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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
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.

audiothesis
128 posts
 
Polk LSiM 703
Dayens Menuetto

These two pair extremely well together and the LSiM is a better speaker than it gets credit for.  Given the budget, space, and intended sound, I think this would be a prime contender.

The 703 retails for $1500 but street price is around 40% of that or less.
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
779 posts
 
Another idea...
Magnepan MMG speakers
Peachtree Audio 150 integrated amp
Combined around $2200.
That would make a good combo. I have these speakers and have heard great things about the amp.
My 2cents
willemj
1,036 posts
 
I am sure the Magnepan speakers will sound great. However, I am not so sure about the Peachtree amp. Other Peachtree amps have shown pretty weird measured performance in Stereophile tests. I think a Yamaha AS 501 would be far better, and for less. See here for a review of its predecessor the AS 500, identical but for the lack of digital inputs. For example, the frequency response under load is stunningly flat (and a lesson to Peachtree).
ethos123
42 posts
 
You've discussed New vs Used, but there's a middle-ground option...Refurbished. That gets you a significant discount and still usually includes a decent return policy if you aren't happy with the results.

At accessories4less.com they have refurbished Kef LS50s & Focal Aria 906s both for $999. I have a pair of LS50s and highly recommend them.

Pick up a decent integrated amp for <$500 (yamaha a-s501?) and talk one of the flatmates who uses them for TV into picking up the cost of the subwoofer if any deem it necessary to feel the room shake. I have my LS50s in a master bedroom system and am more than satisfied without the subwoofer though.
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