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Most floor standing speakers tend to be quite large - the Cyrus I might
have trouble driving some of the larger ones. However, I guess you
may be spouse-limited to smaller ones anyway.
I think buying second hand speakers may be a bit more risky than buying
second hand electronics, as speakers are more susceptible to damage.
There are a few second hand Hi-Fi dealers, or you could try hunting
around for ex-demonstration stock.
Trevor
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| I have bought second-hand speakers in the past , with no problems,
provided you inspect them and have a listen at reasonably high levels.
Classics that can be picked up for a song are LS3/5A's , the definitive
booksheld monitor, I guess you could get a pair for cc $150. the
interesting thing about this gem is that it was mde by around 6
different manufacturers, at different times, but all conforming to the
standard BBC specification. Ken Kessler in Hi-Fi news still rates it as
one of the 6 best speakers of all time. The other nice thing is that it
uses all KEF drivers which can be easily replaced.
The other classic that keeps coming up are the original Quads ! Adverts
fall into 2 categorys
1) $150 a pair - These have been overdriven, which can permenantly
damage them (i.e spot-weld !). Worth condsidering as QUAD still support
and repair them .
2) $300 a pair - recently overhauled.
The QUADS are unique, they are flat panels, that floor stand, they are
gently arcing and look rather like art-deco electric heaters. they come
in bronze and black, though the black are the harder to find. they need
plenty of space ( 1 M in every direction) and are a real hot-spot
speaker.
BUT I still think they sound incredible, in terms of imagery,
spaciousness and general realism. They do not have much bass, but
that's an over-rated virtue anyway. They were designed in the late
50's.
The reason I have outlined these is because both the LS3/5A and the
QUADS regularly appear in the classifieds in Gramaphone, Hi-Fi Answers
and Hi Fi News.
Me, I've got the LS3/5A'sd but would upgrade to QUADS, given enough
house room.
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