Classical music speaker recs for small room?


Hi,

I'm currently in the market for a pair of good classical music speakers that are under $500 and for a room roughly 120 square feet.

I don't intend to live in this box forever, which is why I don't want to invest in something bigger/more expensive. But---how can I put this---Altec-Lansing and Schubert aren't really on the best of terms right now, and I need a huge upgrade in order to make at least one of them happy (schubert).

I primarily listen to classical---especially newer music with sharp, percussive attacks; piano music; and the standard orchestral fare. Next on the list would be experimental/electronic music, jazz, bluegrass, etc. For what it's worth, I'm a classical musician myself and tend to be fairly picky when it comes to these things.

The Paradigm Atom V5 and PSB Alpha B have been recommended, but I'm willing to spend up to $500 and would welcome any recommendations in that ballpark. Also, I'm willing to get something a little too big for this space so that they can be of SOME use when I finally decide to move...

A million thanks,
Robert
therearegoats
12-20-09: Kr4
I never trust anyone who says "Trust me." FWIW.

Kal

That's fine....but not much of a suggestion to help the original posters question. I on the other hand have been a musician the last thirty five years playing the tenor and bass trombone, baritone/euphonium, as well as the cello. I play both classically as well as jazz and have been an audiophile for well over twenty five years. I have components that cost in the tens of thousands of dollars as well as inexpensive ones. For a budget of less than $500 for a pair of speakers to be used in such a small room for the type of music he prefers, you will be hard pressed to find a better sounding speaker. It is easy to drive, sounds fantastic with tube gear, it gets the timbre correct, it is dynamic and plays great in that size room. I would not recommend them for large rooms however.
I was able to pick up a pair of NHT classic three brand new with warranty for $500 on ebay. These are phenomenal speakers for the price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NHT-Classic-Three-Speaker-Free-Shipping_W0QQitemZ110469740609QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSpeakers_Subwoofers?hash=item19b8827841