OK, I've got £1,000 to spend on some new speakers...

As has already been mentioned, speakers have the single most significant influence on the character of sound you hear, so are often the most difficult component to choose. WIth just £1000 I would only consider secondhand, with the door open to a large range of models depending how old you are prepared to entertain (N.B. Don't assume that younger speakers necessarily sound better than older ones - some do, some don't). One approach is to seek ideas for models then try to find them, another is to see what dealers within travelling distance of you (and private  ads), and then research those - but your final choice really should be by listening in comparison to your HB1s. Be prepared to travel with your speakers (and amp) to audition by compatison, given that home auditioning might not be possible at that price point. (Reasonable travelling distance is your interpretation, and depends on what you are seeking: I did a two day 1000 mile +ferry trip to find mine!)

I reiterate Simon-in-Suffolk's recommendation of the Russell K Red 50.  I recently acquired a pair to use with a Naim V-1/100 combo, and they are fabulous--superb timing, tonality and "musical insight."

I heard - and was stunned by - HB1's years ago playing 'Walk on the Wildside' ....I'd think very very carefully before replacing them with anything under £3k Kevin.

G

kuma posted:

ATC SCM 7s for my money.

+1. The baby of the ATC range punches far above its weight, and it doesn’t get nearly enough love on here (IMO) in comparison to its bigger siblings. I was in the market for new speakers last year, and was down to the SCM7 and the SCM11. After a week of home auditioning, I went for the SCM7. Some deficits in comparison to the SCM11 – less extension, and less smooth overall – but I found them more lively, engaging, and musical (my ears, system, room, listening priorities, etc., so YMMV). Still very happy with them, and I feel that they could keep up with any front end upgrade.

Christopher_M posted:

I think there was something about the wide baffle, shallow box design of the HB1s that made them a lot of fun. I'm doubtful that you will find the same positive attribute in modern designs,

Snell? Audio Note?

M

Massimo Bertola posted:

Christopher_M posted:

I think there was something about the wide baffle, shallow box design of the HB1s that made them a lot of fun. I'm doubtful that you will find the same positive attribute in modern designs,

Snell? Audio Note?

M

Superficially, yes Max, but all bar the K model are ported whereas the HB1s are not IIRC.

Cheers, Chris

Kev,

Just looked at Wilmslows  site and you can buy their HB1 S for £317.......or get yours reconditioned probably cheaper......Result !

Just to bring facts correct

£310 without cabinets

£460 - £810 depending on cabinet

And then what happened?

C.

badlands posted:

Easy peasy, Dynaudio Emit 10 or 20, they will give you what you need, honest!

In the case of the Emit 20's they are only  £600!!!!

Give them a try. If you need or want to spend more money, try the Excite line by Dynaudio.

If one likes the Dynaudio sound, the move up to Excite is certainly worth the money. I auditioned Emit M10, M20 and Excite X14 back-to-back, and thought the 200 extra £ would have been a no-brainer. In the end I went for Neat -- the SX3 are slightly above the £1000 budget, but if you could push it a bit, I could warmly recommend the SX3.

Focal Aria 926

dave marshall posted:

Kev,

It's often been suggested that there exists a certain synergy between Naim electronics and Neat speakers, and, having progressed through the Neat range, to my ears at least, that seems to be the case.

You mention that your dealer carries Neat, so, I should have a listen to the Neat Iota Alpha, the floor standing version of the Iota.

I heard these at a mate's house, and at first glance, they shouldn't work, but once you put that thought to one side, they are quite remarkable.

I would recommend adding them to your shortlist.

I would second this suggestion: listened to these at a dealer & was suitably impressed with the sound they produced!