Topic: ? Speakers (& amp).........

[taylorc]

There aren't many auditioning opportunities in my area, so I need some input.  I need a new pair of speakers and an amp.  The thing is, it's sort of temporary (as in a year or two).  I have speakers and an amp picked out for the future, but with buying a house and whatnot...I need to take a route that's a lighter on the wallet for the time being...although not too limited (<$3500).

Would prefer to buy new.  Eventually going tube.
Speakers: Two channel for music and video.  Prefer no sub.  Filling larger space.

I don't get off on speakers that force you into too narrow of a sweet spot.  Too many speakers create a "boxed in" soundfield...whereas it seems that nothing's happening outside a certain area.  Would like to avoid that.

Any specific ideas?

[Tim]

speakers, I'm going to say a pair of Von Schwiekert VR-2's would fit the bill...

that should leave you $1250 or so to get an amp with. there are some very nice integrated tube amps available at that price if you don't want to wait to go tube.

[Nick Culbreth]

speakers, I'm going to say a pair of Von Schwiekert VR-2's would fit the bill...

that should leave you $1250 or so to get an amp with. there are some very nice integrated tube amps available at that price if you don't want to wait to go tube.

I can't comment on the Von Schwiekerts, but I'd definately recommend checking out one of the budget integrated tube amps.  I love my PrimaLuna and there are a number of amps from ASL and Jolida which should fit into your budget.

[Daryan]

VMPS 626r's with all the upgrades.  I just ordered mine!  http://www.vmpsaudio.com

[ducati]

Don't wait to go tubed, or you'll spend the next few years after going tubes wondering why you wasted so much of your life with a "stopover sand amp."

 

[taylorc]

Thanks for the tips (+t)...basically just looking for some hold-me-over gear that isn't a cheap, rip off and that also has resale value.  The amp I can come up with.  It's the speakers that are troubling...not being able to go and listen to find what I want.

[Nick's Picks]

 Manley Stingray integrated tube amp > VR2s...would put a smile on anyones face, me thinks.
There are several people here on this board who bought VR2s, w/o ever hearing them...and I think everyone has been quite happy.
I was one myself.


thats my $.02
but for stupid cheap money,
Sony 2000es amp > decent monitors
maybe $12-500 ...depending on speakers  I think this would be hard to beat.


***edit****
hey, I pimped myself out on this post.
as I re-read it later on...I find it doesnt sit right
with me.  I wont do that again.  -T to me.

[JeffK]

No big deal Nick, if you can score people great deals on solid gear... then by all means pimp away, IMHO.

[Nick's Picks]

thanks...but I still cringe when I see other people do it...so I wont myself. 

as for value, then you should buy everything in this "hold over stereo" used.

for example, the componants I lsted...there are both of these (stingray > vr2) available on adiogon.  Looks like you could score them both for around $2800 used.
You could do that...run them for the next 2 years and then sell them fair and square as the "2nd ownder" for what you paid for them, with some wiggle room to haggle or offer a better deal.
Say you sold them as a package for $2500.  a GREAT stereo for the investment.  It cost you $300 to run it for two years.
thats value.

[Frank M]

I don't get off on speakers that force you into too narrow of a sweet spot.  Too many speakers create a "boxed in" soundfield...whereas it seems that nothing's happening outside a certain area.  Would like to avoid that.

Any specific ideas?

As mentioned before: Von Schweikert.  The VR-4's are exceptional when it somes to creating a wide soundstage that doesn't collapse or change significantly when you move off center.  You have to get pretty close to one of the towers before the sound collapses.  A used pair of first-generation VR-4's run about $1,500 (were ~$3,500 new).  These speakers also respond very well to bi-amping: tubes on the mid/tweeters, SS on the woofers.  I've had mine for about 10 years and have no desire to replace them--they're the perfect loudspeaker for my tastes.