been getting frustrated at not being able to hear my music properly.
I have a decent amp so I reckon the best way of getting better quality would be to invest in some decent speakers.
But I really kow NOTHING about buying audio equipment, and feel pretty out of my depth in an audio store.
Now the room they would be in isn't especially large; they would be used for music, but also occasionally for DVDs, TV etc... but with the main emphasis on music; I mostly listen to classical and/or vocal music (does that matter or make a difference?); and although I'm not willing to spend a lot of money (say max $500) I want to buy the best system I can afford.
Can anybody give me any advice about what sort of speaker systems I should be listening to? My priority is sound quality (rather than space, look, etc)
Thanks SO MUCH

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker upgrade

bobom,
What is your current receiver and speakers? What are the room dimensions? Since music is a priority, your best bet is to spend your current funds on new mains or maybe a 2.1 system (mains + sub) and add the center and surround channels later.
If you consider buying used on audiogon.com, you can get some pretty high end monitors in your price range including my Onix Refrence 1's or Paradigm Studio 20's.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Since the same speakers can be used for Music, TV, videogames, and DVDs, at least you'll be getting alot of use out of the new purchase

*Go through your phonebook and find every dealer for loudspeakers.
*Bring some favorite CDs and demo as many speakers as you can.
*You can now make an informed decision. No dealers in your area? Now you'll have to gamble with internet-direct companies. Luckily the big names all have very nice product for the money.

 

[Sheep]

Since the same speakers can be used for Music, TV, videogames, and DVDs, at least you'll be getting alot of use out of the new purchase

*Go through your phonebook and find every dealer for loudspeakers.
*Bring some favorite CDs and demo as many speakers as you can.
*You can now make an informed decision. No dealers in your area? Now you'll have to gamble with internet-direct companies. Luckily the big names all have very nice product for the money.

And to add to that, report back with your findings BEFORE you buy so we can give you a heads-up on that particular brand (if a heads-up is required).

SheepStar

 

[jaxvon]

A few points:

You should probably be looking at full range towers. I much prefer them when listening to stereo music when compared to bookshelves + subwoofer.

Don't buy speakers from some dude in the parking lots that is selling some brand like "Theater Research" out of the back of his van. These "white van" speakers are nothing but crap. I don't care if they sound like an incredible deal because the MSRP is supposedly 10x his asking price. They're garbage.

 

[outsider]

Don't buy speakers from some dude in the parking lots that is selling some brand like "Theater Research" out of the back of his van. These "white van" speakers are nothing but crap. I don't care if they sound like an incredible deal because the MSRP is supposedly 10x his asking price. They're garbage.

whenever I read or hear someone mention the "white van" speakers I start to laugh because I have 2 friends that got suckered into that deal a few years ago.

Anyway, I recommend avoiding the Best Buy or Circuit City type stores and instead look for specialty type stores. Most should have a good range of quality when it comes to speakers.
And, has been mentioned previously, bring along some CDs, DVDs, etc. for listening. In fact, try to have a few key tracks in mind.