Small room system?

[Arturo7]

Greetings all. New to the forum after lurking for a while. I've searched and scanned old posts trying to bring myself up to date. The last time I bought any gear was about 15 years ago. Obviously, I'm happy with this purchase because I haven't felt the need to upgrade.

However, I'm moving soon and need another system for a small room, aprx 10 x 12. I'm looking for a two channel system strictly for audio. 90% of what I listen to is classical or jazz, lots of piano. Accuracy is important, but a warm "musical" tone is key. I also somewhat subscribe to the "less is more" philosophy.

I'm leaning toward full-range bookshelf speakers but I'm not opposed to a sub with satellites. Are there any speakers/manufacturers that excel in this situation? Also not sure about how much power to use. Volume is not as important as headroom.

I need speakers and amp/pre-amp. The budget, at present, is $1,200 - 1,500. Where do I begin?

Thanks,
Art

[RGA]

For that budget This system is recommended http://www.venushifi.com/recommended.shtml

I have heard the speakers and I love them -- Jolida makes a lot of good nbudget tube gear though i'm unfmiliar with that model -- I would buy a cheaper CD player because they have not factored in the Stands. So I would get some Nice Skylan stands for the speakers and and maybe go with a budget Cambridge Audio CD player -- or a cd player that has a Digital output for future upgrading to an external DAC.

The AX Two is the best speaker under $1k I've come across. Tough to find though as there are only about 25 dealers in North America -- soon to be 26. this site has all the pricing US info. http://www.triodeandco.com/

[Arturo7]

RGA, thanks for the reply. I guess my post wasn't clear. All I need are the speakers and power. I'm going to use my existing CD player (Denon DCD-3520)

[RGA]

Sorry about that then this is a liot cheaper -- the speakers are $550.00 a pair and if you can swing it I would go with a nicer amplifier like the Jolida 302b or the ASL AQ1003DT. Thing is this is what i would do only and not necessarily for everyone. I think the speakers hang in with virtually everything i've heard up to $1500.00 save very deep bass...for instance I prefer the Dynaudio Audience A52 at about $1300 but it requires top flight and expensive amplification to get them to sound their best -- the AX Two is a virtual unknown and you are not going to read a lot of press about them - but they get on with the music like nobody's business and they are 90db sensitive easy to drive open and have top flight tonality which is stupid good for the money. The advantage then is that it also allows people to get into tube amplification and buy some nice tube amps (Audio Note does not actively seek out reviews). The 302b would be way way more power than the AX Two would ever need -- it runs about $999.00US list. I prefer the 1003DT from ASl because it uses the same general design and tubes but has a remote control and a subwoofer output and a bias adjustment meter on the thing which makes it easier for people who are new to tubes.

If tubes are too scary then the Audio Refinement "complete" is a nice integrated amp for $999.00US (this is made by YBA and is basically a YBA integre bit made in the far east to save costs -- the Integre is one of the handful best integrateds ever made and runs $3k) The Audio Refinement uses the same parts and design -- slightly cheaper case and not built in France.

Jolida http://www.jolida.com/catalogue/tubeamp.shtml
ASL http://www.divertech.com/antiquesl.html#INTEGRATED
AR http://www.audiorefinement.com/

There are a host of other fine speakers at around $700-$1000 that I find very good as well but I don;t think any of the ones I've heard are better and they cost more and may not be as low power friendly. Tubes are not for everyone either --- but if you've thought about it the the AX Two is a great way to get into it because the company loves tubes.

I am of course an owner of their gear which makes me biased -- but you have ntohing to lose by listening to it against the competition at higher cost to see what you think --- my comparison was mainly against very well reviewed megaconglomorate speakers at 4 times the price.

[eisforelectronic]

Totem Dreamcatchers or Rainmakers

[icarian]

Art,
I would recommend the dynaudio audience 52's, I have them paired with with a 60wpc rotel and am quite pleased with the results. I agree with RGA, that they do sound their best with great amplification, but the results with mid level amps are still quite impressive. And since i am an owner i am biased as well, just another speaker to listen to:) If you can still find the vinyl clad 52s you sould be able to pick them up new for $850. Good luck.
Icarian