Speakers for Simaudio Moon I-5


I'm starting to build a system from the ground up and I'm really quite new to it all. The only piece I currently have is the Moon I-5. From here I want to buy speakers and a cd player -- both used. I'd like to get the best bang for the buck.

I'm not very concerned about the cd as I plan to go cheap (a relative term here :) -- probably less than $700. The speakers are another issue. I want to buy something I can live with for a long time.

My current room size is "medium" -- an apartment that I will be in for the next few years until I buy a home. I mostly listen to what most would consider "rock" music. I'm a guitarist and I like listening to others guitarists but with the right setup I'm sure I'll enjoy some classical and jazz.

I'm thinking I'd prefer to go with monitor speaker vs floorstanders and I've been to a few shops to sample what they have - though, since I'm buying used I'd really prefer to stop wasting the saleperson's time.

Short and sweet....out of the few speaker I've heard (dynaudio, B&W, Thiel) I loved the Dynaudio S1.4

Which leads me to believe that the 1.3se might be a great used buy. Although I'm a little concerned about the Moon's ability to drive these speakers. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations or advice. There are so many choices out there it can be overwhelming. That along with buying used/untested can be tough.

Any help appreciated...

John
jroth
A friend of mine has Mon I-5 and Nova cd player and he is driving Totem Hawk floorstander and it sounds excellent. The bass is so good that he sold his subwoofer after a week or so.
I sedond Rkmca's observation. The Hawk's are demoed at my local high end dealer with the I-5 and Nova.
Thanks for the input. I checked out the Hawks at the Totem website and they look like nice speakers. It looks like they have the same power requirements as the Dynaudio 1.3se also....so I'm glad to hear that the I-5 seems to have no trouble driving them.

I don't believe any of the local dealers near me carry Totems. Has anyone also heard the Dynaudio 1.3se that could offer a comparison between these and the Hawks? Thanks.
Galen Carol audio in San Antonio, TX may be able to help you, http://www.gcaudio.com. He may let you audition the speakers but you have to pay for shipping. That's the way my friend bought his who is in San Diego, CA.

Disclaimer: I'm not associated with Galen Carol Audio and have not done any business with them.
Not sure what your speaker budget is, but I paired my I5 with Joseph Audio RM7 si, a wonderful match. Can be had for about $1k used. Consider as well the Tyler Acoustics Taylo ref monitor or even the Linnbrooks (if your wallet can handle it!)