speaker help

[johnnyturbo]

after two nights of addiction to the forum, i have now registered. I need some help, please.

I have a NAD2200PE matched with a NAD 1155 preamp, both bought in 1988 and i am wedded to them ( at least for the near future). I will have a 14x12x8.5 (ceilings) room; no doubt on the smallish side.

First: Have read very good things about the Von Schweikert VR1 matched with VRS1 sub. Alternatively how about the floror standing Von VR2. Given my room dimensions and amp/pre, which set up is preferable. In terms of music taste, a good helping of all except classical. Strange, nothing writtten about the Vons on this forum. Am I missing something?

Given room size is the monitor and sub route generally the better way to go, rather than floor standing? Will monitors yield better placement options?

My budget is in the $2500 ball park ( no more than that !). Thanks in advance for your opinions. While my front end is set, i am certainly open to other options. Problem is that I cannot audition the Vons ( no dealer in Massachusetts, and I do hate buy blind)

John

 

[jaxvon]

Are you strictly a stereo guy, or what? That will determine a lot!

 

[johnnyturbo]

yeah- a stereohead. fine threshold question. look forward to your opines.

 

[cornelius]

Well, since a lot of these decisions are personal - and if by chance we do have the same sound in mind (I do like NAD and VR1s) my suggestions would be Green Mountain Audio Europa or Ohm Microwalsh Talls.

Now the GMAs and Ohms are about a grand, but can take on ANYTHING in the $2500 range - easily. Although they're not expensive, they are both great designs which is how they outperform so many others above their price range. Now the hard part is they are sold direct from the mfr., the Ohms have a generous (120 day) return policy but I think the GMAs don't. If you don't like the GMAs you can very easily sell them on Audiogon in about 5 seconds.

Just pick up the phone - they are both small companies, and if you contact either one, you'll be talking directly to the designer. Personally, I'm sticking with a pair of Ohm Microwalsh Talls. It was a really gratifying experience to work one on one with Ohm and receive a handmade, well-crafted set of speakers from them. It was also interesting to listen to them in my home, next to a couple of pairs of other speakers for direct comparison.

 

[johnnyturbo]

speaker choice

thanks for suggestions of Ohm and GMA. Larger issue: smallish room (see my original post). Will the monitors and sub do a better sound job than the floor stander? ARe floorstandings far more open to placement issues?
Again thanks. Have you heard anything about the new GMA Callistos??
JOhn

 

[cornelius]

My room is 12X18 with 8' celings and a 7X7 alcove, and the Microwalsh talls seem to integrate well. I was thinking of monitors and a sub, but found the floorstanders had a more cohesive sound. They are getting into the 30 hz range in my room.

The Ohms are really easy to place - no head in a vice placement, no spikes, and they don't weigh a ton. I'm not sure how low the GMAs will go in your space, but they will take more care with placement. On their own or with a sub I'm sure they'd work well too.

I haven't heard anything about the Callistos.