2. speakers
  3. 1089178520

Dynamic monitors for Audio Refinement Complete

After almost a year of living with sub-par speakers, I am finally ready to upgrade my audio system. If anyone could offer me some advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

I've got an Arcam CD-92 feeding an Audio Refinement Complete integrated amplifier. I'll be moving into a smallish Boston apartment and am looking for a pair of monitors to connect to the ARC.

I like the sweetness of my current system, but both the Arcam and the Audio Refinement are a bit smooth and laid-back. So I'm looking for speakers that have a little bit of energy.

My music taste is primarily indie and classic rock with some electronica mixed in, so the lower octaves are important to m.

My budget is $1500 used. I'm currently considering the following (some of which are going to be a financial stretch....):

B&W N805 or CDM1
JMR Trente
JM Lab 926
GMA Europa
ProAc
Joseph Audio RM7si
Paradigm Signature S2

I have not yet had a chance to listen to any of these models, but will do so over the next four to six weeks. If anyone has some thoughts on the speakers and on their compatibility with the Audio Refinement amp, I would really appreciate it.
niravp
celtic66
990 posts
 
You've picked some great ones! Include the Coincident Triumph TRS monitor with upgraded internal wiring, crossover and tweeter. Good luck.
sfar's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sfar
1,352 posts
 
I'm using an Audio Refinement Complete and modified Music Hall CD-25 with a pair of ProAc Response 1s's. I'm extremely happy with the combination.
niravp OP
55 posts
 
Thanks for the advice. Part of me also wants to give the Dynaudio Contour or Audience line a shot, but from what I hear, they are too power-hungry to really sound good with my amplifier.
s7horton
1,065 posts
 
I've owned the audio refinement numerous times. I still love it. I had it paired with some B&W CDM 1NT's with some great success. If you can afford to jump up to the N805's, I would go that route. The s N805's will be even better when you can afford to go with better electronics. But I'lll bet the ARC will be a great match...
niravp OP
55 posts
 
S7horton,

I just took a look at the 805s, and for the first time realized that they are front-ported. That should be a desirable attribute in my smaller room, since I will need to put the speakers close-ish to the walls (but certainly not against them!).
More to discover