Let's finish off this system!

Merle · « **on:** 1 Apr 2005, 10:38 pm »

Having recently sold my house and bought another, I found myself with extra cash to upgrade my stereo! [My favorite part of settlement was when they hand out the checks.

] My new listening room is small, maybe 13 x 12 or so. I've purchased a Classe CA 200 and a Classe CP 47.5 MK. II to go along with my Rega P3 [Incognito w/AT OC9], Sony SACD player and vintage Denon tuner. I'm happy with the sources and am really looking forward to getting the Classe's in house. Now, I want to get speakers that will do justice to the rest of my system. I currently own KEF Q5's and think they are fantastic. For acoustic music and vocals, I think they are great. Why would I want to upgrade them if I think their so good? Well, because I can.

I would like to get something with a better fit and finish that still sounds as "musical" as the KEF's and maybe is a better fit with the small room. I'm thinking maybe B&W 805's or 705's, possibly Totem 1's or something simular. What would you guy's recommend with the Classe's for a small room in the 2K range? With the new house, I won't be able to swap gear very much anymoree, so I'm looking for something nice that I'll be able to live with for awhile. Suggestions anyone?

rosconey · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Apr 2005, 10:47 pm »

might want to be more specific on size, tweeter type-will you use a sub ect

doubt you have to look any further than ac ,vmps,aci,odyssey,sp,gr and the others i cant think of

F-100 · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Apr 2005, 12:37 am »

I highly recommend Onix Reference 1 speaker from AV123.com.

alwayslearning · « **Reply #3 on:** 2 Apr 2005, 01:23 am »

Merle-
I believe your Classe has 200 watts. I suggest thst you audition the Focus Audio fs688's, which I drive with 200 watt Goldmund Stellavox PW-1's. The speakers soundstage well, are engaging to listen to, and are finished gorgeously. They work well in small rooms on stands.
The Focus Audio site:

http://www.focusaudio.ca/index1.htm

links to many reviews through "documents". There's also info on audiogon.
Although rare to find used, I suggest that you contact Phil at Sonic Spirits for a demo. (I am in no way connected to Phil nor Focus Audio. I just like the speakers). Good luck & enjoy the search.

Marbles · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Apr 2005, 01:39 am »

Salksound HT1's, they are kind of shy on the last octave, but if you add a sub later you will be in sonic heaven.

www.salksound.com

zybar · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Apr 2005, 01:51 am »

I haven't heard the HT1's, but I own a pair of HT3's and if they sound roughly the same, absolutely put them on your list.

George

Upstateaudio · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Apr 2005, 03:33 am »

The Totem Model 1's would be a good choice.

Eric · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 Apr 2005, 05:10 am »

What about ACI Sapphires!

doug s. · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Apr 2005, 08:22 pm »

check out the proac tablette 8 reference signatures. absolutely fantastic. even better than the proac 1sc's, imo. $1700 retail, even less used. i used a pair in a *huge* room (w/subs of course), & they completely filled the room. in a small room, they will be fantastic.

there's a pair f/s on agon right now:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1115541492
but, the guy is full of it about the $300 extra charge for the finish - that's a stock finish for that model.

doug s.

Marbles · « **Reply #9 on:** 2 Apr 2005, 09:18 pm »

Also if you can pick up a used pair of Ellis 1801's, and XO them to a small sub like the Adire Rava, I think you would have a system that would be pretty great...