Best bookshelf+amp for 500 usd

[brian12]

Hello,

I'm looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers to use with my computer for listening to music. They have to either be active or have a receiver in the budget too. I'm listening in a relatively small room, usually 1-2.5 meters from the speakers.

I have 500 usd to spend, +/- 100 usd. What would you get?

 

[slipperybidness]

I want to hear some of these, but haven't. But heres some that I've been considering.

Emotiva Professional, LLC
NHT - SuperPower - 90 watt - Powered Speaker-Audio Advisor
JBL LSR 2325P 5" Bi-Amplified Powered Studio Monitor | GuitarCenter

A little over-budget
ADAM Audio A3X 2-Way Studio Monitor (Single) | GuitarCenter

 

[fuzz092888]

While not the Be version, still a great option for a near field monitor. The T-amp is also surprisingly good. This is the SA-50, I ended up getting the SA-98 and I think it's awesome.

EMP Tek E41 Bookshelf Speaker

SA 50 SMSL TDA7492 Class T Digital Amplifier 50W x 2 Power Adapter | eBay

 

[bikemig]

I've been using the audioengine N-22 amp and P-4 speakers for around a year. The amp is pretty darn good. It runs cool, has a really small form factor, puts out more power than you'll need on desktop, and has a pretty good headphone amp. The P-4 speakers are very good for what they are (small speakers). It helps to place them near a boundary of some sort or a wall as this tightens up the bass and helps balance out the sound.

I use them in my home office. I'm planning on upgrading my office music system one of the days. I'm thinking of trying out the emotive airmotiv 4 as the size is about right. One thing about studio monitors is that you may want to pair them with some sort of preamp/dac/headphone amp as I've never liked using the volume control on the computer. I'm leaning towards the audioengine d1 dac headphone amp; the price is good and even BSA seems to like them, .

 

[ImcLoud]

I use an Emotiva Mini X with a pair of cbm170se's, but I did try the HTM200se's and they sounded just as good, but I am using them as surrounds so I kept the 170s in the office...
But I vote for mini X and ascend 200se's Cost would be a little over $500 but they sound awesome...

Or for a little more budget friendly- I like Dayton APA150{this amp fits perfectly on top or under most PC towers} http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-812 with KEF C3 Two Way 5¼" Bookshelf Speakers Pair Black | Accessories4less that would be under $400 leaving room for one of these little guys- BIC V-80 8" Subwoofer 100 Watts 303-460

I like separate amp/speakers, so if you want to upgrade 1 component you can, plus if you hurt an amp or pop a speaker, you can replace just the faulty components and no scrap the entire system

 

[Matt34]

Posted this in the "deals" section.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/deals-deals-deals/82153-scratch-dent-rokit-8-g2-%40-%24179-ea.html

 

[zieglj01]

Something to look at for exploration

Audiovox Amp 100
http://www.jr.com/audio-source/pe/ASO_AMP100/

Focal 705V Speakers
http://www.dedicatedaudio.com/inc/sdetail/34398

 

[shadyJ]

I would go for active speakers- some studio monitors in that situation. I would skip the receiver, because you would be paying for a lot of features you would never use. Unless you have a subwoofer, you should consider speakers with good bass extension, that means good sized woofers. I hope you have the desk space for that. Here are some that I would be looking at for $500:
KRK Rokit 8
M-Audio BX8 D-2
Mackie MR8 mk2
Tannoy Reveal 601a
JBL LSR2328p (a little over budget but I have heard so much positive things about these)
Behringer Truth B1031A
Behringer Truth B3031A
Behringer Truth B2031A (I have the passive version of these, they are terrific speakers and have excellent bass)

 

[brian12]

I'm also willing to buy used.

What is the difference between the studio monitors and normal bookshelf speakers? I see most of the ones you listed have bigger woofers.

Would a pair of the JBL's sound better than a pair of B&W 685's or Dali IKON 1 Mk2's for example? What's the difference?

Unfortunately I dislike the looks of the studio monitors

 

[shadyJ]

Studio monitors are typically made for accuracy first and foremost, with appearance not usually being a high priority. They are regarded more as a tool for a professional environment, thus the utilitarian appearance. Many home audio speakers do not have nearly as much an emphasis on accuracy or performance in their construction. They are often 'voiced' to someone's preference, and their sound is deliberately 'colored' thus losing accuracy and neutrality. They are not held to the same high performance standards as studio monitors. As for the JBLs vs the B&W/Dalis, I can't tell you if you think they will sound better, but they will likely be much more accurate.

 

[bikemig]

If you dislike how studio monitors look, then you might want to think about an amp/dac/headphone amp combo like this unit from TEAC:

TEAC AH01 Stereo Amplifier with Digital to Analog Converter Silver | Accessories4less

You can pair it with a pair of smaller bookshelf speakers to hit your $400-600 price range. I'd probably opt for the cambridge audio S-30 speakers because they're reasonably priced and have great reviews:


http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-S30-N-Speakers-Black-Pair/dp/B004DAN3GQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351093352&sr=8-1&keywords=cambridge+s30

They're also not too large. I'm not a fan of larger bookshelf speakers on a desktop as I find that smaller speakers are easier to set up for nearfield listening; but ymmv.

The Teac amp/dac/headphone amp has good specs, a small form factor and does a nice job of covering all the important bases for a computer based desktop system. The fewer pieces on your desk, the better.

 

[j_garcia]

Something to look at for exploration

Audiovox Amp 100
Audio Source Stereo Power Amplifier Amp 100 in Component Amplifiers | JR.com

I have the Audiosource (not Audiovox) Amp100 and it is a solid amp. The nice thing is it has a built in volume control so no preamp needed and it can be used to switch between two sources. It is also relatively small for its capability.

I'd probably pair that up with the Behringer 2031P.

You could also just consider the Audioengine A5+ at the top of your range, or the A2 and save a few bucks.

 

[zieglj01]

I have the Audiosource (not Audiovox) Amp100 and it is a solid amp. The nice thing is it has a built in volume control so no preamp needed and it can be used to switch between two sources. It is also relatively small for its capability.

Your right, I meant AudioSource - I tend to mix the names up.

 

[slipperybidness]

I have the Audiosource (not Audiovox) Amp100 and it is a solid amp. The nice thing is it has a built in volume control so no preamp needed and it can be used to switch between two sources. It is also relatively small for its capability.

I'd probably pair that up with the Behringer 2031P.

You could also just consider the Audioengine A5+ at the top of your range, or the A2 and save a few bucks.

I have an Audiosource 10 band graphic equalizer and have been fairly pleased with it, I think I got it at Radio Shack like 12 years ago. I've been thinking about popping it open to have a look at build quality.

 

[nogaro]

While not the Be version, still a great option for a near field monitor.
EMP Tek E41 Bookshelf Speaker

Have you had a chance to compare the two? I have the Be version and they are fantastic with a subwoofer and definitely still enjoyable without a sub with their backs up against a wall (about 2" away, really). Since they're out of the Be version, I'm interested in knowing how the AL version stacks up.

 

[GranteedEV]

Have you had a chance to compare the two? I have the Be version and they are fantastic with a subwoofer and definitely still enjoyable without a sub with their backs up against a wall (about 2" away, really). Since they're out of the Be version, I'm interested in knowing how the AL version stacks up.

Any difference would be minor and have more to do with efficiency. Both are great materials for a 4" midwoofer.

 

[GranteedEV]

What is the difference between the studio monitors and normal bookshelf speakers? I see most of the ones you listed have bigger woofers.

The biggest difference is that most good studio monitors have an even sound power response and treble/bass adjustments for different room interactions.

That's not set in stone, and there are both mediocre studio monitors and world-class bookshelf speakers, just like there are world class studio monitors and crappy bookshelves. Actually, they really should be one and the same when well designed. However since they are sold through different channels and marketing, aesthetics and features will of course vary. Among my dream speakers though, are a pair of Genelec 8260A studio monitors. They're not pretty but they are an engineering marvel.

Interstingly enough, I was walking through the new digital library at my university, and they are now using the JBL LSR monitors.

Anyways get whatever you feel comfortable getting, as long as it's good. But the LSR 2325 or LSR 2328 would definitely be among my suggestions

Would a pair of the JBL's sound better than a pair of B&W 685's or Dali IKON 1 Mk2's for example? What's the difference?

They will sound more accurate to the source material, because they measure more accurate. Whether that sounds better depends on whether or not you like the source material in its actuality.