Best new pair of bookshelfs $250 shipped can buy

[voltainthesky]

Hello everyone, I’d like some advice on upgrading from my Klipsch ProMedia 4.1 computer speakers. I want to make a leap to the next level of sound quality. I am eventually going to complete my bedroom with a 5.1 setup, but for now I’d like to start a very nice 2.1 setup. I have an Onkyo TX-SR506 receiver, and I’ve decided to opt for the Energy ESW-8 subwoofer, since I can get it for $99 dollars and it will let me invest more in a pair of bookshelfs.

If it helps, this will be used for 70% music, 30% movies. I like to listen to rock, indie, experimental, some acoustic, and hiphop. I listen to a lot of Muse, Modest Mouse, Explosions in the Sky, Magwai, Against Me, Beirut, Gnarls Barkley, M83, Ratatat, and the list goes on…

I started with the intention of getting the 2 $70 pairs of Insignia’s from Best Buy and a Dayton 10” sub all for $270ish for a 4.1 setup, and here I am, spending almost that in just front speakers with the intent to buy higher quality parts slowly over time.

So far I have narrowed my choices down to the following:
1. Axiom M2 v2 1" 5.25" (these cost $280, but I’d consider spending that much if they absolutely dominate the rest)
2. Audio Monitor Bronze B1 1", 6.5"
3. PSB Alpha B1 .75", 5.25"
4. Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 1", 5"
5. Energy C-200 1”, 6 ½”
6. Intimus 5B Bookshelf 1”, 5.25”
7. Elemental Designs A6 5T5
8. Behringer TRUTH B2030P
9. KEF IQ1 BLACK ASH

I feel like I have a pretty good list here. They all range from $199-$250, except for the Axioms. If anything, I’d just really like to narrow down my options. So I ask all of you- which pair of speakers would you go for if you were in my situation, and which speakers would you recommend I take off the list?

 

[mike c]

I can recommend the KEF IQ1 and Monitor Audio BR1 (as i've heard their big brothers the BR2 and Q1)

the BR series is the one that replaced the B series at Monitor Audio
my BR2 opinion: (6.5")
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28964

the iQ series is the newer version of the Q series at KEF (the KEF Q1 = KEF iQ3)
and i own and still love my KEF Q1 (6.5")

Infinity Primus 152 or 162 here:
http://store.audioholics.com/section/19/1/xs_pricelh/bookshelf-speakers

 

[snappy_snoopy]

i just got the diamond 9.5, the big brother to the 9.1. They are meant to sound the same except the floor stander has the added bass they are well made and sound sweet for the price. I wrote quite an extensive review on the diamond 9.5 a few days ago. Feel free to check it out

 

[WmAx]

For this price range, nothing of which I am aware of can compare to the Behringer B2030P in either raw build quality or measured performance. However, I do recommend some very easy to do minor mods on the Behringer - but I recommend similar mods on most speakers to get the most from them for minor cost/labor investment. If music is the main intent, get a 2nd matching Dayton sub and place one sub within 3' of each B203P and cross at 80-85 Hz and set the B2030P channels to small on your receiver so the crossover works on the B2030P and the subs. If you have to, start with one sub and get a 2nd later. It is important to have two subs, one close to each mid-treble module, if one is to have seamless bass transition that acts like a single source, as opposed one with separated bass sound as the sub transitions to the mains. I highly doubt the Energy sub can match the performance of the Daytons which have constantly been the value performance leader in the ultra-low price range. Later on for added sound quality and adjustment, you could save up for and add a Behringer DCX2496 DSP managment system. At this point, however, you would have to use your Onkyo only as an amp(using it's direct amp inputs on the back).

-Chris

 

[snappy_snoopy]

what are some of your improvement suggestions i would be interested to know. can you refer me to another thread or quickly explain what you mean. Cheers in advance

 

[snappy_snoopy]

by improvements i mean the mods you were talking about, sorry for not being clear

 

[WmAx]

by improvements i mean the mods you were talking about, sorry for not being clear

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=419047&postcount=8

-Chris

 

[mazersteven]

$250 shipped can buy

SVS SBS-01
http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

Elemental Design
A6 - 5T5 - MTM
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_42&products_id=95

 

[Seth=L]

$250 shipped can buy

SVS SBS-01
http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

Elemental Design
A6 - 5T5 - MTM
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_42&products_id=95

Have you heard those speakers?

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Definitely check out a pair of Cambridge Audio S30s. Stunning for the price.

 

[rnatalli]

You can scratch the Aperion 5B from your list as it's $225 per speaker and $450 per pair.

 

[mazersteven]

Have you heard those speakers?

The SVS's yes. And the Elemental Design no.

First time I heard about them was here
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=885180&highlight=a6+5t5

 

[Vart]

There are a couple of b-stock A6 - 5T5 's on sounddot right now. They are only $75 each.

http://www.sounddot.com/

 

[voltainthesky]

Wmax- I really don't think getting 2 subs is practical in the room where I am going to put this setup, for space reasons, and I think that 1 sub will be enough. For the past 6 or so years, I have been using my Klipsch promedia sub, which features dual 6.5" drivers. I really don't need more bass than what this has given me, maybe just some cleaner, and a little deeper bass, which is what I'm hoping to get out of the Energy. The MSRP of the Energy is $270. I tried posting the Energy URL but I don't have enough post counts. It's frequency response is 3Hz-150Hz where the Dayton 8" is 40-180 Hz. The MSRP on the Dayton is also only $130, and is currently going for $89, $10 less than the Energy. I also heard that the Dayton's can be a bit boomy for music, so I was kind of turned away by that. Do you still think the Dayton is a better buy over the Energy?

 

[voltainthesky]

mazersteven- The ED's are one of my top considerations right now. I know they are highly regarded for car audio, and that they are sort of new to the whole home audio market. I really like the way that they look, very slick, but they only have 2 4" woofers, would that be enough for decent midbass at this price range, or would I be better off going with a bookshelf that has a 5.25" or 6.5" woofer? Or would the 4" suffice because there are 2 of them? I have only just heard of the SVS's this morning, and I am like what I read, I am definitely going to have to add them to the list of considerations Also, what did kind of music did you listen to when you heard the SVS's?

rnatalli- thanks for bringing that to my attention, that is too bad because I really liked the glossy black finish, goes well with my Samsung TN-4042H LCD

Vart- Sorry but what exactly is a b-stock? Is it just a speaker that has been used?

 

[j_garcia]

I have heard the SBSs also. More bass than I expected from their size and specs, but not super deep. Good midrange though. I listened to a variety of music on these, from rock to vocals and they do fine with everything.

yes, b-stock refers to customer returns or demo speakers that may or may not have some blemishes, usually at a nicely reduced price.

 

[mazersteven]

mazersteven- The ED's are one of my top considerations right now. I know they are highly regarded for car audio, and that they are sort of new to the whole home audio market. I really like the way that they look, very slick, but they only have 2 4" woofers, would that be enough for decent midbass at this price range, or would I be better off going with a bookshelf that has a 5.25" or 6.5" woofer? Or would the 4" suffice because there are 2 of them? I have only just heard of the SVS's this morning, and I am like what I read, I am definitely going to have to add them to the list of considerations Also, what did kind of music did you listen to when you heard the SVS's?

You name it. I've listen to a wide variety of music through the SBS-01 speakers.

 

[zeuiax]

IQ 1 are going for as low as 199 + shipping at ac4l.com and IQ 3s for 289 + shippping

 

[jamie2112]

IQ 1 are going for as low as 199 + shipping at ac4l.com and IQ 3s for 289 + shippping

Good choices for sure...

 

[mike c]

IQ 1 are going for as low as 199 + shipping at ac4l.com and IQ 3s for 289 + shippping

that's a nice deal for a great speaker (iq3)