Bookshelf speakers on a $350 budget

[mapexvenus]

Hello all,
I am shopping for bookshelf to use with my Panasonic VSX-819H-K receiver. The speakers that I have been looking at are:

- Klipsch - Icon 5-1/4" Model: VB-15
- Bose 301 Series V
- Polk Audio 5-1/4" Model: TSI200

I have a Sony 10" 100-Watt Powered Subwoofer Model: SAW2500.

Thank you!

[shadyJ]

Here are some others for you to consider that may be a better value:

Ascend Acoustics CBM 170 SE (http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html) $350 not including shipping. Very highly regarded speaker company.
Emotiva ERM 1 (http://emotiva.com/erm1.shtm) on sale for $320 after shipping, ordinarily $480. These would sound great, just make sure your receiver can handle the 4 ohm load though.
HSU HB-1 mk2 (http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html) $334 after shipping, these are terrific bookshelfs with a surprising amount of bass for their size.
TSBL 6.6 from The Speaker Company (http://www.thespeakercompany.com/TSBL-65-2-way-Bookshelf-Speaker-Pair-P46C6.aspx) $360 with free shipping, these are well-reviewed speakers that many people love

Any of those would at the very least equal the Klipsch and Polk, and they would all put the Bose to shame.

[mapexvenus]

Thank you for your response. I am officially taking Bose off my list based on other feedback I have read.

I was considering the Kilpsch and Polk because they are speakers I can easily audition at the local Best Buy and even bring home to try. Returning and exchanging them will be a 2 mile drive as opposed to shipping (and paying for shipping), etc. Of course, I could sacrifice the convenience if any of the speakers you recommended blow Kilpsch and Polk out of the water.

[lsiberian]

Here are some others for you to consider that may be a better value:

Ascend Acoustics CBM 170 SE (http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html) $350 not including shipping. Very highly regarded speaker company.
Emotiva ERM 1 (http://emotiva.com/erm1.shtm) on sale for $320 after shipping, ordinarily $480. These would sound great, just make sure your receiver can handle the 4 ohm load though.
HSU HB-1 mk2 (http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html) $334 after shipping, these are terrific bookshelfs with a surprising amount of bass for their size.
TSBL 6.6 from The Speaker Company (http://www.thespeakercompany.com/TSBL-65-2-way-Bookshelf-Speaker-Pair-P46C6.aspx) $360 with free shipping, these are well-reviewed speakers that many people love

Any of those would at the very least equal the Klipsch and Polk, and they would all put the Bose to shame.

Don't forget the Behringer 2030p's They have excellent build quality.

the Infinity beta 20s have excellent drivers

the SVS SBS-01 has nice bass. I personally like the Behringers' They are only 150 and probably superior to all the others in SQ. Plus they can be easily improved to Hi-Fi level.

[shadyJ]

I don't know about blowing out of the water, although I do think that at that price level they would be noticeably higher quality speakers. Personally I would go for any of those before the Polks or Klipschs, although I think the Polk and Klipschs would be fine speakers as well. As for auditioning, I think that for the TSBL 6.6s, The Speaker Company will pay for shipping both ways if you decide you don't like their speakers. I own some HB-1s, and I know you wouldn't want to return those if you heard them, they are amazing. I suspect the same is true for all the others that Isiberian and I recommended. Whatever you decide, even if its the Klipschs or Polks, you will have a worthwhile sound setup. Well, except for the subwoofer. Yes, after you get the bookshelfs, save up for a bit, because we will need to get to work on your subwoofer. ;)

[lsiberian]

Thank you for your response. I am officially taking Bose off my list based on other feedback I have read.

I was considering the Kilpsch and Polk because they are speakers I can easily audition at the local Best Buy and even bring home to try. Returning and exchanging them will be a 2 mile drive as opposed to shipping (and paying for shipping), etc. Of course, I could sacrifice the convenience if any of the speakers you recommended blow Kilpsch and Polk out of the water.

Wmax one of our best speaker builders examined the Behringer 2030p's and found them to be of exceptional build quality. He suggests them when he recommends a low cost bookshelf. Few speakers in your range have good build quality which makes or breaks any speaker. With a sub you will find no better speakers in that price range. Unless you DIY.

[mapexvenus]

I don't know about blowing out of the water, although I do think that at that price level they would be noticeably higher quality speakers. Personally I would go for any of those before the Polks or Klipschs, although I think the Polk and Klipschs would be fine speakers as well. As for auditioning, I think that for the TSBL 6.6s, The Speaker Company will pay for shipping both ways if you decide you don't like their speakers. I own some HB-1s, and I know you wouldn't want to return those if you heard them, they are amazing. I suspect the same is true for all the others that Isiberian and I recommended. Whatever you decide, even if its the Klipschs or Polks, you will have a worthwhile sound setup. Well, except for the subwoofer. Yes, after you get the bookshelfs, save up for a bit, because we will need to get to work on your subwoofer. ;)

I would love to work on my sub - but all the sub's that I cam across at Best Buy were above the $200 range. I also severely underestimated the importance of this speaker, hence the somewhat ignorant purchase.

[Matt34]

I have three Infinity Beta 20 for sale for a lot less than $350.;) Very good budget speakers IMO.

[mapexvenus]

Adding this Polk speaker to my list: Polk Audio RTI A1 B

[shadyJ]

Here's some more high quality bookshelf speakers to consider:

ELT525M mini monitor (http://www.av123.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=193&category_id=51&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37) from AV123, very highly regarded speakers. $350 not including shipping.
Axiom Audio M3 v2 (http://www.axiomaudio.com/m3.html#), $330 a pair not including shipping. Excellent reputation.
Fluance SX6 (http://www.fluance.com/fldyhidetwbo.html), a bit more modest in price ($238 not including shipping), and probably also sound range, but, depending on what you listen to, they might be just right.
Intumus 4B Satellite Speaker (http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/Intimus-4B-Satellite-Speaker,113,20,261.aspx) from Aperion Audio. Another somewhat more modest speaker, but still I'm sure it sounds nice. $260 not including shipping.
Definitive Technology ProMonitor 800B (http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=91059) in keeping with smaller and cheaper alternatives, these are $290 and free shipping.

All of the speakers I've mentioned in this and the previous post are Internet Direct companies (with the exception of Definitive Technology), which tend to be a greater value by cutting out all the middlemen. With these you are paying for the speaker alone, and not for all the distributors and retail expenses.

[shadyJ]

here (http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/budget-bookshelf-shootout-2009) is something else that can help you out, its a audioholics bookshelf speaker comparison. Most of those speakers are in your price range.

[forkbeard]

...there's a pair of Paradigm Studio 20s (v1) going in 6 hours on e-bay at the following link.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=290325109186

[mapexvenus]

Thank you all for your inputs - this forum is very helpful!:)

[bborzell]

I just bought three Energy RC-LCR speakers for the front of my HT setup. I am very impressed by the sound of these 3 way speakers. They can be used either horizontal or vertically which is great for my setup.

Normally $600 each, Vanns has them in Cherry and another dark wood veneer that I can't recall what they call it for $299 each. If you want black, you can still get them for $600 each (Energy is stopping production of the natural wood veneers and is apparently making everything in this series in black from now on).

They are excellent speakers at $600. At $299, they are a steal, IMHO.

[shadyJ]

I believe the original poster meant $350 for a pair, not each. However, Energy is a much-loved brand in this forum, and they have a wide selection of bookshelf speakers (http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en/products/bookshelf/) that would be sure to foot the bill with that budget. I would be happy to own any of those speakers.

Also, to the original poster, if you are daring, you should check these out (http://www.magnepan.com/model_MMGW). They are called Planar speakers, they operate on a different sound reproduction method than ordinary speakers. You have to hang them on your wall, and they are supposed to sound terrific. At $300 retail, or $325 factory direct, they fall under your budget. They have some drawbacks though, they need a good amplifier or receiver, and you have to be sure yours is up to the task. They also need a subwoofer because of the low-end roll-off at 100 hertz, but than again, most bookshelfs need a sub to sound good. But if you are feeling adventurous, you might give them a try. I have always been curious about them, someday I am going to get me some Magnapans.

[mapexvenus]

I believe the original poster meant $350 for a pair, not each. However, Energy is a much-loved brand in this forum, and they have a wide selection of bookshelf speakers (http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en/products/bookshelf/) that would be sure to foot the bill with that budget. I would be happy to own any of those speakers.

Also, to the original poster, if you are daring, you should check these out (http://www.magnepan.com/model_MMGW). They are called Planar speakers, they operate on a different sound reproduction method than ordinary speakers. You have to hang them on your wall, and they are supposed to sound terrific. At $300 retail, or $325 factory direct, they fall under your budget. They have some drawbacks though, they need a good amplifier or receiver, and you have to be sure yours is up to the task. They also need a subwoofer because of the low-end roll-off at 100 hertz, but than again, most bookshelfs need a sub to sound good. But if you are feeling adventurous, you might give them a try. I have always been curious about them, someday I am going to get me some Magnapans.

That is correct. $350 for the pair :p The Polk Audio RTI A1 arrives tomorrow for auditions.

[shadyJ]

That sounds great, I think those speakers will work fine. Tell us what you think about them after you audition them. Hopefully you audition some other speakers so you have something to compare the Polks against. By the way, if up your budget just a little bit, like, oh say a factor of 25, you could get a couple of these (http://www.seaton-sound-forum.com/post?id=3044980#1):

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/view/mb/file?username=seatonsound&id=581933

[bborzell]

I believe the original poster meant $350 for a pair, not each.


I can read, thank you. Perhaps you noticed that I mentioned that the speakers I was referring to were $299 each. I know what the "budget" was. I also know that, in cases of particular value that exceed the budget, people often decide to go the extra step. Providing input on additional options doesn't necessarily violate the sanctity of the original question. It adds options which the OP is free to accept or reject.

[mapexvenus]

I can read, thank you. Perhaps you noticed that I mentioned that the speakers I was referring to were $299 each. I know what the "budget" was. I also know that, in cases of particular value that exceed the budget, people often decide to go the extra step. Providing input on additional options doesn't necessarily violate the sanctity of the original question. It adds options which the OP is free to accept or reject.

I totally appreciate the advice on speakers above my budget - perhaps I can look into them when I want to upgrade.

[mapexvenus]

That sounds great, I think those speakers will work fine. Tell us what you think about them after you audition them. Hopefully you audition some other speakers so you have something to compare the Polks against.

I am comparing them against the Klipsch - Icon 5-1/4" Bookshelf Speakers VB 15.

Will definitely update this post with how the auditions went.

[lsiberian]

...there's a pair of Paradigm Studio 20s (v1) going in 6 hours on e-bay at the following link.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=290325109186

That winning bid my friends is a perfect example of why you go used on a budget. $250 for a pair of those is just highway robbery.

[Gryfter]

I'm in a similar boat as the OP, I can't believe how many options I have for decent speakers around the $500 price range. When I started researching I honestly expected to find piles of trash with only a few quality manufacturers that stood out from the pack. I'm having a hell of a time making up my mind.

[alphaiii]

Hello all,
I am shopping for bookshelf to use with my Panasonic VSX-819H-K receiver. The speakers that I have been looking at are:

- Klipsch - Icon 5-1/4" Model: VB-15
- Bose 301 Series V
- Polk Audio 5-1/4" Model: TSI200

I have a Sony 10" 100-Watt Powered Subwoofer Model: SAW2500.

Thank you!

Energy RC-10 for $300 closeout pricing is an amazing deal...

[billy p]

Energy RC-10 for $300 closeout pricing is an amazing deal...

Even at full retail these are excellent speakers!! BTW could you share your thoughts on how they stack up to the Sierra's?

Regards, Bill...:)

[diegs]

For $350 the KEF IQ3's are hard to beat. I've listened to them in a medium sized room and really like them. Not boomy, great vocals and detail. Check out accessories4less.

[adwilk]

I like Klipsch, So i'll throw in a good word for them. However, I wouldnt purchase the IKON line. IMO, the Reference line is the only one worth considering. The RB61 can be had under your budget and is a much better device than the IKON. The build quality and components make the reference line far superior than the other klipsch offerings.

I also have a pair of the Behringer 2030p that isiberian mentioned. Its impossible to beat for the price. I highly recommend those as well.

[adwilk]

I'm seriously considering ordering the Energy speakers. That looks like a fantastic deal. I've never heard them, but they seem to get great reviews. Would anybody talk me out of it?

[alphaiii]

Even at full retail these are excellent speakers!! BTW could you share your thoughts on how they stack up to the Sierra's?

Regards, Bill...:)

I think they keep up with the Sierra's pretty well, surpisingly. While I do think the Sierra is a better overall speaker, the difference isn't all that great, to me at least.

The Sierra has more bass articulation and authority...you really can use these for 2-channel music without a sub, and the bass punch is very nice. The RC-10 have suprisingly good bass for their size, but they're not a authoritive or as clean down low.

I think the mid-range of the Sierra is more detailed as well - very clean, but a bit thinner that the RC-10. The RC-10 has a nice midrange, but not quite as clean and detailed - I read another forum member describe it as "lush"...and I think that does describe it well in one word.

As far as the high end - I think they're pretty comparable. Energy did an amazing job getting an aluminum dome tweeter to sound so smooth and clean, and still retaining alot of detail. The Sierra has very detailed highs as well, and maybe a tiny bit more forward. Neither speaker is fatiguing in any way though.

Overall, they're both impressive speakers. If I had one gripe about the Sierra - it's that I am very aware of poor recordings. They've actually made me realize how crappy the audio quality of most digital cable broadcasts is...and the sibilance in tv shows is awful sometimes. The RC-10 is a little more forgiving here, but not much. In the end - crap in = crap out, right...

[alphaiii]

I'm seriously considering ordering the Energy speakers. That looks like a fantastic deal. I've never heard them, but they seem to get great reviews. Would anybody talk me out of it?

I bought one pair used, and one pair of refurbs, both for $320 shipped, and I was very happy with those deals. At the time, they were going for around $400 used.

If only I had known that 4 months later I could've bought them brand new for $300....amazing deal for these speakers.

[mapexvenus]

Just to give everyone who responded to my original post an update, I am happy with the Polk's. I liked the Klipsch's too, but I returned them and stayed with the Polk's.

My next quest (as you may have seen in other threads) is to work on my sub and center channel.

thank you all for your help!