Speakers up to $1500

[DigiPete]

Folks,

Does anyone have suggestions for the best sounding speakers I could get up to about $1500 new or slightly used?

Currently have Boston Acoustics VR2

Looking for a definite step up in SQ, neutral and transparent, but not overly bright.

Thanks

Pete

[n_maher]

I would try to find your closest Paradigm dealer and have a listen to something from their Studio series. I auditioned the Studio 40's way back in 2000 but they were a bit out of reach at the time so I got the Monitor 7s instead. Ever since that day I've lusted after the Studio 60's.

[Yikes]

I'd agree that the Studio 60 is a very good speaker. I think it's the best (Performance/Price) in the Studio line.

There's also the Revel F-12 to consider. I haven't heard it myself, but there has been enough squawking in the press that I would put it on my list to audition.

http://stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/706revel/

[Dusty Chalk]

I would definitely put the Quad 22L on your short list. MSRP is US$1600.

[Grand Enigma]

I got my Tyler Acoustic Linbrook Signature Monitors for $1,375

[DigiPete]

Any thoughts on the

Onix Rockets RS series like the 760

Swans Diva 6.2f

Axiom M80 v.2 ?

[KenW]

I got my Tyler Acoustic Linbrook Signature Monitors for $1,375

Wow. Wish I could score a deal like that! Nice pickup!!

[TheSloth]

Spendor s5e, used. Maybe even a s6e if you are lucky.

[tkam]

Any thoughts on the

Onix Rockets RS series like the 760

Swans Diva 6.2f

Axiom M80 v.2 ?

I've been putting together a new HT setup and considered all three of the speakers you mention. Here's my brief thoughts on all of them:

The Rockets are nice speakers, albeit it a bit laid back, but really the sole reason why I passed on them is the matching center channel. It's absolutely huge and would in no way fit on either shelf of my TV stand. That may sound trivial, but it was a deal breaker for me.

The 6.2 is from the "new" Swan line right? I've only heard the older Swan line-up and I hope they aren't still using the same piece of shit tweeter the older ones used. If they are using a different tweeter they might be worth checking out as I thought the original Swan's were a good bargain except for the tweeter.

I've heard a good bit of the Axiom line-up and have owned a pair of M22ti's for a few years now and I have always liked them for their detail and neutrality. However they can be very bright and that is the main reason why I didn't strongly consider getting a pair of their towers to use as my main speakers.

What I did end up getting are a pair of Quad 22L and the matching L-centre center channel. The 22L are a really nice sounding pair of speakers and the finish on them is stunning for the price. I'll post some pics when I get my camera back and I'll post more impressions in the near future.

[DigiPete]

Well,

After a moment of weakness in my resolve not to spend money...

I went ahead and got the Paradigm Ref Studio 100s off of Agon.

I heard them through a NAD master series pre amp (I think) and amp and they were magical.

Very analog sounding on the CDs, but detailed. Superb imaging, they just sounded right.

I'll post pics with them bedded down and impressions later

[n_maher]

Color me jealous.

Congrats man, looking forward to the pics and impressions.

[Salt Peanuts]

Congrats on your new speakers, DigiPete.

I really wish I had space and money for a proper 2-channel setup.

[bhd812]

When you start looking again try to listen to some Dynaudio 72se's..

take a listen for the hell of it and maybe an audition in home first though!

they have been found new for $1500.

[DigiPete]

Billy,

Thanks for the input.

Life is so busy its hard to do everything I could, or should...and I fail miserably sometimes.

Source upgrade is next, I think...

Speakers will be down the line quite a ways now.

Cheers,

Pete

[Wolfbait]

Revel Concerta Series - F12

Best bang for your buck floorstanders on the market. No Question.

[islewind]

Well,

I went ahead and got the Paradigm Ref Studio 100s off of Agon.

Those Studio 100's are terrific speakers and very versatile. I've heard people try to knock them, but I think that's because they aren't esoteric or expensive enough. I compared them at length to some significantly more costly models and thought they held their own, very impressive sound. Not to mention they can play very, very loud! Good choice.

[DigiPete]

Pics here

http://www.head-case.org/index.php/topic,1898.msg47925.html#msg47925

[postjack]

Those Studio 100's are terrific speakers and very versatile. I've heard people try to knock them, but I think that's because they aren't esoteric or expensive enough. I compared them at length to some significantly more costly models and thought they held their own, very impressive sound. Not to mention they can play very, very loud! Good choice.

Welcome to head-case!

[JBLoudG20]

Welcome to head-case!

Sorry about your thin skin!

[islewind]

Sorry about your thin skin!

Glad to be here, thank you very much. I always did think my thin skin was more vulnerable than my wallet anyway.

[JBLoudG20]

Glad to be here, thank you very much. I always did think my thin skin was more vulnerable than my wallet anyway.