Looking for Bookshelf Speakers 500 budget

[biz97]

I'm looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers for my room which is about 11'x15'. Usage is 50/50 music/video. I will be using an AV receiver and the speakers will be paired with a HSU VTF-1. Right now I have a pair of Behringer 2030P's in for audition and they are sounding very good. I'd like to see if there are any recommendations for speakers I should look at (hear) prior to pulling the trigger on the Behringers. Thanks!

 

[Matt34]

I'm looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers for my room which is about 11'x15'. Usage is 50/50 music/video. I will be using an AV receiver and the speakers will be paired with a HSU VTF-1. Right now I have a pair of Behringer 2030P's in for audition and they are sounding very good. I'd like to see if there are any recommendations for speakers I should look at (hear) prior to pulling the trigger on the Behringers. Thanks!

Usher S-520
Era D3(4)
Kef IQ3
Energy RC-10

 

[3db]

awesome sounding speaker. Received rave reviews in Stereophile


http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Image-Series/Image-B25-Monitor

 

[lsiberian]

I'm looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers for my room which is about 11'x15'. Usage is 50/50 music/video. I will be using an AV receiver and the speakers will be paired with a HSU VTF-1. Right now I have a pair of Behringer 2030P's in for audition and they are sounding very good. I'd like to see if there are any recommendations for speakers I should look at (hear) prior to pulling the trigger on the Behringers. Thanks!

No those speakers are probably the best bookshelves on your budget. I suggest you buy them then do the mods Wmax suggests.

 

[fredk]

Axiom M22.

 

[agarwalro]

Shameless Axiom Pitch

Look into the Axiom M22's. From what I read, they have excellent sound quality, build quality, integrate well with a sub and can play loud when needed.

 

[fredk]

Great minds think alike.

With a sub, its hard to tell the difference between the M22 and your M60s (other than the bottom end).

 

[speakerman39]

Yes, be sure to check these out. Very nice sounding speaker given their price point. In fact, many prefer these to the Paradigm Studio 20's which are over $800 a set! That is impressive if you ask me. Here is a link:

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html


These little guys are built like tanks. Just so smooth and extremely neutral. Why not give them a try?



Cheers,

Phil

 

[j_garcia]

I agree with lsiberiean don't think you are going to do a lot better than the Behringers either for the price.

I whole heartedly agree with the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE.

The EPOS ELS-3 would be another http://www.epos-acoustics.com/products/els3.php

 

[rnatalli]

There are so many to choose from in this price range. One that does come to mind for me is the Usher S-520. Wonderful speaker. Axiom, Ascend, and Aperion come to mind for ID brands.

 

[Matt34]

Yes, be sure to check these out. Very nice sounding speaker given their price point. In fact, many prefer these to the Paradigm Studio 20's which are over $800 a set! That is impressive if you ask me. Here is a link:

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html


These little guys are built like tanks. Just so smooth and extremely neutral. Why not give them a try?



Cheers,

Phil

I agree with lsiberiean don't think you are going to do a lot better than the Behringers either for the price.

I whole heartedly agree with the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE.

The EPOS ELS-3 would be another http://www.epos-acoustics.com/products/els3.php

Have either of you heard the ushers or B&W 685 for comparison sake to the 170's?

 

[j_garcia]

Have either of you heard the ushers or B&W 685 for comparison sake to the 170's?

I have not, which is why I can't vouch for them. I have heard other speakers that use Usher drivers and I really like them, but I don't know of anyone who has some 520s that I can listen to. I haven't had a chance to go listen to the 685s yet, as there is only one store in my area that carries them now. I have heard the 170s on a couple of occasions at a friend's place.

If it were me, I'd pop for the extra $75 or so and get the Ascend CMT-340SE over the 170. I don't think the 170s can quite best the Studio 20s, but the 340s do at almost half the price.

 

[Matt34]

I have not, which is why I can't vouch for them. I have heard other speakers that use Usher drivers and I really like them, but I don't know of anyone who has some 520s that I can listen to. I haven't had a chance to go listen to the 685s yet, as there is only one store in my area that carries them now. I have heard the 170s on a couple of occasions at a friend's place.

If it were me, I'd pop for the extra $75 or so and get the Ascend CMT-340SE over the 170. I don't think the 170s can quite best the Studio 20s, but the 340s do at almost half the price.

Reason I asked is I'm going to listen to the 685 and some Studio 40's (Dealer doesn't have the 20's on hand) this weekend. I'm trying to find a way to demo the Ushers also but the closest dealer is in Phoenix.

I may end up just ordering the Ushers from the Audioholics store and take them up to Tucson with me and compare all three at the same time.

 

[rnatalli]

I didn't realize the Audioholics store carries the 520. Good to know.

I've heard both the Ascend 170 and Usher 520. I feel the Ushers are the livelier speakers. The 170's are detailed, but laid back at the same time; very flat overall. Technically, one could say they're closer to perfect having such a flat response, but I simply find them dull. The Ushers get my foot tapping, the 170's do not. Everyone has different taste.

 

[Boerd]

my vote goes to NHT

I'm looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers for my room which is about 11'x15'. Usage is 50/50 music/video. I will be using an AV receiver and the speakers will be paired with a HSU VTF-1. Right now I have a pair of Behringer 2030P's in for audition and they are sounding very good. I'd like to see if there are any recommendations for speakers I should look at (hear) prior to pulling the trigger on the Behringers. Thanks!

I'd buy NHT - good drivers + acoustic suspension

 

[j_garcia]

I'd buy NHT - good drivers + acoustic suspension

NHT went out of business earlier this year.

 

[Boerd]

NHT went out of business earlier this year.

They are back - just bought a pair of NHT XD 2.2 - picked them up myself. I talked to one of the owners in Benicia and he said they are overhauling their website and they go factory-direct route.

go to
http://nhthifi.com/current/index1.html
and read the NHT 2.0 section

I recommend NHT classic Two

 

[bandphan]

I'd add the BG Radia series @ 499 to the list. Amazing detail but will not have the low extension like some of the others. The usher review here stated the woofer would bottom out at moderate spl levels. I also like the 685 B&W as a good value.

 

[shadyJ]

Depending on what music you like, you might want to stick with HSU, and get their HB-1s. I bought some HB-1's and loved them so much I went out and did something crazy: I bought two HC-1s and am using them vertically as bookshelfs. I wanted the same sound, except more so! This system certainly isn't for everyone but for me it is absolutely killer!

You may also want to consider the Emotiva ERM-1, if your amp can take the 4 ohm load. They are on sale right now for $150 a piece, down from $230, and if you order three you get free shipping. I have been curious about the emotiva speakers, and probably would have went for this deal if I had a little extra cash laying around.

 

[rnatalli]

They are back - just bought a pair of NHT XD 2.2 - picked them up myself. I talked to one of the owners in Benicia and he said they are overhauling their website and they go factory-direct route.

go to
http://nhthifi.com/current/index1.html
and read the NHT 2.0 section

I recommend NHT classic Two

Cool that they're offering factory direct. Should be interesting.