[uberu]

I don't have a receiver yet so my choices are unrestricted.  My listening room is 22 by 35 feet and I'd like to keep it under $2,500.

What is the best I can do?

[jarcher]

Would be useful to know what you want / value in a speaker sound-wise, or at least what you've liked / disliked that you've heard in the past.  Speaker buying can be a very subjective thing.  If you're not sure what sound you like yet, best to demo, demo, demo before spending that hard earned cash. Also useful to know what use (i.e. 2 channel / home theater / etc) you intend, and if there are any physical or aesthetic / cosmetic / placement limitations.

With that said, will throw out a few brands / models to consider / audition at below $2,500.

#1 : Magnepan 1.7's, without a doubt!  Retail $2,100.  Used more like $1,500 (best to buy local because of the size).  With the $ you save used get a decent subwoofer to go with it. SVS & HSU make reasonably priced good subs.

Pros : Image / detail / transparency / soundstage champs.  They can fill that big size room with sound. 

Cons : doesn't do super deep bass (45hz).  Needs a good current amp (doesn't necessarily have to be megawatt).  Most receiver amp sections probably can't handle well the load - a stand alone amp or beefy integrated is almost required.  Some spouses don't like the imposing size / monolith looks if it's going somewhere like the living room.

#2 : Salk Songtowers, starting from $1,500.  Often special deals right here on Audio Circle.

Pros : All around great sound and with almost unlimited custom finish options.

Cons : Can't think of any major ones.  Not sold at retail stores, but many owners audition to prospective buyers (see the thread here in Audiocircles).  Used ones sell very quickly here at strong resale value if you don't like.  Might be a bit small to fill such a big room.

#3 : Golden Ear Technology Triton Three, $2000 retail.  Probably few used. 

Pros : overall great reviews (I've not heard them personally).  Would be well suited for home theater / multi channel use as they have center / surrounds to complement.

Cons : At that price, probably not a lot.  Maybe too small to fill such a big room sound wise.  Magnepan 1.7's maybe better in that respect and have better resale value (?)

Hope that helps!

[low.pfile]

I don't have a receiver yet so my choices are unrestricted.  My listening room is 22 by 35 feet and I'd like to keep it under $2,500.

What is the best I can do?

hi uberu,
that is not your typical room size, neither for dedicated listening room or living room. Most have more modest room sizes.
So what are you listening to? and who is listening?! i've crammed 15+ people in my 12ft x 18ft living room with my modest system.

Jazz. Hard Rock. Tuvan Throat singers. Hip Hop? What are you trying to achieve? ...you've asked a wide open question.

[JLM]

What are your favorite musical genres?  Small ensembles, full symphonic, rock?  (If amplified musical types then there is no standard to use.)  Will it be used with a video system?  Is there visual atheistics to consider (partner approval)?  Do you have speaker placement flexibility?  How close would you be sitting to the speakers? Will there be pets/kids in the room?

What audio attributes do you tend to focus on?  Loudness, dynamics, quiet listening, detail, solid imaging, large soundstage, tone, tight/deep bass, open highs, high resolution, accuracy, musical, neutral, transparent, smooth, warm, delicate, non-fatiguing, cohesive sound, sweet, engaging, uncolored, low distortion.

Hopefully you can answer the above questions off the top of your head.  If not, you should study/listen more before investing.  The hunt is half the fun of audio.  Read on-line reviews (try to find  reviewers would answer the above questions and ask them for advice).  Look for a local audio club.  Visit audio shops (if you can still find one).  Attend audio shows (to at least write off potential models/brands).  Avoid the big box stores (can't really listen there, most of the gear is junk, and almost no decent advice).


Have you considered a satellite system (smaller stand mounted speakers with subwoofer(s))?  Big speakers have a hard time with driver blending from close up, bass is best done from different room locations than higher frequencies (and ideally from 3 or 4 locations - search swarm here at Audio Circle).

Is the room acoustically treated and is there noise transmission issues with neighbors/living partner(s).  For a room that size I'd aim for a 6 inch midrange (to get a sense of filling the space with the the all important mid bass frequencies) and i'd be aiming for at least 90 dB/w/m efficiency.

Sorry Virginia, there here is no perfect speaker.

[geowak]

Keep in mind, some kinds of speakers are harder to drive than others. With even a very powerful receiver, your choice of speakers start to become limited if the best sound is your goal. Not to mention that a speaker that is harder to drive might cause -whatever receiver you buy- to shut down. This can be challenging for you, since your room is bigger. Again, as others have mentioned, your taste in music and how loud you might like it will be a factor. If you decide to buy a receiver, I would strongly urge you to get 8ohm speakers that are easy to drive.

As a general rule;
2ohm speakers are hard to drive
4ohm speakers are a bit easier, but demanding on some receivers
8ohm are the typical load

That being said, some speakers present a flat load, and are exceptions to the rule.

[Ericus Rex]

IMHO, the best value in speakers these days is Meadowlark Audio.  They are selling for a fraction of their new price and can do any type of music well...except for rap or thrash metal I guess.  There is a pair of Heron Hot Rods on ebay right now for $1,000.

[Wayner]

As a general rule;
2ohm speakers are hard to drive
4ohm speakers are a bit easier, but demanding on some receivers
8ohm are the typical load

That being said, some speakers present a flat load, and are exceptions to the rule.

That statement is kind of backwards. The less impedance the speaker, the easier it is to drive, because they present the amp with less resistance. If you will notice, most amps power ratings increase with less impedance. However, you are correct that lower impedance speakers may present loads to the amp that it can't handle well (at higher volumes) and go into clipping. Such speakers are usually like electrostatics, like Martin Logan, in which the impedance can drop down to around 1.5 ohms. And of course, it all boils down to how loud you listen to music.

[geowak]

Yes Wayner thanks for the correction. I meant that 2 or 4ohm speakers will present more of a demand on the amplifier within the receiver. Some receivers are not even rated for 4 ohm speakers. And even fewer have a larger transformer. The newer ones have, I think, class d amps and might be advertised to handle lower impedance speakers.

[2gumby2]

Fritz Speakers are quite good. His Carbon 7 is on my list for my next pair of speakers.

[sunnydaze]

Consider a used older pair of Meadowlark Heron "i" or Silverline Sonata.  These speakers were in the $5 - 7k range when new.   I've seen both at prices so low it's sick --  about $1000 below your max budget, but will perform at multiples of it.  Put this $1000 towards better amplification than a "receiver".  They deserve more, and it will pay big dividends in SQ.

Both are not fussy, easy to drive, and very balanced with great musicality and dynamics.  I have owned both with tubes and SS.  Great with both.  These are large speakers, but you have a really big space to fill.   My space is about half yours, and they could really slam and load the room.  I'd be guessing to say they'd be sufficiently large to fill yours.  I can say a buddy had the original Meadowlark Blue Herons in a room about your size and it was very satisfying.  I don't think the BH are much bigger sounding than the Herons.

This is just off the top of my head.  There are many others.  Buy used for better value and SQ for a given outlay.

[gregcss]

You say receiver and I think of home theater (5.1 or more). If this is the case you would want the front three (front left and right, center) to be matched - the same make and model. This is less important for the surrounds.

[mick wolfe]

I don't have a receiver yet so my choices are unrestricted.  My listening room is 22 by 35 feet and I'd like to keep it under $2,500.

What is the best I can do?


If you haven't bought a receiver yet, my initial advice is to not buy a receiver.  You'll get far more choices and better sonics from an integrated amp or seperates if your budget allows. You're question doesn't supply near enough information. Are you doing a 2-channel set-up or a multi channel HT set-up? How loud do you listen and what are your music preferences? Do you intend to use the entire 22x35 space as a listening room?

[mick wolfe]

If you're strictly talking 2 channel and you're trying to fill that large a space, may I suggest the Tekton Pendragon.  $2500 a pair with free shipping. High 90's in efficiency and looks to be amp friendly....at least on paper. 

[avta]

I would add Sonus Faber Venere 2.5. I recently bought the 3.0. I think they provide a lot of quality for the money.

[Wayner]

Yes Wayner thanks for the correction. I meant that 2 or 4ohm speakers will present more of a demand on the amplifier within the receiver. Some receivers are not even rated for 4 ohm speakers. And even fewer have a larger transformer. The newer ones have, I think, class d amps and might be advertised to handle lower impedance speakers.

There you go. I agree that I would stay away from class D with low impedance speakers. Many amps have specs like 10% harmonic distortion......no good.

Also to note on the amp issue, some amps have the ability to hook up 2 sets of speakers and run both at the same time. We all should know that 2 resistors in parallel gets 1/2 the value, so 2 sets of 8 ohm speakers now becomes 4 ohms, and 2 sets of 4 ohm speakers becomes 2 ohms......

[Ericus Rex]

......I can say a buddy had the original Meadowlark Blue Herons in a room about your size and it was very satisfying.  I don't think the BH are much bigger sounding than the Herons.

Of all the Meadowlark models I'd avoid the original Blue Herons and the Nightingales.  They're both fantastic speakers but both use the very problematic (and now unobtainable) Audax gas filled tweeter.  The Nightingales also use a custom-made woofer which you can't replace.  To my knowledge, all other Meadowlark models use off-the-shelf drivers.

Good luck!

[sunnydaze]

Yep, you are correct about the BH tweeter.  He knew that risk going in, and enjoyed them problem-free for several years before selling them. 

It's important to note that the tweeter failure rate is not 100%.  Some have been known to fail in the field, but I don't know the ratio.  I could be wrong, but I'm gonna guess that if it hasn't failed by now, it won't.

Like Clint sez........ "do I feel lucky?"       

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0-oinyjsk0

[gladiator335]

Also to note on the amp issue, some amps have the ability to hook up 2 sets of speakers and run both at the same time. We all should know that 2 resistors in parallel gets 1/2 the value, so 2 sets of 8 ohm speakers now becomes 4 ohms, and 2 sets of 4 ohm speakers becomes 2 ohms......

Not always...Since spekers resistance is both capacitive and inductive 2+2 doesn't always equals 4.
Generally it's even worse...

[robcentola]

I have to say Salk SongTowers. I like them so much, I'm upgrading to the Veracity ST's. Tremendous value, impeccable craftsmanship and the ability to have any veneer under the sun. Clean, clear, detailed and play pretty darn low for 5 inch drivers. I have zero regrets getting those and it was worth the wait!

I was thinking about those Maggies, and the Golden Ear when I was on my search too. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them, but the ability to customize was the closer for me. Not only that, you get to work with the best customer service around (at least in my experience). I'm slowly working up to the Soundscape 8's. Heck, I'm halfway there! 

Good luck!

[GT Audio Works]

I don't have a receiver yet so my choices are unrestricted.  My listening room is 22 by 35 feet and I'd like to keep it under $2,500.

What is the best I can do?

That is a pretty big space to fill, but in any case its best to hear any speaker you are considering first..approximately where do you live ?