Bookshelf speaker recs for large room

[Gulf Coast Guy]

i am looking for some bookshelfs that will actually sit on a bookshelf. The room is 18x30 with a 12 ft ceiling, so a large soundstage is my biggest need. I will have a sub in the room as well. In the past I've mainly used floorstanders so I am not sure where to begin. I would like to stay under $750 ish.

 

[JohnnieB]

Hey GCG, Have you read Clay's thread?
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/need-guidance-buying-5-1-ht-spkrs-receiver.93232/
The Ascend 340's may be in your future as well.

 

[sholling]

With a few exceptions "bookshelf" speakers rarely sound as good as they could otherwise when placed on a bookshelf. That's because most sound best when placed 18-24" from any walls (including the back of the speaker), especially if they're rear-ported.

I've owned the Ascend 340s that JohnnieB suggested and they really are excellent speakers but they're rear ported and do best when placed on stands. Unfortunately I don't have a better suggestion. You could try them and just set the system's crossover at 80hz so that the 340's rear port is getting little use.

http://ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340m.html

 

[witchdoctor]

i am looking for some bookshelfs that will actually sit on a bookshelf. The room is 18x30 with a 12 ft ceiling, so a large soundstage is my biggest need. I will have a sub in the room as well. In the past I've mainly used floorstanders so I am not sure where to begin. I would like to stay under $750 ish.

The new JBL 230's greatest strength is their sound stage. JBL has a 30 day return policy if you order from their site in case you don't like them. You can see my review here:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/jbl-studio-230-bookshelf-speaker-review.93334/#post-1071436
If these will be sitting on a bookshelf Isoacoustic stands are great and are well worth the money.
http://www.isoacoustics.com/index.php

 

[psbfan9]

i am looking for some bookshelfs that will actually sit on a bookshelf. The room is 18x30 with a 12 ft ceiling, so a large soundstage is my biggest need. I will have a sub in the room as well. In the past I've mainly used floorstanders so I am not sure where to begin. I would like to stay under $750 ish.

How big is the area in the bookshelf? Is it open or more like a small cubby?

These are pretty big for a bookshelf speaker 14" H, 12" D, but have great reviews. More importantly, they're front ported.

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TSx-220B-Bookshelf/dp/B00CD8ROE2

http://hometheaterreview.com/polk-tsx220b-bookshelf-speakers-reviewed/

 

[rojo]

You could do a pair of sealed DIY bookshelfs (black or cherry). See the assembly video to get an idea whether this would be a worthwhile project for you.

You might also consider the HTD Level 3 bookshelfs, or a pair of new old stock MB Quart QL-C104, both of which are front vented. (I have the QL-C304 center channel and can attest to its sturdy overbuilt cabinet and its transparent sound.)

 

[Alexandrum]

Have a look at :
PSB Imagine XB bookshelf speakers ~ 500
PSB Imagine B Bookshelf Loudspeaker ~ 1000
Bowers and Wilkins 685 S2 OR CM1 S2

 

[afterlife2]

Good deal on the MB Quart Rojo recommended if you're still around. Used but clean:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MB-QUART-QLC-104-2-Way-HIGH-PERFORMANCE-magn-shielded-very-clean-flawless-sound-/201309213799?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2edef6d467