ProAc Studio 130

These have been discontinued for a while now, pretty rare on the used market. If you're looking at a pair in the used market, expect to pay between £500 for a shabby pair, up to about £750 for a mint pair.

In the used market, for that price, you're looking at a wide variety of speakers, Kef Q900's can had used for about £800 on a good day. B&W 685's are about the same range.

As a speaker, the design is simple. Two high quality drive units stuck onto 4 planks of wood with a hole in the bottom. But my god, does it work well! The frequency response of these speakers is simply terriffic for the price, even more surprising when you consider how many drivers they have. They are a very 'balanced' speaker, nothing shouts at you. Although with a solid state amp (non class-A) the treble may not be suited to all tastes; crank it up a notch and they can edge on harshness. Imaging and agility is on-par with stand mounted speakers in the same price range. Bass performance is very well textured and leaves nothing to be desired in terms of frequency extension. Position-wise, they only need to be about 10" from any wall to be relatively un-phased by it.

In amplification terms, avoid anything harsh. High-current is not necessary to get the best from them, 20A+ will more than cover it. An ideal interated for these is an Arcam A85 or a Musical Fidelity A3. Couple with matching CD players and you'll be looking at a £1400 ish system that will make you completely forget the price tag, leaving you to do nothing but sit and enjoy the music. And enjoy it you shall.

At least 1m in our view.

how much space do they need from walls?