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Speakers to build a $6500 system around

I am frustrated with all the speaker choices available in the $2k range. There's just too many! I listen to all music types but I lean towards jazz, vocals and reggae. I have a bedroom system consisting of an Rega Apollo cd player, Music Angel EL34 integrated pushing an old pair of Energy 4.1e's which I enjoy very much. However, this set-up in my larger tiled family room just doesn't cut it. Can someone recommend a source,full range speaker and integrated combo that can deliver "you are there" kind of sound for around $6500? My room is not ideal. It measures 16' x 20'. One side opens out to a dining area. I have to place these speakers against the long wall. I would really appreciate any opinions on speakers in the $2000 dollar range that I can really build something special upon. Thanks!
ejineffect
daverz
477 posts
 
Oh, by the way, that sounds like a very nice room. I don't know why short wall setup is the conventional wisdom. Some very smart people (e.g. John Dunlavy) preferred long wall set up in their listening tests.
develyn50
41 posts
 
In my room, speakers against the long wall sound better than against short wall. I have no idea why, it just does.
ejineffect's avatar
ejineffect OP
22 posts
 
Develyn50, what speakers are you listening to?
unsound
6,115 posts
 
I too prefer the long wall placement with room treatment behind the listening position.
213cobra
762 posts
 
Let's save you some money and solve your problem.

You have a good CD player and a perfectly fine amp. You need speakers that can uncork the potential of both and drive sufficient dynamics and volume into a larger room on the power you have.

I see that Zu Audio returned to direct sales today. Their excellent Essence speaker is now just $3500/pr. They are flat to 30 Hz and 97 db efficient. The Zu main driver has been reworked for satisfying dispersion and more open top-end sound, further extended by a fast, transparent ribbon supertweeter.

There. Try that one change and if you still want more oomph, you have $3,000 plus the value of your power amp left to further upgrade, or you could just buy a lot more music.

Phil
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