Best looking (first) and great sounding (second) bookshelf for $1000

[ptoomey]

So, the Quad's are 6 ohm, and the website says that they are "compatible with 8 ohm amplifier outputs". So, might this be a fine balance? Anyone out there running Quads with a Jolida integrated. If not, anyone else have a good suggestion for an integrated tube amp (at $1000 or less) that would be a good match for the Quads?

The Soundstage! review of the 302 noted that while it does provide 4 ohm taps, it sounded better with 8 ohm speakers on the 8 ohm taps. It's not that the amp wasn't stable, it simply wasn't as good. Tubes are fickle and require more thought in matching with speakers, which is why I always suggest picking the speakers first and then finding the right amp. I'd probably pass on the Vienna's. BTW, you'll note in the article one of the reference speakers was the Taylo, a speaker that seemed to lock in with the Jolida. Tyler Acoustics is a brand worth seeking out for audition.

'Course, my vote is still for the used VR-1 .

[ptoomey]

I am doing tons of googling on the Quads and found a number of people comment that the Quads are great for orchesteral, but may not be your cup of tea if vocalists are your priority. Well, I actually do emphasize vocals over orchesteral music. Any comments about this? What, of the above speakers everyone has mentioned, is known for vocals.

Patrick

[PeruvianSkies]

The Usher X719 is very cool looking, but I have never heard one. If I were going just by what has been recommended thus far in terms of looks, this would be the winner, but again.....I haven't heard it and I consider that to be a higher priority over looks. Obviously you put that second in your priority, so maybe this is a good candidate. Hopefully you can hear a set.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Like Topspeed and GMichael said, the Usher X-719 is my choice. I spent the afternoon with the X-719, the VR1, the Totem Rainmaker, and the Consonance Eric 1. The X-719 just did everything so well. Had the kind of bass you would expect from a floorstander and a soundstage that filled the room. Now this is not to say that the other speakers sounded bad. Each of the other speakers sounded very good and I would be very happy with any one of them in my listening room.