$1,200 Budget for New Speakers

[Chuck]

I have a non-audiophile friend who wants to upgrade his stereo system to improve his sound quality. His budget for new speakers is $1,200. I have my own ideas (possibly something in the B&W line) but any others suggestions/ideas would be greatly appreciated. I don't want my prejudices to keep him for getting the best bang for the buck!

Thanks in advance,
Chuck

[BZync]

A pair of Paradigm Studio 40 speakers can be had for that price (or a little less). Worth an audition.

[LeeS]

Some great speakers in the Paradigm line at that price. :)

[winged creature]

I second the Paradigm studio series

[phish]

axiom audio perhaps.....

[LeeS]

Chuck,

It would also be helpful to know:

1. How big is his room?
2. What electronics does he plan to use?
3. What type of music does he generally listen to?

[woody]

i picked up the older model Opera Platea two-way floorstanding speakers from upscale audio for that price and have been happy. a good buy at that price point and are a lot better looking than the b&w's if that is any factor.

[emkay]

It's a hair over your budget, but for $1500 you can get the B&W 705s. I'm REALLY happy with mine.:thumbsup:

-mk

[SamS]

If your bud is spending $1200 on a pair of speakers, I don't think he fits into the non-audiophile crowd ;)

At that price point, I would recommend in person auditions at a local hifi shop. Thats too much money to spend on speakers to not audition in person. A hifi shop with a good setup will make you fall in love with the sound of some speakers. Happened to me twice, once with a pair of NHT 2.9s, and the other time with my current B&W N802s. Once you hear a speaker you like, you'll crave that sound until you can get it in your own home!

[Chuck]

SamS,

He wants good sound, BUT he's not an 'audiophile' in the sense that he isn't as obsessive as me or the other folks on this forums.

Chuck

[violarules]

I'd take a look at the Magnepan 12's. I bought mine a few years ago and have been more than happy!

[Chuck]

I mean, he doesn't even know or care about dead wax, re-masters, compression, hiss, or the joys of vinyl.. He really leads an empty life!

[Ski Bum]

I mean, he doesn't even know or care about dead wax, re-masters, compression, hiss, or the joys of vinyl.. He really leads an empty life!

Why does he even bother getting out of bed in the morning? :confused:

[LeeS]

He really leads an empty life!

Maybe he should spend money on a girlfriend. :)

[Paul G]

Pinnacle Black Diamond BD 1000s:

http://www.pinnaclespeakers.com/bd1000.html

Paul

[pierre168]

Linn Katan. I have their predecessors, the Tukan, and they offer good musical value. Not for rock parties nor for deep bass, though. But if you seek beautiful voices and outstanding imaging, these are hard to beat for the price. Beware of the long break in period, and don't be afraid to position them relatively close to the rear wall (a foot or so). Of course, you should listen and decide for yourself!

[Jay F]

I suggest Paradigm, too. Go to the dealer and listen, see what your friend likes.

[BaTiger]

Try a pair of vintage Klipsch Cornwall's. Lotta bang for buck. EZ under $1K.

[Taurus]

Chuck: what kind of music does he listen to?

Because I'd hate to recommend, say, some delicate standmount when the guy wants to hear his AC/DC or Sonic Youth albums at concert levels with bass output to match.

[peter]

Jean Marie Reynaud Twin Mk. III, or a bookshelf QUAD.

[motorcitydave]

Chuck: what kind of music does he listen to?

Because I'd hate to recommend, say, some delicate standmount when the guy wants to hear his AC/DC or Sonic Youth albums at concert levels with bass output to match.

If that's the case, I'll recommend the Celestion F38's at $400 a pair. They sound great with rock! :edthumbs:

[LesPaul666]

Paradigm Studio 100 versions 1-3($900-$1100.00 used)

[hal9000]

If you aren't hip to audiogon.com try it out. You can find great deals there on used audiophile equipment.

I have had a good experience with my Axiom speakers and second that recommendation.

[Hypnotoad]

I was super-impressed with the Dynaudio Focus 140's. Definitely worth listening to in that price range (used).

[OldCoder]

The B&W DM603 S3 loudspeaker got a pretty nice review from Stereophile two years ago. When I listened to it, it sounded very nice for the price.

Worth listening to if your local dealer has it on display.

http://stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/805bw/