Replacement Bookshelf Speakers

[admin_exported]

I currently have a Linn Classic (circa Yr 2000) coupled to an LK85 with AVI Neutron (originals from 2000) speakers. All of this is set up in a small room with the speakers on stands placed close to the wall. The performance of this system has always been disappointing with a lack of separation, detail and stereo imaging. I've had enough and want to try improve the set-up without spending a fortune. I hae been thinking therefore of replacing the speakers, which I beleive are the weak link. I have been thinking about the new Neutron 5's but I am not sure what would suit best, I am looking to spend about £400 on speakers, but not much more unless a dramatic improvement can be achieved. Any advice, suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[John Duncan]

I have 5s, and I don't have an issue with separation etc, indeed I think they're great in those particular areas, so can recommend them wholeheartedly. However, I suspect the (much cheaper) Dali Lektor 1 and 2 would push them very hard, and if you like bass extension (which the Neutron Vs lack, if I'm honest), the B&W 685s (though I wasn't a huge fan when I heard them, personally).

Note though that I found the Classik a little one-dimensional, and that might be the problem.....

 

[JoelSim]

Having had a Classik and demo'd some Neutrons, IMHO the weak link is without a doubt the Linn. Partnered with the right kit on the right stands, the Neutrons kick ass. I heard them with the Rega Apollo and Naim 5i, and they were spine tinglingly good and I would have bought them on the spot if they'd had more than one set of terminals but I wanted to biamp.

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[John Duncan]

That was the IVs wasn't it Joel? I loved the IVs, the Vs are (a little) better and (a lot) cheaper. But despite my favouring Ashley's babies, don't disregard the Dalis.

But yeah, I think the Classik could be the weak link too - I don't know the original Neutrons to say definitively.

 

[JoelSim]

Yes it was the IVs

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[Anonymous]

I've used the Linn Classik Music K with a variety of speakers from £99 Wharfedale Diamonds to £1800 Sonus Fabers, and it has performed well with all of them. It is currently used with a pair of Linn Katans, and seems well matched.

Having said that, I've just bought a Linn Classik Music 2008, and when comparing it to the old model, there is a lot more detail from the newer one.

Speakers, more than any other hi-fi component, are very room dependant. What sounds great in the hi-fi shop might not sound so good in your home.

The last time I bought a pair of speakers I was choosing between Totem Dreamcatchers and Linn Komponents. The Totems were much, much better sounding in the showroom, but the shop let me borrow both pairs of speakers and the Linns sounded better in my house.

So, to get to the point, get a hi-fi dealer to let you try a few different speakers at home. If you decide that the Linn is the weak point in your system, I think you'll need to spend quite a lot more than you were intending to get something better.

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you all for your advice and comments. I know that the speakers are not particularly good (Ashley at AVI admited as much), but it seems that I will probably need to look to the source as well.

Once again many thanks.