Need some speakers!

I second that.
Regards Gunnar

Linn Tukans are quite fiery, don't forget to budget in the stands too.

As for floorstanders you may like to note that Naim Intro/Credo/SBL etc are designed to be used close (in the case of the latter very close) to the wall yet many floorstanders, especially if rear ported, need plenty of room so the choice is not always so simple!

Bruce

...is probably overkill for speakers for your system, but I agree that they should be good enough to withstand upgrades, so would recommend the Allaes as they're fairly easy to drive and will sound better and beefier than Credos, Petites or Eposes in this system; and will also withstand upgrades. If you went for either Vitos, or (my speakers) Dynaudio 1.8/IIs, your system would be seriously unbalanced - the 1.8s need at least a NAP250.

This is exactly the sort of system an Allae will shine in - great now, better later when upgrades are made.

You should be able to get a (new) pair of SBLs for £2000 and a bit of haggling, if there are any left. I know it's overkill but they are pretty upgrade proof. But do some (home) demos.

Simon

Whatever you choose, get a home dem if possible. If you're right about the dimensions, your room is square and can have reinforced bass modes which you don't normally find in rectangular rooms. It's difficult to predict which speakers will have problems and which won't. Therefore it's important to get a listen at home.

Provided the bass issue isn't a problem, I certainly would listen to SBLs, Allaes, and AVI ProNines. I have a feeling that Dynaudios may have too much bass (standmounter or not). The Naim speakers are the most likely candidates in my view. This is because you can tailor the bass (particularly with SBLs) by moving them closer or further to/from the wall. SBLs are going for prices close to £2000 - £2200 at the moment and they are a real peach with your system.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

I would definately give the JM Lab Elektra 906s' a demo. At around £1,100 I think they are better than a lot of speakers costing double the price. I have mine on Alphason stands placed about 14 inches from the rear wall.

Phil

Tazz,

Sure, one of the standmount Neats will fill a smaller room with beautiful music. Of course, all rooms are different, so if you can dem a Critique or Petite in your room you'll know for sure.
Some folks have found the Petite a bear to use due to their specific rooms.

I haven't heard the ES11, so can't comment on that- sorry.

Get the SBL.

Bub, shut up.

I had mine running quite happily in a smaller room on the end of a 92/90/flatcap. The 150 is a more powerful amp so is a no brainer.

Push for a good deal, they are trying to get shot of um, 1500 and no more. Job done.

BTW hope you like black. snigger.

The latest SBLs have some unexplained difference in the cabinetry which makes them magical. The older SBLs are ok but I'm not a big fan. The newest ones (i.e. anything made from 2000) are fabulous.

James...I'm serious. But again, only the new ones. The older ones would scream at a 150.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

The fixtures and fittings of the newer model does indeed make it a better speaker, (if only in looks) if you have 2 grand knocking around then I would say SBLs are a logical progression.

So...how do I tell the difference between a post 2000 pair and and earlier pair (without checking serial numbers)?

Also...were SBL's really ever available in beech? I've never seen a pair (and I'd like some!!)

quote:

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I mainly listen to rock, metal, punk

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I want to mention Linn Saras, not because I think that they are better than some of the speakers mentioned above (they are not better than SBLs, for instance -- although they are very good), but because:

i. They are great little rock and roll speakers: very fast and tight, deep bass, great groove factor. Wouldn't be so great on the Tori Amos, although replacing the tweeters with the new neodynum model would improve them.

ii. They are fantastic VFM. You can get a good condition pair for probably 300 UKP. That leaves you 1700 (!) under budget. With that money you could do a lot elsewhere, (e.g., upgrade your CD5 to the CDX).

I'd take CDX + Saras over CD5 + SBLs any day.

iii. You won't get hit with big depreciation losses, like you would buying new. When you go to replace them someday you'll probably get near to what you paid.

Actually, if it were me, I'd buy 'Briks, because the sacrifice of the floor space is worth it to me. But second choice would be Saras, and money toward the source

Thanks for the suggestions folks, will start auditioning in a couple of weeks when I've moved house.

Anyone had chance to try the new KEF Reference 201's? I think they look great (shallow, I know ) , but do they sound as good?

Tim

the third cabinet variant of SBLs are identified by having veneered backs.

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio