[hazertag]


Currently have some KEF Coda 7's on loan from a friend.  This loan is being called and I will need to finally buy my own speakers.  Set up will be Pro-Ject Debut Carbon>Marantz 1060>????? Looking to spend not much more than $350-500. New or Used is still up in the air.

 

1. Budget: $350-$500
2. What are you looking for: Bookshelf, "entry-level audiophile"
3. How will you typically be using the gear: Bedroom, near-field
4. What gear do you own: Project Debut Carbon>Marantz 1060
5. What do you intend on using for a source: Turntable
6. What material will you be using your gear for: Electronic, 70's disco/kraut/rock
7. Are you willing to buy used? Will go either way but Yes. Looking for value mostly

 

I dont know a ton about speakers, as this is the first time I have bought any myself.  I am hoping you guys could help me understand the characteristics of the KEF Coda 7's, and steer me in the direction of something that will be a moderate upgrade from those.  

 

Here are the specs of the KEF's:

Type: Two way bass-reflex
Frequency response: 48Hz to 20kHz
Power handling: 70W
Sensitivity: 91dB
Impedance: 6 Ohms

 

I want something "fun", but not overly colored.  I listen to mostly electronic, so bass is important, but I dont want the speaker to be pigeonholed into a certain genre or sound.  Relative value is also very important. What are some (arguably) good value and bad value brands/models?

 

[Secret Squirrel]

If you're looking to buy bookshelf speakers like the Kef Coda 7's you're going to also need a subwoofer. Especially since you like electronic music. No bookshelf speaker in a 2.0 configuration will produce adequate bass for electronic music.

 

[hazertag]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Secret Squirrel  /t/1522736/help-in-first-big-boy-speaker-purchase-350-500#post_24488140


If you're looking to buy bookshelf speakers like the Kef Coda 7's you're going to also need a subwoofer. Especially since you like electronic music. No bookshelf speaker in a 2.0 configuration will produce adequate bass for electronic music.

I do have an unused subwoofer.  My set up is in my bedroom (near field listening) and I share walls with neighbors.  At this point, EQ and Loudness have been sufficient if I need a little bass-boost.  Should my setup move to a larger space I will bust out the sub.  Thanks for the input.

 

[zieglj01]

Monitor Audio Silver RX-1 > Rosenut and Walnut is left > and free shipping
http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picturepages/monitor_special.htm


KEF Coda 7, is budget entry level and cheaply built with thin cabinets. They

received mixed reviews.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

You're missing my point. Having a subwoofer in the system is not about volume. With the bookshelf speakers you currently have boosting bass with the EQ doesn't really work because the speakers can't produce a lot of the lower frequencies that your music contains. If you don't mind some missing bass frequencies in your music then just use the bookshelf speakers in a 2.0 configuration.

 

[hazertag]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Secret Squirrel  /t/1522736/help-in-first-big-boy-speaker-purchase-350-500#post_24488192


You're missing my point. Having a subwoofer in the system is not about volume. With the bookshelf speakers you currently have boosting bass with the EQ doesn't really work because the speakers can't produce a lot of the lower frequencies that your music contains. If you don't mind some missing bass frequencies in your music then just use the bookshelf speakers in a 2.0 configuration.

Hmm...might have to hook it up tomorrow and check it out.  Can I hook it straight up to the Marantz? Sorry don't know much about subs>vintage audio.

 

[hazertag]



Quote:
Originally Posted by zieglj01  /t/1522736/help-in-first-big-boy-speaker-purchase-350-500#post_24488178


Monitor Audio Silver RX-1 > Rosenut and Walnut is left > and free shipping
http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picturepages/monitor_special.htm


KEF Coda 7, is budget entry level and cheaply built with thin cabinets. They

received mixed reviews.

Looks like the online version of a White Van.  

 

So are oyu saying that in the $350-500 price range I wont have a hard time beating the KEF's? I do really like them, but havent heard anything else on my current set-up.

 

[zieglj01]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hazertag  /t/1522736/help-in-first-big-boy-speaker-purchase-350-500#post_24488247


Hmm...might have to hook it up tomorrow and check it out.  


My set up is in my bedroom (near field listening) and I share walls with neighbors.

Hook it up and see/find what your neighbors think - who share the wall with you.

It should be interesting.

 

[crazyrob425]

Monitor Audio speakers look like the online white van speakers? LoL HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Yeah they aren't.


Some speakers to check out though

- Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE's

- Ascend Acoustics CMB-170 SE's

- HTD Level THREE Bookshelves


You can try those speakers in your home for a period of time.

 

[commsysman]

The KEF Q100 and Q300 are good speakers; the C3 is really bad, which is unusual for KEF.


For $550 you can get the Wharfedale Diamond 10.2 speakers; very very good!


You may laugh, but for $40 you can get the Dayton B652 speakers at Parts Express.


They are probably better than anything else you can get for much under $250. They are absolutely amazing for their low price.


I bought a pair for my den to replace some Boston Audio speakers that cost a lot more, and they are pretty good speakers.


Try them and see.

 

[cel4145]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hazertag  /t/1522736/help-in-first-big-boy-speaker-purchase-350-500#post_24488247


Hmm...might have to hook it up tomorrow and check it out.  Can I hook it straight up to the Marantz? Sorry don't know much about subs>vintage audio.

What make/model is your sub?


Also, I can second the Ascend Acoustics recommendations.

 

[hazertag]



Quote:
Originally Posted by crazyrob425  /t/1522736/help-in-first-big-boy-speaker-purchase-350-500#post_24489124


Monitor Audio speakers look like the online white van speakers? LoL HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Yeah they aren't.

 

Haha no, just the website itself looks somewhat suspect. Speakers look great.

 

[hazertag]


Thanks for the input guys.  How is the (perceived) value on known brands like KEF Wharfedale, B&W versus some of the lesser known (to me) brands you guys are rec'ing like Ascend Acousitcs and HDT?

 

I guess I'm kind of looking for the speaker to speakers that the Pro-Ject Carbon is to turntables...if that makes sense.  Solid audiophile performance at an 'entry level' price point.  

 

[zieglj01]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hazertag  /t/1522736/help-in-first-big-boy-speaker-purchase-350-500#post_24488291


Looks like the online version of a White Van.  


So are oyu saying that in the $350-500 price range I wont have a hard time beating the KEF's? I do really like them, but havent heard anything else on my current set-up.

You need to clean your speaker eye glasses - Monitor Audio Silver is not White Van - they are one of

the more respected speaker companies out there.


If I did not feel/believe that they were better than the Coda - then I would not have recommended them.

They have good resolution, with good detail, definition and depth - and some nice/good bass.


If you want a lower level KEF like the Coda - then buy the C series KEF.


You asked for a higher end speaker, and I recommended it


Saturday Audio is an established local company in Chicago - who promotes on the web.


You want to see another company - (under search type) Monitor Audio Silver
http://www.audioadvisor.com/searchprods.asp


Your call - have fun.

 

[rnatalli]

So many speaker brands to check out so get out and listen to as many as possible. Kef, PSB, Paradigm, and Monitor Audio are some of my favorite storefront brands, but don't forget ID brands like Ascend, Axiom, and Aperion. All these speakers have a personality so it comes down to what you like. Do you like smooth or edgy, forward or laid back, etc. No right or wrong here.

 

[buzzy_]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hazertag  /t/1522736/help-in-first-big-boy-speaker-purchase-350-500#post_24488291


Looks like the online version of a White Van.  

You already said you don't know anything, no need to prove it over and over.

 

[BoogerBrains]


You guys are way to sensitive - Hazertag is asking for advice and you ridicule him for asking questions and making associations to what he is familiar. Educate without the arrogance please.

 

Okay, Formalities aside, take rnatalli's suggestion and go listen to all the speakers you can. If they are available, visit stores around you and bring music with which you are very familiar. Bring CDs (not mp3s or other compressed formats. Do not even use your PDA's audio out). If you are visiting a store with phonographs, it might make sense to bring in your favorite vinyl - this gets really tricky though depending on the player and preamp setup at the store. Regardless, let the person know you brought in music and you are going to be there a while. Visit many stores including local electronics, hi-fi, and pro audio. Spend time, go back multiple times if needed - I spent upwards of 12 hours over three visits auditioning one of my studio setups. If you purchase used and not able to audition and physically inspect them, make sure the drivers are all in good shape and all binding posts/connectivity are solid - a return policy is best.

 

The key is, listen. And trust you ears. Everyone has a particular preference and every person's ear is different.

 

-BB

 

PS - so...putting things like "big-boy" in the title of your post sets yourself up for some flack. ("first big-boy" to many people in this forum means $2000-$5000, and big-boy means $5000+). I am not saying not to do it, but just know if you do, you paint a target on your back.

 

[cel4145]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hazertag  /t/1522736/help-in-first-big-boy-speaker-purchase-350-500#post_24489545


Thanks for the input guys.  How is the (perceived) value on known brands like KEF Wharfedale, B&W versus some of the lesser known (to me) brands you guys are rec'ing like Ascend Acousitcs and HDT?

I have Ascends, and they are great speakers. They are an Internet direct brand, so they are able to sell at better prices than store brands which have to build in profit for a middleman.


Meanwhile, to repeat, what make/model sub do you have?

 

[hazertag]



Quote:
Originally Posted by BoogerBrains  /t/1522736/help-in-first-big-boy-speaker-purchase-350-500#post_24489923

 

You guys are way to sensitive - Hazertag is asking for advice and you ridicule him for asking questions and making associations to what he is familiar. Educate without the arrogance please.

 

PS - so...putting things like "big-boy" in the title of your post sets yourself up for some flack. ("first big-boy" to many people in this forum means $2000-$5000, and big-boy means $5000+). I am not saying not to do it, but just know if you do, you paint a target on your back.

 

 

Thanks Boog.  I'm fairly young and have been in various internet forums for years, I know what theyre like.  I have developed a thick e-skin, and hey "any press is good press", right?!

 

[hazertag]



Quote:
Meanwhile, to repeat, what make/model sub do you have?

 

Just dug it out, its a TRUAUDIO CS-8 Powered sub.  Hoping since its 'powered' that means I can hook it up direct to the Marantz 1060...!?

 

Here are the specs, as taken form an eBay auction:

 

• Speaker Type: Powered Subwoofer
• Enclosure design: Front Firing Slot-loaded Driver: 8" cellulose composite
• Power: 100 watt RMS internal amplifier
• Frequency Response: 35 - 180 Hz (-+3dB)
• Sensitivity: 108 db SPL @ 1meter
• Crossover: 60-180 Hz continuously variable low pass
• Input 1: Stereo RCA line level Input 2: LFE RCA Input 3: Speaker-level w/ banana posts
• Finish dimensions: 13” H, 12” W, 13 ½” D