Audiogon has really helped me upgrade an ancient 1980's system very frugally. I like the sound but still feel the last upgrade I need is the speakers and I am looking at alternatives in the 2500 range such as Von Schweikert VR2, Paradigm Signature S2, ProAc D15, Gallo Reference 3 (great sound but the looks?), JM Labs Cobalt 826. My problem is that I like them all! Any suggestions appreciated. Not as many audio dealers in Phoenix, AZ as I would like so I cannot audition many brands that I am interested in. I think the Unico will be happiest with an efficient, easy to drive speaker. It seems to sound best when not driven too hard. I like a clear, transparent, detailed open sound but also on the warm smooth side. Bass not as important (I do a lot of late night listening) but good imaging a must. I love speakers with a buttery smooth midrange.
Since I do not have as much money as I would like to spend on my system (and who does?), I have been playing with a lot of tweaks. Some like Silclear, mass loading, Auric Illuminator, ERS paper and dynamat (especially on the CD player clock chip) have made a noticable improvement and have cooled my desire for new speakers. Others have been less successful. I am always looking for new inexpensive tweaks to try.
Modified with new opamps (AD8066). Extensive dampling with Dynamat Extreme. Upgraded power cord. Mass loaded (10 lbs) and using herbie's tenderfeet. ERS paper around power supply
Unison Unico
Upgraded with fabulous 1950's Mullard longplate 12AU7. Upgraded power cord. Mass loaded (10 lbs) on Herbie's Tenderfeet. ERS paper around power supply. Damped with dynamat extreme.
Vandersteen 2ci
Getting dated and probably the weak link in the system. Still have a lot of good qualities but I am probably looking for suggestions in the $2500 range that would match well with the Unico?
RS Cables Silver Interconnect
Dynamite budget cables. Clear and detailed.
Signal Magic Digital
Nice budget cable. Very flexible.
Monster HT 2000
Did not make much difference in my system. Might upgrade to something else in future.
Mapleshade Silclear
Silver grease contact enhancer. A must have. Increased clarity and detail at all frequencies. Great bang for the buck.
ERS Paper
Put is around power supplies. Lowered noise floor noticably and improved soundstaging. Great bang for buck.
Thanks for the tip. We have a local dealer and I will definitely check them out. The S2's seemed to image very well to me and had a buttery midrange that was really amazing on female vocals. I need to go back for a more extended audition, but the B&W sound like something I would like.
I think that if I were upgrading speakers I would definitely look at the B&W Signature 805. I think you will like them much more than the S2 from Paradigm. I think Paradigm is an awesome company and I have owned many different speakers from them. But.. I compared the S2 with the Signature 805 and much prefered the S805. Especially if imaging is a must like it is with me. The S805's can be had for about 2700 or a little less if you are lucky. If you don't listen real loud, I think the Unison would be a great match for those speakers.
