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First speakers

#1
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4/5/08 at 1:14am
  • Joined: April 2008
  • Post Count: 2
Hey everyone,

I've been digging through this forum (and a few others) looking for some help finding a first pair of speakers, but I've decided to ask directly and see if anyone has any suggestions. I'm looking for a starter pair of speakers to use for everything with an emphasis on music.

Currently, I'm running everything through a 2.1 computer system from Altec Lansing (since it supports additional inputs), though I have an old hand-me-down Harmon Kardon HK380i receiver, and some tiny unmarked speakers to go with it (the fact that I'm opting for the $40 computer system should tell you about it's quality).

I've been going out and listening to as many systems as I can, although a lot of the speakers I've heard come from big chain stores. I went to one of the smaller audio stores in town and heard a pair of Tannoy bookshelf speakers that I really liked, but haven't been able to find out too much about the brand. (though it seems that the brand is thought of fairly well, though not too many people use them).

Anyway, I'm looking for suggestions for a pair of speakers (or whatever set up would give me the best sound) at what I realize is a horribly low price point of maybe $500/pair. $300/pair would be a much better number, but I could go a little higher if need be. The one problem that I've had in searching these forums is that $300/pair seems to be a popular price point for rear/surround speakers, and I was wondering what would change if the speakers were to be used as fronts/main.

Thanks a lot, and sorry for the long thread.
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#2
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4/5/08 at 3:36pm
  • Joined: June 2000
  • Location: Colorado
  • Post Count: 7,523

Re: First speakers

Just a couple comments. That HK is a low power, but solid and great sounding piece of equipment. Hopefully it has been well taken care of. The speakers you currently have connected to it may not be good, but the receiver is excellent.

Beyond that, don't be so concerned about super well known brand names with speakers. Just be sure you don't fall for some complete mystery brand. If you like the Tannoys and they are in your price range, seriously consider them. If the place has a satisfaction guaranteed policy, take thhem home for a try.


They flutter behind you, your possible pasts.
Some bright-eyed and crazy, some frightened and lost.
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#3
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4/5/08 at 10:55pm
  • Joined: April 2008
  • Post Count: 2

Re: First speakers

Thanks, the HK is in great shape as far as I can tell. My dad is pretty careful with all of his electronics in general. The Tannoy's were $270 for the pair, and I did really like the sound, I'm just curious at what other options are out there.

I was also considering getting a better receiver now, and a cheaper pair of speakers to hold me over until I can save up for something better.

I'm more scared of getting stuck with an inferior but larger name brand since I'm in a small town and don't have the ability to hear anything that isn't at a big box type store for the most part.

The other speakers that have jumped out at me after digging through the forums are the Paradigm Atom Monitors and the Paradigm Mini Monitors, but I'm just hesitant to buy anything that I can't listen to first.
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#4
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4/6/08 at 4:14am
  • Joined: December 2003
  • Location: Charlotte, NC
  • Post Count: 2,812

Re: First speakers

Some good online options:

Ascend 340SE - $568+shipping -- these are great if you can swing the money
Axiom M22 - $470+shipping
SVS SCS01 - $350+shipping
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#5
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4/6/08 at 10:40am
  • Joined: June 2000
  • Location: Colorado
  • Post Count: 7,523

Re: First speakers

Evan, if you are talking stereo, just keep the HK. A possible option is to find a good used, more powerful model from the same time period. The HK 590i was about top of the line. Newer often does NOT mean better with stereo receivers. Trust me when I say you will be hard pressed to find a new receiver which sounds even as good as that era of HK. I have several of them I bought on eBay. Paradigm also makes excellent speakers. I would just make a decision, audition them at home if you can, and take the leap. After that, don't look back and keep second guessing. Just enjoy them.


They flutter behind you, your possible pasts.
Some bright-eyed and crazy, some frightened and lost.
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#6
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4/6/08 at 4:43pm
  • Joined: April 2004
  • Post Count: 789

Re: First speakers

I've only seen Tannoy in pro audio installs (by that I mean not consumer audio, but theaters and meeting halls and such) and they are quite good. We have a set in one of our exhibit halls at work. We often use the hall for meetings and such, and wanted sound that was considerably better than what you get in most meeting halls. I would not hesitate to have them in my house.

If you like the sound and the price is right, go for it!

--ignore the man behind the curtain

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