Last year I had to sell all my home audio equipment. I am trying to ease back into it and want to start with a "good" 2 channel set-up. My budget is roughly $900 for speakers and amplification. I already have an Oppo BDP-83 for a source.
Some one near by is selling a set of Swan F3B-F speakers. I am going to try and give them a listen next weekend. I also see a set of B&W 686's and 685's on ebay. Your thoughts on these speakers? Any other recommendations for "good" bookshelf or "mini tower" speakers? No floor standers at this time. I am leaning towards the used market so I can get more speaker for my $. I know I need to audition speakers, but because of where I live that is not easy. The only thing near by is a Best Buy. No thanks.
For amplification, I get lost with all the options out there. It needs to be small or thin since I don't have much space. Obviously, the more power the better. I am looking more for quality than power this time around though.
I am interested in learning more about tubes. I am looking at used or refurb'd Peachtree Decco's as they are pretty and look very flexible. I have seen Bada mentioned a few times also.
I also found some interesting units from Marantz. Their NR1501, NR1402, and NR1601 look like possibilities even though they are ht receivers. The PM5004 looks like it would work too. What about the PM-17? I see one on Audiogon. Then there is Rotel.
The Rotel RX-1050 looks similar to some of the Marantz stuff. What about the RA-970BX? There are a few on Audiogon also. Like I said, there is so much out there. The list is getting overwhelming.
NAD C320 has been mentioned in the past. I had a NAD receiver last and liked its sound. It went through a Sherbourn A5200 into some Triangle Antal's with an infinite baffle sub set-up.
Your guidance is gratefully appreciated!
Thanks
Some one near by is selling a set of Swan F3B-F speakers. I am going to try and give them a listen next weekend. I also see a set of B&W 686's and 685's on ebay. Your thoughts on these speakers? Any other recommendations for "good" bookshelf or "mini tower" speakers? No floor standers at this time. I am leaning towards the used market so I can get more speaker for my $. I know I need to audition speakers, but because of where I live that is not easy. The only thing near by is a Best Buy. No thanks.
For amplification, I get lost with all the options out there. It needs to be small or thin since I don't have much space. Obviously, the more power the better. I am looking more for quality than power this time around though.
I am interested in learning more about tubes. I am looking at used or refurb'd Peachtree Decco's as they are pretty and look very flexible. I have seen Bada mentioned a few times also.
I also found some interesting units from Marantz. Their NR1501, NR1402, and NR1601 look like possibilities even though they are ht receivers. The PM5004 looks like it would work too. What about the PM-17? I see one on Audiogon. Then there is Rotel.
The Rotel RX-1050 looks similar to some of the Marantz stuff. What about the RA-970BX? There are a few on Audiogon also. Like I said, there is so much out there. The list is getting overwhelming.
NAD C320 has been mentioned in the past. I had a NAD receiver last and liked its sound. It went through a Sherbourn A5200 into some Triangle Antal's with an infinite baffle sub set-up.
Your guidance is gratefully appreciated!
Thanks