I am starting fresh so to speak. Have not purchased any equipment since 1993. Just bought a HDTV and figured I would upgrade everythng - CD/DVD, integrated amp and speakers. I have been considering the NAD 356 amp and looking at Paradigm, Def Tech, PSB and Monitor Audio. I live in RI. We have no high-end audio shops around anymore. I would prefer to spend the money on a decent 2 channel setup rather than surround. My total budget (speakers, amp, dvd player) is $2000. I want to be semi-responsible since I am saving for college for the kid! I figured for about $1000, I should be able to get decent speakers. I would appreciate any guidance.
I'm sure others will chime in with their favorites.
You could save money over the NAD 356 by considering the comparable, very competent Cambridge Audio 650A for $499. http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=373 http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/product_reviews.php?PID=373
The Magnepan MMG is $599/pair direct from Magnepan and come with a 60 day trial with a purchase price refund. http://www.magnepan.com/model_MMG http://www.soundadviceblog.com/reviews/review-magnepan-mmg-speakers/ http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/magnepan_mmg.htm http://hometheaterreview.com/magnepan-mmg-floor-standing-speakers-reviewed/
The Oppo BDP-93 is an outstanding value that plays just about anything, Blu-ray, DVD, CDs, DVD-As, HDCD and SACD. $499 http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-93/blu-ray-BDP-93-Features.aspx http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-93/blu-ray-BDP-93-Review.aspx
Thank you! I have been looking at the OPPO, it does seem impressive. I will also give the cambridge amp a look. Are there any other speaker brands that you like? I have about 15 inches of available space on each side of my tv stand. I am not sure if I have the space for the magnepans. Plus, I admit, I am little perplexed by the technology.
Ascend Acoustic CMT-340 Mains on pedestal stands are on sale for $668/pair. http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340m.html http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/news/specials.html http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/reviews/aa2007-04.pdf
Epos ELS 303 for $650/pair. http://www.avguide.com/review/epos-els303-loudspeaker
PSB Image T5 for $1000/pair sound really good. http://www.stereophile.com/stephenmejias/real_sound_for_real_people/
Or perhaps the PSB Image B6 for $500/pair on good solid stands.
Axiom M22, Vapor Audio Breeze, Used Onix Ref 1s, B&G N2X from skiing ninja, and many more will give you great bang for Buck in that price range. The Vapor audio breeze is my favorite I have heard in this range are by far the most refined and resolving. Working with these small business owners is great because it is a very personal experience in which you can speak with the man that designed and built your speakers, plus you get WAY more for your money. Oh I almost forgot Fritz carbon 7s if you would trade resolution for more bass. Good Luck!!!
for $600 sound better than most under $1000. What kinds of other equipment will you have?
Jackfish:
I am starting fresh so to speak. Have not purchased any equipment since 1993. Just bought a HDTV and figured I would upgrade everythng - CD/DVD, integrated amp and speakers. I have been considering the NAD 356 amp and looking at Paradigm, Def Tech, PSB and Monitor Audio. I live in RI. We have no high-end audio shops around anymore. I would prefer to spend the money on a decent 2 channel setup rather than surround. My total budget (speakers, amp, dvd player) is $2000. I want to be semi-responsible since I am saving for college for the kid! I figured for about $1000, I should be able to get decent speakers. I would appreciate any guidance.
cjc
I'm sure others will chime in with their favorites.
You could save money over the NAD 356 by considering the comparable, very competent Cambridge Audio 650A for $499. http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=373 http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/product_reviews.php?PID=373
The Magnepan MMG is $599/pair direct from Magnepan and come with a 60 day trial with a purchase price refund. http://www.magnepan.com/model_MMG http://www.soundadviceblog.com/reviews/review-magnepan-mmg-speakers/ http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/magnepan_mmg.htm http://hometheaterreview.com/magnepan-mmg-floor-standing-speakers-reviewed/
The Oppo BDP-93 is an outstanding value that plays just about anything, Blu-ray, DVD, CDs, DVD-As, HDCD and SACD. $499 http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-93/blu-ray-BDP-93-Features.aspx http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-93/blu-ray-BDP-93-Review.aspx
Money left over for decent cables and shipping.
Thank you! I have been looking at the OPPO, it does seem impressive. I will also give the cambridge amp a look. Are there any other speaker brands that you like? I have about 15 inches of available space on each side of my tv stand. I am not sure if I have the space for the magnepans. Plus, I admit, I am little perplexed by the technology.
Thanks again.
Ascend Acoustic CMT-340 Mains on pedestal stands are on sale for $668/pair. http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340m.html http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/news/specials.html http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/reviews/aa2007-04.pdf
Epos ELS 303 for $650/pair. http://www.avguide.com/review/epos-els303-loudspeaker
PSB Image T5 for $1000/pair sound really good. http://www.stereophile.com/stephenmejias/real_sound_for_real_people/
Or perhaps the PSB Image B6 for $500/pair on good solid stands.
Thank you! I appreciate your advice!
Axiom M22, Vapor Audio Breeze, Used Onix Ref 1s, B&G N2X from skiing ninja, and many more will give you great bang for Buck in that price range. The Vapor audio breeze is my favorite I have heard in this range are by far the most refined and resolving. Working with these small business owners is great because it is a very personal experience in which you can speak with the man that designed and built your speakers, plus you get WAY more for your money. Oh I almost forgot Fritz carbon 7s if you would trade resolution for more bass. Good Luck!!!