I Need Speaker Recommendations, Please

[Early B.]

I'm on a quest to find a pair of fronts for my HT system. I sort of decided to go with bookshelf speakers for several reasons --

- medium room size
- listening preferences (low to moderate)
- bass is covered by a kick-ass sub
- aesthetics
- mobility
- cost
- WAF


Here's what I'm looking for:

- budget is $500 - $750 new or used (in 8/10 condition or higher); I love to support manufacturers who offer high quality at a great price
- even though I have a kick-ass sub, I want the speaker to go as low as humanly possible for such a small box (I like bass all over the place)
- 6 or 8 ohm (I'll be using a receiver for a while)
- a sensitivity of 88 or higher
- aesthetics: I'd prefer something other than a basic box - maybe something like a tweeter on top or a curved shape
- color: a golden oak or birdseye maple or walnut or rosewood or something a bit exotic (sort of like the Usher X-719 or Polk Lsi9)
- a relatively "large" bookshelf speaker (again, like the Lsi9)
- I would consider an MTM configuration

One of my top choices is a Von Schweikert VR-1. It's kinda basic looking, but it has most of what I'm looking for. I'm also considering going back to a Norh product. I dunno.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

Tyler Freedom.

[Zero]

I've spent a bit of time with the VR-1's and briefly acquainted myself with your hot-rod Norh 5.1’s. With that said, here are choices that I would put above the aforementioned designs given your criteria;

Totem Acoustic Rainmaker

Despite its 4 ohm nominal rating, it is an efficient speaker with honest extension down into the lower 40hz range. Its bass is tuneful and reasonably quick. This speaker was designed to be a versatile all-arounder and has gained a reputation for being one of the top choices in its range. The one thing I feel the Rainmaker can do that neither the VR 1 or Norh can do is capture the soul of the music through excellent air and a true sense of timbre. It’s a sleek design that’s very pleasing on the eyes, easy to drive and remains an admirable performer even on mid-end electronics.


Dynaudio Focus 110

Raise your budget by 50 bucks and enter a whole new world that should give your Taylo Ref’s a good run for the money. Although they rarely pop up on audiogon, the last two ads of the 110 sold for at or around $800.

This speaker is probably the second most versatile compact monitor I’ve come across, excelling at every aspect we as audiophiles look for while also handling any type of music with non-biased ease. Its sleek, looks good, and despite its low efficiency rating (85db) and 4 ohms average impedence – its easy to drive. Some grunt HK electronics had NO trouble driving them. The voicing of the 110 made it sound more like your average 89db efficient speaker. Dynaudio is one of the VERY few companies that *knows* how to design a low-order X-over. If you can stretch the budget, these are a must-buy. Forget VS, they’ve got nothing on these loss leaders.

edit: The above information is incorrect now as someone recently listed a pair of 110's for $1000.

[Early B.]

Will 4 ohm bookshelf fronts jeopardize overheating and shutting down my receiver?

I don't play movies at real loud volumes, if that makes any difference.

[steveinaz]

Energy Connoisseur C-3.

[Ricardo]

Monitor Audio Silver S2...

http://www.saturdayaudio.com/

[Midnite Mick]

Do you not run a center channel in your front end for HT. If you do I would think that this would have to be factored into your decision as well. If not, then, don't mind me.

Mike

[Zero]

Early,

It depends on the speaker. Both the Dane and Rainmaker have very steady impedence characteristics and should not dip much below their rating of 4 ohms.

If worse comes to worse, my next recommendation would be the Triangle Comete ES. http://www.triangle-fr.com/uk/esprit-esw.php?modele=comete

Another fantastic product.

[Midnite Mick]

If you don't mind building I think these would be fabulous. Just a little over budget though.

http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=550

Mike

[tonyb]

Since your always looking for a deal Early,TAD 803.Single driver,no cross over
easy to drive,and a waf factor up the wazzu.Reviews on Audiogon and the price will please even you,200 bucks.A steal of a deal!:)

[audiobliss]

Monitor Audio Silver S2...

http://www.saturdayaudio.com/
*salivates uncontrollably*

[Early B.]

If you don't mind building I think these would be fabulous. Just a little over budget though.

http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=550

Mike

Those speakers are sweet! I didn't see any specs on them, though.

[tryrrthg]

Those speakers are sweet! I didn't see any specs on them, though.
I've been eyeing the Exodus kits for a while. I want to try building some DIY speakers. There are other kits HERE (http://www.diycable.com/main/default.php?cPath=24_92).

There are specs on the Exodus Audio 61's (http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?cPath=24_92&products_id=539)


Also, I pushed my Dyn's with a shitty yamaha receiver for about 6 months when I first got them. no issues for me.

[Early B.]

Also, I pushed my Dyn's with a shitty yamaha receiver for about 6 months when I first got them. no issues for me.

Cool. If I can use 4 ohm speakers, then my choices increase to include the Lsi9.

[Midnite Mick]

Currently, working on the 2641's myself. (sorry a little of topic...enough said)

Mike

[Early B.]

Currently, working on the 2641's myself.

Do you mean you're currently building them or working to buy them? If you're building them, you gotta take lots of pics and post them in the DIY section.

[Lsi9]

Hey Early How are you liking those Tylos?
You havent updated us since your original thread.

[Early B.]

Hey Early How are you liking those Tylos?
You havent updated us since your original thread.

The Taylos are awesome. Greatest speakers known to mankind. ;) I bought them, sold them, then bought them again. They are permanent fixtures on my 2-channel system. I considered using them on my HT system, as well. They sound great as fronts, but I don't want to risk damaging them by carrying them from room to room. The Buggs I'm currently using as fronts are very good, but they're not at the same level of SQ as my center channel. That's why I'm looking for another set of "high end" speakers.

[Lsi9]

You sold the Taylos, did you get a more expensive model after? or just the Taylos? any upgrade on the veneer?
also have you considered Dali speaks they get good reviews

[Early B.]

You sold the Taylos, did you get a more expensive model after? or just the Taylos? any upgrade on the veneer?
also have you considered Dali speaks they get good reviews

Nope. Sold them, dismantled my 2-channel system, bought them again, and re-assembled the 2-channel system.

Never heard the Dali speakers. The Euphonias look nice, though.

[Midnite Mick]

Do you mean you're currently building them or working to buy them? If you're building them, you gotta take lots of pics and post them in the DIY section.

This didn't show up in my new posts until someone posted this morning (Aug. 28).

I am currently building them. I don't have a digital camera so progress pictures aren't really very convenient but I will be sure to get one for when they are done and provide finished photos.

Thanks,
Mike

[reeltrouble1]

Big HT bookshelf, why not the RT55i? Digs to about 45hz -3db. Sounds great especially with rock.

Just a thought.

RT1

[pearsall001]

Early B,

You know there's only one thing to do to match that superb center you have. Pick up a pair of AAD 2001 monitors!!!!! That would be a truly 1st class speaker system for both HT & 2 channel. I don't think there's much else in their league for the money & even for a lot more. The only problem is trying to find a pair on your established budget. Look under the sofa's for some extra money.

[Early B.]

Early B,

You know there's only one thing to do to match that superb center you have. Pick up a pair of AAD 2001 monitors!!!!! That would be a truly 1st class speaker system for both HT & 2 channel. I don't think there's much else in their league for the money & even for a lot more. The only problem is trying to find a pair on your established budget. Look under the sofa's for some extra money.

You're right. The AAD 2001's are what is really want. For now, it's out of my price range. I would need to buy them used anyway and they're probably rarely available (unless you're willing to part with yours, of course;) ). One day they'll be mine.

[pearsall001]

It'll be a cold day in hell before I part with my AAD 2001 monitors!!!! I'll send you a picture if you'd like LOL. By the way where did you pick up the 2002?

[Early B.]

By the way where did you pick up the 2002?

Picked up the 2002 on audiogon.