Newbie in Need of Advice - Bookshelf Speakers on a Limited Budget

[ivanolo]

After lurking for a few of months, searching the boards somewhat fruitlessly for answers to my questions, I caved in and decided to become a member in the hopes that I'll get the help I need. I'm no audiophile, just an average Joe on a mission to get a couple of bookshelf speakers for $200 or less.

My receiver is an Onkyo TX-SR304. For the time being, I'll have to settle for a 2.0 system. I plan to add a subwoofer, center channel, and replace whatever speakers I get with either bigger bookshelves or floorstanders, relegating the bookshelves to surrounds--if that makes any sense. This HT will be used for TV and movies, mainly, as well as VGs and music.

I've heard good things about the Polk R150s, but I can't audition them. Same goes for AV123's x-ls speakers. Aditionally, the latter are outside my budget.

From what I've read here, I should stay away from Sony speakers. Should I assume the same about Pioneers?

I can audition the BA CR67s, and the Polk M10s & M30s @ Circuit City. No Best Buy for me, for reasons I won't discuss at this time.

So... let's hear your opinions/suggestions!

Thanks in advance.

 

[ivanolo]

Due to forum limitations, I can't post my floor plan or a picture of my entertainment center yet.

 

[Ryan8886]

Your budget kind of limits you a bit. Additionally, without a rough idea of your room dimensions, it's harder to make a recommendation. Be sure to audition as many as you can and don't shy away from quality internet-direct compaines with solid 30 day return policies.
I'm not well accquainted with the speakers you mention above (more of a tower guy), however, here's a link for the new line of Athena bookshelves. I've not had the chance to hear them, but they are supposed to be a step up from the old Audition Series, using drivers similar to those in the higher-end Energy line. They fit right within your budget.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATLS100

 

[Pianoman84d]

Might I suggest you consider buying a pair of the av123 x-ls used to stay within your budget? I really don't think you can beat them at this price range.

 

[Davemcc]

here's a link for the new line of Athena bookshelves. I've not had the chance to hear them, but they are supposed to be a step up from the old Audition Series, using drivers similar to those in the higher-end Energy line. They fit right within your budget.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATLS100

I have had a chance to hear the Athena LS-100. I didn't find it much of an improvement over the AS-B1.2 that I already have unless they fixed the harshness that the AS-B1.2 exhibits when driven hard. I did not get a chance to drive the LS-100 hard. They are much better sounding (to me) than the Bose 301 that were on one side of the Athena and virtually identical sounding to the much more expensive speaker of the other side, but for the life of me, I can't think of what that other one was, probably Polk, given that this was at Future Shop.

For the money, Athena is a solid choice, especially if the long term plan is to bump them to surround duty later.

 

[jcPanny]

AV123 X-ls

The X-ls speakers show up in the b-stock and classified sections of the AV123 site for about $175/pair. Also, they are working on a smaller version that will sell for about $150/pair new.

I own a pair of the Athena Audition series bookshelf speakers and the build quality is not in the same league as my AV123 speakers. For their price, however, the Athena sound pretty good and they are still use them to rock out in the garauge.

 

[rnatalli]

You have quite a few options. What kind of sound do you generally prefer? Do you like in-your-face, laid back, detailed, musical, loud, etc...

If you like East Coast sound then Boston Acoustics or Acoustic Research is your best bet.
If you like British sound then Mordaunt or Mission would work.
If you like in your face and really efficient (loud) then Klipsch and Axiom.
If you like laid back, Polk and Mirage.
If you like a balance between HT and music, Canadian manufacturers like Paradigm, PSB, and Energy are good.

Most of the manufacturers I mentioned have speakers in your price range and I only mentioned a few. You have to look for the deals. For example, DMC Electronics has PSB specials. Onecall and Circuitcity have deals on Boston Acoustics right now. Av123 also makes a great speaker and worth a look even if it puts you over slightly; but B-stock should be well inside your budget as jcPanny pointed out. Definitely audition as many as you can as speaker sound varies greatly.

 

[jcPanny]

X-series bstock

Check out this thread for info on current X-series b-stock for 20% off the list price. These speakers wont last long.

http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=23230

 

[samsungson]

Or you could go this rout until you go BIG BIG.
Sorry their SONY but the Speakers can Move all around just like any BIG sytem.





http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-Mini-Hi-Fi-System-MHCLX10000/sem/rpsm/oid/150487/catOid/-12951/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-Satellite-Micro-System-CMT-HX7BT/sem/rpsm/oid/174942/catOid/-12951/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

 

[avaserfi]

Or you could go this rout until you go BIG BIG.
Sorry their SONY but the Speakers can Move all around just like any BIG sytem.





http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-Mini-Hi-Fi-System-MHCLX10000/sem/rpsm/oid/150487/catOid/-12951/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-Satellite-Micro-System-CMT-HX7BT/sem/rpsm/oid/174942/catOid/-12951/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

I think he was looking for a system that sounds good .

I second the vote on the x-series, especially with the B-stock pricing. If I had the money I would be getting a pair for my computer.

 

[samsungson]

Just had his budget in mind is all.
Shelf speakers aswell.

 

[gus6464]

If you like the Mirage sound here is a pair of bookshelves I recommend. I currently use them for my rears.

Mirage Omni 150
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542280291

Don't let the pictures fool you they are pretty big speakers and are front ported so placement is less of a hassle.

 

[ivanolo]

My floor plan will come as soon as I reach my 5th post. My living room is 12' x 17' x 8'.

Buying used is out of the question, but I'll consider B-Stock if I can get a good warranty.

The only place I have to audition speakers is CC. I won't get within 10 ft. of Best Buy.

 

[ivanolo]

I forgot to ask, what kind of wire should I use for short distances?

 

[zumbo]

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=25412



Detailed Specifications:

FREQUENCY RESPONSE (±3dB) 52Hz-20kHz

RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER POWER 15-100 watts

NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 ohms

SENSITIVITY [1watt(2.83v) at 1m] 89dB

BASS UNIT 6-1⁄2”(115mm)

PASSIVE RADIATOR N/A

TWEETER 1”(25mm) Kortec®

CROSSOVER FREQUENCY 2400Hz

NET WEIGHT 13.5 lbs(6.2 kgs)

DIMENSIONS 12-1⁄4 x7-1⁄2 x 11-1⁄16 (HxWxD)

 

[ivanolo]

^^^ That looks really good. I'll have to go audition the CR67s @ CC ASAP!

Thanks, zumbo.

 

[ivanolo]

BTW, here's my floor plan and entertainment center. Speaker placement may present a challenge.

Ceiling height is about 8 ft.

59-3/8" W x 23" D x 58-1/8" H

 

[Vin2.1guy]

I'd recommend checking these out, the BIC Venturi DV62si.

http://www.acoustechspeakers.com/showpage.php?brand=2&type=7&spkrID=38

I got them for a second system a few months ago and they were $110 a pair shipped from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-DV62si-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00006JPDI

They have a following on some forums (just google "BIC DV62si" or even search for them on this forum), and even a mod that can be done to the crossovers in order to "tame" them, as they are supposed to be bright and thin sounding.

Well, maybe it's just because I have them hooked up to my vintage 70's Kenwood receiver that has a very warm and rich bottom end, but although I find that they are bright, I hardly find them harsh or silibant, especially now that I've broken them in. They are detailed, clear, crisp, accurate, have a great soundstage and good imaging, and pretty tight and deep bass (they are supposed to hit to 43hz but I'm sure that's an overexaggeration). And they can crank! I find that they play well quietly and also as loud as you'd want without distortion or loss of control.

I'm very pleased with them for $110, and I don't really see the need for the crossover upgrade, but if I do get that done then for under $200 I'll have some really great speakers.

Good luck, there are some good speaker options for under $200 if you look around, I think Wharfedale bookshelves like the Diamond 8.1 are going for about $150 on Amazon as well.

 

[samsungson]

That sounds like a good DEAL!!!

 

[samsungson]

Hey make sure Whatever setup you go with, ivanolo, Gotta take Finishing Pictures.