Bookshelfs/monitors in $400 range?

[corebreach]

I posted something to this effect in the audiophyte forum but didn't get any responses, maybe more people will see it here:
I am looking for an approx. $400(maximum) pair of bookshelf/studio monitor size speakers that I can run with a run of the mill receiver (@8 Ohms most likely). The setup will be used for music, will sit a couple of feet from my head on my desk, and I may eventually add a sub but until I do let's disregard the lower frequencies .

I have read countless reviews of speakers and can't really make heads or tails of what they actually mean... I realize that it's very subjective but I'm trying to avoid a situation where I order and ship back 10 pairs of speakers before finding some that I like. There aren't any good audio dealers near to me so I can't go listen to speakers.

Any ideas?

 

[mike c]

I personally like the sound of the following (in your budget):

Monitor Audio RS1
KEF iQ3 or iQ1

these are very neutral for me ... not bright nor warm

 

[abboudc]

Any ideas?

These are pretty good, especially for the price
Mordaunt Short 912

These are a little more than you wanted to spend ($499), but great at the current sale price (they're normally like $1000):
Onix Ref1's

 

[soloz2]

paradigm mini monitors or even possibly the titan monitor would fit your price range.

You could get a pair of onix x-ls and an x-sub for your price range.

 

[corebreach]

How much does the way a speaker sounds factor into the decision process? Ideally, shouldn't all speakers strive for a flat frequency response? Is there merit behind picking speakers that sound different and thus "better" to me or should I strive for the most accurate sounding speakers?

 

[Seth=L]

These are a little more than you wanted to spend ($499), but great at the current sale price (they're normally like $1000):
Onix Ref1's

Not only are they $100 out of the OP's price range, but they are also difficult to drive.

(4 ohms and 88dB/W/M)

 

[mike c]

How much does the way a speaker sounds factor into the decision process? Ideally, shouldn't all speakers strive for a flat frequency response? Is there merit behind picking speakers that sound different and thus "better" to me or should I strive for the most accurate sounding speakers?

ideally, yes. but our ears don't all hear the same, that is where the subjective taste comes in.

 

[corebreach]

ideally, yes. but our ears don't all hear the same, that is where the subjective taste comes in.

Ahh.. I never even thought of that but it makes sense!

Thanks to all for their suggestions, I'm looking into 4 models right now: the iQ1s and 3s, and the Titan and Mini monitors. If anyone can enlighten me on the differences between the Titans and Minis, the specs look pretty similar. Will the Titans sound "fuller" because of the larger woofer and cabinet?

 

[3db]

Put PSB Image B15s or B25s on your audition list

I posted something to this effect in the audiophyte forum but didn't get any responses, maybe more people will see it here:
I am looking for an approx. $400(maximum) pair of bookshelf/studio monitor size speakers that I can run with a run of the mill receiver (@8 Ohms most likely). The setup will be used for music, will sit a couple of feet from my head on my desk, and I may eventually add a sub but until I do let's disregard the lower frequencies .

I have read countless reviews of speakers and can't really make heads or tails of what they actually mean... I realize that it's very subjective but I'm trying to avoid a situation where I order and ship back 10 pairs of speakers before finding some that I like. There aren't any good audio dealers near to me so I can't go listen to speakers.

Any ideas?

Love the PSB sound, mellow but detailed highs, lifeliek mids and a nice bottoms. Almost sounds like a woman doesn't it?

 

[soloz2]

Ahh.. I never even thought of that but it makes sense!

Thanks to all for their suggestions, I'm looking into 4 models right now: the iQ1s and 3s, and the Titan and Mini monitors. If anyone can enlighten me on the differences between the Titans and Minis, the specs look pretty similar. Will the Titans sound "fuller" because of the larger woofer and cabinet?

the titans do sound more full and extend lower. I'd have to give them both another listen, but I think I could be happy with either.

Love the PSB sound, mellow but detailed highs, lifeliek mids and a nice bottoms. Almost sounds like a woman doesn't it?

I was originally looking into PSB because I heard so many good comments, but after hearing them I was so-so. My wife liked them though.

 

[abboudc]

The setup will be used for music, will sit a couple of feet from my head on my desk

Not only are they $100 out of the OP's price range, but they are also difficult to drive.

(4 ohms and 88dB/W/M)

Even a generic receiver would be able to drive them in 2-channel, which was his stated purpose. Something tells me he won't be listening at reference level a couple feet from his head...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I posted something to this effect in the audiophyte forum but didn't get any responses, maybe more people will see it here:
I am looking for an approx. $400(maximum) pair of bookshelf/studio monitor size speakers Any ideas?

Oh, you've come to the right place.
We love giving people advices here.

Definitive Technology SM350 x 2 = $400

Frequency Response: 26Hz-30kHz Overal, 57Hz-20kHz +/-3dB. This means that the StudioMonitor 350 can produce sounds as low as 26Hz & as high as 30kHz, but it is close to "Linear" from 57Hz-20kHz @ 90dB +/-3dB.

http://www.definitivetech.com/reviews/SCin350HT4c.pdf

http://www.definitivetech.com/reviews/SC350SV4c.pdf

 

[greenkawasaki]

I personally like the sound of the following (in your budget):

Monitor Audio RS1
KEF iQ3 or iQ1

these are very neutral for me ... not bright nor warm

I currently have Kef IQ1s running in my system right now, and I agree they are very neutral. Having listened to many different choices during my purchase, these were the most even keeled for enter level (better) speakers.

I listened to a pair of Paradigm mini-monitors and they did go deeper, but didn't have the same clear treble or mids, and the Revel concerta bookshelves were similar in the same regard.

Anyways, the KEFs with their rounded back, dark apple finish and cool looking biamp plugs at the back (even though I don't use the 'bi-ampibility') ; ) put it over the top for me.

 

[annunaki]

Is the B&W 685 in that price range? I believe it is. I would give those a good listen. Great speakers. Also check out the 686. Either one should work well.

 

[zumbo]

B&W 686.
$224.95ea (retail)
55Hz-22kHz +/-3dB
45Hz-50kHz -6dB
Sensitivity 84dB spl (2.83V, 1m)
8ohm
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=2311

JM Labs Chorus 707s.
$436.37 pair
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=JMCH707S
Frequency response (+/- 3dB): 50 Hz - 28kHz
Sensitivity (2,8 V/1 m): 92 dB
Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms

Monitor Audio S2
$449.00 pair (only 7 pair left)
Frequency Response +/- 3dB 40Hz - 30KHz
Sensitivity (1W@1M) 91dB
Nominal Impedance(Ohms) 6

Monitor Audio S1
$399.00 pair (only 8 pair left)
Frequency Response +/- 3dB 45Hz - 30KHz
Sensitivity (1W@1M) 90dB
Nominal Impedance(Ohms) 6
http://www.saturdayaudio.com/

 

[annunaki]

B&W 686.
$224.95ea (retail)
55Hz-22kHz +/-3dB
45Hz-50kHz -6dB
8ohm
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=2311

JM Labs Chorus 707s.
$436.37 pair
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=JMCH707S
Frequency response (+/- 3dB): 50 Hz - 28kHz
Sensitivity (2,8 V/1 m): 92 dB
Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms

Monitor Audio S2
$449.00 pair (only 7 pair left)
Frequency Response +/- 3dB 40Hz - 30KHz
Sensitivity (1W@1M) 91dB
Nominal Impedance(Ohms) 6

Monitor Audio S1
$399.00 pair (only 8 pair left)
Frequency Response +/- 3dB 45Hz - 30KHz
Sensitivity (1W@1M) 90dB
Nominal Impedance(Ohms) 6
http://www.saturdayaudio.com/

Those are all stellar choices!

 

[Seth=L]

I would try the JM Labs if I where in this position. I have no experiance with them, but do their speakers look sexy or what?

 

[soloz2]

I would try the JM Labs if I where in this position. I have no experiance with them, but do their speakers look sexy or what?

I've heard they are quite bright sounding

 

[zumbo]

I've heard they are quite bright sounding

I believe the MA S2's are going to be the best bet here. Very laid back, and that is what the OP is looking for.

Me, I would go for the JM Labs. B&W second.

Of coarse, this is only because the cheapest MB Quarts are $600 on sale.

 

[corebreach]

Oh, you've come to the right place.
We love giving people advices here.

Definitive Technology SM350 x 2 = $400

Frequency Response: 26Hz-30kHz Overal, 57Hz-20kHz +/-3dB. This means that the StudioMonitor 350 can produce sounds as low as 26Hz & as high as 30kHz, but it is close to "Linear" from 57Hz-20kHz @ 90dB +/-3dB.

http://www.definitivetech.com/reviews/SCin350HT4c.pdf

http://www.definitivetech.com/reviews/SC350SV4c.pdf

Those look great but where can I buy them? The official price list on their site lists them at 249/speaker. In fact, for any of these speakers is there a good place to purchase them online? Particularly with the Paradigms, I'm beginning to suspect nobody sells them online.