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Just confused about where to start

Hello all,

I'm looking to add speakers to my audiophile setup which currently consists of (very high end) headphones. I want speakers for everything the headphones cannot do - simple enough. Problem is, I'm having difficulty deciding which gear I want to buy. I demoed a pair of B&W 705 S2's today and was very impressed. Unfortunately, my budget isn't that high. It's $1500 total, for the speakers and amp combined. Source is a computer. I listened to a cheaper pair of B&W bookshelf speakers (can't remember which, but were around $1200) and was not impressed. I am leaning toward bookshelf speakers but don't know if getting floorstanding at this price point would be a large increase in quality. The room they will be placed in is only 100 square feet. I am willing to buy used.

So, my questions, summed up are:

Is bookshelf a better option than floorstanding?

Is it worth looking at cheaper B&W models, or should I look at other companies altogether?

At least with headphones, I like a pretty neutral sound, if not a tad warm. Are there any companies that predominantly have this sound signature?

How should the room size inform my choice of speakers?



muffinhead123
muffinhead123 OP
34 posts
 
@timlub ok, sounds like I'll give the ELAC setup a go. I'm going to listen to some speakers today at some more HIFI stores, so maybe I'll find something else in the $1000 range. Otherwise, it sounds like that's the best option.

One more question:
Should I be averse to buying used speakers? Besides the obvious problems of dented drivers and tweeters, are there any issues I should look out for?


timlub
1,649 posts
 
Overall, no it isn't a problem to buy used speakers... You might want to ask questions first.  If the speakers have been driven very hard for years, their suspensions could be weak.  I'd personally want them to be under 7 or 8 years old without abusive treatment. 2 or 3 year old speakers should be safe and really,  if a friend had 10 plus year old speakers and I knew that they were driven with quality components and never abused with clipping & such, even then, I would buy them.... Alot to absorb and this is just my opinion from my experience.
muffinhead123 OP
34 posts
 
@timlub fantastic. I think I'm going to go used to save a couple hundred. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction. 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
1,457 posts
 
There are both Dynaudio XEO 2 standmount and XEO 6 floorstanders on Audiogon right now.  1K and 2.5K.  A lot more bass with the '6 if that's important to you.  An excellent way to go.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
Used is a good way to go, but you need to research the speakers online and try to find a shop that carries that line of speakers. They may have newer models, but you can get a sense of the sonics for that brand.

And there's no returning used speakers. That's why Elac is worth looking into.

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