Look at Maggies, even if you have to buy used.

Below are some thoughts I wrote for another thread on Magnepan.

Maggies LOVE the power, it's not a myth it's a FACT. I've worked with every current Magnepan model integrated each of them into numerous systems. Even the MMGs and the 12QR really require at least 100 REAL watts , unless we're talking about someone who massively under rates their power such as Bryston. The Bryston B60 is fantastic with them, it

Why don't you check the Stereophile Recommended Components listings? http://stereophile.com/features/1007reccomps/

Vandersteen 1C with bases, $1100.

http://www.vandersteen.com/pages/Pdffiles/1crvwgry.pdf

http://www.sstage.com/revequip/vandersteen_1c.htm

Or used Vandersteen 2Ce Signature IIs.

http://stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/107vandy/

Integrated amps:

NAD
Rotel
Arcam
Musical Fidelity
Creek
Music Hall
Cambridge

The Jolida JD 1501A hybrid 100 wpc integrated amp for $675 should also get consideration. The preamp section has 12AX7 input tubes driving a MOSFET solid state power amp section. Good sound for not a lot of money.

Athena LS-500. Out of the box they sound good, but break them in at least 50 hours and they really open up and sound excellent. They are normally $700/pair but you can get them dirt cheap (brand new) for $300/pair plus free shipping. I power mine with a NAD C320BEE Integrated Amp. (also recommended by Stereophile). You can't beat the sound for both the amplifier AND the speakers for under $700!

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATLS500

How do you improve on a "Recommended" speaker? Athena Technologies F2 tower received rave reviews from the audiophile press, including a coveted Stereophile magazine "Recommended Components" recommendation.

In designing the new LS-500 towers, Athena's Gordon Van Kessel engineered a ported system with a rigid curved cabinet. Thanks to the dual 6.5" Composite Fiberglass woofers, the real-world bass response dips deeper than the legendary bass of the F2. And it's faster, too. The super lightweight 1" aluminum dome tweeter is also fast and agile with a wide dispersion pattern that fills the room with beautiful music.

At the $1500 level you open up an excellent batch of manufacturers. As far as a Polk Audio product....the LSi series is the only one capable of being in this group....and its a tough group. It's laid back, smooth and even at 4ohm, not that hard to drive.

Personally, I'm a big planar fan and if you can forgive the bass issues, the Magnepan MMG may very well be the best bargain in hifi. I have some older, 4ft wide, Tympani 1D, that my wife HATES.....HATES, so they may roll down the road but planar is my niche.

There are many flavors in this hobby and its just a matter of tasting them.

Mark

Quote:

What do you think for a pair of speakers under 1500 for a pair...

Check out Usher and Epos. Also take a listen to Totem and Spendor. All very nice sounding for a variety of music styles.

Quote:
...if someone makes a good reciever these days...

A couple worthwhile choices in receivers are NAD, Outlaw and Music Hall

Those are all excellent recommendations. I was never a big Epos fan but the Usher brand is pretty tight. I've had some S520 and the V602 and loved them. I don't know how they make any money on the S520....rather, how the dealers make any money.

Mark

Mark

best for $1500?

How about three pairs of MMG's (Magnepan) for the $1500, plus a $500 sub..and then you've got planar surround!

Beat that, for $2k.

Hey, waitaminute.

I'm in the manufacturing business...and we're about to come out with premium speaker products.

Go back to sleep. (waves hand) Forget you ever heard that.

Listen to a Totem Arro.