Good Tower Speakers for Under $1000

Atrane73 · « **on:** 9 Jun 2008, 02:45 am »

Hello,

This is my first post to audiocirle. I have always had pretty good consumer level gear and I am now looking to upgrade a bit starting with speakers. I mostly listen to free jazz/improvised music and classic jazz, but I have a wide range of musical tastes so a lot of different types of music find their way to my system. My wife is mostly into singer song writers, folk music, and some classic rock (Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchel, The Beatles). So I need speakers that can provide a good level of detail and sound stage of intimate solo, duo and trio recordings as well a dense large ensemble pieces. I am currently using an inexpensive pair of JBL Northbridge series studio monitors. Which are okay, but loose their sound stage and detail when a recording gets too dense. The bass and drums always seem to get pushed back and the midrange tends to get muddy. I am looking for speaker with a good sound stage, a good amount of detail and good bass response. I have spent a lot of time looking at the discount audio sites and reading reviews, but it would be great to get the opinions of some people who have actually heard some of the speakers I have read about. Some of he speakers I have considered so fare are the av123 x series (x-stalik and MTM), the original Swan Divas, Aperion Audio, or maybe something used from Totem or Role Audio. I am completely open to suggestions. Unfortunately I don't have the funds or the space for separate home theater and music listening systems so whatever speaker I choose will have to do double duty as the mains in my home theater and my two channel listening speakers. I have modest amplification, I use my Yamaha home theater receiver in analog two channel mode for music. So I will need a speaker that does not require high end amplification to come to life. Thanks in advance for you feed back and suggestions.

PhishPhan · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 03:21 am »

Given your price range and amp, you might check out polk audio. If you're not completely set on floorstanders, you should checkout the LSi9 monitors. If you are set on floorstanders, check out the LSi15. Both can be had in the used market for at or under 1K.

Good Luck

rydenfan · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 01:15 pm »

Strech you budget a bit and pick up a pair of Revel F12's. Or look at the Dynaudio Focus 220's.

Marbles · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 02:38 pm »

I would save a little longer and get the Salk Songtowers for around $1500...

cornelius · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 03:00 pm »

If you can stretch to around $1000 - the Ohm MicroWalsh Talls are the best speakers I've heard in this price range - especially if you're into Jazz (which I am) or any acoustic music. I have used these speakers with amplifiers ranging from my mid 90s Yamaha receiver, to a McIntosh MA 6200 Integrated, to a Cyrus 8vs2 integrated amp - you don't need hi-end amps to make these speakers sing (but if you can upgrade in the future, these speakers will show the improvements).

I also can't afford to have a H/T system, so I've opted for 2 channel for both music and movies. I've heard a lot of H/T systems, and with these speakers I'm a 2 Channel believer. Due to the design, a center channel isn't necessary, and they connect me with the sound-track in a way that most surround systems just can't muster...

Canyoneagle · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 03:55 pm »

I'd recommend the used market to maximize bang for the buck. Of course, that's my own preference!

I owned a set of these ($3k new in walnut) in the 90's (my parents now own them), and I think you'd find them to be quite enjoyable with the types of music you've listed.
These aren't quite as revealing, as, say, single drivers, but have a tremendously flat frequency response and are dripping with gorgeous, rich sound that I found to be VERY engaging.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1214800251

These are extremely well made - very solid, and, assuming the drivers are in good shape, should give many years of enjoyment. These are also very compatible with a wide range of electronics, so should integrate quite well in your existing system until you are ready to upgrade amps/etc.
One of the main characteristics of these fabulous speakers is that they seem to just "cruise" along withouth breaking a sweat, while simultaneously providing astonishing dynamic range and EXCELLENT soundstage. They do not 'break up' on complex/peaky material - they never lose their cool.

Good luck in your search!

Cacophonix · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 04:25 pm »

NHT Classic Fours could be had for $999 with free shipping a little while back. Just look around and see if you can find any more. I have heard the Classic Three Monitor, and they are wonderful speakers. Beautiful finish, and sound great. Classic Four is basically a subwoofer attached to a Classic Three.

If you can find a magnepan 1.6QR for under $1k on audiogon, grab it. I can't think of a speaker that can offer than much for that little .. provided you have sufficient room, that is.

If you want to support AC, look at the kits offered by Rick or Danny. Both offer exceptional bang for buck. There are a few woodworkers here who might be able to build a pair of cabinet.

Emil · « **Reply #7 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 04:43 pm »

If you're into spending less

a used or new pair of vandersteen 1c would do the trick. A steal at used prices.
After purchasing Magnepan 1.6s, my 1Cs now do HT duty.
A used center channel, VCC, for about $250 completes the package

boead · « **Reply #8 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 05:17 pm »

What amp and source are you using? Yamaha?

Problem is that a good speaker is going to make consumer audio sound worse. The speakers will reveal just how poor the amp, pre and source really are.

A good amp can make a bad speakers sound better, even great but a great speaker can’t and won’t make a bad amp and source sound any better. If anything the speakers/system can sound worse.

I believe the source and amp is by far the most important to upgrade before speakers. The JBL’s are likely the best of what you have right now.

I’ve thrown inexpensive monitors and speakers on awesome sounding sources, amp/pre and been blown away with just how good they can sound. The speakers are not the place to start and in my opinion, neither is the source unless the source is just god awful. Start with the amp and preamp and go from there.

Canyoneagle · « **Reply #9 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 05:29 pm »

Quote

I believe the source and amp is by far the most important to upgrade before speakers

Uh, oh. Not THAT unreconcileable discussion!!!!!

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #10 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 05:33 pm »

My experience has been that a better amp does not make modest speakers sound that much better. Experiment and you'll most likely find that better speakers with your amplifier will pay a much bigger dividend.

By all means if possible, try to audition whatever interests you in your home. That way you will know for sure that whatever you decide is right for you.

boead · « **Reply #11 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 05:48 pm »

Quote from: Atrane73 on 9 Jun 2008, 02:45 am

So I need speakers that can provide a good level of detail and sound stage of intimate solo, duo and trio recordings as well a dense large ensemble pieces. I am currently using an inexpensive pair of JBL Northbridge series studio monitors. Which are okay, but loose their sound stage and detail when a recording gets too dense. The bass and drums always seem to get pushed back and the midrange tends to get muddy. I am looking for speaker with a good sound stage, a good amount of detail and good bass response. ... So I will need a speaker that does not require high end amplification to come to life. Thanks in advance for you feed back and suggestions.

All that starts with the input, the source and then complemented by the amplification. Soundstage, separation of instruments in space and detail are all products of the source and amp. A good speaker will let it shine through, compliment what’s upstream but you can't expect the speakers to be responsible for more then what’s feed to it.

Shite in/shite out, so to speak.

Quote from: Wind Chaser on 9 Jun 2008, 05:33 pm

My experience has been that a better amp does not make modest speakers sound that much better. Experiment and you'll most likely find that better speakers with your amplifier will pay a much bigger dividend.

My experiences are mostly opposite but it depends on the level of gear you’re dealing with. “Best Buy” grade consumer AV for the most part are usually fairly poor. I’ve heard/lived with a number of AV amps; Denon, Pioneer Elite and such and most (not all) sound poor in Audiophile terms. Small soundstage, slurred midrange, raspy high end. You can put $10,000 speakers on them and it’ll still have poor imaging, slurred and muddy midrage and raspy high end, just a lot “clearer” and more obvious slur, rasp and veil.

Not going to argue this much - millage may vary.

mcullinan · « **Reply #12 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 05:54 pm »

Monitor Audio Silver RS6- Great speaker for the price. Clean, accurate, good tonally. Nice bass. Not detail monsters though.

Although you will probably get more bang for the buck and general overall quality by going with one of the smaller manufacturers on AC. Ive heard the Selah Tanzanites that Ed built, mucho excellente. They are not floorstanders, but pretty big monitors.

Oops one more... Ive heard Denon on Vienna Acoustics in BB which sounded very good. Denon had a nice warm/full sound to it imo.

Mike

Canyoneagle · « **Reply #13 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 05:57 pm »

I heartily agree with boead if the speakers themselves are geared towards resolution and detail, AND are extremely efficient, which would (probably) tend to sound harsh (or worse) through consumer-grade electronics.

On the other hand, I've had very positive experience with excellent speakers ($8k range, modest efficency) that have sounded FABULOUS driven by the likes of NAD, Yamaha, Denon and Onkyo electronics and source material.
Would they have sounded better with Krell/McIntosh/Bryston? Of course!

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #14 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 06:02 pm »

The problems he's describing are not going to be solved by spending $1000 on an amplifier or better source. Consumer grade electronics are far better than consumer grade speakers.

Then again by simply moving the speakers around, away from the walls, especially away from the corners, and positioning them in an equal lateral triangle, he might be able to achieve the sound he's after without having to spend anything.

boead · « **Reply #15 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 06:03 pm »

Quote from: Wind Chaser on 9 Jun 2008, 06:02 pm

Then again by simply moving the speakers around, away from the walls, especially away from the corners, and positioning them in an equal lateral triangle, he might be able to achieve the sound he's after without having to spend anything.

I agree.

Oh and new power cords.

Quote from: Wind Chaser on 9 Jun 2008, 06:02 pm

The problems he's describing are not going to be solved by spending $1000 on an amplifier or better source. Consumer grade electronics are far better than consumer grade speakers.

I bet that McAlister SE44 mentioned here recently would make those JBL’s sing!

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #16 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 06:11 pm »

Quote from: boead on 9 Jun 2008, 06:03 pm

Oh and new power cords.

He be better off with the magic / brilliant pebbles...

Canyoneagle · « **Reply #17 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 06:16 pm »

Quote

The problems he's describing are not going to be solved by spending $1000 on an amplifier or better source. Consumer grade electronics are far better than consumer grade speakers.

Yep, I totally agree there.

mcullinan · « **Reply #18 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 06:17 pm »

Boead,
Youve opened the can of worms again! Be prepared to make a significant investment before we are done with you. Hehe.
Now youve done it.
Mike

saisunil · « **Reply #19 on:** 9 Jun 2008, 06:21 pm »

I am going to make an off-beat recommendation

For HT, I heard them at the Home Entertainment show about 2 years ago in NY and was more than impressed
http://www.zvoxaudio.com/cgi-bin/item/4004251

They sounded amazing and I have been looking for reasons to buy it!

I did not listen to music through them - feel free to call ZVOX and speak with them about your 2 channel needs.

Cheers