[fajimr]

HI everyone,

I'm helping a friend set up a system at her place.  Was hoping to talk her into a trends amp based system but she didn't like the speaker options for the amp (silver iris- didn't like the OB 'look', other small speakers- didn't like the price, wanted more bass, etc..) .  So I'd thought I'd query the collective knowledge base here for some ideas.  She currrently has her mac or a portbale CDP feeding a cambridge soundworks powered satellites and sub.

parameters:
1) Looking for amp/speakers- relatively inexpensive- probably 600 max
2) work in a small living room- 9 x 14.  Speakers would be against one wall in the corner.  Hallway opposite the wall with speakers.  Couch across from the speakers just next to an open window to the ktichen.  A graphic representation is below where XX indicates where system/speakers would be places (dots are just to keep alignment, [ ] indicates door or window)

....|_____[ ]XX|
....................|
....................|
....................|
....[....]Couch_|

3) small speakers that will do a decent job on bass
4) eclectic listening, almost everything except for rock and country (e.g. jazz, ambient, world music, classic)

5)  I'd really like to stick to a t-amp system if possible but that is for my own curiosity. 
6) Would go the used route but I personally have too many projects to DIY for her.

anything I missed?  I know it is a tall order but I also know you are up to it.

thanks in advance- we are in canada so north of the border options would be appreciated.

jim

[Jampot]

It's a perenial problem...

I use vintage speakers with my T-amps and find the 'old fashioned' sensitivity is a boon. How about something like these-

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1188853661

90db/watt - and if the 6 watt Trends doesn't do it plenty of folks on here with 30 watt Teacs that they experimented with. You would need a source with volume control then though. In fact you may even be lucky and pick up a Red Wine or Bolder modded Teac without busting the budget toooo badly.

Actually, I like the look of these

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/clt.pl?spkrmoni&1186284945&clout&3&4&

but it only leaves a hundred bucks for the amp and stands...

Jim

[fajimr]

thanks jim

I doubt she would like the missions as they are a bit too large and she already has a small entertainment unit against the wall.  I'll check out the others though... 

yeah its a tough choice... there are some serious tradeoffs, especially when the 'look' is so important.

jim

[doug s.]

small, good bass, <$600, & able to be driven by a t-amp?  sorry, i don't think you're gonna get there.  you can get three of the four requirements, but not all four.  which one are ya willing to give up?   

doug s.

[fajimr]

which one are ya willing to give up?   

actually the t-amp.  probably didn't make that clear.  the t-amp was my interest, she doesn't care what kind of amp is in the system.  I was just hoping to be able to play around with one

jim

[doug s.]

which one are ya willing to give up?   

actually the t-amp.  probably didn't make that clear.  the t-amp was my interest, she doesn't care what kind of amp is in the system.  I was just hoping to be able to play around with one

jim

these speakers compare favorably with the far more expensive proac 1sc's - that's why they were sold in one day on a'gon:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1189949541
of course, proacs are also an excellent choice; you may not be able to get 1sc's for $600, but if you keep your eyes peeled, different models of tablettes come up f/s every so often at ~$600, more or less...  but, if i were on a budget, i think i'd stick w/looking for the s520, & spend more on better amplification - all these speakers really appreciate good quality amplification.  or you could yust splurge & buy a pair of usher s520's brand-new - they retail for only $400...  also, at this price, one could consider adding a small subwoofer, or even two.  i have a pair of yamaha yst s305's, that perform admirably well.  no, they do not compare to my vmps larger subs!     these are hard to find now, but sometimes go for $100 each or less.  and, at ~23.75" tall, & ~9" wide, they could make nice stands for some monitors...   

i am curious about the set-up - forget about any worthwhile soundstaging, if the speakers are gonna be set right next to each other.  couldn't one be placed in the opposite corrner, on the other side of that opening?

doug s.

[chgolatin2]

Personally I would stay away from Usher line of products regardless of their price...

[Bob Reynolds]

She might consider active monitors like the Mackie:

http://www.mackie.com/products/studiomonitors/index.html

[doug s.]

Personally I would stay away from Usher line of products regardless of their price...

bacause...??? 

i have heard the usher products - fantastic sound.  the s520's i own are on the same level as the proac 1sc.  (tho not quite up to the proac tablette 8 reference signature.)

doug s.

[chadh]

Is she interested in DIY?

Chad

[JLM]

Would she be open to floorstanders?  Either way I'd look into AV123 x-ls (pair) plus sub ($418 total), x-sls ($319/pair), or x-mtm ($449/pair).  Add a cheap Panny receiver (could then connect to TV and become the basis for HT if she wants).  You'd be close to $600 - 700 total.

Don't overthink this and don't over impose your values, you could turn her off on the whole idea (or your ideas).

[fajimr]

thanks everyone- some good suggestions there...

i am curious about the set-up - forget about any worthwhile soundstaging, if the speakers are gonna be set right next to each other.  couldn't one be placed in the opposite corrner, on the other side of that opening?

possible, there is a large wooden unit (a hutch/desk?) against the wall.  Maybe we could put one of the speakers on a shelf??  good idea worth checking out

She might consider active monitors like the Mackie:

size is right bob.. have you listened to them?  No amp required?

Is she interested in DIY?

thought about that for about 2 seconds chad and the said no.. that would have to be me.  in addition to already having a couple  of projects in the line (finishing my GK1 preamp and building my own Amp6), I'm a bit leery of building for others.

Don't overthink this and don't over impose your values, you could turn her off on the whole idea (or your ideas).

thanks for the AV123 suggestions and yeah, i am trying to step out of the way.  I started with the T-amp idea but once she more or less nixed the speaker suggestions I had, I came here to you all. 

jim

[WGH]

I put together a budget system for a friend, it turned out very nice.

Receiver: get a used NAD, any NAD will give you great sound on a budget

Main speakers: Polk R50 $140 pr from Fry's.com - no stands needed:
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4005092?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

and if you want to feel the bottom end:

Sub-Woofer: Dayton SUB-100 10" 125 watt powered sub-woofer $124.88 from parts express.com
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-633

Both companies ship to Canada.