Please help me pick a set of speakers!

[Toiler]

As per the subject line, I am looking for advise on a set of speakers for my receiver!

The speakers will be paired with my Pioneer SX-850.

My initial thoughts are vintage 1970’s but I guess I’m potentially open to recommendations on current store products.

I would like to keep my cost bellow $750. Unless there is a reason that budget does not make sense?

I have a 1970’s and early 1980’s vinyl collection, ranging across Meat Loaf, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, The Who and tons of others. Even the original Star Wars soundtrack!

The SX-850 specifications: the unit delivers a continuous power output of 65 watts per channel, min RMS at 8 ohms, from 20 to 20,000 Hertz, with no more than 0.1% total harmonic distortion.

A guy at my work mentioned Advent 5002’s would work well…would that make a good pairing?

For more SX-850 detail and opinion see: https://eiaudio.de/gear-and-review/receivers/pioneer-sx-850/

Appreciate anyone taking time to respond. Cheers!

 

[cubdog]

5002 are nice speakers. Should be way less than $750 if you can find a pair. I'd suggest you look for some ADS speakers. Lot's of nice options with ADS.

 

[Toiler]

Thanks Cubdog, appreciate your response. These speakers will go in a mid sized living room in a modest sized home. I don’t typically play my music college-level loud! Based on this, any suggestion on which model ADS? Thanks again!

 

[cubdog]

My favorite is the L710 which would be classified as a large bookshelf. Any of the 700 or 800 series of ADS speakers would pair nicely with your receiver and room. Search AK for ADS speakers and you'll find a wealth of information.

 

[Toiler]

I’ll start doing some research. Thanks!

 

[swechsler]

@Toiler Best to check to see what speakers are available in your area, using your favorite forsale sites, then doing further research on those that look interesting. Attempting to find specific models in the local vintage market can be very frustrating.

 

[Sgt Shultz]

I’ll start doing some research. Thanks!

Do you have a size you're thinking about? This would definitely help narrow the field some.

My suggestions is to search "used speakers" on eBay, the choices might seem overwhelming being the largest market but look for something that appeals to you visually then do some research. Most likely this will bring you to reviews here lol, lots have joined AK due to this.

 

[Toiler]

@Toiler Best to check to see what speakers are available in your area, using your favorite forsale sites, then doing further research on those that look interesting. Attempting to find specific models in the local vintage market can be very frustrating.

I’ll start looking around, thanks!

 

[Toiler]

Do you have a size you're thinking about? This would definitely help narrow the field some.

My suggestions is to search "used speakers" on eBay, the choices might seem overwhelming being the largest market but look for something that appeals to you visually then do some research. Most likely this will bring you to reviews here lol, lots have joined AK due to this.

Gotcha, will start looking around at what is available, somewhere near me if possible. The speakers will be for a mid to large sized living room. I already have a set of bookshelf type speakers. They are smaller, QUAD 11L2’s. Something larger as an option, bas3d on my preference at the time of listening… Chers

 

[wmgwizard]

2nd the ADS recommendation!!!

 

[GD70]

Here’s a few to get you going.
KLH Six’s, Twenty Threes, ADS L780, L880, L710, AR11s, 12s if you can find them, DCM Time Windows.
ADSs will tend to not need any work, but can be rebuilt by a gent who use to be a ADS employee. KLHs usually need some resto work, but they are fairly easy to work on. Same with the ARs, though the woofers may need reforming.
Search FB market place! CL listings,,local estate sales etc… in your area. Best to buy local to avoid shipping costs and possible damage.

 

[GD70]

Also, read through the various threads here, literally thousands, with discussions regarding sound, restorations, sound and environments, amplification. So many variables can make good speakers sound so-so, so-so speakers sound fabulous! Knowledge is power.

 

[mythless]

There are so many speakers you can choose from: North American, European, and Asia.

Since you are Canadian, let me say that Canadians have made and continue to make excellent speakers. Some Canadian brands to consider: Energy, Mirage, PSB, Angstrom, StudioLabs, Clement, Gemme, Paradigm, Axiom, etc...most you will have to look on the 2nd hand market.

Some of my personal favourites: Axiom, PSB, Energy, EPI/Burhoe/Genesis/Epicure, KEF, Castle, Mission, Bozak, Magnat, Canton, ADS, Philips, JBL, Altec - a lot actually...

There are some newer bookshelf speakers that seem to be quite good too. However, I have no experience with a lot of them. However, if you can find a pair of Bryston Mini A that would be my choice for new (used) doable at your price too.

 

[cary]

Take a look at the EPI 100 speakers, fairly inexpensive, very easy to reform and recap, and great sounding.

 

[Dswankey]

..I am looking for advise on a set of speakers for my receiver!...The speakers will be paired with my Pioneer SX-850...I would like to keep my cost bellow $750.

@Toiler Best to check to see what speakers are available in your area, using your favorite forsale sites, then doing further research on those that look interesting. Attempting to find specific models in the local vintage market can be very frustrating.

@swechsler makes a very good point! I would also add if you can, which is easier said than done, try a demo before purchase.

 

[Sgt Shultz]

Gotcha, will start looking around at what is available, somewhere near me if possible. The speakers will be for a mid to large sized living room. I already have a set of bookshelf type speakers. They are smaller, QUAD 11L2’s. Something larger as an option, bas3d on my preference at the time of listening… Chers

First, I've purchased most of my gear through eBay and most was shipped including half a dozen turntables, so no need to limit yourself to your immediate local.

Second, speakers are about the safest thing to have shipped without worry of damage compared with other electronic gear, square boxes are easy to pack.

AR was mentioned and I'm a big fan, but be aware some can be a difficult load, my AR58S are rated 3.2 ohm so require a beefy amp.

ADS made outstanding speakers, Canton is another I would highly recommend.

Have fun, that's what it's all about

 

[Dswankey]

....speakers are about the safest thing to have shipped without worry of damage .. square boxes are easy to pack....

If done by a reputable seller who has a history of packaging & shipping speakers, if not then it's a crapshoot so if you plan on purchasing online do your homework on the seller look for indications they primarily deal in speakers, audio etc.

 

[swechsler]

Second, speakers are about the safest thing to have shipped without worry of damage compared with other electronic gear, square boxes are easy to pack.

I'm going to disagree on that, I used to flip lots of stuff on eBay, but I hated doing speakers*, finding appropriate boxes is difficult, and unless the grilles are recessed or very sturdy, you have to figure out a way to prevent them from being cracked by any pressure on the sides of the box. Most boxes of the size that can fit speakers are generally not sturdy enough to handle their weight. On the other hand, most electronics can be tightly wrapped with bubble wrap and taped properly, and there won't be a problem.

*Mini speakers aren't a problem.

 

[Sgt Shultz]

I'm going to disagree on that, I used to flip lots of stuff on eBay, but I hated doing speakers*, finding appropriate boxes is difficult, and unless the grilles are recessed or very sturdy, you have to figure out a way to prevent them from being cracked by any pressure on the sides of the box. Most boxes of the size that can fit speakers are generally not sturdy enough to handle their weight. On the other hand, most electronics can be tightly wrapped with bubble wrap and taped properly, and there won't be a problem.

*Mini speakers aren't a problem.

Double boxing

Of course I wasn't referring to Bozak Concert Grands and neither was the OP.

I've shipped speakers to Australia without issue. Shipping Clairtone speakers was fun, double boxed and zero issues.


Electronics have more fragile parts, some with glass fronts, doors that open, knobs that protrude, arms that swing, platters that spin, etc etc, these all take special care in packaging.

 

[Toiler]

2nd the ADS recommendation!!!

Thanks!