What Speakers Would you Suggest for me?

[Alex_UK]

Following on from another comment in another thread, I thought I'd hypothetically ask the question in readiness for any readies suddenly materialising!

Dave DSJR is the only person on here who has heard my system, and feels it would benefit from new and better speakers. He knows a thing or two about hifi, so I can't disagree with him (though I would add that I have been very happy with my Acoustic Energy Aegis Evo 3's - but accept that they are the cheapest component in my system and could easily be bettered.)

OK, then - some requirements: Apart from sound (obviously) the number one requirement would be stability - my little 'un has knocked one over before (luckily without damage to either the speaker or her) - I don't give a monkeys about the kit but do about my daughter! So for this reason, I would assume stand-mounts would be out? My gut-feeling is that floorstanders are more stable (and I will be looking at making some "outriggers" if necessary to add more stability.) Does anyone disagree? Are there standmounters that are just as stable? (bolt onto the stands, maybe?)

Second requirement is that the speakers need to be reasonably domestically acceptable - this isn't "WAF" as my better half has always been very accommodating, but my requirement as I do like my kit to fit in with the surroundings - so no Electrostatics or bloody great horns, and open baffles are probably out.

The room is 18' x 12' and the speakers will stay in the same position as they are here:

I usually keep them against the wall when not in use or for background listening and move them into this position for listening on my own so they also musn't be too heavy! The plan at the moment is to change the flooring to "Engineered Wood" with a 8' x 6' rug in the middle of the room - so I'm also likely to use Soundcare SuperSpikes for feet as they will be moved around and a spike cup solution would be too fiddly.

I'm happy to go second-hand to save a few pennies, and I guess with the rest of my system being pretty modest it would be silly to spend more than £500 or so? If it would make a big difference then I guess I could go a bit more but probably a maximum of £750. Obviously if there is a hidden gem out there for £100 that will better my current speakers that would be fantastic!

My own thoughts in the past have been second-hand Spendor S5E and Dali Suite 2.8 (was very tempted by Shaun's that he sold bar the travelling...) and Monitor Audio Silver RX6 look gorgeous and are getting great reviews (though I don't think MA have many fans here...?) to name but 3.

So over to you folks - what would you suggest? Might just give me the motivation to divert the money from somewhere! (I've never won anything with my premium bonds anyway!)

[Techno Commander]

Admittedly, its pushing your budget a bit. But there is some room for haggling over price.
I would want these PMCs if spending 750+ (ish)

[Reid Malenfant]

Celestion Ditton 66 They are floorstanding, not too heavy to move & the front grille has a nice handy steel mesh behind it to keep grubby little fingers off of the drive units.

As well as that they go deep & are easy to drive, the only negative thing is they aren't cheap secondhand There are a couple of pairs on the bay right now

[technobear]

You need a PA speaker

Think about it! PA speakers don't follow the tall and thin 'speakerette' fashion of hifi. They tend to be dumpy and heavy so won't be knocked over easily (if at all).

They can be had with metal grills so inquisitive little fingers can't go poking tweeters and such.

They can also be had on castors so easy to pull out when you want to use them.

Further, they tend to be sensitive which gives them a life-like open and fast sound that is quite addictive once heard.

What's not to like

[Marco]

Hi Alex,

If you're serious about buying new speakers, if were you, I'd snap these babies up:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Leema-Acoustic...item2a0d3488a7

Leema speakers are voiced very 'realistically', without the unnatural emphasis at the top-end of many modern speakers, but without being in any way dull or boring. They are a genuinely class act.

The Xone's have excellent bass for their size, boogie like a b*stard, are built beautifully. But best of all, you're getting £1850 worth of top-notch speakers for £699!!!!!

I can also give some vintage recommendations, if you wish.

Marco.

[The Vinyl Adventure]

there is a certain chap selling a pair of Heco Celan 700 speakers i think you once showed an interest in once alex ...

im not sure im allowed to link to that other forum??
erm ... neutral ground maybe? - http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=92182

[John]

I also see if these are still for sale http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/2332
They are really quite good and very underated, speak to Hifidelityguy he has my old pair I only got rid of them as I perfer open baffles and do not have to compromise.
John

[Alex_UK]

Thanks for the suggestions so far chaps - lots of diversity as I expected!

I have to say Marco's suggestion so far is my fave - but you're right Hamish I did hanker after the Heco's... None of the options are out yet though, even the PA speakers!

Keep 'em coming chaps, cheers!

[Marco]

Hi Hamish,

there is a certain chap selling a pair of Heco Celan 700 speakers i think you once showed an interest in once alex ...

im not sure im allowed to link to that other forum??
erm ... neutral ground maybe? - http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=92182

No problem linking to Audio Future, but the ad I would believe is the same on pfm

I've already commented on Steve's Hecos, so won't repeat myself again. However, what I would say is that, given what you're using just now, Alex, I'm sure they'd be a significant upgrade (and they're certainly minty mint and have been well looked after - I can vouch for that).

It just depends on what you're used to, sonically... TBH, at £550 they're a bloody bargain!!

Marco.

[Macca]

So far I like John's suggestion of the Wharfedale Opus 3 - mid range domes and proper sized bass drivers not those piddly little 4'' things on the Leemas

33 kilo each too so you will build up your physique pushing them about Alex