Cheap Bookshelves, What To Do

[slipperybidness]

OK, a partial re-post from the DIY thread, wanted to get input from some of y'all that don't ever seem to visit the DIY portion.

For my next speakers, I want bookshelves (either build a pair or buy a pair).
1) I want bookshelves so that I can move them easily to other amps or take them over to a friends house to use on his equipment.

2) I want something "cheap", let's say $200 or less, so that if I screw up my wiring on an amp or preamp and toast my speakers, then it won't be the end of the world (maybe shed a single tear )

3) I want good SQ, obviously

4) The more efficient and the easier the load (8ohm if possible), the better, so I can start with some of the cheaper and less-robust DIY amps to build my confidence

5) When not using to test out new DIY gear, I would use them as surrounds for my GEs. My surrounds are running off Rocketfish HD wireless amps. I know that is not ideal, but for me it is fine as I mostly focus on music and just want the surrounds for ambience or to know if someone is trying to sneak up on me in FPS games. They would be wall-mounted when on surround-duty

I'm thinking either
1) Pioneer SP41
2) Overnight Sensations
3) Def Tech SM 350 from new egg
4) EMP E41

Cheaper is better for this

 

[pureiso]

Well, if you are DIY on the amps why not the speakers?

Madisound Speaker Store
w/o cabinets

Best Deal on loudspeaker kits (they just redid audiocircle, so hopefully you can see the thread) $109 for a pair of X-LS parts. Cheapest option for DIY I have seen (other than those sensations...), no crossover assembly required.

Of course, your best bet may be the used route. I have seen X-LS Encores used for dirt cheap. I have seen the Pioneers used for $30~ too...

 

[slipperybidness]

Starting to think the Def Tech 350s may be my best option.

8ohm, 90dB sensitivity, probably a good match for the voicing of the goldenears. They don't seem to be ported but rather have a passive radiator.

The pioneers are rear-ported. Overnight sensations are designed with rear port, but I see the front-port mod on PE.

Do the EMP E41 have ports?

 

[jcl]

Do the EMP E41 have ports?

This is an older review, but if the design hasn't changed the answer is yes -
EMP VT-40.2 & 41-SE/B Design Overview — Reviews and News from Audioholics

Energy RC-10's are still at Vanns for $219 / pr, but they are rear ported as well.
Energy RC10 2-way black Reference-series bookshelf speaker pair | Vanns.com

 

[slipperybidness]

Let's go ahead and add the NHT super zero 2.0 to the list

And while I'm at it, the Infinity P152 or 162 would be the match for my other towers if I ever decided to go 5.1 with those.

 

[fuzz092888]

Here's a DIY option

MurphyBlaster Productions

 

[slipperybidness]

Here's a DIY option

MurphyBlaster Productions

Yup, I've pretty much already read everything on the murphyblaster site

 

[fuzz092888]

If only your budget was higher, you could do a Philharmonitor "kit"

Then you'd have killer SQ in a medium sized package

 

[slipperybidness]

If only your budget was higher, you could do a Philharmonitor "kit"

Then you'd have killer SQ in a medium sized package

All in due time. Need something cheap for now

 

[fuzz092888]

Is bookshelf a firm requirement?

 

[slipperybidness]

Is bookshelf a firm requirement?

For these, yup. I want something easy to move around and take to a friends house that is also into building electronics gear. I already have 2 different pairs of towers.

 

[fuzz092888]

Alright, I was going to say the tritrix at $259, but since towers are out of the question then scrap that.

I can offer that if you go with the EMP-E41's you won't be disappointed. While I have no personal experience with the aluminum woofer version, I have the Be version and they are simply awesome. I still need to add a sub to fill out the bottom end, but I think they are tremendous speakers, and are an extraordinary value for what they're going for currently. Good luck.

 

[slipperybidness]

Alright, I was going to say the tritrix at $259, but since towers are out of the question then scrap that.

I can offer that if you go with the EMP-E41's you won't be disappointed. While I have no personal experience with the aluminum woofer version, I have the Be version and they are simply awesome. I still need to add a sub to fill out the bottom end, but I think they are tremendous speakers, and are an extraordinary value for what they're going for currently. Good luck.

Yeah, I've read the reviews and excellent comments on here, so definitely an option. I like that they seem to be easy to drive with just about any amp. Only thing is, rear ports, so probably wouldn't want to use them on surround duty (secondary concern).

 

[fuzz092888]

Why not? Are you planning on putting them up against a wall? Plus mine came with port plugs so they can be used within a few inches of a wall and still function fine.

 

[slipperybidness]

Why not? Are you planning on putting them up against a wall? Plus mine came with port plugs so they can be used within a few inches of a wall and still function fine.

Aha, port plugs, didn't think of that.

Yeah, wanted bookshelves, easy to move around and put in other setups. Figured they could pull double duty as my surrounds too, wall mounted is a stipulation on that. I do have the GE triton towers, so the Def Techs are prob a good voice match. But, I'm music first and movies 2nd.

 

[sholling]

They're over budget but the Deftech 450s are on sale today for $300/pr. I haven't heard them but the price is nice.

Newegg.com - Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 450 Bookshelf Speaker (Black) Pair

• 24 Hz - 30 kHz
• 8 Ohms 20-225W
• 90 dB

 

[zieglj01]

Yeah, wanted bookshelves, easy to move around and put in other setups. Figured they could pull double duty as my surrounds too, wall mounted is a stipulation on that. I do have the GE triton towers, so the Def Techs are prob a good voice match. But, I'm music first and movies 2nd.

The SM-350 does a nice job with music > and they even measure
with-in a +/- 2db window, from 200 to 10,000 khz. They can be
wall mounted for surround duty >> While some speakers may be
better, they can still hold their own. The $200 price tag is a nice
deal.

 

[Nemo128]

See if you can find some older PSB Alphas for cheap. I love those.

 

[slipperybidness]

Went With the DefTech SM 350

I just couldn't pass up the deal. MSRP of $500, delivered for $200, I don't see any way I could go wrong. Probably pull a little 2 ch duty and a little surround duty and I think they will match my Goldenear Tower Mains pretty well (until I feel like ponying up for the Sat3s).

I like the passive radiators too.

I think that if the EMPs were still available with the Be drivers, then I would have gone with those instead, but only Al drivers available now.

 

[Nemo128]

I'm pretty fond of Def Tech. =)

Good choice, enjoy!