Speakers for quiet listening on second system

[ngibbs]

Hello all

Any suggestions for sensitive speakers for quiet listening that match well with Cyrus? I've got a pre-XP with two x powers on my second system (not in sig. as it'd look like I was showing off!) that are hooked up to EB Acoustics EB2s and ATC SM11s. Lovely speakers both but seem to need volume to really shine. Budget around a grand and second-hand route welcome. Many thanks.

 

[Crossie]

2nd hand or ex dem Spendor A5 are worth a listen.

 

[altruistic.lemon]

Definite yes to Spendor, but I'd take their LS3/5a clones, the S3/5r2s. I've finally got my version of the LS3/5as singing, and they sound good, especially at low volumes. Loud, they don't do well but.

 

[the record spot]

Hello all

Any suggestions for sensitive speakers for quiet listening that match well with Cyrus? I've got a pre-XP with two x powers on my second system (not in sig. as it'd look like I was showing off!) that are hooked up to EB Acoustics EB2s and ATC SM11s. Lovely speakers both but seem to need volume to really shine. Budget around a grand and second-hand route welcome. Many thanks.

Audiosmile Kensais. If you can get them.

 

[chebby]

Definite yes to Spendor, but I'd take their LS3/5a clones, the S3/5r2s. I've finally got my version of the LS3/5as singing, and they sound good, especially at low volumes. Loud, they don't do well but.

How about a semi DIY pair of LS3/5As from Stirling Broadcast for £488? (Still licensed by the BBC for their LS3/5A V2s).

Stirling Broadcast LS3/5A 'kits'.

The cabinets are all made up and finished. The baffles/drivers/crossovers and connections + felts etc. are all complete. The kit contains all the seal strips, grilles, terminals, wadding etc.

You only need a bit of basic soldering (to the terminals only), a few screws (included) and putting on baffle sealing strips.

You get something for £488 that is (at least) equivalent to any used (or new) LS3/5A for a fraction of the price. Stirling Broadcast LS3/5A V2s are the nearest equivalent and cost at least £1040 as a finished product. Due to far-eastern collectors, original LS3/5As can cost similar amounts in good nick.

Spendor S3/5R2s cost £850 per pair last time I looked.

 

[ngibbs]

Many thanks for all the suggestions. I've been told to check out the PMC DB1i s and the smallest of the ever wonderful Vienna Acoustics grand series - the Haydn - as well. Any good do you think?

 

[chebby]

Many thanks for all the suggestions. I've been told to check out the PMC DB1i s...

No longer made.

You would need to hunt down old stock, ex-demo or used ones.

 

[Macspur]

Many thanks for all the suggestions. I've been told to check out the PMC DB1i s and the smallest of the ever wonderful Vienna Acoustics grand series - the Haydn - as well. Any good do you think?

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?86778-FS-Open-Box-Vienna-Acoustics-Haydn-Grand-Speakers-(Piano-Black)&p=1567645#post1567645

Mac

 

[hoopsontoast]

Best speakers I have had that performed really well at low volumes were big Tannoys (cheviots for example), KEF 104/2, Rega R7 or the Magnepan MMGs.

The MMGs were great in terms of having an open presentation and wide/tall soundstage at low volumes although a little bass light (but amazing speed). The Cheviots had a nice overall sound, at low volumes they gave good impression of bass depth and just sound nice all round. The R7s were a mix of the two although a lot harder to find these days. The KEF 104/2 worked really well at low volumes, a lot more senstive and easy to drive than the others so went well with a wide variety of amps, including valves IME. Great soundstage difinition on these too.