Best Bookshelf speakers under $300/pair

V

vinisol

Audioholic Intern
I'm going to buy a pair of bookshelf speakers to my home theater. Are there any other any other speakers I should consider at this price range?

Which speaker is the best for music and movie?

In my list I have:

Infinity Primus P153
Infinity Primus P163
Jamo C601
Jamo C603
JBL ES20
JBL ES30
Klipsch B-20
Klipsch Reference RB-41 II
PSB Alpha B1
PSB Image B4
Polk Audio RTi A1
Polk Audio TSi100
Polk Audio TSi200
Polk Audio Blackstone™ TL2
Polk Audio Blackstone™ TL3
Mirage Nanosat Prestige
Mirage MX
Yamaha NS-333
 
S

shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
The Hsu Research HB-1 mk2 are on sale right now, they are a terrific bookshelf speaker, and 300 will get you a pair shipped. The Behringer 2030p is pretty highly regarded, and they can be had for much less than 300 shipped. You can also get it's big brother for 300, the 2031p, if you want something with more bass capability. If you can handle their 4 ohm load, larger size, and heavier weight, they make for a great bookshelf speaker. If you want some real bang for your buck and don't mind doing a little work, check out the speaker kits they have at parts-express.com, they are easy to build and look like they would sound real nice.
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
The NHT Absolute Zero is $175 each, so $350/pr, but they are among the best IMO.

I've own the NHT SuperZero, which is $100 each, and they are already great sounding speakers.

Check out the Home Theater Magazine review:

The Absolute Zero’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +0.94/–0.82 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz.

http://www.hometheater.com/content/nht-absolute-zero-speaker-system-ht-labs-measures

http://www.amazon.com/NHT-N-AZB-Absolute-Speaker-Black/dp/B000BYNP7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1306205281&sr=8-1
 
Last edited by a moderator:
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
I would put the KEF IQ10 on a short list - a real good price
http://www.accessories4less.com/index.php?page=item&id=KEFIQ10BLA
Oh, wow, the IQ10s are 51% off and they are brand new. I might choose those over the NHT. Too bad I can't find any measurements like Audioholics or HTM or S&V.:D

What about the bigger I30 for $350 (free shipping):
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFIQ30DA/KEF/Iq30-Two-Way-6-Bookshelf-Speakers-Pair-Dark-Apple-NEW/1.html

 
Last edited:
V

vinisol

Audioholic Intern
What about Axiom M2 v3? I've read it is a very good speaker.
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
If those KEF IQ speakers sound anything like the KEF 201/2s, I would definitely pick them over all the rest.:D
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
If those KEF IQ speakers sound anything like the KEF 201/2s, I would definitely pick them over all the rest.:D
Off the OP list, I would only keep the PSB Image in mind - However,
I would put the KEF on top of the list.
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
What about your cambridge s30s? :D
That would be on top of my list - I was holding it in reserve. A lot
of people will look at it, and shake their head. However, it is now
starting to catch on, a little bit. At least there seems to be, a few
people out there - who do not believe that I am crazy.
 
Last edited:
its phillip

its phillip

Audioholic Ninja
I definitely want to check out a pair when I get a chance. $219 isn't that much money, but I'm trying (and failing) to save for a subwoofer.
 
V

vinisol

Audioholic Intern
So, beween the options below, which is te best?

JBL ES20
NHT Absolute Zero
KEF iQ10
Axiom M2 v3
Ascend CBM-170SE
Cambridge s30s
 
3db

3db

Audioholic Slumlord
So, beween the options below, which is te best?

JBL ES20
NHT Absolute Zero
KEF iQ10
Axiom M2 v3
Ascend CBM-170SE
Cambridge s30s
The PSB Image series you listed earlier. Don't know hwy that's not on your short list. :confused:
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
So, beween the options below, which is te best?

JBL ES20
NHT Absolute Zero
KEF iQ10
Axiom M2 v3
Ascend CBM-170SE
Cambridge s30s
That is like putting 6 people in a room, and asking them
which is their favorite - all six, will not pick the same one.

I have my favorite and I know what it can do - that is a
a decent list, except JBL (they can, and have done better)
The journey can be interesting - good luck.
 
BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord
That is like putting 6 people in a room, and asking them
which is their favorite - all six, will not pick the same one.

I have my favorite and I know what it can do - that is a
a decent list, except JBL (they can, and have done better)
The journey can be interesting - good luck.
I'd throw in EmpTek - Value brand spin-off of hi-end maker - RBH Audio
http://www.emptek.com/e5bi.php

Try to minimize the list further based on your speaker placement, if intend to be placed right against the wall or other hard surface - take out all rear-ported ones

btw: If you find really good hi-end CENTER speaker on sale for about $150 with free shipping - it could also work as good bookshelf then placed vertically, granted a taller bookshelf - like this one:
http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/Intimus-4C-Center-Channel-Speaker,114,90,263.aspx

Also be sure to check return and shipping policies. Few places still offer free 30 days home trials and (sometimes) free both ways shipping...
 
Last edited:
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
So, beween the options below, which is te best?

JBL ES20
NHT Absolute Zero
KEF iQ10
Axiom M2 v3
Ascend CBM-170SE
Cambridge s30s
If this were a multiple-choice test this morning, I would narrow the answers down to KEF, NHT, PSB.:D

I bet if you add a subwoofer, you won't be able to tell the difference among these 3.

But just pick the KEF. :D

Amazing discount; awesome company heritage, reputation, and recognition; great looks (I prefer the wood veneers over the black).
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
Well why not - since I want to take a break from my Blast from the Past,
speaker shoot out.

1. Cambridge S30
2. KEF IQ10
3. NHT Absolute Zero

Honourable mention - PSB Image B4
 
sholling

sholling

Audioholic Ninja
So, beween the options below, which is te best?

JBL ES20
NHT Absolute Zero
KEF iQ10
Axiom M2 v3
Ascend CBM-170SE
Cambridge s30s
Speaker selection is very subjective and IMO you've narrowed it to the point that the final decision is more personal taste than an absolute certainty that one is better than the next - at least without a side by side comparison. Since I respect the opinion of everyone that's joined in the discussion all I can say is good luck! :D

I do wish Audioholics would do a shootout between these one of these days because it's a price point where things start getting good.
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
that the final decision is more personal taste than an absolute certainty that one is better than the next - at least without a side by side comparison. Since I respect the opinion of everyone that's joined in the discussion all I can say is good luck! :D

I do wish Audioholics would do a shootout between these one of these days because it's a price point where things start getting good.
I wish reviewers - whoever and whereever, would do more at this
level - since times are a little rough. Also, for the most part - no
night and day differences with these speakers - it comes down to
what the critical ear can pick up, and enjoys the most. Also, I will
not listen, with measurements floating around in my brain.
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top