Celestion - what to choose

[MisterMoseley]

good morning all
new member here.
long term lover of music, but don’t have the experience of many others of having used/owned different hi-if components.
I was only asking the other day where I was during the time when British companies made some of the best (affordable) hifi kit around and I let it pass me by.
Anyway, for reasons which I can’t really explain I have a desire to try a pair of legacy Celestion Dittons. I would have liked to try some Tannoy DCs but my budget just isn’t going to stretch that far. Well I suppose it could if I could be sure from the outset that I was getting my “for ever” speakers.
I’m struggling to know where to start.
the obvious place is perhaps a pair of 15Xrs, but I’ve also tried to read up on 25s, 33s, 44s and 66s. I wouldn’t mind having to tidy up the cabinets but I would not have the skills to change internal components, etc.
If relevant, the room size is 4.3m * 3.8m & my amp is a Rega Brio. I have a nasty bass hump/standing wave present at around 44/45Hz which when I use my streamer, I can equalise this out so that the house doesn’t shake.
I guess what I’m looking for are a pair of speakers which will last me a few years without having the constant urge to upgrade to something “better”.
Any help very much appreciated, even if it’s to say give up before you start and just enjoy what you have (which by the way are a mint pair of Castle Severn 2s which are a delight to listen to from a non-fatiguing perspective).
What should I look out for with Celestions? Are there any obvious pitfalls, danger signs, etc. How easy/difficult ,might it be to source replacement parts?
Are any of the models such a head and shoulders jump above others that those are the ones to go for?
Thanks everyone.
Stuart

[Macca]

The 66 are not bad but I don't think a Brio R will have enough welly to do them justice. None of the others are worth considering as 'forever' speakers IMV.

I'd go with the Tannoy DC. They come up fairly regular around the £2K mark.

[struth]

probably look for something fairly sensitive if i were you.. 90+db. probably avoid the older celestions.

[Lawrence001]

Does it have to be vintage as the A range are exceptional speakers?

[walpurgis]

I've heard all the Celestions you mention many times, I can't say there are any I'd like to own again.

In my opinion the original Ditton 15 is preferable to the 15XR and probably easier to live with than the others too.

If you have a bass problem the last thing you need is a pair of Ditton 25's or 66's. They'd probably boom like crazy.

The 44, 25 and 66 use the HF2000 tweeter, which is a fragile device and often blown, replacements are pricey and getting scarce. There are questionable alternatives.

Personally, I'd sooner listen to a set of KEFs from the same era.

[MisterMoseley]

The 66 are not bad but I don't think a Brio R will have enough welly to do them justice. None of the others are worth considering as 'forever' speakers IMV.

I'd go with the Tannoy DC. They come up fairly regular around the £2K mark.

Thanks. Amongst the many questions in my mind, I did wonder if the Brio might be a bit lacking.

[MisterMoseley]

probably look for something fairly sensitive if i were you.. 90+db. probably avoid the older celestions.

Thank you. Exactly the sort of advice I need to prevent me making a colossal mistake. I appreciate the help.

[MisterMoseley]

Does it have to be vintage as the A range are exceptional speakers?

Thanks for taking the time to reply. No, it doesn’t have to be the older Celestions. I haven’t come across the A series before - I’ll have a look. Is there a particular model you would point me towards?

[Haselsh1]

I remember back around 1983 listening to a pair of Celestion SL6's and being completely blown away by the vocal realism. The track in question was by Joan Armatrading 'Love and affection' and was truly amazing. The demo was at a local dealer using a Logic DM101 and Crimson Electric monoblocks and preamp. I've never forgotten that sound.

[MisterMoseley]

I've heard all the Celestions you mention many times, I can't say there are any I'd like to own again.

In my opinion the original Ditton 15 is preferable to the 15XR and probably easier to live with than the others too.

If you have a bass problem the last thing you need is a pair of Ditton 25's or 66's. They'd probably boom like crazy.

The 44, 25 and 66 use the HF2000 tweeter, which is a fragile device and often blown, replacements are pricey and getting scarce. There are questionable alternatives.

Personally, I'd sooner listen to a set of KEFs from the same era.

Thanks.
Again, just the sort of information I need to stop me making a big mistake. I really appreciate comments from members who have actual experience of these speakers, which I do not.
Could I ask if there are particular KEF models that you would point me towards?