Speaker recommendations


Hi guys (and girls),

As some of you may know, I'm assembling an inexpensive system purchasing used gear in order to get the best bang for the buck i can manage.

So far, I have an old Rotel RCD971 (which i will replace with a more current, better sounding unit after i upgrade my speakers), a sugden A48b integrated amp w/ $500 of upgrades by Dan Santoni, and a pair of Rega Aras.

Room is small, heavily damped (Can't change this as it's a rented condo). So, room is not 'alive' sounding.

Amp is warm and robust sounding, HC of at least 50wpc. A bit rolled off in the treble, but good midrange and, as mentioned, robust sounding.

CD player is 'meh'...sterile...but gets the job done for the moment.

Rega Aras - seem to also be warm sounding...

Soo, with the triple warmth of the room, amp and speakers, overall the sound is too dull/ muddled.

I want speakers that are significantly more open, airy, extended and pack more of a punch.

I've made a thread about Epos m12.2 and Monitor Audio GR10, asking which would be the better match.

But, after receiving an email from a fellow 'goner, who provided a short list of alternatives, I'm wondering what opinions others may have in terms of what might work for me.

NOTE: I've tried out the arros, but i feel that they are not for me... too light in the loafers and not capable of high enough output w/out overtaxing their cones.

Can ANYONE recommend anything that I could pick up here in Toronto, Canada for 1000 bucks canadian or less that have the characteristics i'm searching for?

I'd really like to purchase locally, if at all possible, and i want to buy used gear to once again get the best bang for the buck.

Thanks again, as always.
loose
loose:
in context, it makes little sense to pay full retail; agon is full of quality speakers at or below your 1k target--if you're not enamored with the mas or epos, look at meadowlark, von schweikert or lower-end totem--all good values.
thanks Loomis,

I agree about not paying full retail - makes no sense, really. Fact of the matter is, since i'm buying used, i can't audition first, really.

I was hoping to glean some insight into specific speaker's sound character, but i guess that's quite difficult to do accurately using words in a forum post.

Frankly, i think i'm just going to have to take a leap of faith and go on a hunch. And my hunch is that the MA GR10s would work... I also think the Tyler Taylos would be nice, but they seem to be scarce 'round these here parts.

Thanks to all!
Check *Bay for some Dynaudio 52SE. An excellent speaker for the $$ - will require stands though. I bought a pair for my analogue setup and the Dynaudio Stand4. I got them both (speakers & stand) for $1100 shipped. The 52SE area discontinued item but are still a great line of affordable bookshelfs.