Best Bookshelfs for Under $300

[Guangui]

JK,

You might want to consider PSB B25, has all the characteristics your are looking for. You can get a pair from Sat Audio (www.saturdayaudio.com) for $299.00/pr. If you haven't already, check this thread:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40137

 

[krabapple]

there are three kinds of people on AVS ...

noobies. fanboys. trolls.

You left out 'people who post on Audioholics too'.

There is a fantastic amount of good information posted on both.

 

[dorokusai]

The EPOS ELS-3 is a wonderful loudspeaker. You might also check out the NHT SB series, as they dig pretty deep for their respective size and the Polk LSi7. It's the smallest TOTL Polk but the gem of that whole line for me.

Mark

 

[3db]

Like Guangui mentioned, PSB Image B25 would be a soild choice. They're a very versatile speaker that will do justice to all types of musics. I auditioned a pair coupled to a NAD integrated amp and I walked away very impresssed.

 

[juliusdeane]

another shopper

I'm also looking for speakers in this price range.

I just bought a used Denon 1508 AVR and want to start out with a couple bookshelves. My budget is limited, so to make the most of my money, I'll add the other parts later on. The system will probably be 50/50 movies and music, with a stronger critical ear towards music. The room they'll be in for now is 14X13 with a window seat in the back wall and one side being completely open into a larger kitchen and the rest of the house (not my choice, believe me).

I ordered the Axiom M3 v2 because I've heard such good things about them and want to hear them for myself. I'm planning on buying at least one more set and then keeping what I like the best.

So far I've listened to a few, mainly Boston HS60s, B&W 601S3s, and Klipsh RB61. Between those, I preferred the Bostons most of the time, but the B&W's were better in some comparisons. I see the appeal of Klipsh, but they're a little harsh for my taste.

I'm pretty limited in what I can go out an listen to in this area. Anything else I should consider for an in-home test (as I'm doing with the Axioms)?

 

[20Glove]

IL10's by infinity

Take a look at these they are suppose to sound GREAT and have a lot of bass.

I have the Tower's of these and they sound awesome.

Go to Craigslist they are being sold all the time. $100-$200.

 

[jcPanny]

AV123 speakers

FYI,
I have a pair of the new AV123 ELT525 bookshelf speakers on order from AV123 for use as the surrounds with my Onix Ref L/C/R speakers. The intro price is $269 and they have a matching center and floorstander version planned in the future. They come in real wood Cherry or Rosewood veneer.

The larger X-LS encore is also in the $300 price range and will offer more bass extension.

 

[juliusdeane]

Re: AV123s

I did consider the x-ls. Unfortunately, the colors I would choose aren't ready. I'll add the ELT525 to my list. I'm not sure I'll give it a shot; the woofer is 1.25'' smaller than most of the other stuff I've looked at.

Right now my front runners are the Boston Acoustics HS60 (since I can't find the CR75 any more) and Axiom M3 (which I already ordered).

I'd like to try the PSBs and IL10s, but no one around here has them and I can't find an online retailer with a good return policy. Would the Infinity P162s be comparable? Crutchfield has them.

 

[Davidt1]

Anybody here has Mordaunt short speakers? I have yet to read a negative review of their speakers. I am on an upgrading path too -- a very slowly one as I am content with what I have. I like these based on price and look:

http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/47cef17d01c5eb6a2740ac10034106a7/Product/View/2514

I am curious how they would compare to some of the speakers recommended here.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

I posted a review of them, but is worth mentioning here that I am really impressed by the Cambridge Audio S30s (sale priced at $220/pr.) If I upgrade from them, I will have to spend at least $600 for a significant improvement.

 

[haraldo]

Too many posts to read 'em all, sorry if I'm reapeating what somebody else may have stated....

If you can stretch the budget by $100,- the Usher S520 may be something.

For anyone on a budget, check out these guys, good stuff and entertaining reading
http://www.affordableaudio.org/

The Usher S520 is reviewed here:
http://www.affordableaudio.org/aa2007-12.pdf

Regards

Harald N

 

[emorphien]

I was in the same boat as you, I got Axiom M3Tis and loved them. Even though I've moved on for serious listening in my bedroom, I still have them and they get used pretty regularly in another room.

There are so many choices though, I'm still very happy that I went with them.

 

[Davidt1]

Anybody here has Mordaunt short speakers? I have yet to read a negative review of their speakers. I am on an upgrading path too -- a very slowly one as I am content with what I have. I like these based on price and look:

http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/47cef17d01c5eb6a2740ac10034106a7/Product/View/2514

I am curious how they would compare to some of the speakers recommended here.

OK I found something interest thing about Mordaunt Short and Marantz. Apparently, they are related. Anyway, it's just one more good thing I hear about their speakers.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/milan2002/friday/

 

[juliusdeane]

So . . .

Am I crazy for liking the Boston HS60s? I mean, I have a fairly virgin ear and I've only compared them to a few things. Should I even bother brining them home? I would love to try some of these others, but I'm limited on options for auditioning them.

I noticed that Axiom has a thread on their site of people who are willing to demo their systems and wear they live. Do we have anything like that on here?