System Matching

[mrwilks]

Hi, I am about to atart saving for what could potentially be my last upgrade and was looking for some guidance on matching the right speakers to the system I'm looking at. Just now I am thinking to go for the Primare i30 amp paired with the Primare cd31. The speakers that I was thinking about are either the Spendor 5's or Acoustic Energy AE1 MKiii. Can anyone advise the best match for this system or even suggest alternative speakers. I like a very spacious but controlled sound that will really make vocals sing, it also needs to be able to handle most musical genres.

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Surely the only way to know for sure what's gonna work is to have listen yourself ....

What led you to shortlist these speakers ? have you heard them elsewhere, or just seen them, or read a review etc etc??

 

[mrwilks]

Hiya,

I will ultimately do just that and audition the speakers with the components I'm thinking to get but the difficulty I have is that I live on the Isle of Orkney which means I will need a good idea of what I think I might like before I travel to Edinburgh/Glasgow to listen. That's why I thought I would ask if anyone had a knowledge of how well matched each of the speakers would be for the Primare sources.

I have only brought it down to the two I mentioned and the Proac Studio 140's by reading lots of reviews on them.

 

[Anonymous]

take your amp, and cdp, and some cd's with when you go listen and keep us posted!

 

[idc]

mrwilks:

....I will ultimately do just that and audition the speakers with the components I'm thinking to get but the difficulty I have is that I live on the Isle of Orkney which means I will need a good idea of what I think I might like before I travel to Edinburgh/Glasgow to listen..... .

Orkney, I see your problem. I lived in Argyll and for all the research you do, you need the relevant dealer to see what they have before you travel. In Glasgow you have Sevenoaks and Glasgow Audio at the city end of Gt Western Rd, Sound & Vision at Finnieston and Audio Merchants in Howard St near the St Enoch Centre. So all would be do-able in a day. I am sure that is a better choice than Edinburgh.

 

[Anonymous]

I heard the PMC GB1i and FB1i with the Primare kit and really liked it. Very open, punchy and detailed sound with a great midrange. The Spendor A5 or A6 are more natural and realistic sounding but possibly less trebly/zingy. The PMC bass is different to the Spendor bass and you need to compare them to see which you prefer! Definitely have these two brands on your list. The PMC FB1i are very entertaining speakers!

 

[the record spot]

Edinburgh: Loud and Clear, James Morrow, Hi Fi Corner, Retro Reproduction all within easy travelling distance. I'll even give you a lift round them all if you want of I'm around! The L&C guys are excellent. Audio Merchants likewise in Glasgow.

 

[mrwilks]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the advice it's much appreciated. Unfortunately I have only just found out that my future employment is questionable which means that the buying of any equipment will most likely need to get put on the shelf for the time being. However, I'm maybe travellimg to Edinburgh at Christmas so might just force myself to audition some kit anyway so as I can at least get a grounding on where I'm aiming for.

Thanks again