Topic: Help with a 2nd system

[bgalizio]

I'm reasonably certain that I'll be putting together a small second system for our upstairs sitting room. We live in a split level with a finished basement, and the basement is where the TV/stereo/surround systems are located. This second system would be for casual listening, entertaining, dinner music, etc. It needs to be reasonably small. I'm having trouble picking speakers.

I'm nearly sold on the Jolida 1301a hybrid amp, as I love the sound of my 102b, and I can get a great price on this one new:
http://www.jolida.com/catalogue/models/jd1301.shtml

For the source, I can move my Squeezebox back and forth. I would also add the Denon 1920 universal player, as there are some great deals on that source. Anything wrong with the 1920 (gaps with DVD-As, etc.)?

The speakers are my main problem. I have no experience with small monitors or speaker stands. I was considering the following, based on good reviews (no place to audition these or much else in my price range):

Monitor Audio B4 (discontinued) or BR5 for slim floor standers:
http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/product.php?range=8&product=57

Monitor Audio BR2 monitors:
http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/product.php?range=8&product=56

Anything else to consider? Paradigm, Epos, etc.? If monitors, any stand advice? I'm looking at $300-400 for the speakers, so the discounted VR-1's are definitely out. Jolida recommends I use speakers with at least an 88dB sensitivity for use with the 1301a. Also, subwoofers are OUT for this system. Not going to happen.

[WiFiJeff]

You might try the Spherex system, which was built for XBox gamers but has gotten some rave reviews.  I reaad about it here:

http://theaudiocritic.com/blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=37&blogId=1

The systems can be bought on eBay, they have been discontinued since the company was bought by Klepsch.  The conspiracy theorist in me was interested in that (a cheap new competitor to high-end hifi, KILL IT QUICK), so I bought the system a month ago for about $350.  What comes in the box is: 5 small unconventional speakers for surround sound and a subwoofer in an enclosure with the amplifier, plus necessary cabling.  The Audio Critic raved about it, but faulted the bass.  I have no problems with the bass, but find the mid range a bit thin (but then I haven't made an effort to properly tune the setup to my room).  It is WAY better than my $1500 living room hifi but I suspect I could do better for $20,000 (Audi Critic says you won't!).

Jeff

[bgalizio]

You might try the Spherex system, which was built for XBox gamers but has gotten some rave reviews.  I reaad about it here:

http://theaudiocritic.com/blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=37&blogId=1

The systems can be bought on eBay, they have been discontinued since the company was bought by Klepsch.  The conspiracy theorist in me was interested in that (a cheap new competitor to high-end hifi, KILL IT QUICK), so I bought the system a month ago for about $350.  What comes in the box is: 5 small unconventional speakers for surround sound and a subwoofer in an enclosure with the amplifier, plus necessary cabling.  The Audio Critic raved about it, but faulted the bass.  I have no problems with the bass, but find the mid range a bit thin (but then I haven't made an effort to properly tune the setup to my room).  It is WAY better than my $1500 living room hifi but I suspect I could do better for $20,000 (Audi Critic says you won't!).

Jeff

Thanks Jeff! But, I'm definitely not interested in a 5.1 system in that room. The WAF says no subs and a smallish footprint for the speakers. I won't be wall mounting anything here.

[BC]

Anything else to consider? Paradigm, Epos, etc.? If monitors, any stand advice?

Definitely Paradigm and Epos.

Some other brands and models to think about:

PSB alpha
http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/507psb/

Infinity Primus series
http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1007inf/

NHT:
http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1106nht/

[Eigenklang]

Yep, I would also listen with Epos again and again 

[bgalizio]

The Epos speakers in my price range are the ELS-3. They look like they won't go very low, but do have some excellent reviews. I'm not looking to rattle the house, and listen to mostly acoustic music.

Any specific Paradigm speakers I should consider?

[BC]

Any specific Paradigm speakers I should consider?

depending on price range: Atom, Titan, Monitor series. I'm not too up on the going rates for the different price levels but a search on audiogon and ebay should give you a good idea of what is up your alley.

[Will_S]

You might try the Spherex system, which was built for XBox gamers but has gotten some rave reviews.  I reaad about it here:

http://theaudiocritic.com/blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=37&blogId=1

The systems can be bought on eBay, they have been discontinued since the company was bought by Klepsch.  The conspiracy theorist in me was interested in that (a cheap new competitor to high-end hifi, KILL IT QUICK), so I bought the system a month ago for about $350.  What comes in the box is: 5 small unconventional speakers for surround sound and a subwoofer in an enclosure with the amplifier, plus necessary cabling.  The Audio Critic raved about it, but faulted the bass.  I have no problems with the bass, but find the mid range a bit thin (but then I haven't made an effort to properly tune the setup to my room).  It is WAY better than my $1500 living room hifi but I suspect I could do better for $20,000 (Audi Critic says you won't!).

Jeff

Anyone as intrigued by this as I was...

Parts Express is blowing these out (sans amplifier, but I happen to have a plate amplifier that should fit the sub and a T-amp lying around unused).  5 sats+sub for $99 (plus 50 shipping to my address) or what I ended up going with 2 sats for 40 + 10 shipping and sub for 20 + 25 shipping.

http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?&WebPage_ID=3

I should note I've never heard these, can't vouch for them, but given the rave reviews I was willing to risk $100 on it, should at least do for a bedroom or computer system.