Floor-standing won't fit anymore; need bookshelf recommendation

[canuck88]

Hi all,

I currently have a 5.1 setup of all Sound Dynamics speakers (made by API) and a Yamaha amp (RX-V795) that I acquired around 8-10 years ago. I've always been quite happy with the speakers and the amp, but I have a problem; in our new house, the family room has all built-in cabinetry and thus my floor standing speakers won't work.

I need to get a set of bookshelf speakers that will play nice in the 5.1 setup but also work well in 2.0 or 2.1 for music. I've been reading and reading and reading, and it seems like the best bookshelf values for under $300 are:

Infinity Primus P152 (or P162)
Behringer B2030P
Yamaha NS-333
Wharfedale Diamond
Paradigm Atom

Is there anything else I should be looking at or will any of these 5 do?

Cheers!

 

[FirstReflection]

Bookshelf speakers under $300/pair?

Well, if you're willing to up the budget to $350/pair, then one of my favorites, the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE comes into play.

Axiom's M2v2 speakers are under $300/pair - though they really MUST be used with a subwoofer. If you're thinking of using the bookshelf speakers without a subwoofer, then the Axiom M3v2 are better for that for a little higher price (although they really should be paired with a subwoofer as well).

And, of course, EMP is in this price range too.

Actually, with those three selections, you've got a great little lineup as follows:

The EMP speakers generally have a little bit of a high frequency roll-off, lending them a "warmer" and more laid back and forgiving sound. This is a good choice for an untreated room with lots of hard surfaces.

The Ascend speakers are about as neutral as it gets. I love them because, above all else, I love accuracy and a "tell it like it is" approach, which the Ascend CBM-170SE deliver in spades.

The Axiom M2 speakers are also highly accurate, but a touch on the brighter side. They're a great choice for a more "dead" room where a lot of acoustic energy is being absorbed by plush furnishings, thick carpet, thick drapes and wall hangings.

Out of the list that you posted, the Behringers would be a top pick as they are Pro Studio Monitors that, much like the Ascend CBM-170SE, just "tell it like it is".

Your speakers have to work well in your particular acoustic environment though, so hopefully, with the notes that I've given here, you'll have a little easier time

 

[the grunt]

Good recommendations above but keep in mind that the Axioms and Acends (not sure about the EMPs) are rear ported. So if you plan to put them in a recessed cabinet it will effect how they sound more than a non-rear ported speaker.

Cheers,
Dean

 

[shadyJ]

To that list I would add the Hsu HB-1s, which are on sale now, and will come under 300 with shipping. That would be my first choice if your application is home theater. Primus 162s look pretty good, I would get those over the 152s. Some of the forum posters here have me curious about the Behrnigers, I have been meaning to give those a try, and I think they would sound good. A poster here has started his own speaker business, tweakcity, which made available a set of very nice looking bookshelf speakers called the WAFs, I have heard they sound very nice.

 

[j_garcia]

Putting speakers into a cabinet is never going to be a good idea. As the grunt notes, you should look for sealed speakers, possibly front ported but definitely not rear ported.

 

[FirstReflection]

Y'know, I think I completely missed the part about these speakers going in a cabinet. Just didn't register in my brain while I was reading the original post

Alrighty - a good, sealed bookshelf option to consider would be the SVSound SBS-01. Very neutral sound from the SVSound SBS series and certainly a great choice for subwoofers as well

 

[ju10503]

I own Paradigm Studio 20s which would be out of the price range new, but maybe used. AV123 has a speaker sale going on now. Audioadvisor has a range of Athenas on sale some of which may suit your needs.

 

[canuck88]

Thanks for the replies so far guys; remember, these are simply to replace my floor standing speakers in a 5.1 setup... so they will be paired with a centre channel, 12" powered sub, and rear surrounds. And they will be sitting on a shelf in the built-ins that exist on the sides of our fireplace (so it sounds like front ported or sealed is the way to go)...

I'd post an image of where they are going but I need to get to 5 posts first

 

[FirstReflection]

Yeah, for your setup and price range, the Behringers that you listed would be good and the SVSound SBS-01 would be good. The Emotiva ERM-1 also would have been really good - their adjustable tweeter output and boundary compensation switch would have really come in handy for a shelf/cabinet placement. But, sadly, Emotiva has sold out all of their ERM-1 and won't be making any more of that particular model.

So yeah, the Behringers or the SVS, in my book. Really cannot go "wrong" with either of those

 

[timoteo]

Some really good advice on this thread!
Its been mentioned that a rear ported speaker does not do well in a cabinet. I currently have my center channel in a cabinet under my tv. It is also rear ported. So it would be best to have it out im assuming but what sort of improvements should i expect if i put it on top instead? (can't now but i am moving next month...new layout)

 

[canuck88]

Well it turns out locally I can get the PSB B25's for $270 or Polk RTi A3 for $299... since this will save me shipping (I'm in Canada, so shipping on speakers is usually +/- $50), I'm now leaning towards the B25s. Any final opinions on whether this is a good idea?

 

[fredk]

Go listen to a bunch of bookshelves first, then narrow it down. You may find that what we like does not suit you.

 

[FirstReflection]

If you're in Canada, order a pair of the SVSound SBS-01 through Sonic Boom Audio

Polk just isn't up to snuff when it comes to sound quality - not to my ear, anyway.

PSB is a tougher call. Personally, I've not been impressed because, by comparison, they have a less detailed sound due to their high frequency roll-off - which is a purposeful design choice.

The SBS-01 are very neutral. They "tell it like it is" and their sealed design will work well, even in your built-in shelf/cabinet.

Definitely the way I'd go for your budget and placement needs

 

[fredk]

What rolled off highs? Look at the measurements for the Image 2B and T45 here. The T45s are down a db, maybe 2. You must be one of those guys that likes bright speakers.

 

[canuck88]

Thanks all; just a quick update... I ended up buying the PSB B-25s for $270 CDN new... the price was just too good to pass up and since they are front-ported they should play nice with my cabinetry.

I'll be taking them home tonight to set up. I'm also making some changes that will make the diehards cringe - I've bought rear and center in-wall speakers from monoprice.com to replace my Sound Dynamics center and rears.... we'll see how all of these pieces (along with my 12" sub) get along together!

Oh, and I have a Yamaha VSX-23TXH on the way!

I'm feeling as giddy as I did 12 years ago when I originally got into home theater/audio by buying my Yamaha RX-V795 receiver and Sound Dynamics speakers (about $3,000 CDN at the time)...