Bookshelf speakers in the 300-450 $/pair range

[KeepItSimple]

Hello, new poster here.

I want to start building a quality HT/sound system. Right now I don't have too much budget, but I plan to spend up to $3,000 for a system that will last me a long time.

I'm going to start with a pair of bookshelfs, which I will send to the rear in 8-12 months. These are the characteristics I'm looking for:

- Good/excellent build quality
- Good/great value
- Nice looking
- Dimensions: H 15" tops, D 10" tops
- Matching towers and center (for updating later)
- And of course great sound for the buck

Right now I have the B&W 601 S3 on my list.

I will audition the choices you give me in NYC, so there have to be dealers there (not hard I guess) ;)

Thanks a lot.

[Kolia]

These are some I liked:

-Monitor Audio RS1
-Mirage OmniSat v2 (make sure they're the version 2!)

[rottenkid]

Check out Paradigm mini monitor v.5 (msrp-$379/pr.). Later you can add the cc-290 ($399) and Monitor 7 v.5 floorstanders ($649/pr.). Throw in a SVS pb-10 ($429), pb-12 ($599), 25-31 ($549), 20-39 ($599) or HSU vtf-2 mk3 ($499), vtf 3-mk2 ($559) for a sub, and you are all set. See how easy that was. (just kidding). Now enjoy the next month (or year), researching every little piece of info on the equipment your are thinking about getting, until you finally pull the trigger and get some sanity back in your life. Then you can just sit back and enjoy. Just make sure you go out and listen to as much as you can, because what sounds good to me might not sound good to you.
rottenkid's $.02

[chicomoralessxm]

Well i agree so much with that suggustion.i've already ordered a pair of the mini's myself wil lhave them shortly so i will let you know how they sound myself as soon i get them!!1

[rottenkid]

Please let me what you think. I'm sure you will be very happy.

[jcPanny]

For paradigm, you could probably get a used pair of the Studio 20's in your price range. Axiom Audio also has a few good options.

A couple of the Onix X-CS speakers would be at the low end of your price range. There will be several higher end floorstanding models added to the X series over the course of the next year which might work well with your upgrade strategy.

[speakerman39]

Be sure to check out the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE's too. Many people claim that the 170's are as good, if not better, than the Paradigm Studio 20 v.3's. If this is true ,then the 170's would have to be the bargain of the century. Currently, I own the Infinity Primus speakers and am very happy. The Primus also offer a huge bang for your buck. Good luck in your decision and welcome to the forum as I am sure you will find it most helpful.:) :)

[mazersteven]

I'm just bringing this to your attention. If your a little flexible with the depth look at these. They are also a little out of budget, but if your going to spend about $3000 total for a system these would be an awesome system once complete.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=2.1