Bookshelf (under $450 pr.) Showdown

[trw005]

Ty for ur posts all. Did my research here, mfg. sites, and A/V magazines and I ask for your opinions now. I have my selection parred down to this in order of favorites:
Axiom M3ti, Ascend CBM-170, PSB B25, Paradigm Monitor 3 or mini
(I know I obviously need to to audition them)
I will use them as fronts for HT system in small room 12 x 12.
Have new Onkyo TX-SR503 75 w/ch (7.1) I'm not looking to be told which is best, just opinions from owners of these or peeps who have heard them and
what they thought of them vs. each other or vs. others not mentioned. :)

[Buckeyefan 1]

From what I've read, I'd go with PSB.

PS, no reaon to post twice, most of the members will go down the entire page to help you out. This is a tough question, because these are mail order speakers, and not too many members can afford to mail order multiple sets of speakers for comparison at the same time. They are all fine. Take a look at the tweeters. If they are aluminum, you may get a brighter sound as opposed to a soft dome tweeter. Also look at the spl levels. Speakers with the highest spl levels will play more efficiently with less power required from the receiver. And if all else fails, buy the ones that fit your room the best. We pick our chix by looks, then personality. Most bookshelves in that group are well made and have all gotten good reviews. They are all good chix. :o

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

I have both a PSB 1b (the old 15b) and Paradigm Atoms v.3 (the old v.4).

They are so close as to be identical to me. Thus I wouldn't recommend the additional money for the PSB (I got mine on close-out when the 1/2B's got discontinued).

[Takeereasy]

I have Image 2B's, the precurser to the B25. I love these speakers. I've only been able to compare them to Titans from Paradigm, so not a fair contest. I have heard the Monitor 3's today, and I gotta say, I liked it alot. Very punchy speaker, more bass than the PSB I think, but it seemed a little, I don't know, off to me. That is because I listen to my speakers every day, and not a knock against the M3's in any way.

I've got a suggestion for you though. Listen to the Image 25Bs, and if you like them pick up the 2Bs on sale at soundcity.com for $239 a pair. I have heard both speakers, and there isn't much of a difference at all.

[porksoda]

I vote psb as well.. very clean and balanced sound.

[Rob Babcock]

The best sounding under-$450 monitors I've ever heard were probably the Monitor Audio Bronze 2's. Of the ones that you've listed (that I've actually heard myself) I'd pick the PSBs. They're voiced a bit "darkly" for my tastes, but overall they're a well balanced, great sounding speaker.

[silversurfer]

I have heard the Bronze B2 and felt they were a bit recessed in the mids....a VERY nice speaker though...good bass for the size.

I have heard/read the same comment about the voicing on the B25 from Rob, and that the mids sounded a bit boxy.

The Axiom M3 would be a great choice without a sub. It has a hump in the low end of its FR. Although it doesn't play that low, it does give you the feeling it does. I would also have a look at their M22.

Overall balance, and great/realistic mids, the Ascend CBM-170. Also gets great reviews from many publications(mostly online), even though they spend no advertising dollars that I have seen.

[Tex-amp]

You can take your list down to the Ascends and the PSBs as I haven't heard the PSBs but the rest are no competition for the Ascend 170 unless you are running w/o a sub then the bottom end extension of the Monitor 3 may be important.

[3db]

I would have to go with the PSBs as the speaker of choice. Compared to some of teh others, its voiced somewhat darker. But through extended listening, I have found them to be very revealing and deep in their soundstage layout. Much more so than the Paradiigms or the Axioms. And its not a in your face presentation. They just disappear in teh background and let the music come out. Very musical, very smooth non fatiguing speaker.

Here's what Stereophile had to say;
http://www.stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/1204psb/index.html

[Khellandros66]

PSB or if there is a dealer near you Definitive ProMonitor 200s

PM200 Specs
26Hz-30kHz
20-200w
4-8Ohms
92dB Sensitivity
MSRP $225 ea

~Bob

[trw005]

TY for your replys all. My review as follows:
Great quality. Pro's: Very rich , open , accurate and balanced sound. Excellent soundstage and imaging. Highs clear, no edginess. Mids open, very realistic. Bass smooth and tight, no thud or thump. Best thing is they almost disappear in the room. Almost. I see/hear why they are popular in this thread and in reviews. Nice at low volume, non fatigueing.

Cons: There is a slight boxyness to them but I think thats a limitation due to their size (bookshelf), not the design.
They could be priced slightly lower. $375.00 would have been a done deal.
450.00 pr. is msrp and dealer stuck close to that.

These speakers are going to be hard to beat IMO. I'd pay the slight premium.

[Gatorchong]

I know you've narrowed your choices down, but you may take a look at the level 4 from HTD, they're on clearance right now for $299.00. I picked up a pair for a spare bedroom, build quality is ridiculous for the price. 1" MDF construction all around, and internally braced. Mappa burl veneer is not the best quality I've ever seen, but still very nice to look at. I have only had them about 2 weeks and they're just starting to get broken in but so far I'm very impressed with the sound. www.htd.com

[silversurfer]

You really should try the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170.

[Takeereasy]

Hey trw005, I'm not sure if you saw my post but if you liked the B25 then you'll like its predacessor the 2B. Not alot has changed and you can get them for $239 online at soundcity.com. If you look around you could probably match that locally.

[Buckeyefan 1]

I know you've narrowed your choices down, but you may take a look at the level 4 from HTD, they're on clearance right now for $299.00. I picked up a pair for a spare bedroom, build quality is ridiculous for the price. 1" MDF construction all around, and internally braced. Mappa burl veneer is not the best quality I've ever seen, but still very nice to look at. I have only had them about 2 weeks and they're just starting to get broken in but so far I'm very impressed with the sound. www.htd.com

Are these similar to the white van speakers? I've never seen or heard of these before.

[Tom Andry]

Ok Buckeye - the glowing skull thing - never really got what that was all about (other than being a glowing skull), the guy walking around the square - cute but gonna get on my nerves after a while, Pac-Man slamming beer - Priceless

[Buckeyefan 1]

Ok Buckeye - the glowing skull thing - never really got what that was all about (other than being a glowing skull), the guy walking around the square - cute but gonna get on my nerves after a while, Pac-Man slamming beer - Priceless

Thanks. The walking guy drove me nuts. I got the skull guy from a UK AV forum. My 2yr boy old liked it - nothing more. Finally found a good one. If you find a cool moving smiley or anything on the web, just "right click" and "save photo as" to your photos. Then you can add an avitar to your name. I think everyone should have one to personalize themselves. I can certainly put down the beer. Here's a couple if anyone wants them. Again, just right click and save.

[silversurfer]

Are these similar to the white van speakers? I've never seen or heard of these before.
Nope....not white van. They are very well regarded.

I have heard the Level 4 bookshelves before, not as dynamic as my tastes, but a very nice speaker with no glaring weaknesses. The cabinet was beautiful.

[trw005]

Ty for posts. I'll let u in my head on this. lol
PSB B25's Did audition and reviewed here. Really liked them.
Axiom M3's and Ascend CB-170's have been ordered, should receive them by thursday. I will do an in home demo on those 2 and then do reviews.
If i like Axiom M3's best I'll probably upgrade to M22's as final choice. They get so many raves.
Replies to others:
Takereasy: 2B deal are on demos/discontinued and B25's are improved technically so if PSB spend the big cash to retool/R&D then I'm inclined not to go backwards. I'm not that price sensitive at 300-500 range. But good suggestion anyways.
Silversurfer: I have ordered Ascends for audition. TY
Kelland: I'll check into those. TY
3db: I think your right on about PSB's.
Rob, Tex, Pork, Ninja: Good stuff TY
I get the feeling that all these suggested speakers are very good, just based on hearing the PSB's. So thanks for the help. I'm glad I didnt run to BB and CC and just grab something. LOLOL Dont think Infinity, Polk, BIC, and Athena are my style. I had INF Quantum 5's 23 yrs ago, still havent heard anything better. Till now. He he The digital age is upon us.

[silversurfer]

Just an FYI, the M3 and M22 are pretty different. You may end up liking one and not the other.

M3's have more perceived bass than the CBM-170 and M22 because of their bump in FR in the 100hz region. This may be a good thing if you do not plan on using a sub. They also may sound a bit "warmer".

All great speakers for the money. Have fun!

[Tex-amp]

The HTD 4s need lots of good clean power to reach their potential. Less than that they are kind of recessed and muffled.

[mawst95]

I was thinking of picking up a pair of Energy C-3's to go with my C-9's. They seem to get decent reviews and are onsale for $250 a pair.

[trw005]

Hi Guys. I received axiom M3's. Ordered on last thurs, arrived tuesday. 2 days and thats over holiday weekend. Bravo Axiom. Friday I emailed axiom said maybe i need the M22's too. They jumped on that and I got those today!
And they sent free FedEx pickup labels for the M3's. Wow. Just like I heard about their service. M3's are very smooth, accurate well made speakers. I could not get the sound out of them, they just stayed smooth as power was increased but no punch. Few hours now with the M22's and this is the one I needed. Sounds like 4 M3's stacked but with more punch, like I wanted. They are very versatile, great for all types of music and theatre. I like these better then the PSB B25's for the same money too. Open, crisp, full, smooth with nice soundstage. And they get better I hear with time. Could not imagine a better set for $440.00 delivered. After 20 minutes I felt compelled to check Axiom next level, I wanted more of this. (Isnt it funny that theres always that carrot dangling of the next best thing when buying electronics. lol ) But thats floorstanding and double the price. So I am completely content here. The Ascend 170's are last speaker to audition. They will be here soon. Subjective review but thats speakers for ya. :)

[silversurfer]

I think you will find the CBM-170s and M22's closely matched with the main difference in the highs.

Sounds like you are having fun, that's what it is all about.

[RJB]

I have the M22's and love them, best choice I ever made... :D

[3db]

Hi Guys. I received axiom M3's. Ordered on last thurs, arrived tuesday. 2 days and thats over holiday weekend. Bravo Axiom. Friday I emailed axiom said maybe i need the M22's too. They jumped on that and I got those today!
And they sent free FedEx pickup labels for the M3's. Wow. Just like I heard about their service. M3's are very smooth, accurate well made speakers. I could not get the sound out of them, they just stayed smooth as power was increased but no punch. Few hours now with the M22's and this is the one I needed. Sounds like 4 M3's stacked but with more punch, like I wanted. They are very versatile, great for all types of music and theatre. I like these better then the PSB B25's for the same money too. Open, crisp, full, smooth with nice soundstage. And they get better I hear with time. Could not imagine a better set for $440.00 delivered. After 20 minutes I felt compelled to check Axiom next level, I wanted more of this. (Isnt it funny that theres always that carrot dangling of the next best thing when buying electronics. lol ) But thats floorstanding and double the price. So I am completely content here. The Ascend 170's are last speaker to audition. They will be here soon. Subjective review but thats speakers for ya. :)


Word of advice.. Bring the PSBs home with you and then get a friend to help switch them in and out with the axioms. One thing memory does not do well is remembering sound accuratelly. Happy to hear ya liek the Canadian offering *chuckles*

[silversurfer]

Yeah...if you can get an A/B switch that would be great. Auditory memory loss due to time can be as little as 30 seconds.

[shokhead]

I was thinking of picking up a pair of Energy C-3's to go with my C-9's. They seem to get decent reviews and are onsale for $250 a pair.

\Good Guys had some Energy's for half price on there web site.

[mawst95]

That's where I got them....they should be shipped to me shortly :)

[shokhead]

I'm interested to see how they sound.

[mawst95]

Hey guys-

Just got the C3's in today, have them on 29" VTI stands. Moved my C9s aside and have the C3's as my mains (2 channel), set to large powered by a 54TX. My initial impression?

Wow.

I can't believe that its just bookshelf speakers playing right now. Talk about impact, weight, and low bass! Here's what I listened to:

Massive Attack: Angel
PF: Wish you were here
Nelly: Pimp Juice
Norah Jones: (forget the song)

Some blue man group, Sade and a few others. The soundstage on WYWH was huge, spanning well beyond the boundary of the speakers. Imaging is precise and holographic. Top end is definitely "crisp" and the lows are tight and deep. Female vocales sounded natural.

They are in my bedroom, 15x22x9", hardwood floors with area rug and curtains. I'm really impressed. Of course I have nothing to compare them with, but for $250/pr I don't see how you can go wrong. They get really loud in my room with no distortion or struggle so far.

Matt