speaker advice for seniors

[PG44]

I am hoping some of the audiophiles here can help me out. My elderly parents are moving into a seniors condo, and my father wants to replace his old Advent small floor speakers with something smaller. He only wants to play music from the stereo or Galaxie channels, so surrounds and subwoofers not needed, just simple stereo speakers. I was looking at the Polk RT1A1 and the Martin Logan Motion 2 or 4. The question I have is, my Dad has a hearing problem and has trouble with higher frequencies (squeaky voiced women on the phone drive him crazy). Is there a type of speaker better suited to seniors with typical age related hearing loss? (and yes, he has a hearing aid but still a problem). And, are these speakers good value for money? I can't specify a budget but likely he doesn't want to spend more than $3-400 for the pair.

Thanks

[Norman_C]

Energy v-mini is a nice compact speaker. On sale $150 each at FS.
Decent treble, with adequate bass response too for a small setup.

[pw5599]

Look for something efficient, 95db 1w/1metre or more. Usually a high efficiency rating means lots of high end. He'd probably be better off with a 3 way system.
I'm at the age as well but so far no big problems hearing the high end from a good speaker.

[PG44]

Thanks for the input. I think we will try out a couple of options, maybe seek out a good electronics store with a listening room. I might get tempted to buy something myself, but my KEF Q35s still do the trick for me.

[pharsyde]

how about these ? soft dome tweeters

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/detai...ites_in_black/

http://totemacoustic.com/en/hi-fi/compact/mite/

[PG44]

Well, my Dad waffled a bit on the speakers but since he just gave his old speakers away he now needs something. I am leaning towards the Polk RTiA1s but not on sale at the moment. I have also looked into the used market and there are some Polk R15s and Athena AS-B1s available. From what I researched these were not expensive to begin with ($100-150/pr) and I am concerned they may not be sufficient for mains in a 2 speaker set up in a large open condo. Regular towers are too big for his needs, so the small bookshelves are ideal.

The question I have for the audiophiles here, what is a reasonable price for used speakers? The ones I mentioned are likely close to 10 years old and they are asking at least 50% of the original price. I have no idea of residual value for speakers. Any help appreciated!

[pharsyde]

nice to see you helping your father toward the cause ..

Although used certainly is a great option, there are plenty (all around) well performing bookshelf speakers within budget, particularly if you didn't mind to add in a few dollars to make it happen, if over the $ 300 -$ 400

Shouldn't be an issue finding dealers for a visit. Check out the following, keeping in mind your dad's looking for smooth high frequency.

Tannoy Mercury V1
Mission MX Series
Focal Chorus 705V
Boston Acoustic Classic Series
Monitor Audio BR2

The Tannoy is a WhatHiFi well reviewed little performer. The others I'm sure are definately worth serious consideration

[PG44]

Thanks Pharsyde, those are certainly nice speakers! Well, when push came to shove, my mother wasn't keen on any speakers because it is "just another gadget to control" and she doesn't need the stereo to watch HLN 24/7. So, with a lower budget we found a pair of new Polk RTiA1s in town going for $200. Now in their living room and sounding great, everyone is happy. Even Mum.

[pharsyde]

**thumbs up** Schweet deal You did well.

Those Polk RTi A1 are awesome little speakers as well, absolutely. That was your best option, performance and dollars paid.