Bookshelves in the $400 range

[Jottle]

So I'm finally putting together a two channel system to be mated with my PC for now. A Squeezebox is definitely in my future. So I will be feeding the sound out of my PC into an Onix SP3 integrated tube amp. I'm looking for a good pair of $400 bookshelves. I realize this isn't much to work with, but I'm trying to make do here.

I am not interested in any of the av123 or onix line of speakers at this point. Here are some recommendations I've received so far:

Axiom m22
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE


And that's it! Anyone care to help me fill out my audition list?

 

[j_garcia]

I'd go with the 170SEs.

Did you purchase the SP3 from them? If so, you would get "familiy" pricing on a speaker purchase from Onyx.

 

[emorphien]

I have experience with the Axiom M3Ti and certainly have enjoyed them.

I'd suggest listening to everything you can find locally as well such as PSB, Paradigm (mini Monitor for example), B&W and whatever else they've got.

Additionally, what kinds of music do you listen to and do you have any preference about how the speakers should sound?

 

[corey]

Klipsch speakers are very efficient, which would be good with your amp. An extra 3db of sensitivity cuts a speaker's power requirement in half.

 

[scottyg]

I love my new klipsch rb-61's you can buy these at (magnolia)best buy for 399...for a little over 500 you can buty the rb-81's.....go to klipsch.com for specs and test them at mangolia inside best buy. You either hate or love the horn loaded tweeter. Even though people herer will slam magnolia since it is in best buy I truly love the rb-61's....go take a test drive yourself

scott

 

[speakerman39]

I have experience with the Axiom M3Ti and certainly have enjoyed them.

I'd suggest listening to everything you can find locally as well such as PSB, Paradigm (mini Monitor for example), B&W and whatever else they've got.

Additionally, what kinds of music do you listen to and do you have any preference about how the speakers should sound?

I would have to second all the previosly mentioned but especially the Psb B25's because they seem to be very well regarded. The Mini Monitor v.4 is also very good for the money. Others usually point out that the Axiom M3Ti's are very good to listen to even w/o a sub. Just be sure to listen to as many as you can. That way you can make a good decision. Good luck and as always Happy Hunting!!!!!!

 

[emorphien]

Others usaually point out that the Axiom M3Ti's are very good to listen to even w/o a sub.

For stereo listening, and in a small room they are definitely quite capable. I am looking to upgrade to Focal 807 V's most likely, but the M3Ti's have been very good. I just have the amplification and source equipment to justify a better pair of speakers now (for more than 3x the cost though).

 

[cstpeter]

Are you only looking new? I own a pair of Energy C-3 speakers that are an amazing value for the money. I think they can still be had new for well under $400:

http://www.brand-electronics.com/products/?product=38243

I always like to recommend the EPOS ELS-3, which are around $300. Here's a review:

http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/104epos/

If you go used, you have tons of options. Try the Polk LSi7. I recently saw a pair of Von Schweikert VR-1 used for $425.

 

[j_garcia]

I would have to disagree with that. The M3s lack any usable bass whatsoever IMO, and I would not be satisfied with them without a sub. Minis would do the trick but the M3s have better midrange than the Minis. Compared to the Ascends, I'd take the ascends over either of those speakers. Haven't heard the PSBs, so can't comment on them.

ELS-3s have two small disadvantages - low sensitivity coupled with low impedance, so despite their price, they aren't easy to drive. LSi7s have good bass and great highs, but average midrange for a speaker of their MSRP price.

I've owned Atoms, Titans, Minis, Monitor 5s, LSi7s, and heard the M3s (in my own setup) and the 170SEs in a friend's setup.

 

[emorphien]

I heard the Ascends and found the compromise in some quantity of bass to be acceptable because I preferred the M3s mids and highs, but I did not get to listen to the Ascends all that long. What I heard told me I liked the Axiom better. I think it's a personal preference. Between speakers like the Ascends, Mini Monitors and M3s there are various compromises to be made (there always are at this price range). I think it would depend on the room acoustics and your listening preferences. I have my M3s relatively close to a back wall (with no ill effects) and toed in a little bit and get sufficient base to vibrate the floor boards out of them at comfortably moderate listening levels (I'm not a fan of "crank it up and go deaf" very often) with no use of tone controls.

My friend has a system consisting of Titans and Atoms and I don't find them comparable to the Ascend, Axiom or Mini Monitor we're discussing. Good speakers but not quite the same level.

 

[Jottle]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm mostly an acoustic guitar/rock listener. But I have a lot of piano-based music as well. I prefer a slightly laid back sound, though not necessarily as much as the onix/av123 speakers. I also am sensitive to horn tweets and bright speakers. I guess the Klipsch are out for me as well. Midrange clarity is most important to me. I expect to make up a lack of bass with a subwoofer. The ascend acoustic 170s are looking good. I just wish it were easier to audition these ID companies than having to go to someone's house or face paying shipping charges to return a pair.

 

[j_garcia]

I'd choose the M3s over the Minis for their midrange, but I found the midrange of the 170SEs to be just as good, if not a touch better (IMO). I wouldn't call the 170s laid back though; they are what I call "neutral" with little coloration towards too bright or too soft. They are almost a bit sterile, not in a bad way, meaning they are simply unforgiving in their presentation, and I prefer a little more laid back speaker myself as well. If that is what you're looking for, I'd say the Onyx X series speakers might actually be more up your alley.

My bedroom speakers are very pleasing also. They are about the size of Atoms, yet have surprising bass. Clarity is above that of the Paradigm Monitor line. Overall, I'd say it is more similar to the M3Ti, of those mentioned. They have a hint of a metalic sound in the midrange, but they are very clear and things like vocals still sound very natural. They are selling for $200/pr at www.AC4L.com with free shipping.

 

[Tod]

I'll throw in my very limited personal experience here. I've got a pair of B&W 602 S3s, and am very happy with them. When I got them, I listened to them, the 601s, and some comparable pair of Paradigms. Don't know the #.

I listened to the Paradigms, then the 601s. As a mostly classical person, there was something about the Paradigms I didn't really care for compared to the B&Ws. Then the sales person switched to the 602s and instantly cost me the additional $200 or whatever. I was originally looking for a $400 pair, but the difference was well worth it. Beyond just the bass, which is quite impressive in the 602s, the midrange also sounded much more open, less of a cabinet-speaker sort of sound and more like real music.

I use them set directly opposite each other about 4 feet from my head by my computer (only way to fit them in the room), and even without a sub they can make my brain vibrate on a bit of Sublime or something. With a sub they're of course even better.

I'm just about to buy a full 600 series setup for HT/bigger music for the whole house. Try the 601s, but if you like the sound don't listen to the 602s unless you have a few extra dollars.

 

[silversurfer]

The one FR graph of the M3 that I have seen shows exagerated bass around 100hz. So it does not necessarily extend deeper, it just boosts what it can play.

 

[emorphien]

I don't have measurements but I can say it has output in the mid 60Hz range from musical passages I'm familiar with and test tones a friend insisted I run and it's enough to be noticeable.

There is a slight elevation around 90-100 Hz I think, but it tapers off down around 60Hz or maybe a tad higher.

 

[Pianoman84d]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm mostly an acoustic guitar/rock listener. But I have a lot of piano-based music as well. I prefer a slightly laid back sound, though not necessarily as much as the onix/av123 speakers. I also am sensitive to horn tweets and bright speakers. I guess the Klipsch are out for me as well. Midrange clarity is most important to me. I expect to make up a lack of bass with a subwoofer. The ascend acoustic 170s are looking good. I just wish it were easier to audition these ID companies than having to go to someone's house or face paying shipping charges to return a pair.

Just for the record, I don't find the Onix X-LS very laid back. I would say they are slightly laid back but of course my slightly laid back may be your very laid back.

 

[Jottle]

Just for the record, I don't find the Onix X-LS very laid back. I would say they are slightly laid back but of course my slightly laid back may be your very laid back.

I hear ya. Everyone is different right? I'm just done with laid back anything for now. Give me 1 off from neutral

 

[robot]

I'll chime in with my vote for the 602 S3. That is a really nice sounding speaker.

 

[corey]

Jottle - I'm not sure that everyone posting to this thread understands that you will be driving these speakers with a 38 watt per channel amp.

If you haven't listened to the Klipsch RB-61's for yourself, I think it would be worth your while. The Reference IV series horns are somewhat different than prior models.

 

[silversurfer]

I don't have measurements but I can say it has output in the mid 60Hz range from musical passages I'm familiar with and test tones a friend insisted I run and it's enough to be noticeable.

There is a slight elevation around 90-100 Hz I think, but it tapers off down around 60Hz or maybe a tad higher.

I found it at Soundstage:

http://www.soundstagemagazine.com/measurements/axiom_m3ti/

They have a lot of speakers listed including the M22 and the CBM-170(older model though) that the OP posted first:
http://www.soundstageav.com/speakermeasurements.html