Best Bookshelf speakers under $300/pair

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vinisol

Audioholic Intern
The PSB Image series you listed earlier. Don't know hwy that's not on your short list. :confused:
Which PSB speaker do you recommend?

What about the Axiom M2, Jamo C603, Polk Audio TSi200 and Klipsch B-20 speakers? Aren't they good speakers? Or NHT, Cambridge and KEF are better?

Home Theater magazine reviewed Klipsch B-20 as a very good speaker.
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
What about the Axiom M2, Jamo C603, Polk Audio TSi200 and Klipsch B-20 speakers? Aren't they good speakers? Or NHT, Cambridge and KEF are better?
Home Theater magazine reviewed Klipsch B-20 as a very good speaker.
For the most part - it is rare to find a bad magazine review.

And yes, my opinion is subjective!

If you are going to buy based on a magazine review, and if you
listen with out audiophile mentality in mind (a critical ear), then
buy the Klipsch or JBL. You have to start somewhere any way -
and this can be an experience for you. Also, I have been doing
this for awhile, and have been there and done that. You keep
coming back to the speakers we did not list - it is in your hands,
and is your money - your choice and good luck.
A lot of people are happy, with Klipsch and the JBL. I know most
of your list - however, I will not nit-pick and bash.
 
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V

vinisol

Audioholic Intern
Zieglj01, for you Cambridge, KEF or NHT are better than Axiom M2?
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
Zieglj01, for you Cambridge, KEF or NHT are better than Axiom M2?
I can not speak for Axiom, at this time thay do not
draw my interest. Keep searching, however do not
let it drive you crazy - life is too short. And at some
point, make a decision and make sure of the 30 day
return policy.
 
V

vinisol

Audioholic Intern
And the speaker PSB Image B4? Is it at the same level of Cambridge, NHT and KEF?

I'm from Brazil and I'm going to USA next month to buy these speakers. I have just two days to do that.
 
sholling

sholling

Audioholic Ninja
Also, I will not listen, with measurements floating around in my brain.
I do keep in mind measurements because I demand an acceptable frequency response range and flat response within that range as a foundation. Admittedly there are compromises expected at this price point but F/R charts give you a place to start. For example with a bookshelf I prefer a speaker that will play flat (±3db) down to at least 60hz to give a receiver's 80hz crossover some overlap to work with when transitioning from speaker to subwoofer, and ±3db to 20khz because I've run across too many speakers - including some "critically acclaimed" and moderately expensive models that sounded rolled off to one degree or another, or too bright, and too many with bumps and valleys between the extremes. Those measurements won't tell you how well it resolves details but when buying sight unseen it's about all you have to work with.
 
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zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
And the speaker PSB Image B4? Is it at the same level of Cambridge, NHT and KEF?

I'm from Brazil and I'm going to USA next month to buy these speakers. I have just two days to do that.
That should be a nice trip - PSB is a good one and the others too.
The Cambridge draws me into the music, and not to the speakers.
They almost floored me - due to their musical sound, based on price
and size. To me, the bass and midrange detail at this price point, is
hard to beat. And, the bass will play down low and is tight, and more
than a one note sound. They throw a good soundstage, and do have
good imaging. I am paying less attention to the speakers, and more
to the music and movies being played when, I do listen to them. My
favorite speaker did list for $1000 more, than the Cambridge - and
yes, the Cambridge can not compete with them. However at $219, I
have not heard anything from $500 down, that will trump it. Note - I
also do understand that the S30, is not for everybody. They do have
a some what forward and lively sound character, that will turn some
people off. And, I do not claim that they are perfect - however, the
presentation can be captivating and that is what I look for, from the
speakers at this price point.

The choice is yours and I will not tell you hands down, which one you
you should buy. This is my take on the Cambridge. They and Mordaunt
Short, are owned by the same company.
 
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sholling

sholling

Audioholic Ninja
And the speaker PSB Image B4? Is it at the same level of Cambridge, NHT and KEF?

I'm from Brazil and I'm going to USA next month to buy these speakers. I have just two days to do that.
I would start trying to line up a store near where you'll be staying that carries one or more brands (for example PSB) so you can audition at least 1-2 products yourself. Where will you be? Perhaps one or more members will be familiar with what's in the area.
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
I do keep in mind measurements because I demand an acceptable frequency response range and flat response within that range as a foundation. Admittedly there are compromises expected at this price point but F/R charts give you a place to start. when buying sight unseen it's about all you have to work with.
I understand what you are saying. However, when I listen to a speaker,
and it begins to annoy me - then I know something is wrong. I am not
against anyone checking measurements. I have also owned and listened
to, tight measured speakers that wore me out - because they sounded
bad, and had no life to them. Sometimes it is strange, so to speak.
 
njedpx3

njedpx3

Audioholic General
+1 for Cambridge Audio S30s

What about your cambridge s30s? :D
I could well afford to upgrade my speakers at my cabin in the National Forest but the sound is so good and clean in stereo through my S30s that I continue with them.

+1 for Cambridge Audio S30s


Peace and Good Sound,

Forest Man
 
A

alphaiii

Audioholic General
A

alphaiii

Audioholic General
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
My list would be...
1. NHT Absolute Zero
2. Cambridge S30
3. PSB Image B4

I haven't heard the KEF... so I can't include them... but the measurements don't make me think I'd like them...

And if they were still available for $300... the Energy RC-10 would be my #1...
 
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A

alphaiii

Audioholic General
And the speaker PSB Image B4? Is it at the same level of Cambridge, NHT and KEF?
The Image B4 is very good for what it is... but it's a small speaker... with limitations...

I'd think the B5 is more competitive with the others (Absolute Zero, S30, iQ10)... and imagine it'd have more low end dynamics than any of them.. but also more expensive at $399 retail... but Saturday Audio in Chicago has some b-stock that are $319... and they usually will deal some on brand new also...
 
A

alphaiii

Audioholic General
Just for anyone who might be interested in the NHT Absolute Zero...

There is an authorized dealer selling them for $149 each (or best offer) on ebay...

And there is another authorized dealer that I know sells them for less than $175...

In other words... while these list for $350 a pair... you should be able to get them brand new for $300 (or less if lucky)... So don't be too trigger happy and place an online order at full price...
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
My list would be...
1. NHT Absolute Zero
2. Cambridge S30
3. PSB Image B4

I haven't heard the KEF... so I can't include them... but the measurements don't make me think I'd like them...
The IQ50 is the one that bothers me - The IQ10 measured all around,
better than that.

That dip on the IQ50 bothers me - Center channels can be challenging.
I only listed the IQ10.

"although the iQ50 tower and iQ60C center speaker exhibit a mild, broad dip in the midrange between about 1.5 and 4.5 kHz"
 
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zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
The Image B4 is very good for what it is... but it's a small speaker... with limitations...

I'd think the B5 is more competitive with the others (Absolute Zero, S30, iQ10)... and imagine it'd have more low end dynamics than any of them...
I have owned the past model of the 5 1/4" Image speaker - It did not
go lower and was not as tight and controlled, as the Cambridge. The
6 1/2" has more bass - however it tends to be more boomy and loose,
the Cambridge is more tight and controlled.
 
A

alphaiii

Audioholic General
The IQ50 is the one that bothers me - The IQ10 measured all around,
better than that.

That dip on the IQ50 bothers me - Center channels can be challenging.
I only listed the IQ10.

"although the iQ50 tower and iQ60C center speaker exhibit a mild, broad dip in the midrange between about 1.5 and 4.5 kHz"
Yeah, the iQ10 certainly measured best overall, but the measurements would suggest a slightly bright/thin sounding speaker...

As for the iQ60C - a 1.5-4.5kHz dip is a terrible thing for a speaker with the job of reproducing dialogue... although the dip definitely is less severe for the center than the tower...

The iQ50 tower really didn't measure well...
 
A

alphaiii

Audioholic General
I have owned the past model of the 5 1/4" Image speaker - It did not
go lower and was not as tight and controlled, as the Cambridge. The
6 1/2" has more bass - however it tends to be more boomy and loose,
the Cambridge is more tight and controlled.
That doesn't surprise me... the S30 is very well behaved in the bass, and extends lower than I would've thought it could...

I recall reading some comments here and there about the bass of the Image B15/B25 not being the most controlled...

Not sure whether the B5/B6 improve on this or not...

The Stereophile review of the B6 suggests there is still some added upper bass warmth....
http://www.stereophile.com/content/psb-image-b6-loudspeaker-measurements
 
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