Help with speaker selection for Harman Kardon HK 330c / 930

[Yigitus]

Hello to everyone! I'm Yigit from Turkey. As a friend of yours who grew up with music since childhood and spent most of his day with music, I wanted to introduce myself a little bit in my first message on the forum. I listen to all kinds of music, from pop to classic, mostly rock / metal. Since I play electric guitar, I am used to full, vibrant and bright tones relating to guitar amps. Recently I have acquired a classic turntable (Thorens TD 160) and receiver (HK 330c) and for this system I am looking for a speaker pair that is not too big but has full tones. I generally like speakers that play colorful, but the truth is, I don't have a clue about speakers. I bought an HK 930 receiver in the last few weeks and I had the opportunity to try an old pair of RFT speakers while trying the receiver. I liked the tone, although their size is small and the type is quite old. I also tried the HK 930 with large Cervin Vega AT 12 speakers but the sound was too ordinary after RFTs. I couldn't hear those warm and pleasant sound of RFTs.
Among the speakers that I can buy second hand (I've also written the second hand price of them), I have the following options:

Monitor Audio Silver RS 1 ---- 300 $
B&W DM 602 S2 --- 500 $
Dali Ikon MK1 --- 415 $
Tannoy Mercury MX2 --- 215 $
Canton Quinto 520 --- 370 $
Canton Fonum PC 40 --- 395 $
Celestion Ditton 110 --- 450 $
Klipsch RP-160M --- $ 585
Grundig HI-FI BOX 600 --- 160 $

Are there any models that stand out among them that might make more sense than others, or any other model you can recommend?
I'm sorry I wrote a little long, but I wanted to explain it in detail. Thanks to the friends who read and answered.

 

[dieselsdad]

I haven’t tried the Klipsch RP-160M with my HK730 but I have used it with Klipsch RB 5’s and Heresy speakers. I’ve enjoyed the HK with all of my Klipsch speakers.

I don’t have any experience with the other speakers you’ve suggested.

 

[Yigitus]

I haven’t tried the Klipsch RP-160M with my HK730 but I have used it with Klipsch RB 5’s and Heresy speakers. I’ve enjoyed the HK with all of my Klipsch speakers.

I don’t have any experience with the other speakers you’ve suggested.

Thanks your reply. Heresy would be good however, it is well above my budget.

 

[Hoytis]

Hi, Yigit,

I also own both a TD-160 and H/K 330c - love them! My two cents, I'd stick to Klipsch or B&W...great companies, solid products, and both speakers have high sensitivity ratings, making it easier for the h/k to power them with it's 20 watts.

 

[Yigitus]

Hi, Yigit,

I also own both a TD-160 and H/K 330c - love them! My two cents, I'd stick to Klipsch or B&W...great companies, solid products, and both speakers have high sensitivity ratings, making it easier for the h/k to power them with it's 20 watts.

Hey Hoytis, same system, valuable experience, thanks a lot for your mesagge! Now I have hk 930 too, i think my main amp will be this one, although i am still using 330c because i have a strong emotional bond klipsch and b&w speakers are the most expensive choice in my list. And i think i am looking for a warmer, more colorful sound. Half an hour ago, i saw a pair of telefunken tlx 3 for 375$, it maybe a game changer. But i don't have a clue about sound characteristics of telefunken speakers. Their sonic properties on paper seems good considering their price (in Turkey). If i couldn't make a decesion, i will stick to klipsch.

 

[Hoytis]

Hey Hoytis, same system, valuable experience, thanks a lot for your mesagge! Now I have hk 930 too, i think my main amp will be this one, although i am still using 330c because i have a strong emotional bond klipsch and b&w speakers are the most expensive choice in my list. And i think i am looking for a warmer, more colorful sound. Half an hour ago, i saw a pair of telefunken tlx 3 for 375$, it maybe a game changer. But i don't have a clue about sound characteristics of telefunken speakers. Their sonic properties on paper seems good considering their price (in Turkey). If i couldn't make a decesion, i will stick to klipsch.

So it's more a price range for you, not new vs. vintage thing, yes? Or do dimensions matter - looking for bookshelf or floor standing? Telefunken are rare birds. Don't know much about their sound. But if you're looking at older stuff, and you're into warmth, and are mostly into rock, vintage would be the way to go. You get that bigger woofer, and they pair so nicely with the vintage amps. Stuff like Acoustic Research, Wharfdale, Dynaco...would all sound so good. I play most of my banging music through a pair of old DLK 1 1/2...if you can find a pair I can't recommend them enough. I also run with Mission 737 and they kill as well. Keep an eye for those. As a side note, I also have a pair of Klipsch R-41PM. Excellent sound but such a speaker won't give you the warmth you want.

 

[Yigitus]

So it's more a price range for you, not new vs. vintage thing, yes? Or do dimensions matter - looking for bookshelf or floor standing? Telefunken are rare birds. Don't know much about their sound. But if you're looking at older stuff, and you're into warmth, and are mostly into rock, vintage would be the way to go. You get that bigger woofer, and they pair so nicely with the vintage amps. Stuff like Acoustic Research, Wharfdale, Dynaco...would all sound so good. I play most of my banging music through a pair of old DLK 1 1/2...if you can find a pair I can't recommend them enough. I also run with Mission 737 and they kill as well. Keep an eye for those. As a side note, I also have a pair of Klipsch R-41PM. Excellent sound but such a speaker won't give you the warmth you want.

Yes, it's more about prices as you said. Vintage or new does not matter as well as it seems fine. But the dimensions are a little bit problematic since my fiance doesn't want big, bulky blocks in our living room and it is the reason that i'm looking for a new pair. Today i've watched a versus video comparing bookshelf speakers and i came the same conclusion with you that klipsch rp-600m won't give me the warmth that i want. I watched videos as many as I can and came a conclusion that acoustic energy ae100i is my speaker with its warmer and mid-dominant sound. They are also relatively small spekers which is another cool thing. But bad part of this happy story is that this model is not available here now. There is no one who wants to sell his ae100i and ae1 model is very expensive here, even in second hand market.
On the otherside, seller of telefunken tlx 3 sent me demo videos of the speakers and i couldn't find the warmth that i'm looking for. But the bass seems ok thanks to the bigger woofer drivers.
Now I'm going to do some research on speakers you've mentioned. I've already tried to find DLK speakers but result is negative so far.
I couldn't decide about telefunkens. They are appealing with their quality and bigger woofers considering their price but it seems too flat for my taste and nothing much will change in comparison to the present situation except ill-spent extra money.

 

[Yigitus]

I've looked at some demo videos on the web about DLK 1 1/2 and I really loved these speakers but unfortunately i could't find any one selling these lovely birds

 

[Hoytis]

Yes, it's more about prices as you said. Vintage or new does not matter as well as it seems fine. But the dimensions are a little bit problematic since my fiance doesn't want big, bulky blocks in our living room and it is the reason that i'm looking for a new pair. Today i've watched a versus video comparing bookshelf speakers and i came the same conclusion with you that klipsch rp-600m won't give me the warmth that i want. I watched videos as many as I can and came a conclusion that acoustic energy ae100i is my speaker with its warmer and mid-dominant sound. They are also relatively small spekers which is another cool thing. But bad part of this happy story is that this model is not available here now. There is no one who wants to sell his ae100i and ae1 model is very expensive here, even in second hand market.
On the otherside, seller of telefunken tlx 3 sent me demo videos of the speakers and i couldn't find the warmth that i'm looking for. But the bass seems ok thanks to the bigger woofer drivers.
Now I'm going to do some research on speakers you've mentioned. I've already tried to find DLK speakers but result is negative so far.
I couldn't decide about telefunkens. They are appealing with their quality and bigger woofers considering their price but it seems too flat for my taste and nothing much will change in comparison to the present situation except ill-spent extra money.

Oh, if size is an issue, some of the ones I mentioned would probably be too big. I think a pair of Wharfedale Denton 80 would fit the bill. I think you can find them used for about $500. They're known for warmth. Or check out Cambridge Audio AeroMax 2 - they'd do your style of music justice. Too bad about the AE speakers, those are nice. Another option to keep in mind is to get a quality pair of speakers like the B/W or Dali and warm them up with a phono tube pre amp.

 

[Yigitus]

Oh, if size is an issue, some of the ones I mentioned would probably be too big. I think a pair of Wharfedale Denton 80 would fit the bill. I think you can find them used for about $500. They're known for warmth. Or check out Cambridge Audio AeroMax 2 - they'd do your style of music justice. Another option is to just get a quality pair of speakers. Too bad about the AE speakers, those are nice. Another option to keep in mind is to get a quality pair of speakers like the B/W or Dali and warm them up with a tube phono pre amp.

After your suggestions I've checked on Acoustic Research speakers and I've found an Ar-4x and an Ar-7. The Ar-7 (240$) is less than half of the Ar-4x (590$) in price but the Ar-4x seems more untouched. Anyway it may be a real risk to get a so vintage item. So I need more guidance about this.

I don't want to get involded with the tube amp staff, at least not now, so I'll check on your other speaker suggestions. If I couldn't make up my mind I'll keep an eye on future AE candidates in the second hand market.

Thanks a lot by the way, your contributions are worthy of esteem

 

[Hoytis]

Yep, happy to talk about this stuff. For that price, those AR-4x speakers must be completely overhauled. I've heard people declare them the best speakers they've ever owned. I don't shy away from vintage speakers...if the foam around the woofer is new they'll last for many many years. It's not like a vintage amp or table, there's just not much to go wrong. I'm assuming for that price, the AR-4x have new foam surrounds. And if they do, I would go for those. Though I do think the price is a little high.

 

[Yigitus]

Yep, happy to talk about this stuff. For that price, those AR-4x speakers must be completely overhauled. I've heard people declare them the best speakers they've ever owned. I don't shy away from vintage speakers...if the foam around the woofer is new they'll last for many many years. It's not like a vintage amp or table, there's just not much to go wrong. I'm assuming for that price, the AR-4x have new foam surrounds. And if they do, I would go for those. Though I do think the price is a little high.

I have no idea about the condition of the ar-4x except the clean look of it, but the owner of the ar-7 said that the surrounds of the bass driver have been renewed. Yes, I think the same about the price, it is a bit expensive. By the way I found a pair of dynaco a-25 for the same price as the ar-4x. I've read many comments that Dynaco is better, but I think the sound color is a little open than the ar-4x. I also read some user comments informing that the vintage ar series need to be serviced at regular intervals.

 

[SinglePoint]

I have not heard the MA RS1s, but the silver tier is very high quality and I would bet you would not be disappointed. I have two pairs of their bronze level towers and they are excellent. Very clear and detailed mids and highs, and tight and fast bass. Small form factor, but big music. Nice looking too. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Yigitus]

I have not heard the MA RS1s, but the silver tier is very high quality and I would bet you would not be disappointed. I have two pairs of their bronze level towers and they are excellent. Very clear and detailed mids and highs, and tight and fast bass. Small form factor, but big music. Nice looking too. Welcome to the forum.

Thanks, it is a real plessure to meet and talk you all!

I like MA's lookings too. Their price is also more reasonable comparing others. Maybe I would give them a chance.