Cheap, used bookshelf speakers

[jonnythan]

I'm looking for a pair of used, wall-mountable bookshelf speakers that I can use in my bedroom.

They will be purely for music played from an iPod with a Sonic Impact T-amp as an amplifier.

I was thinking a pair of NHT SuperZeros. Seems like a pair can be had for well under $100 on eBay every now and then. I love what I've heard from NHT speakers, but I've only heard them with quality CD source material on a Carver amp. I'm kinda concerned that the SZs wouldn't sound very good with relatively mediocre source and amplification.

Any suggestions for something good and small that I could find for under $100 a pair are appreciated.

 

[rnatalli]

The BA CR57 and Mission m70's sell for under $100 brand new. The BA's don't require anything other than a screw in the wall and TSTO sells the Mission m70's ($69) and pair of matching wall brackets ($29). I'm sure there are others, but these come to mind as I reviewed them recently.

 

[garbage pale kid]

yamaha ns333 117 for the pair at b&h photo .com reliable site nice piano black finish and are right up there when playing music on 7 ch w/my floor standing sonys

 

[jonnythan]

Where are the M70s for $70?

 

[rnatalli]

Speakers:
http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/470edc3f006dfb822740ac1003410635/Product/View/2191

Brackets:
http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/470edc3f006dfb822740ac1003410635/Product/View/2405

I just bought a pair for my nephew and for $70, they're tough to beat. Here's the review I did recently which included the m70's:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36107

 

[jonnythan]

I'd be interested in hearing any knowledgable comments about how the M70s would perform with an iPod and T-amp as compared to the Superzeros.

Thanks for the links, rnatalli.

 

[rnatalli]

The Missions were almost as tough as my Mordaunts to drive which surprised me. As far as the NHT, I heard them quite some time ago and all I remember is that they sounded pretty laid back to me. I wish I could tell you more, but that's all I can offer. Hopefully some other members have more recent experience.

 

[jaxvon]

You'd better be looking for some efficient speakers. The T-Amp doesn't have much power at all and it starts to distort audibly around half power, if I recall correctly. Maybe some Klipsch speakers. I don't recommend them for audio quality, but they (or something else nice 'n efficient) would be needed.

 

[jonnythan]

It starts to distort above about 5.5 watts, which I think should be more than enough with a speaker that has an 86dB sensitivity.

Volume is definitely *not* important in this setup. Moderate listening levels at maximum.

 

[davidtwotrees]

I can second the Boston Acoustics CR line.......I had a pair used of Ebay a year ago........I think they were CR37s.........don't quote me on the model.
They sounded excellent. The were hefty for their small size, and the five way binding posts were solid as a rock. They just had an excellent build quality and the sound was all one could expect from a small speaker.

 

[markw]

Efficient, new, in your price range and good reviews.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATASB1.2

I think you might want reconsider that T-Amp. It's OK within it's limitations, but it's not the end-all and be-all. It does have it's faults. I'd suggest you consider a more powerful amp unless you're get speakers that approach 100db sensitivity. I 'd suggest a vintage integrated or receiver. Some vintage integrateds are quite small, physically speaking, and reasonably priced.

Oh, those NHT's will suck that T-amp dry, and they are bass shy to boot, even with more powerful amps.

 

[jonnythan]

Let me repeat that 5 watts will be *more* than enough to drive speakers with 86 dB sensitivity to intended volumes.

 

[Seth=L]

I can second the Boston Acoustics CR line.......I had a pair used of Ebay a year ago........I think they were CR37s.........don't quote me on the model.
They sounded excellent. The were hefty for their small size, and the five way binding posts were solid as a rock. They just had an excellent build quality and the sound was all one could expect from a small speaker.

I second this recommendation. Even at moderate levels the NHTs or Missions may distort with the T-amp.

 

[Seth=L]

Let me repeat that 5 watts will be *more* than enough to drive speakers with 86 dB sensitivity to intended volumes.

You are assuming that you won't need any type of peak output, which you will. Your music may sound compressed even at moderate levels depending on the quality and dynamics of the recording.

 

[Seth=L]

Sorry for the third post in a row, but it is worth mentioning the Athena AS-B1 or AS-B1.2. They have good build quality and sound great for their size and cost.

 

[jonnythan]

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[jonnythan]

OK, I decided to get the SuperZeroes. I understand the T-amp may not power them satisfactorily, but I'm getting them anyway.

I'll be planning on getting a 2-channel amp, and I'm thinking of the Dayton APA150. I'll supplement it with a small sub at some point. Any comments?