Hello everyone,
Background
I'm building my first serious system. I've been reading a lot about different speakers, TTs, etc. people have tried with this amp/pre-amp combo, although sadly so few options are available within a four or five hour drive of where I live in Florida. Hurricanes and the general weather have not been kind to vintage gear here over the years, speakers in particular! I am trying to put together something that is sympathetic to the 30s-60s aesthetic of my house and furnishings. I especially appreciate the furniture-quality cabinets of some of the older speakers. Some of my favorite cabinet + grill combos are from '50s Electro-voice speakers, for instance. I also like the JBL C38 and some of the Altec Barcelona cabinets. Heck, I like the form factor of the 901s on their tulip stands. Anyway, the appearance is as important as the sound, and if it doesn't contribute to the room, it should disappear into it.
Source
I am planning to pair what I have with either an Empire or Garrard (probably 401) or similar TT of their ilk (Lenco, Fairchild, Thorens, etc.) provided I find one in good condition and reasonable distance away (or else high confidence in the seller's packing). The reason why these in specifically is driven a lot by cosmetically matching much of the furniture I have, as well as the reputation of build quality proceeding particularly the Empire. Nonetheless, the right one hasn't come along yet at the right price and condition. When not playing vinyl, I intend to use a Blue Node.
Music
Here's a sample playlist of the kind of music I mostly listen to:
I like that line between classical music rendered with a Moog synth and earlier synthpop, some prog rock, adore Harry Hosono and his associated projects, love lush and layered sounds. My favorite track on there is Sandii's "Zoot Kook".
Space
My house has terrazzo throughout, plaster ceilings, plaster walls covered in wallpaper (largely grasscloth), and some seagrass rugs near the intended place for the system. I have few options as far as walls go, since there are many windows or other openings. The speakers can't be any further than one foot from this wall, or else they'll impede traffic (accounting for the footprint of the rest of the speakers... in other words, the speaker can't exceed 24" depth, in addition to being placed up to 12" from the wall). Ceilings are a tad over 8' throughout.
Options
These only account for options near me (within a few hours drive of 32963) that have a nice appearance, a good reputation, and I can verify they work. I'm budgeting up to $3k for something special, but would prefer to have more money left over for actual music.
I plan to audition the above, if possible (AR3, AR11, and Heathkit will be auditioned tomorrow), but is there anything else I should keep on my radar, or anything especially I should hold out to hear? Do any of the above sound right for my application, or should I keep looking? What about any of the other mid-size Bozaks?
I appreciate everyone's help and expertise!
Background
I'm building my first serious system. I've been reading a lot about different speakers, TTs, etc. people have tried with this amp/pre-amp combo, although sadly so few options are available within a four or five hour drive of where I live in Florida. Hurricanes and the general weather have not been kind to vintage gear here over the years, speakers in particular! I am trying to put together something that is sympathetic to the 30s-60s aesthetic of my house and furnishings. I especially appreciate the furniture-quality cabinets of some of the older speakers. Some of my favorite cabinet + grill combos are from '50s Electro-voice speakers, for instance. I also like the JBL C38 and some of the Altec Barcelona cabinets. Heck, I like the form factor of the 901s on their tulip stands. Anyway, the appearance is as important as the sound, and if it doesn't contribute to the room, it should disappear into it.
Source
I am planning to pair what I have with either an Empire or Garrard (probably 401) or similar TT of their ilk (Lenco, Fairchild, Thorens, etc.) provided I find one in good condition and reasonable distance away (or else high confidence in the seller's packing). The reason why these in specifically is driven a lot by cosmetically matching much of the furniture I have, as well as the reputation of build quality proceeding particularly the Empire. Nonetheless, the right one hasn't come along yet at the right price and condition. When not playing vinyl, I intend to use a Blue Node.
Music
Here's a sample playlist of the kind of music I mostly listen to:
Space
My house has terrazzo throughout, plaster ceilings, plaster walls covered in wallpaper (largely grasscloth), and some seagrass rugs near the intended place for the system. I have few options as far as walls go, since there are many windows or other openings. The speakers can't be any further than one foot from this wall, or else they'll impede traffic (accounting for the footprint of the rest of the speakers... in other words, the speaker can't exceed 24" depth, in addition to being placed up to 12" from the wall). Ceilings are a tad over 8' throughout.
Options
These only account for options near me (within a few hours drive of 32963) that have a nice appearance, a good reputation, and I can verify they work. I'm budgeting up to $3k for something special, but would prefer to have more money left over for actual music.
- AR3 (not a)
- AR11
- JBL L65a
- Heathkit AS-103A
- Bozak B302a
I plan to audition the above, if possible (AR3, AR11, and Heathkit will be auditioned tomorrow), but is there anything else I should keep on my radar, or anything especially I should hold out to hear? Do any of the above sound right for my application, or should I keep looking? What about any of the other mid-size Bozaks?
I appreciate everyone's help and expertise!
