Where should I look for speaker info?

[TSmithPage]

I bought my last pair of speakers as a freshman entering college in 1983- almost 20 years ago now!:eek: They were Acculab speakers, which as far as I know, no longer exists as a company. They never seemed to have much in the way of stereo imaging but were a fairly efficient and precise sounding set of speakers. Prior to Christmas, while playing a George Winston CD, I noticed they were sounding muddy and not crisp. I listened with headphones and confirmed that it was not the recording. It sounds like after all these years they have finally expired. Do speakers have a shelf life?

Anyway, while I'm sure I didn't spend much on them all those years ago, I want to assure that what I replace them with is a significant improvement. I would like to be able to discern clearly the difference in quality between DCCs and other versions, so I can join the weeping and gnashing of teeth about the new remasters here.:D I don't need booming bass, but I want a set that that accurately reproduce the sound as intended. Can anyone recommend one or more websites that can provide me a refresher course on what to look for in speakers, the different types of speakers to choose from (what's 2 way vs. 3 way? what's a bookshelf vs. a regular speaker? etc.). As I may keep these for awhile, I'm probably willing to go as much as $1000 for a pair. I don't plan to replace my receiver (a Yamaha AX-500U) any time soon, and I don't think it packs a lot of power, so I'm probably looking for something fairly efficient- i.e., powered w/60 watts or so. Any thoughts?

[Ted Bell]

Todd,
IMO speakers are so subjective, that you really have to go out to the stores and just listen. For example, I love the planar sound, but others feel that not dynamic enough.

For a basic primer, try here: http://www.goodsound.com/howto/2001_05_15.htm

Have fun!!

Jay N.

[Joseph]

Todd,
Here's another good source

http://www.hifibooks.com/

[Gary Freed]

If user reviews of specific brands is what you are looking for check out
this website as a starting point.

http://audioreview.com/SearchResultscrx.aspx

Happy Hunting!:)

[Ron Stone]

About the only thing you can do with typical speaker stats is check for sensitivity and resistance, to make sure you aren't accidentally buying something that will exert too hard a load on your amplifier/receiver.

The ubiquitous "frequency response" spec is virtually useless for judging how a speaker will sound; you have to listen. The website Gary referred to is useful for reducing your audition list.