speaker recommendation 2500 or less small room


I am new to the high end audio world and need some advice. I am a law student so money is a big issue and more than likely I will be buying used. Currently I have a set of Infinity IL60s that have blown the amps several times and I am tired of dealing with Infinity. I would like something that is well put together. I normally don't listen to my music loud. I am set up in a small room with only about 8' to the speakers so I need something that will not be picky about placement as they will be close to the back wall as well. This is also the room where I study so a speaker that has a spacious sound would be a big plus, I don't normally stay in the "sweet spot" to terribly long. I like the sound of the B&W CM7. I mention this to indicate what kind of sound I am looking for. Basically if there is anything that anyone can recommend that meets this list of hopeful options I will be very grateful. There is not really not a big selection to listen to around here so if anyone could suggest something that is for sale on this forum that would be seriously awesome. Sorry for the long post, but I have spent a great deal of time reading reviews and opinions and feel more lost now than I did a few months ago.

My current set up

Harman Kardon AVR 325 for the pre amp
McIntosh MC 300
Sony ES cd player
gsxr750ccs
I am dedidedly biased, but the I feel one of the best speakers for your setup and budget would be the Gallo Ref 3s. There are usually several pairs here for sale from $1300 up to the mid 2k region. They are not placement fussy and deliver a big soundstage even as you move about the room. Read the reviews, they are well-deserved...

-RW-
Hi, i'm not going to sell you anything, recommendations are the way we will go.

I've worked for twenty years in the industry and have had my own store in recent past but i've been into this for longer.

I agree with the first person replace that Harman Kardan receiver. It's going to be the weak link in any chain because even if you through in some fabulous speakers, you will still be missing out on the ability of conveying music.

Here's some used pre-amp recommendations that won't break the bank and offer balance to your system. Note: Models no more than 3 to 4 years old as these will generaly offer updates : Rotel, Exposure, Arcam, Consonance, Monarchy Audio, MSB Technology, Opera Audio, Prima Luna, Rogue.

These brands provide some of the top values for a well intgrated system. Some are pre-amps are solid state and others use tubes to add some in most case musicality. The solid state in this price point you can afford looks closer at the detail end of the spectrum.

For now I would be inclined to sway towards a hybrid/tube design because of your front end(Sony CD Player),. I've listened to a few pre-amps and you want to match well. This is where i've seen people start flying through money and products.

This is a big part of the problem; often voltages are mismatched between pre-amp and amplifier and no synergy. Keep in mind that all. Other than that listen, ask and read between the lines.

If you have heard speakers you like this is a good start; however, listen to a few more so you don't find yourself regretting the next week or month. Someone mentioned Usher and they are newer to North America but have had one of the best known speaker designers involved with their products. You can find awesome deals on-line used on both the book shelfs and smaller floor speakers. They have also been one of the best reviewed speakers in the last four or so years. Oh ya! Looks to die for in your price range.

Have a listen to Dynaudio, why? They have some of the very best components in their speakers period. Dynaudio introduced a new line in their speakers above the Audience line. You will find now that the Audience speaker line reduced and this makes them one of the hottest buys out there today period. Although the tweeter is not the Dynaudio Esotar it is still very smooth and once broken in the mid-range is tops period in the price point.

If your goig witha book shelf do not rule out a powered sub, now or down the road. If you sub is of good quality it will integrate and open a massive sound stage and boogie factor. The internal amp in the sub will take the load off other amp and put it's responsibility on the mids and highs. Now you won't have to tax you amp so hard with the main speakers and this gives more sense.

If you move you can still take the sub and adjust for the next room. Some recomendations for subs: SVS, Def Tech SuperCube I, HSU, James Loudspeakers, Rel and Velodyne. Go above the Velodyne entry level stuff, it's more musical; as I find the entry leans more towards home theatre rumble and not as musical.
Note: If you can get a remote with it great, it will save time going to the back to make adjustments. Easier to tell how it will sound from your seat without going back and forth. Don't give up the musical sub though because this will make great to awesome.

I'm sure on your side of the border you will find one the mentioned brand pre-amps for around $500 used. For the sub with taxes $800 with taxes and the speakers that leaves $1200 for the speakers. Focus on that for now and don't worry so much about the CD being updated for now, or the amp. Things should turn up a few notches as you will see.

Last bit, keep in mind the wire being used as you are listening to other systems or components. Short list what you like in the reasonable price range and when can afford, ad it.

Cheers,

Keith