Beginner speaker help

[jgervais80]

Hi everyone!

I'm still a bit new to this hifi audio hobby and I'm in the process of building my system, but I was hoping you could help me. There's sooo much to choose from and I don't have a lot of places to go to sound test speakers here in Houston- believe it or not. So I'm relying mostly on specs and suggestions. Perhaps you could lend me your advice?

I'm trying to determine:
1. Bookshelf or floor-standing (considering room size and subwoofer)
2. Which set of speakers to buy

I'm limited to only about $800 but may be able to go a little more. (I'm a teacher, so I'm perpetually broke)

My setup:
NAD C338 integrated receiver - 50W x 2 Continuous Power into 8 or 4 Ohms.
*I will definitely consider adding a power amp later
Subwoofer: SVS - SB2000 - 500W (powered)
Turntable: Audio Technica

Room size: 15x15 (Square) with a large doorway

I was considering this speaker once it becomes available:
Speakers I'm considering:
Tekton Mini Lore
Polk Monitor XT70
Focal Chora 806
*Obviously I'm open to suggestions on speakers not listed here.

Thank you in advance for all of your help. You guys (and gals) are awesome.

 

[Eppie]

Some good material on Audioholics main page:
Bookshelfs vs towers.
Speakers in the $600 range.
Speakers in the $700 range.
The review for $1000 towers is from 2010 so not as relevant. The Focal Choras are very nice but have not heard the Tektons. For something in the $800 to $1000 range hopefully some other members will chime in.

 

[GranteedEV]

I'm trying to determine:
1. Bookshelf or floor-standing (considering room size and subwoofer)

Well the first question I have, is whether the bookshelves need mounts or stands which aren't free.

2. Which set of speakers to buy
...I'm limited to only about $800 but may be able to go a little more. (I'm a teacher, so I'm perpetually broke)
...*Obviously I'm open to suggestions on speakers not listed here.

KEF speakers are always a good option, although I don't know exactly which model(s) would fall directly in your budget.

 

[shadyJ]

If you have a large room, Fluance Signature Three-Way speakers.

There is an $800 bookshelf speaker round-up that will be published soon on Audioholics that can also give you some ideas.

 

[Eppie]

Yes, expect to add $100 to $200 for speaker stands if you go with bookshelves, depending upon the style you want and how sturdy they are.

I keep forgetting about the Fluance. Heco Aurora 700 is also supposed to be a bargain but comes in at $1100.

 

[jgervais80]

Well the first question I have, is whether the bookshelves need mounts or stands which aren't free.

I would most definitely need to get stands, but I can purchase them later, so that's not a deal killer.

KEF speakers are always a good option, although I don't know exactly which model(s) would fall directly in your budget.

I have looked at some of the KEF speakers, and I think I can fit the q150 into my budget. The only thing I worry about is how full the sound will be. I have a subwoofer to take care of the lower frequencies, but I would like to get something that is full in the mid and highs.

 

[jgervais80]

Some good material on Audioholics main page:
Bookshelfs vs towers.
Speakers in the $600 range.
Speakers in the $700 range.
The review for $1000 towers is from 2010 so not as relevant. The Focal Choras are very nice but have not heard the Tektons. For something in the $800 to $1000 range hopefully some other members will chime in.

Thank you!

 

[GranteedEV]

I have looked at some of the KEF speakers, and I think I can fit the q150 into my budget. The only thing I worry about is how full the sound will be. I have a subwoofer to take care of the lower frequencies, but I would like to get something that is full in the mid and highs.

KEFs have a pretty full lower midrange / upper bass.

 

[jgervais80]

KEFs have a pretty full lower midrange / upper bass.

Since I have a pretty dynamic sub, I was hoping to fill in with clarity and detail. Something that sounds really full. I am definitely open to getting some Kef speakers. I just want to make sure I wouldn’t be better served with something with a bigger sound. Some twinkle as well. Something with a good tweeter. I’ve never heard Kef speakers, but just looking at them I’m worried about their ability to cover a wide range of sound.

 

[Eppie]

The KEF Q series driver is a concentric speaker. Bass/mid driver with a tweeter mounted in the centre. They are particularly good in the midrange for vocals. Not at the same level as the LS 50 Meta but still a good speaker in that price range. If you're not in a hurry I would wait for Shady's next review series.

 

[lovinthehd]

What is the speaker that you're considering once available?

 

[shadyJ]

Hot off the presses, and right on your price point....

 

[-Jim-]

Hi jgervais80,
I suggest you look at HSU's CCB-8s. I own 3 CCB-8s across the fronts in our 5.2.4 Atmos Home Theater Setup in the Games Room. At $700 USD a pair they are simply amazing; and according to many, sound far better than speakers 2 or 3 times their cost. They are very efficient and will easily fill your room, and will blend well with your SVS - SB2000 Sub.

Audioholics did this review here:
Hsu Research CCB-8 Bookshelf Speaker Review

Many other credible sites (like AVS Forums) also did rave reviews on them. When I was "in the market" I read everything before purchasing them. I did so without ever hearing them, and even imported them into Canada. Even after a couple of years, I'm still impressed.

Now you can get them with Black or Yellow Cones. These Speakers come with a warranty of 7 years. There's also a 30 day in home satisfaction guarantee. So if you don't like 'em (which I doubt) just ship them back for a refund. If you need stands, I found some inexpensive, but very decent looking ones, on line at exactly the recommended height. So if you go with CCB-8s, message me and I'll give you the details.

I doubt anything else comes close to these. Most reviewers like James Larson say they intend to buy some for themselves.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I would also consider these guys here.

CG5 Bookshelf Speaker - RSL Speakers

rslspeakers.com

And these if they go on sale. These are refurbed at 419ea but I think someone posted a link where they were 599pr.

Studio 530 | Professional-quality 125-watt Bookshelf Speakers

JBL Studio 530 versatile bookshelf loudspeakers deliver accurate powerful rich sound to your living room and can be used as left, right or surround channels.

www.jbl.com

Lots of other good suggestions already made too. Just wanted to add to your list!
And thanks for being a teacher. It’s a sometimes thankless job that I have much respect for.

 

[jgervais80]

What is the speaker that you're considering once available?

Polk Audio Xt70 Floor stander. $299/ea

Monitor XT70 Floor Standing Tower Speaker | Polk Audio™

The Monitor XT70 tower speaker features a 1" tweeter, two 6.5" woofers & two 8" bass radiators providing crystal clear highs and deep, effortless bass.

www.polkaudio.com

 

[jgervais80]

Hi jgervais80,
I suggest you look at HSU's CCB-8s. I own 3 CCB-8s across the fronts in our 5.2.4 Atmos Home Theater Setup in the Games Room. At $700 USD a pair they are simply amazing; and according to many, sound far better than speakers 2 or 3 times their cost. They are very efficient and will easily fill your room, and will blend well with your SVS - SB2000 Sub.

Audioholics did this review here:
Hsu Research CCB-8 Bookshelf Speaker Review

Many other credible sites (like AVS Forums) also did rave reviews on them. When I was "in the market" I read everything before purchasing them. I did so without ever hearing them, and even imported them into Canada. Even after a couple of years, I'm still impressed.

Now you can get them with Black or Yellow Cones. These Speakers come with a warranty of 7 years. There's also a 30 day in home satisfaction guarantee. So if you don't like 'em (which I doubt) just ship them back for a refund. If you need stands, I found some inexpensive, but very decent looking ones, on line at exactly the recommended height. So if you go with CCB-8s, message me and I'll give you the details.

I doubt anything else comes close to these. Most reviewers like James Larson say they intend to buy some for themselves.

Thank you so much for this rec.! I'm looking into them now, but you make a good case! Much appreciated.

 

[jgervais80]

I would also consider these guys here.

CG5 Bookshelf Speaker - RSL Speakers

rslspeakers.com

And these if they go on sale. These are refurbed at 419ea but I think someone posted a link where they were 599pr.

Studio 530 | Professional-quality 125-watt Bookshelf Speakers

JBL Studio 530 versatile bookshelf loudspeakers deliver accurate powerful rich sound to your living room and can be used as left, right or surround channels.

www.jbl.com

Lots of other good suggestions already made too. Just wanted to add to your list!
And thanks for being a teacher. It’s a sometimes thankless job that I have much respect for.

Very kind of you to say. Thank you.
Also, thank you for your recommendations. I appreciate you taking the time.

 

[-Jim-]

Thank you so much for this rec.! I'm looking into them now, but you make a good case! Much appreciated.

Another positive for these speakers is you can add one (which I did) as the center channel in a home theater set-up. Due to the speaker's coaxial design there is no "lobing" effect (interference of adjacent drivers in a typical center channel speaker playing the same signal) which greatly improves the sound. I simply rotated the center CCB-8 on it's side.

 

[jgervais80]

Another positive for these speakers is you can add one (which I did) as the center channel in a home theater set-up. Due to the speaker's coaxial design there is no "lobing" effect (interference of adjacent drivers in a typical center channel speaker playing the same signal) which greatly improves the sound. I simply rotated the center CCB-8 on it's side.

No kidding!? That's awesome! I'm purely looking for speakers for music, at this point. I'm assuming you just use the audio out coax output on your receiver. Can this same thing be accomplished using the NAD C338? Here's the back of the component.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

No kidding!? That's awesome! I'm purely looking for speakers for music, at this point. I'm assuming you just use the audio out coax output on your receiver. Can this same thing be accomplished using the NAD C338? Here's the back of the component.
View attachment 50434

No. It’s a reference to the speakers design. Being a coaxial in that the tweeter is nestled into the woofers center. Coaxial meaning shared axis.