Good speakers to combine with NAD 3020 amplifier?

[voroddo]

I recently acquired a second-hand NAD 3020 amplifier for my partner, and while it sounds great at my house connected to my vintage Heybrook HB 1 speakers, at the moment she has only a pair of ancient, rather basic JVC speakers to go with it (I think they came with her prior basic JVC ‘system’, and it can’t help that they’re on 3-inch wooden floor-blocks?!), which is presumably why music (via Cambridge Audio T100 tuner and Sonata C30 CD player) sounds dull and recessed, with all airiness, sparkle, and presence missing. Reviewers speak of the NAD 3020’s somewhat ‘dark’, ‘covered’ sound but currently it sounds as if the upper frequencies are just missing -- the speakers aren’t speaking! With these speakers, my ancient Technics SA-300L receiver sounded much more ‘alive’ (while obviously not nearly as rich and detailed), which I guess is down to kit of a similar era ‘gelling’ in some way?

I’d be really grateful to hear thoughts on what speakers would go well with the NAD. We’re mainly classical music fiends who listen to a lot of CDs as well as BBC Radio 3 in FM so we want something capable of catching the NAD’s subtle glories while allowing the music to ‘speak’, but we’re also on a budget so I guess second-hand/ebay might be a good option? All opinions greatly valued! I looked online for Heybrooks but they seem hard to come by now? …

 

[slice]

wharfedale 9.1s are still available new from superfi for £99. I've liked mine.

 

[matthewpiano]

I'd agree with that. For £100 the Diamond 9.1s are a bargain and they are great across a range of music and speech content. One of the finest affordable speakers ever made and still my favourite of the entire series of Diamonds for their natural and un-forced but detailed sound. They also have a great sense of cohesion across the frequency range. Very easy to listen to and enjoy.

 

[voroddo]

Many thanks for the recommendation! Could be time for an early New Year's present to self ...