Speaker Ideas upto $2500

Choose your speakers first, and then buy an appropriate amp, rather than trying to match speakers to the Bel Canto integrated amp. Since you mentioned "something like the Bel Canto S300iu", I'm assuming you haven't yet purchased an amplifier.

High sensitivity (90+ dB)/8 ohm nominal impedance/flat impedance curve (low impedance not dipping below 6 ohms) speakers will provide you the greatest latitude when selecting your amplifier.

Can you do better than the Druids in a high sensitivity, high impedance, full range loudspeaker for $2500 used? I'm not sure...maybe a Proac model? Lots of people loved the Druids for a long time until a newer, fresher rabbit showed up in the field. Buy them used for around $1500, and you'll be in good shape to try them and resell them with little loss if you don't care for them.

Having said all that, if you already own the Bel Canto S300iu, then as Shadorne said, you have a large selection of speakers from which to choose that will perform well with the amplifier. Near the top of my list would be used Vandersteen 3A Reference.

..buy a good set of used speakers for a good price.
Any speakers. If you don't like them, sell them and buy something else.
Br3098 (Answers)

Bzzzzz!

Essentially what I suggested, although I did mention three possibilities to
investigate (Proac, Zu Audio, Vandersteen).

There's nothing wrong with asking for suggestions and using the
recommendations to further one's research, which is what the OP did by
starting this thread. He also mentioned an integrated amp, but he used the
work "like" as a qualifier, so it appears he may also be looking for an amp. We
don't know until he responds.

You make some excellent points, Br3098, but there's no reason to dismiss all
the suggestions. The OP wants some ideas.

... in my opinion there are simply too many variables
in the slection process for a speaker to allow any of us to provide the guy
with any really useful information that will provide an accurate idea how any
of our recommendations will actualy sound in his environment.

Br3098 (Answers)

Almarg had the best response to your comment.

By your logic, it seems to me that there would be little
reason for a forum such as this to exist.

Regards,
-- Al
Almarg (Answers)

Br3098, if you don't believe this thread serves a useful purpose, then perhaps
you'd be better off not participating. Thus far, you've only shared the opinion
that the responses are of no value. Where's the help to the OP in that?
"Hey, pal, these guys don't know squat. Find something on your
own."

If that's the kind of discouraging reply I received when I first started asking
questions here, I'd have never assembled a system.

I understand your point of view, but I think your attitude toward those here
who are trying to be helpful could be improved.

Does this long winded post clarify anything?
Hapaknack

Yes.

You are starting from ground zero.

You have a budget of $2500.

You want a full range sound (based on your comment about wanting a sub
recommendation if needed), but not necessarily a full range speaker.

Do you want a speaker that will limit the type of amplifier you use with it? In
other words, do you want the flexibility to be able to experiment with a tube
amp later on? If so, you need to look for high sensitivity/8+ ohm/flat
impedance curve (minimum impedance of 6 ohms) speaker. If you don't
intend to ever try a tube amp, then your possibilities increase.

I would strongly suggest buying used speakers that can be resold, or buying
speakers that can be auditioned in your home and returned if you don't like
them. Some companies that offer this are: Zu Audio, Audiokinesis, Tyler
Acoustics, Daedalus. You might have to up your budget for new speakers, but
it could be worthwhile.

Otherwise, if you choose to buy used, then you'll have to do some serious
homework, make an educated decision, and then gird your loins and take a
chance.

You can take comfort in knowing that if you're anything like majority of folks
on Audiogon, this purchase will be just the beginning of your journey, and
whatever you buy will be replaced within a couple of years (or sooner).

:)

05-28-09: Bondmanp
While in-home trials of loudspeakers are a great way to audition speakers in
your home, if you don't have sources and amps yet, that could be challenging
:-)

Absolutely. It's a real Catch-22.

The OP has previously stated that he doesn't have any dealers nearby.

05-28-09: Bjesien
I would start out with a combination that has "general" concensus.

I generally agree with that approach. I'd suggest narrowing it down to a specific speaker once the OP decides if he wants a "tube friendly" speaker or a speaker that will be driven by a solid state amp. I believe this is an important decision to make before writing the check.

Having been down this road and having learned from doing it incorrectly, were I to do it again I'd buy a tube friendly speaker around which to build a system...but that's just my preference.

Once a decision has been reached about a specific speaker model, then the OP can search the threads or the virtual systems to see what amps others are using with the speakers.