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Purchase Advice for the Girlfriend

I

Ira Bell

New Member
Hi all - been lurking on AK for years but haven’t had much to contribute. Feel bad for posting a question without yet adding any value here - so apologies in advance!

I have convinced my girlfriend to go with a vintage receiver in her new condo. We haven’t picked the receiver yet but it will likely be a solid state integrated unit with a more popular brand name (Marantz, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc.). I would like to get her some modern speakers. But here’s the catch - for her to be happy, they have to match her place in the sense that its designed very bohemian. Lots of whites, beige, etc. I don’t know how to put it in to words except to say that I love looking at virtually all speakers and for her they need to look slightly more artistic. Based on the posts I’ve read over the years - many of you have figured out the happy wife happy life principle... haha...

Do you fine people have any recommendations for bookshelf or generally smaller type speakers that make great sound but are also great/artistic/modern/clean looking? I guess for budget, perhaps setting the mark at $1000 max for the pair (but if that’s too low, please suggest higher options within reason). She will just be listening to Hi-Fi audio via whatever DAC I buy for her - no AV through the system or anything.

Im sure i'm leaving critical information out such as receiver power / etc. ... If so please let me know and I’ll try to clarify.
 
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Where, roughly are you two located in order to avoid shipping and
for demos if you are nearby.
 
If you're okay with somewhat recessed treble, the Paul Carmody S2000 DIY speakers are a cool $200 and look really slick -- the baltic birch plywood finished with wipe-on polyurethane or similar provides a modern, clean look. Downside being they are DIY speakers, so you will have to assemble them yourself. Will require a drill, clamps, wood glue, soldering iron.

One caveat is they are low sensitivity and 4 ohm. I used them to throw parties with a 30wpc Sansui receiver, no clipping, but I was pushing the Sansui to its limits to achieve party-level SPL. Should be fine, but worth noting if you're going flea watts. If you are into measurements, Audio Science Review has done a good writeup on them: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...s/carmody-s2000-diy-speaker-kit-review.17507/
 
AlexHempel said:
If you're okay with somewhat recessed treble, the Paul Carmody S2000 DIY speakers are a cool $200 and look really slick -- the baltic birch plywood finished with wipe-on polyurethane or similar provides a modern, clean look. Downside being they are DIY speakers, so you will have to assemble them yourself. Will require a drill, clamps, wood glue, soldering iron.

One caveat is they are low sensitivity and 4 ohm. I used them to throw parties with a 30wpc Sansui receiver, no clipping, but I was pushing the Sansui to its limits to achieve party-level SPL. Should be fine, but worth noting if you're going flea watts. If you are into measurements, Audio Science Review has done a good writeup on them: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...s/carmody-s2000-diy-speaker-kit-review.17507/
Click to expand...

Now those look slick! Thanks man.
 
I'm very comfortable with electronics, but am a complete rookie in wood working and fabricating. I do love a good challenge though so maybe this is the way.
 
Luckily DIYSG supplies pre-cut knock down cabinets, so all you need to do is glue, finish, and drill holes. Since you have DIY electronics experience I'm sure it'll be a breeze, they were my first every DIY speaker and they came out really nice.
 
You will have to up your budget a little bit but Davone speakers fit your description. They are great looking and sound great also. Look them up it might be worth waiting until you can afford them. davoneaudio.com
 
Has the OP considered maybe replacing the fabric on the grills with a fabric that would inspire her? This way, you can have vintage and bohemian. I actually found a set of speakers with philips drivers that has some funky fabric. I call them the Austin Powers speakers. I gave them to my eldest daughter. She loves them!

IMG_1104.JPG
 
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Vintage?

My lady loves the kr-3040. She picked the kefs over the ar18 though. She wants to paint them cream to match her decor. You might want to consider that route.

Smaller, simpler vintage receives don't get the love they deserve. Don't fall into the trap of dropping huge cash.
 
Cosmetically challenged speakers that can be painted any color she likes are worth considering.

I would look at a new yamaha integrated amp or stereo receiver. Vintage look with modern convenience and a warranty.
 
trinhsman said:
Above your budget, but great speakers. Check out AK sponsor Holt Hill Audio. Lots of great comments on his monitors, and they look nice too.
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Thanks Ernie! I happen to have a pair of Cionnsailes in gloss white waiting for a new home.... but yes, they would be above this budget.

I recently restored a pair of Allison Six speakers in maple veneer with white painted grills, and I really think the color shift modernized the look. I happen to have another set of Allison Six awaiting a similar transformation, but this time in Cherry veneer, but they could be customized. These little speakers will surprise! And well within the budget.

50385906656_71ddbd11e7_b.jpg
 
While a bit over your budget the KEF LS50 has a very sleek visual presentation and is available in various colors.

There is even a wireless version that would negate the need for a receiver thus simplifying the integration with her decor.

Food for thought.....
 
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