What would you buy?

steveinaz
steveinaz Posts: 19,538
edited September 2004 in Speakers
You've been given $1500 that must be spent on 1 pair of speakers (nothing else), what would you buy?

Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • dcarlson
    dcarlson Posts: 1,740
    edited September 2004
    I hate to say a speaker other than Polk but the Totem Hawk is looking like my next speaker.
    SDA-2a, Anthem Pre-2L, Anthem Amp 1, MF A324 DAC, Rotel RCD1070

    Senn HD650 Cardas, Mapletree Audio Ear+ HD2, Kimber KS1030, Bel Canto DAC2, M-Audio Transit, Laptop.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited September 2004
    LSI 15's
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • gatemplin
    gatemplin Posts: 1,595
    edited September 2004
    I would probably get the Paradigm Signature S2, love that Paradigm sound. I would have to listen to some Totems and B&Ws aswell.
    They're dead sexy.
    paradigm_s2.jpg
    Graham
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  • PolknPepsi
    PolknPepsi Posts: 781
    edited September 2004
    1. Paradigm
    2. Lsi15

    Never heard or saw the other two.........wow does this mean you are getting new speakers?
    :D:D:D
    Denon #2900, Denon stereo receiver, Conrad Johnson Sonographe 120 amp, Blue Jeans cables, and Klipsch RF-7's
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited September 2004
    I'd buy the speakers I already own :D on the used market of course

    Dynaudio 1.3mkII

    If I got lucky to find a pair of 1.3SE's I'd buy those instead.

    Retail prices I'd probably opt for the Dynaudio 52SE. Love those Danes! Or the ACI Saphire.
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited September 2004
    KLH 5's
    Klipsch Heresey's
    POLK LS 90's
    Polk Mon 7a's
    JBL L100's

    Should be able to bag them all for $1500 total without scrounging.
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited September 2004
    Originally posted by PolknPepsi
    1. Paradigm
    2. Lsi15

    Never heard or saw the other two.........wow does this mean you are getting new speakers?
    :D:D:D

    Nope, just curious as to what is out there that I may have missed in the $1500 and under range...
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited September 2004
    A pair of Soliloquy 6.3's.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • Mjr7531
    Mjr7531 Posts: 856
    edited September 2004
    The RTi12, I need em' to fill out my system
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  • gidrah
    gidrah Posts: 3,049
    edited September 2004
    Vandersteen - 2Ce (I think that was the model)
    Magnepan - 1.6
    EdgarHorn - Slimline
    Tannoy DM12 orDM15 (I haven't actually heard these yet though)
    Make it Funky! :)
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,774
    edited September 2004
    1) Definitive Technology BP30
    2) Polk Audio SDA (enter model number here)
    3) LSi15
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • 2+2
    2+2 Posts: 546
    edited September 2004
    I was shopping for speakers about a month ago.

    Out of your list, I auditioned Energy C9, as well as C7, Paradigm Reference Studio 60 and 100 (not the 40s tho), as well as many others. I ended up buying the LSi15s.

    I will admit that the Paradigm Ref. Studio 100s did sound better than the LSi 15s. They were a bit cleaner and smoother....but they were about $2400/pr. No other speaker listed sounded as coherent and refined as the LSi 15 (btw, IMO, sounds better than LSi 25 for music).

    IMO, Energy C9 is more comparable to RTi10 or maybe even RTi12... but not the LSis.

    If your room is smaller, Totem Staff were exteremely nice.....
    System 1: Martin Logan Vantage, Rotel RC 1070, B&K Reference 200.2, Music Hall DAC 15.2, Yamaha 2300

    System 2: LSi15 w/db840, Marantz SR8400, Rotel 1080, RM6800 (C&S), Sony X2020ES

    System 3: LSi7, Yamaha SW215, Music Hall Maven, Music Hall MMF CD25 w/627opamps

    System 4: RTi100, Harman Kardon AVR 230, Panasonic DVD
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,842
    edited September 2004
    1.) Carver Amazing Platinums (if I got lucky!)
    2.) The biggest SDA's I could find!
    3.) Maggies
    4.) Polk Audio LSi's
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited September 2004
    LSi15
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited September 2004
    I know I'm probably alone here but I've always liked the Vienna Acoustics Bachs that are in that price range.

    Slightly higher MSRP but with a street price that is close to your range are the Sonus Faber Concertos. One of the sweetest sounding bookshelfs for mids and highs...but really needs a sub.

    And of the ones you mentioned...The LSi15s.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • Toxis
    Toxis Posts: 5,116
    edited September 2004
    These are the only two of the 4 you listed that I've heard and here's how I'd take 'em.

    1. LSi15's
    2. Energy C7's (I liked 5.25's over the 6.5's in the C9's)

    That's if you were only wanting to buy new. If you didn't mind going used, the list could go on for days...
    Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.

    Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.

    Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited September 2004
    Ok folks, you're missing the point here....what would you buy? Don't pick from my list---I already know what I would select, I'm interested in what you have looked at for at/under $1500.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • dcarlson
    dcarlson Posts: 1,740
    edited September 2004
    Originally posted by steveinaz
    Ok folks, you're missing the point here....what would you buy? Don't pick from my list---I already know what I would select, I'm interested in what you have looked at for at/under $1500.
    So go buy them already... :p;) You're just as bad as I am. LOL. :)
    SDA-2a, Anthem Pre-2L, Anthem Amp 1, MF A324 DAC, Rotel RCD1070

    Senn HD650 Cardas, Mapletree Audio Ear+ HD2, Kimber KS1030, Bel Canto DAC2, M-Audio Transit, Laptop.
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  • PolknPepsi
    PolknPepsi Posts: 781
    edited September 2004
    Yep.....I mis-read your original post.

    Polk
    B&W #604
    Paradigm
    Klipsch

    All good and all sound totally different............Just use good strong amplification with any of them.

    :D ............Pat
    Denon #2900, Denon stereo receiver, Conrad Johnson Sonographe 120 amp, Blue Jeans cables, and Klipsch RF-7's
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  • gidrah
    gidrah Posts: 3,049
    edited September 2004
    In that case I'd get some Altec A-8s for rears and a pair of 416B woofers for the center.
    Make it Funky! :)
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  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited September 2004
    Originally posted by steveinaz
    Ok folks, you're missing the point here....what would you buy? Don't pick from my list---I already know what I would select, I'm interested in what you have looked at for at/under $1500.
    Such a blanket statement... :)

    I really don't know of a speaker I'd want to spend $1500 a pair for, especially when there are so many vintage model bargains out there. Thus my earlier list.

    And $1500 is about what I paid for my Original CA's and Maggie 1.5's total. Four speakers that will cover the musical spectrum better than any single pair I know of...
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
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  • dcarlson
    dcarlson Posts: 1,740
    edited September 2004
    Originally posted by Tour2ma
    Such a blanket statement... :)

    I really don't know of a speaker I'd want to spend $1500 a pair for, especially when there are so many vintage model bargains out there. Thus my earlier list.

    And $1500 is about what I paid for my Original CA's and Maggie 1.5's total. Four speakers that will cover the musical spectrum better than any single pair I know of...
    That's fine if you've got the room to place those real estate hogs. ;)

    In my case I'm looking for some small towers and the Totem's fit the bill very nicely. I was pretty shocked at the size of the soundstage, the depth of bass and overall sound quality the tiny Hawks put out.

    Do you know of any small (high sound quality) vintage towers that would fit what I'm looking for?
    SDA-2a, Anthem Pre-2L, Anthem Amp 1, MF A324 DAC, Rotel RCD1070

    Senn HD650 Cardas, Mapletree Audio Ear+ HD2, Kimber KS1030, Bel Canto DAC2, M-Audio Transit, Laptop.
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited September 2004
    Originally posted by dcarlson
    That's fine if you've got the room to place those real estate hogs. ;)

    In my case I'm looking for some small towers and the Totem's fit the bill very nicely. I was pretty shocked at the size of the soundstage, the depth of bass and overall sound quality the tiny Hawks put out.

    Do you know of any small (high sound quality) vintage towers that would fit what I'm looking for?
    These aren't "vintage" but they're damn good! They'll probably sound pretty similar to the Totem's since Totem uses Dynaudio drivers.

    Dynaudio 1.8mkII for sale No Affiliation...

    1095522553.jpg
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • dcarlson
    dcarlson Posts: 1,740
    edited September 2004
    The Hawks use an MB Quart tweeter and Scan-Speak Revelator woofer. I think the Forests use a Dynaudio woofer at least they look like them anyway.

    Totems also seem a little cheaper up here I'm guessing because they're made in Canada.
    SDA-2a, Anthem Pre-2L, Anthem Amp 1, MF A324 DAC, Rotel RCD1070

    Senn HD650 Cardas, Mapletree Audio Ear+ HD2, Kimber KS1030, Bel Canto DAC2, M-Audio Transit, Laptop.
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited September 2004
    Originally posted by dcarlson
    The Hawks use an MB Quart tweeter and Scan-Speak Revelator woofer. I think the Forests use a Dynaudio woofer at least they look like them anyway.

    Totems also seem a little cheaper up here I'm guessing because they're made in Canada.
    Yeah, after looking at the Totem web site it looks like you're right. It looks like the Model-1 and Mani-2 use the dyn drivers also. Wish there were some Totem dealers around here...
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,774
    edited September 2004
    Sean,
    before it is over, I am SURE you will have tried every one of those (and then some) ;)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • PolknPepsi
    PolknPepsi Posts: 781
    edited September 2004
    Take your time ........speakers don't grow on trees!
    Denon #2900, Denon stereo receiver, Conrad Johnson Sonographe 120 amp, Blue Jeans cables, and Klipsch RF-7's
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