Good pair of 3.5"-4.5" bookshelves for PC

[crypticph]

I'm "downgrading" from a larger pair of 6.5" bookshelves since I need to move my computer to a smaller desk. Looking for good recommendations under $200 USD. Currently I'm looking at: Mission M30i and MV-2, Cambridge S20 and S30, Mordaunt Short Carnival 1, Energy CB-5. Open to speakers costing slightly more if it would be absolutely worth it.

 

[jonnythan]

Audioengine 2.

 

[afterlife2]

Half an inch more:Amazon.com: JBL LSR2325P Two-Way 5" Bi-Amplified Studio Monitor: Musical Instruments

 

[zieglj01]

I will take the Cambridge S30 over the S20

I would put Emp on a short list
EMP Tek E41-B Bookshelf Speaker

And, look at RBH AC51
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251036313344?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
http://www.rbhsound.com/ac51.php

Just for exploration - over budget and serious sounding
Boston E40
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/BOSE40B/BOSTON-ACOUSTICS-E40-High-Performance-Bookshelf-Speaker-Ea-Black/1.html

 

[afterlife2]

And, look at RBH AC51
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
RBH AC-51 Bookshelf Speaker

Never heard them, but they look like a great deal. Have you heard these Ziegl01? and if you what kind of sound sig does it have?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Half an inch more:Amazon.com: JBL LSR2325P Two-Way 5" Bi-Amplified Studio Monitor: Musical Instruments

I can't say enough good things about lsr2325p as I own them, but they priced each and thou I got on sale for $167 each it's since much above the budget


These would a good budget monitors

Passive speaker: HTM-200 SE Home Theater Monitor
These are worth a bit extra

on the other side of budget : Watch for these:
Newegg.com - Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf Loudspeakers Pair
they have been on 50% sale and might come back on sale again

 

[crypticph]

Thanks guys. I'm not really looking for active monitors since I already have a NuForce Icon that will be powering these speakers.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Thanks guys. I'm not really looking for active monitors since I already have a NuForce Icon that will be powering these speakers.

These have good reviews...
Audioengine P4 (AP4) Premium Passive Bookshelf Speakers

but since your mini amp spec'd at only 12w you might want to consider these:
Newegg.com - Klipsch WB-14 Icon – W Series Espresso Bookshelf/Surround Speaker - Pair

especially if sometimes you like to bump the volume a bit higher

 

[alphaiii]

I'm "downgrading" from a larger pair of 6.5" bookshelves since I need to move my computer to a smaller desk. Looking for good recommendations under $200 USD. Currently I'm looking at: Mission M30i and MV-2, Cambridge S20 and S30, Mordaunt Short Carnival 1, Energy CB-5. Open to speakers costing slightly more if it would be absolutely worth it.

Are you set on new, or is used ok too?

I can't speak for the Mission speakers, but I've had the Carnival 1, Energy CB-5, and Cambridge S30... My opinion - skip the Carnival 1 and CB-5. The S20 is likely very similar to the Carnival 1, so I'd skip that too... The S30 is a good option if you won't have the speakers right up against the rear wall...and it can be had for just under $200 new.

The Audioengine P4 is well reviewed, and can be had open box from OneCall for $200. I had the P4 as well... well made, but I found them a little bright. If you're interested in a small speaker from Energy, the V-Mini is much better than the CB-5... although they don't really have any bass, so you need a sub.

If you're open to buying used, that would open up more options... Will you be using a sub?

 

[zieglj01]

Never heard them, but they look like a great deal. Have you heard these Ziegl01? and if you what kind of sound sig does it have?

Not yet - however, I am really thinking about it.
Product Review

 

[theJman]

Another speaker to consider is the Aperion Audio Intimus 4B. If you want something in the "ridiculously good deal" category you can pick up a pair of NXG NX Pro 41 satellites for next to nothing.

 

[afterlife2]

If you want something in the "ridiculously good deal" category you can pick up a pair of NXG NX Pro 41 satellites for next to nothing.

Can't find any pics without the grills.

 

[theJman]

Can't find any pics without the grills.

Ask and ye shall receive...

 

[afterlife2]

Ask and ye shall receive...

Thanks! Do you have them? And if you do what sound sig do they have?

 

[theJman]

I bought a 5.0 system consisting of four NX Pro 41's and the matching center, the NX Pro 42 (another place to get a center is HiFiForLess, which is an authorized dealer). With shipping it came to around $250 for everything, which I think was a steal. Very solid build, excellent paint finish and really nice sound. Retail price for all five speakers is a hair under $1000. I don't think they're worth that, but they're certainly worth more then the $250 I paid.

 

[afterlife2]

Thanks Jman! I may pick up a pair. Sorry for high jacking this thread.

 

[bikemig]

Nuforce bundles the icon with a Tangent EVO 5 speakers which are on sale through nuforce for $219: Tangent-Audio EVO E5 bookshelf speakers (per pair) - Nuforce, Inc.

Agree that the Audioengine P-4s can be a bit bright but they are well made and work well as desktop speakers.

 

[theJman]

Those Tangents seem like really nice speakers, but they would cost over $400 a pair. If the OP is looking to spend that kind of money then another option to consider would be the Source Loudspeakers 1.4 CF.

 

[bikemig]

The Tangents are $219 a pair. I haven't had much luck finding any reviews on them, though. They look good for $219 a pair and they are a good deal if you get them paired with the Nuforce Icon 2 amp/dac at $474.

 

[crypticph]

If you want something in the "ridiculously good deal" category you can pick up a pair of NXG NX Pro 41 satellites for next to nothing.

Do they have banana plugs? These are looking like quite a steal. At the very least I could pick up a pair for $50 to hold me over until I can save up more.

Does anyone have any experience with Mission speakers? They are the next best deal I see @ about $100 a pair for the M30i or MV-2.