Office Speaker Search

[x2turbo]

I've been trying to make up my mind on a new pair of speakers for my office for weeks and it's time that I've asked for some opinions.

My office is 13x14x8 with a corner cut off for the french doors. Because of the built-ins and desk location I have to use the 8' wall to place the speakers with my audio rack in between them.

My current setup is a vintage Yamaha R-1000 that I'm using as a pre-amp, a XPA-2 and Pioneer HPM-100s. I use a Pioneer TT and an Onkyo ipod dock as my sources as well as have it hooked up to my DTV receiver. I listen to mostly classic rock and occasionally some lighter stuff on the XM satellite stations via DTV. The XPA-2 will probably move to my HT when I get a UMC and be replaced by a UPA-2 or a pair of UP-1's and it's probably quite possible that the Yamaha will be replaced by a XSP-1 when it releases. I work out of my home office 8-10 hours a day so it will get used a lot!

My HPM-100s still sound really good, but just take up too much space. That's probably why I am having a tough time choosing new speakers.

I have a $3K budget, but don't necessarily have to spend that much. I'm currently auditioning a pair of Focal Profile 908s and while they do sound good they don't wow me. One thing that is going for them is that they are a demo pair and I can get them for $1250. I've also listened to Focal 806's at home and left me wanting as well, that is why I brought the 908s home.

Unfortunately I don't have the opportunity to listen to many different speakers due to the lack of audio stores around. I have listened to Paradigm Studio 100v5s and B&W CM9s side by side and liked the the Paradigm's better. Both pair were at my limit of $3K though. I would have liked to had a chance to listen to a pair of B&W 805Ss but they didn't have any and it sounds like the may be hard to get since the release of the new Diamond series which sell for $5K. Another speaker I have some interest in are the PSBs. A local store is finalizing taking on the line so at some point I will be able to listen to them.

Obviously being a member of this forum and an Emotiva fan I can't help but wonder if I should audition a pair of 6.2s with a sub or the 8.3s and it may come to that.

So I'm looking for some insight and suggestions. I realize that nothing replaces listening to them in person and if possible in your own listening environment, but with everything in my price range available that just isn't realistic. Also, I'm not really inclined to buy used unless a really special offer were to present itself.

Thanks to everyone in advance for your help and I don't mean just on this thread. I enjoy visiting the site everyday and have learned a lot.

[LuisV]

Since you own Vandersteen speakers I assume that's why you're looking for a hi-end speaker for your office. You stated you're in your office for approx 10 hours a day, but how much time is spent listening critically? My ERM-1 speakers mated to tube gear sounds fantastic in my bedroom, so you're question of adding the 6.2s to your office seems reasonable to me. It all boils down to how much "wow" factor do you want in your office system and how much time do you spend listening critically.

[jlafrenz]

This all really depends on what your looking for in a speaker. Do you like laid back, more forward, neutral? Also, will you be using a sub or are you looking for straight 2 channel? Bookshelves or towers?

[strindl]

Since you are already familiar with the Vandersteen models, how about a pair of them in your office? They are extremely musical sounding speakers. Both the 1's and the twos fit under your budget as well.

[x2turbo]

Jan 24, 2010 14:01:57 GMT -5 LuisV said:

Since you own Vandersteen speakers I assume that's why you're looking for a hi-end speaker for your office. You stated you're in your office for approx 10 hours a day, but how much time is spent listening critically? My ERM-1 speakers mated to tube gear sounds fantastic in my bedroom, so you're question of adding the 6.2s to your office seems reasonable to me. It all boils down to how much "wow" factor do you want in your office system and how much time do you spend listening critically.

You assume right, I am looking at high end speakers.

As for critically listening...

Certainly not all the time, but enough of the time to warrant being able to and love what I'm hearing. Besides working in my office it is also my place to escape to when I've had my fill of whining teenagers.

[x2turbo]

Jan 24, 2010 14:30:08 GMT -5 jlafrenz said:

This all really depends on what your looking for in a speaker. Do you like laid back, more forward, neutral? Also, will you be using a sub or are you looking for straight 2 channel? Bookshelves or towers?

and we get to my dilema

I'm not set on either bookshelf or towers and have been looking at both and depending on the bass response from a bookshelf I'm open to adding a small sub. If I get towers I would rather not get a sub and if I choose right I shouldn't have to.

I hadn't listened to speakers with intent to purchase in almost 20 years, since I got my Vandersteens and wasn't sure if I wanted the laid back sound again, but I keep gravitating back to that. Not sure if that is out of being it what I'm used to. What I am looking for is a wider soundstage than what I'm getting out of the Focals. Maybe that is asking too much based on my room characteristics.

I had moved my 1Cs into my office before I got the XPA-2 and wasn't a full enough sound for me. Part of that I'm sure was that I didn't have a sub hooked up and it was running off the receiver. I'll take some time to give them a listen again with the XPA-2. At some point I plan on replacing on my Vandersteens but I wasn't going to do that until we get a new home with a dedicated theater room.

[x2turbo]

Jan 24, 2010 14:49:48 GMT -5 strindl said:

Since you are already familiar with the Vandersteen models, how about a pair of them in your office? They are extremely musical sounding speakers. Both the 1's and the twos fit under your budget as well.

You bring up a good point and I'll try them in my office again. As I said I had tried the 1Cs, but I haven't tried the 2CIs yet. Now that I have an XPA-2 I'll be able to properly drive them.

The problem is that if the 2CIs sound great it'll cost be a whole lot more than $3K to redo the HT

[x2turbo]

I really need to find a pair of B&W 805s to listen to. A local hifi shop had an older version that I listened to that I really liked the sound of, but they weren't in the best shape cosmetically.

[jlafrenz]

I have only heard one pair of Vandersteens so I can't really compare much to them, but I will throw in a couple of thoughts.

The first pair worth a look is the Vienna Acoustic Mozart Grands. I have auditioned these several times and almost bought them. Steve here on the lounge ended up buying a pair and they sound great. I really like them and could listen to them with ease for long sessions. They are quite warm and laid back while putting out a great deal of bass. Really no subwoofer needed. They also have a really slim design and are really eye catching.

Another pair I though of is the Epos M16i. I thought of these because they are also a very slim tower since space is a concern. I have heard these a few times at a local dealer and think they are a nice little speaker. Decent bass for their size, so adding a subwoofer my suit your tastes. I think they lean a touch towards the bright side. Pairing them up with some tube gear may be just the ticket.

[x2turbo]

I like the look and the specs on the Vienna Acoustic Mozart Grands and have read abouth them here too. They don't have dealer info on their site so I sent them an email. Hopefully they have a dealer in Milwaukee since I doubt they do in Madison.

There is a dealer for the Epos in Madison at a store I frequent. I've never seen them there as they are primarily a McIntosh shop. It is the place that I listened to the used 805s. Looks like I have a reason to stop in again on Tuesday.

Thanks for the thoughts