Bookshelf - not again...

[MGailing]

I know this has been done over and over and...over! But I really need some advice before I lay down the money. Its hard for me (college student) to raise this kind of money (and keep it long enough to spend on speakers!).

Here is the line up:

PSB Image 15
Monitor Audio Bronze 2
Axiom M3ti
Paradigm Focus

I have made a spreadsheet comparing everything! I have yet to listen to them all, but that should be taken care of soon (except the Axioms - I wish they had a place out here where I could listen to them).

I cannot bump the spending up at all - im straining just making it a $400 limit. Please, all help is much appreciated!!

Will be paired with an HSU STF-1 sub.

 

[Matt34]

This would be a great place to start, while it only has one that you have mentioned it should give you an idea of what else is out there(in your price range) and how they compare.

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/SpeakerFaceOffVIp1.php

 

[corey]

I'm shopping that range too, and giving alot of thought to the Klipsch RB-25.

 

[Smith]

I was recently in the same boat. I almost pulled the trigger on NSM 5, which seem to be universally raved about. But then I stumbled across a pair of Phase Technology Teatro 4.5 for $130/pr with free shipping at onecall. I love 'em. Just don't put 'em within 18" of a wall otherwise the bass port makes them sound a little boomy. I read about two dozen user reviews on these before pulling the trigger and they were all positive. At that price I couldn't be happier.

 

[silversurfer]

Also think about the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 and the Epos ELS-3.

 

[sokrman14]

Infinity Beta series also makes a bookshelf, I believe the Beta 20's. They sound pretty good for the price. I feel they would be worth checking out. I feel that they give a decent mid range, and just about always have a good hi's.

 

[korgoth]

you know you could actually get axiom m22ti's for 400 bucks, if you get them from the factory outlet right on their web site.

pretty impressive speakers.

 

[Tom Andry]

you know you could actually get axiom m22ti's for 400 bucks, if you get them from the factory outlet right on their web site.

pretty impressive speakers.

Probably one of the best bookshelves out there. Since you will be pairing them with a sub, this would be a no brainer for me (in interest of full disclosure, I own the 22's).

 

[jeffvee]

Probably one of the best bookshelves out there. Since you will be pairing them with a sub, this would be a no brainer for me (in interest of full disclosure, check my sig).

How would these compare to the CBM-170's?

 

[JennAir]

All the usual suspects listed once again.
Here's something different. I use these for the rears in my HT, but I've also checked them out for two channel. For the price, the other brands either sounded bright and harsh or lacking life. Definitely worth looking in to.
http://www.us.alegriaaudio.com/Ling.htm

 

[Sheep]

Don't leave out the Onix X-Ls. At 199 a pair and featuring the same drivers as GR research, they are a real bargain.

SheepStar

 

[jeffvee]

All the usual suspects listed once again.
Here's something different. I use these for the rears in my HT, but I've also checked them out for two channel. For the price, the other brands either sounded bright and harsh or lacking life. Definitely worth looking in to.
http://www.us.alegriaaudio.com/Ling.htm

these are the spec's for the above aforementioned speakers, and IMO not impressive.

Description
Extremely wide and accurate frequency response (+/- 3db 60Hz to 30kHz) measurements
8 ohm nominal impedance
Quality crossover parts including air core inductors and film and foil polypropylene capacitors
Oxygen free stranded copper internal wiring
All soldered connections
Compact design 12"H x 7.5"W x 10"D
Amazing detail, depth and imaging for the budget-minded audiophile
100 watt peak power handling
85 db/1w sensitivity
Magnetically shielded for use near televisions or monitors
Grade A real wood (not vinyl) veneer inside and out to prevent warping.

 

[brendy]

Take a look at the Paradigm Titan's.Performance that exceeds their price.Advice from who someone who owned a pair.

 

[JennAir]

these are the spec's for the above aforementioned speakers, and IMO not impressive.

Why do you say that? Not that specs tell you what a speaker sounds like.

 

[jeffvee]

Why do you say that? Not that specs tell you what a speaker sounds like.

Based upon the 100 watt peak capacity, and the decible sensitivity.

 

[JennAir]

Based upon the 100 watt peak capacity, and the decible sensitivity.

A discussion for a different thread but those ratings have nothing to do with how a speaker sounds.

 

[Rooz]

I have the Boston VR-B's and they are excellent bookshelves. they may be just over your proce range but if you find a good deal you could be in luck.

 

[Duffman-OOHYEAH]

Don't leave out the Onix X-Ls. At 199 a pair and featuring the same drivers as GR research, they are a real bargain.

SheepStar

Listen to the Sheep, he is wise.

The X-ls's are quite large neutral sounding bookshelf speakers that throw such a huge soundstage it will astound and they REALLY have no right sounding this good for 199$. Give'm a try, you'll be glad you did . www.av123.com

JR

 

[Bevan]

i would like to second the Lings as the pick of the bunch.

personally i think the specs look very good, they speak of quality. AlegriaAudio have a differnt design philosophy than most so it wont tell you much by comparison with most other speakers. power handling and sensitivity number never mean much anyway, you need whole impedense curves and phase angles to know how easy the speaker is going to be to drive.

read these review:

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/47077/156699.html
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue20/alegrialing.htm

if youre not prepared to think outside the box then i can only suggest the b&w 601 s3 as a further concideration.

 

[Pianoman84d]

I just received the X-LS and don't see how you can go wrong with them for a budget bookshelf. Get them in the Maple and prepare to be astounded at how beautiful they are.