What to buy for $5000 or so

[topspeed]

Part of the reason those speakers didn't grab you was probably related to the receivers being used. Nothing against Denon or Integra, it's just that receivers generally can't come close to driving a speaker as well as a good integrated or separate amp. You probably weren't hearing all that the speakers had to give.

Specific recommendations are going to be difficult because all you're going to get are personal opinions, which of course have nothing to do with your own opinion. For example, Wooch runs Paradigm Studios w/ a Yammie front end, Feanor runs Maggies (I think) w/ a Bell Canto eVo, and I use either a B&W w/ PS Audio or Von Schweikert w/ vintage Marantz rig. All of this stuff is good...for each individual (although I'd happily take either Wooch's or Feanor's off their hands if they twisted my arm ).

Do a quick search of recommend speaker and you'll have a nice starting point. Trust me, the "which speaker" question is asked about once a day here so you'll have plenty to help you form an opinion.

Good luck and enjoy the ride.

[ChrisR]

Part of the reason those speakers didn't grab you was probably related to the receivers being used. Nothing against Denon or Integra, it's just that receivers generally can't come close to driving a speaker as well as a good integrated or separate amp. You probably weren't hearing all that the speakers had to give.

Specific recommendations are going to be difficult because all you're going to get are personal opinions, which of course have nothing to do with your own opinion. For example, Wooch runs Paradigm Studios w/ a Yammie front end, Feanor runs Maggies (I think) w/ a Bell Canto eVo, and I use either a B&W w/ PS Audio or Von Schweikert w/ vintage Marantz rig. All of this stuff is good...for each individual (although I'd happily take either Wooch's or Feanor's off their hands if they twisted my arm ).

Do a quick search of recommend speaker and you'll have a nice starting point. Trust me, the "which speaker" question is asked about once a day here so you'll have plenty to help you form an opinion.

Good luck and enjoy the ride.

Thanks for the help, it is difficult. I will research opions on speakers first, then maybe you can help me match the front end to the speakers.