j_garcia said:
I'd drop the Polk R15s from the list. They won't stack up. They are good at average listening levels, but when pushed, they can't hang.
You will want to add the Mordaunt Short 902 on there (
http://www.ac4l.com/).
I am hopefully going to get to hear some X-LSs in the next few days here...
I agree on dropping the R15s. I auditioned them along side the
Aperion 422c and the Aperions blow them away (especially when you factor-in service and fit/finish). The Polks sound bigger, than they are, but that's because they are tuned to emphasize midbass, which makes them sound muddy to my ears. You can get the 422cs as "A Stock/open box" for $80/each, shipped both ways, with a 30 day audition. These sound very detailed and the build quality is AMAZING. With my Yamaha receiver, they were bright, but with my Onkyo, they sound GREAT.
On top of the Morduant Short Bookshelves, have you considered the Monitor Audio Bronze Bookshelves? They have great prices for them at
Saturday Audio. I have a pair of the Bronze Floorstanders and LOVE them! According to many, the Bronze B2 Bookshelves sound better than the floorstanders, but with less low-end.