Bookshelf speakers recommendation

[kuppal]

I am looking to buy a good bookhelf speaker set and a sub . I want to use it with my computer. Originally I was interested in buying a box setup such as Klipsch promedia or Logitech Z623 , but now I am thinking to go for a passive setup.

What will be the recommended setup keeping in mind a max budget of $250.

I thought of going with this :

1. ) Polk Audio R150 Two-way bookshelf loudspeaker Pair
2. ) Topping TP30 class t amplifier
3.) Polk Audio Subwoofer PSW-10

Also, how is the setup done ?. Do we need to connect bookshelf speakers to an amplifier , or is it just the subwoofer that is connected to an amplifier, and then bookshelf are plugged to the subwoofer ?

 

[j_garcia]

I'd say these pioneers and that amp.

Amazon.com: Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Designed Bookshelf Loudspeakers: Electronics

If you need to cheapen that up, get the previous BS21 that is about half that price right now.

Or for the amp, spend another $20 and get the APA-150 http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-812

Forget you ever considered that sub, it is a waste of time. Save a bit more and get something better. This is on sale right now and you probably won't find it cheaper.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-628

*Edit - probably a lot to read, and the original post was about the towers, but a lot of discussion about the Pioneers in this thread.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Wow, difficult budget.

I would save up a little more money and get the Audioengine A5. I used them for my office and they were awesome. They have decent bass but I later added a good sub and I swear, this system matched my real system even though my real system is far far-field listening and the computer system was for near-field.

I agree with JC, don't even think of a sub with this budget.

 

[j_garcia]

A5s are quite expensive compared to the budget, so A2s might be a better fit, and the amp would not be required.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

A5s are quite expensive compared to the budget, so A2s might be a better fit, and the amp would not be required.

I almost said the A2 but I have never tried them and hated to recommend them. I am sure they have less bass than the A5.

 

[j_garcia]

I almost said the A2 but I have never tried them and hated to recommend them. I am sure they have less bass than the A5.

Audioengine makes their drivers, so I would expect the A2 will sound similar, but yes, will have less bass. -3dB of 65Hz is pretty decent, but in a modest room, would want a sub.

Audioengine 2 - Audioengineusa.com

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Audioengine makes their drivers, so I would expect the A2 will sound similar, but yes, will have less bass. -3dB of 65Hz is pretty decent, but in a modest room, would want a sub.

Audioengine 2 - Audioengineusa.com

Oh, I am all about a sub and you know that.

 

[ImcLoud]

250 with a sub wow. I'm going to say apa150 with pioneer bookshelfs ans then any sub you can afford with the money left over. Or just buy that amp and them speakers and dinner for you and a small child...

 

[bikemig]

It will be hard to beat the audio engine A-5s in your price range. I'd shop around and see if a pair is available open box or refurbished directly from audio engine. That way you get the warranty and it should run around $270 or so. You'll like the sound a lot.

If you want to stick with passive speakers, I'd go 2.0 with a $250 budget and add the sub later. I'd take a look at the KEF C1s; you can pick up a pair here for $150: KEF C1 Two Way 4" Bookshelf Speakers Pair Black | Accessories4less
I like front ported speakers for a desktop nearfield set up (which it sounds like you are going to do). You could get the onkyo tx 8255 for $119: Onkyo TX-8255 50 watts 2 channel Stereo Receiver | Accessories4less. That gets you pretty close to your original budget.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

A5s are quite expensive compared to the budget, so A2s might be a better fit, and the amp would not be required.

Audioengine | A5 Premium Powered Bookshelf Speakers (Black) | A5BO

 

[j_garcia]

Audioengine | A5 Premium Powered Bookshelf Speakers (Black) | A5BO

Someone had them for $30 less than that not too long ago. Those are the A5s, not the A5+ which is what I thought you were talking about

 

[kuppal]

A5+ or A5

A5s are quite expensive compared to the budget, so A2s might be a better fit, and the amp would not be required.

May be I've to increase my budget by another $150...

Are you recommending A5 or A5+. Is there a big a difference between two as far as quality is concerned ? A5+ is good $100 dollar expensive. Wil I need a sub If I buy A5 or A5+

 

[j_garcia]

Those speakers are still somewhat small, but you might be able to get away without a sub with the A5s. The price is good on the A5s, and I think it is more features that changed between them and the +, not so much the sound, so I think you'd be fine with the original A5s.

 

[Valicious]

I was looking at the KEF C3s. How are those?

 

[agarwalro]

Behringer Truth 2030P Monitor for $200 shipped and Sherwood RX-4105 Stereo Receiver for $100 shipped.

 

[agarwalro]

Closer to cost of A5+

Behringer 2031p $260 shipped and Emotiva mini-X a-100 for $180 shipped.

 

[agarwalro]

Budget? What budget!

Ascend Acoustics CMB-170 SE Monitor for $380 shipped, SV Sound PB-1000 subwoofer for $500 shipped and Harman Kardon 3390 Stereo Receiver for $245 shipped.