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Speaker Upgrade?

I have a Shanling cd player directly wired to a Conrad Johnson CV-50, in my living room (18 x 12). I'm currently listening to Vandersteen 1C's, and I'm thinking of upgrading my speakers. I listen to everything from tango to techno, John Cage to Nick Cave. Right now, I have about 1k to spend, and am considering Von Schweikert VR-1's, Quad 12L's and GMA Europas: the Taylo minis are intriguing but a budget stretch. I'm wondering if any of you have advice on the matching of these speakers with the cj and Shanling tubes. I'm also wondering if there are other speakers I should consider, and if these I've mentioned are an actual upgrade. I'm not unhappy with the Vandy's, but they're six years old and I'm a bit tired of looking at them. I'm also wondering if I should wait, save my pennies and go for a major upgrade (say 2k) in a year or so. WAF is a HUGE consideration, as this is our living room and she'd (we'd) prefer something beautiful to look at (the Europas will be a hard sell visually). Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks much.
wiley
wiley OP
10 posts
 
CJ MV-60, not 50.
subaruguru
1,353 posts
 
WAF and a slightly soft top being huge factors in our HT (secondary) system, I went with gorgeous Spendor S3/1p in rosewood, used for $800, atop the Target-clone 4 pillar Plateau v23 (inch) shot/sand-fillable stands from Canada ($200). Hard to beat for $1k, and far more sensitive and bigger bottom than the diminutive S3. Whatever you decide, be sure to demo IN-ROOM, and have fun.
sedona
144 posts
 
A couple recommendations: The Von Schweikert VR1's would be a good choice and you could add the VR1 subwoofer down the road which would give you the same or better sound than the Vr2 floorstand ( there is a Vr2 for sale on Audiogon for $1600 - great price)
Also, Source Technology (www.sourcetechspeakers.com) has a great reputation - although under the radar - they sell a monitor 1.7CF that might be a great fit for you in the price point you seek.
Best of Luck
listener57
730 posts
 
I agree with recommendation for the Spendor SP3/1P, providing the inimitable, beautiful, British sound. When I used a 35 watts per channel tube amp, there was no way to make these ever sound harsh, even with poor recordings. If you want a more modern, elegant look, consider Platinum Audio Solo's, one of the reasonable sized monitor speakers which the same 35 tube watts per channel drove beautifully, against the advice of the giant transistor amp boys. The clarity was even better, and the bass extension in another world compared to the more reserved Spendor. If your wife will be listening with you, the Spendor is more relaxed, and less dramatic, and that might tip the scales.
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