$600 and under bookshelf suggustions

[chicomoralessxm]

Looking for suggustions on Bookshelf speaker suggustions.
I'm intrested in getting them mainly for music for my apartment. Detail and imaging are important but i do love my music loud. Will prob be using a hk3480 or nad325 to power them for now. Any suggustions?? I cant audition most models since i live outside the states. But i'm intrested in focal 706v or chorus s models paradigm monitor line, aperion audio 632 to name a few. oh i forgot psb b25's even polk rti's.

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/aperion_632lr.htm nice review as well.

Anyone have anythoughts on these speakers??? or anyothers with the exception B&W locating a dealor is a bit of a hassle and onix their looks dont really work for me they sound nice i hear though............

thanks in advance guys

[mike c]

Monitor Audio RS1
Monitor Audio BR2
KEF IQ1 or the next bigger size

[3db]

Looking for suggustions on Bookshelf speaker suggustions.
I'm intrested in getting them mainly for music for my apartment. Detail and imaging are important but i do love my music loud. Will prob be using a hk3480 or nad325 to power them for now. Any suggustions?? I cant audition most models since i live outside the states. But i'm intrested in focal 706v or chorus s models paradigm monitor line, aperion audio 632 to name a few. oh i forgot psb b25's even polk rti's.

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/aperion_632lr.htm nice review as well.

Anyone have anythoughts on these speakers??? or anyothers with the exception B&W locating a dealor is a bit of a hassle and onix their looks dont really work for me they sound nice i hear though............

thanks in advance guys


The PSB image B25 is a must audition if its available in your area. I highly recommend this speaker.

[j_garcia]

Ascend CMT-340SE

[Joe Schmoe]

I think that B&W 602s are excellent for $600. The 601s are around $150 less, and almost as good except for bass.

[no. 5]

Monitor Audio RS1
Monitor Audio BR2
KEF IQ1 or the next bigger size
I'll second that, :D and add the iQ3.

also, B&W may be avible online (http://www.listenup.com/servlet/UpdateEngine/?FUELAP_SITEDBID=SITE%5F%2D66&FUELAP_OP=FUELOP_NewScreen&PAGE_ID=LUPAGE%5F15965&CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY%5F12780358&FUELAP_TEMPLATENAME=lu%5Fproductcatalog&).

[speakerman39]

I think that B&W 602s are excellent for $600. The 601s are around $150 less, and almost as good except for bass.
I would have to second the B&W 602s3's myself. Very nice sounding speaker. Lots of people really like the Ascend CBM-170 SE's many of whom claim it is as good, if not better, than the Paradigm Studio 20 v.3's. Personally, I have never heard the 170's BUT if they are as good as the Studio 20 v.3's then they offer a HUGE bang for the buck.

[Nick250]

I think that B&W 602s are excellent for $600. The 601s are around $150 less, and almost as good except for bass.

Another vote for the 602s. To me, the 601s lacked the robust sound of the 602s. Both are certainly worth a listen though.

Nick

[emorphien]

I know you said you can't audition, but if you find something or local owners, try to get in a listen.. Of all the speakers mentioned that I've heard, I like the PSB Image B25 but I would chose the Focal 706 V. It's simply an incredible speaker for the money IMO.

[chicomoralessxm]

Thanks immensely guys for the replies. I hear good things about the ascend but hmmm the speaker does nothing for me when i look at it plus i need them to have a wood veneer (cherry) or look to match my decor...... you know keep the esposa happy.

PSB i will get a quite on it for sure and the focal. B&W is nice but my problem is finding a nearby dealor. I will see if i can locate one though since they are quite a big favourite. I guess no has heard of or not no fans of aperion audio here.

[dd24skater]

I think that B&W 602s are excellent for $600. The 601s are around $150 less, and almost as good except for bass.

Good Choice

[Joe Schmoe]

I guess no has heard of or not no fans of aperion audio here.
The problem I have with ID brands, including Aperion, is that I cannot audition them without buying them. Even if they give a full refund and pay for shipping, it is a lot of time and effort. I will always be likely to prefer speakers that I can hear in a showroom.
(This does not in any way imply that I don't think ID brands are good. Some may be excellent, but how would I know?)

[Ethio]

Not sure if you are done but the Axiom's are very good as well.

[Pianoman84d]

The problem I have with ID brands, including Aperion, is that I cannot audition them without buying them. Even if they give a full refund and pay for shipping, it is a lot of time and effort. I will always be likely to prefer speakers that I can hear in a showroom.
(This does not in any way imply that I don't think ID brands are good. Some may be excellent, but how would I know?)


Hey Joe...

I certainly respect your choice of speakers in a showroom, but just thought i'd point out that room acoustics play such a huge role in how speakers sound that there might be significant differences in sound between the showroom and your room. That, in my mind, is a large reason for ID stuff that you can audition in your home for significant lengths of time. Not saying its right for everyone, just think its worth pointing out...

Pianoman:)

[chicomoralessxm]

any addition thoughts?? or suggustions the aperion's were just under consideration for some reviews i saw and the fact i could get a pair that had been demoed at half the price.

[ChrisJam]

any addition thoughts??

I was bowled over by the sound put out by these little beauties: Phase Technology PC-1.1 II, which have an MSRP of $800/pair. See
http://www.phasetech.com/products.html?product_id=PC-1.1II&pc=1

Chris

[chicomoralessxm]

I was bowled over by the sound put out by these little beauties: Phase Technology PC-1.1 II, which have an MSRP of $800/pair. See
http://www.phasetech.com/products.html?product_id=PC-1.1II&pc=1

Chris

ok thanks for the suggustions heard of phase never been much of fan of there stuff not sure why. NHT for sure appeals to me more........

[Unreal1997]

Well, I have the M22s from Axiom and couldn't be happier :D

[chicomoralessxm]

So let me have your opinions here guys what would be the best bookshelf in my price range matched with the hk3480? and yes i do like to crank up my music and dont have a sub yet...........

[3db]

So let me have your opinions here guys what would be the best bookshelf in my price range matched with the hk3480? and yes i do like to crank up my music and dont have a sub yet...........

They are effiecient speakers and it doesn't take a whole lot to make them play loud. Stereophile recommended them as the best 600.00 bookshelf speaker in 2004.

[jcPanny]

I picked up My Onix Refrence 1's for <$600 used off audiogon and would recommend them. My only problem is getting a good deal on the matching center and surround channels to finish my HT. The Ref 1's retail for $1200 but they have used pairs on the av123 forum and Audiogon pretty frequently.

[chicomoralessxm]

They are effiecient speakers and it doesn't take a whole lot to make them play loud. Stereophile recommended them as the best 600.00 bookshelf speaker in 2004.

Yes i am giving them serious consideration. Do you know what kinda cabinet they have i mean is real wood veneer or vinyl??? Lots of good reviews on their sound thats for sure and i can get them for $450

[chicomoralessxm]

So guys good news finally have narrowed my mind down between the PSBb25 and well hmmm the monitor titanv5 or the focal 706s which i can get at a good price. Which will be best paired with the hk3480 which i will be getting. Keep in mind its mainly for music. yes I will be cranking it up on occasion. Oh i will prob be getting down the road a music hall 25.3a cant afford on right now lol.

Oh any suggustion on cables as well. will need you help with that dont know much about that stuff. I've been told 12 is good for speakers. I'll prob buy some cheap wire for now. But when it comes to interconnects hmmm??Is audioquest are a good idea?? nordost nahh!!! just kidding Was looking at the AQsidewinder or gsnake.
Has anyone heard of Vampire wire??? they have #CC1M (ofhc copper connect), #CCC1M (continuous cast copper) and a silver series.
http://www.vampirewire.com/shockindex/Shock/index2.html

looks forward to your suggustions thanks again

[BeerBarron]

Well, I have the M22s from Axiom and couldn't be happier :D

I have the axioms as well.. great speaker for the price... around $460...

[chicomoralessxm]

So guys good news finally have narrowed my mind down between the PSBb25 and well hmmm the monitor titanv5 or the focal 706s which i can get at a good price. Which will be best paired with the hk3480 which i will be getting. Keep in mind its mainly for music. yes I will be cranking it up on occasion. Oh i will prob be getting down the road a music hall 25.3a cant afford on right now lol.

Oh any suggustion on cables as well. will need you help with that dont know much about that stuff. I've been told 12 is good for speakers. I'll prob buy some cheap wire for now. But when it comes to interconnects hmmm??Is audioquest are a good idea?? nordost nahh!!! just kidding Was looking at the AQsidewinder or gsnake.
Has anyone heard of Vampire wire??? they have #CC1M (ofhc copper connect), #CCC1M (continuous cast copper) and a silver series.
http://www.vampirewire.com/shockindex/Shock/index2.html

looks forward to your suggustions thanks again

any thoughts on this post. I'll pass on the axioms for now

[3db]

any thoughts on this post. I'll pass on the axioms for now

Although people claim to heat differences between cables, its just a crock of moose dung as none of these ya sayers will submit to a true DBT test.

By yourself some thick gauge wire like lamp cord, or even speaker wire sold at places like walmart, try not to go thinner than 14 gauge, 16 gauge will do for short runs. Th money you saved from not purchasing high dollar speaker wire can be spent on things that really do impact sound like better speakers or receivers, etc.

[chicomoralessxm]

So any cheap 12gauge wire will work for speakers?? the same will apply for interconnects?? Is it that I will not hear a difference on my proposed setup or in general is it that as some say all this expensive cabling is not neccesary. any thoughts???

[chicomoralessxm]

Oh what about further suggustions on those bookshelves??? to match my 3480???

[cstpeter]

Chico, hope your search is going well. I think you've gotten a lot of good suggestions already. It's obviously tough to recommend speakers, cuz it's so subjective. Maybe it would help to know what kind of sound you prefer and what kind of music you listen to (maybe you already provided this info...it's a long post).

But at this point, you have enough advice. My suggestion would be to choose something and go with it. If you don't like it, identify why, then sell it and get something else with different qualities. I know this can get expensive, but it's the best you can do unless you can demo all options. Don't mean to sound preachy...I dig this ****.

And to add my $.02, I immediately thought of the Polk LSi7 (especially cuz you're looking for cherry panels), but those won't fly with your harman/kardon AVR. Spend a little more and get a used amp! Speaking of which, you should try to buy used speakers too...for $600 you could get $1200 MSRP speaks. Don't know if the whole out-of-the-country thing prevents buying from forums like Audiogon and ebay, but used is the way to go!

Have fun and good luck. Keep us posted.

[cstpeter]

So any cheap 12gauge wire will work for speakers?? the same will apply for interconnects?? Is it that I will not hear a difference on my proposed setup or in general is it that as some say all this expensive cabling is not neccesary. any thoughts???

Yes, any 12awg is fine. Don't at all worry about cabling for now. Devote all your $ to speakers first.

But, IMO, it can make a big difference, you just have to have the gear to hear it. Not to flame, but anybody that says otherwise hasn't tried it.

[Crackerballer]

You can have Paradigm Studio 20's V3 on sale now for $630 after tax. They rock.

[Imureh]

Do you have link to purchase these Paradigm's?

You can have Paradigm Studio 20's V3 on sale now for $630 after tax. They rock.

[chicomoralessxm]

Well the studio's are the speakers that i will get later when i upgrade for sure probwith a music hall int amp or a rotel

[Crackerballer]

Do you have link to purchase these Paradigm's?

My local dealer has a set of the rosenuts. Just find your dealers around you, and give them a call. Paradigm requires the billing address of the purchaser be in the same state as the dealer, or they won't ship them to you.

[zumbo]

http://www.listenup.com/servlet/UpdateEngine/?FUELAP_SITEDBID=SITE%5F%2D66&FUELAP_OP=FUELOP_NewScreen&PAGE_ID=LUPAGE%5F60134&DP_ID=LISTENUP%5FDP%5F20378267&SECTION_ID=LUPAGE%5F60134&FUELAP_TEMPLATENAME=lu%5Fproduct&

http://www.listenup.com/servlet/UpdateEngine/?FUELAP_SITEDBID=SITE%5F%2D66&FUELAP_OP=FUELOP_NewScreen&PAGE_ID=LUPAGE%5F60134&DP_ID=LISTENUP%5FDP%5F22156673&SECTION_ID=LUPAGE%5F60134&FUELAP_TEMPLATENAME=lu%5Fproduct&

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=31731

[Rob Babcock]

I you're willing to buy used, I'd suggest a few possibilities.

1) Green Mountain Europas- Marble enclosure, 1st order x-overs. Very good reviews, usually around $600 or a bit less on Agon.

2) Monitor Audio GR10's- Again, often available under $600 on Agon now that the GR line has been replaced by the GS line. I'd put them against any bookshelves I've personally heard under $2k (new). JMOHO, though- and I'm a big MA fanboy.;)

3) Onix Ref 1- I had a pair, and while I couldn't live with them long term they had many virtues. For one thing, they image as well as any speaker I've ever heard at any price. And they have a very nice midrange. They also exhibit build quality that betters most speakers I've seen under $2k. On the minus side I found them a bit "tipped up" or bright, but in your room with your electronics and more importantly, your own tastes, they might be just right.

4) Norh SM 6.1- They are synthetic marble drum shaped speakers. I will admit right up front I've never heard them but they have fantastic word of mouth from a dozen guys I trust. On Agon it can be a crapshoot- sometimes none come up for sale for several months, the next month their might be several.

[apatel25314]

http://www.axiomaudio.com/m22ti_main.html