Recommend speakers for me

[slayers]

I'm going to put together a nice 2 channel audio setup and going to be demoing a lot of speakers....
I'm starting my journey with a healthy $5,000 - $9000 budget (speakers , pre,amps etc )
But I need someone to give me a direction on what's worthy to audition. There is several stores located in a 20 mile radius with many of the top brands but this destination is a 2hour haul.
If i can get some ideas it'll give me an idea of exactly what to listen to.. I happen to be new to this world so any options would help steer me and it'll be helpful if some experts here could put together a 2 channel set up to give me an idea what I need to get awesome sound.
(I can get 10-45% off Monitor Audio, KEF and RBH)
My living room is 30 feet by 17 feet and fairly open my music selection consists of hard rock, classical music, jazz, country ( Basically at some point i listen to anything and everything )

[slayers]

At this point i'm leaning towards the RBH SX-8300/R based off this review and the nice discount I could get
$10,000 Two-Channel Stereo Recommended System | Audioholics

Also I'm considering the Monitor AUDIO GOLD 300

BTW: Whatever speaker I get will start out as a 2 channel MUSIC only but it has the potential of being moved to my HT room for HT ONLY

[Masterlu]

By all means check out, and audition Bryston Model T's. They easily outperform speakers costing far more than they do.

Full Disclosure; I'm a Bryston dealer and Model T owner (2 pairs)

[-E-]

Bryston...

What KEFs can you get in that range?

[BuffaloBill]

[Randy Myers]

Depends on size you are looking for. If you are looking for a small speaker on a stand then there are several good ones that would fit the bill. I and several other forum members are very happy with the KEF LS50... A REL sub is also a nice match and there are other good ones.

Have you thought about your electronic selections yet? I recently discovered Wyred 4 Sound, and what do you know, it is built right around the corner from me. They are one of those giant killer type companies. Like the KEF they compete very well against other equipment several times their price.

I am big on looking for those giant killer companies!

I hear the Bryston are excellent but they would also really limit the other pieces you need to get for your system and hit the budget.

BTW- The Absolute Sound had a really good review of the KEF Q500 in he December issue... I think any of the KEF line would be great if you are into the smooth English sound!
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...0-loudspeaker/

[slayers]

Im thinking of the parasound HINT

[Kal Rubinson]

I was looking for new speakers for my weekend place recently. My range was from about $1.5k-$3K and I wanted 3way floor-standers. I was able to take advantage of my position to actually try them out in my room to review them. The decision was pretty clear, Monitor Audio Silver8. You can read my reviews (KEF, B&W, S-F, etc.) if you wish but, my room was the same size as yours, I might have opted for the Silver10.

[scirica]

Kal knows his stuff and has been around a long time! I'm also partial to the Bryston value statement as mentioned by Ivan.

I think it is much more interesting (and fun) to try and build a budget audiophile system. Can't wait to see where this journey takes you!

[Superfrg]

On rare occasions, I think about what I would do if I had to start all over Again, with a more limited budget.

For me, I would grab a pair of KEF LS50 or other great Bookshelf speakers, a Parasound Integrated (great sub management with high/low pass for seamless sub integration), the entry lumin streamer without a DAC (excellent software), a good REL sub and the rest of the Cash spent on acoustic treatments.
The list Price here would be around 9K before discounts.

Add CD player, more speakers&receiver for 5.1, or some vinyl if needed.