In the market for Bookshelf speakers less than $200-ish

[Royal Flush]

MY CURRENT STATE

I've been patrolling these forums quite a lot throughout the years and now I'm in the market to buy new budget speakers. Currently I took a Sony STR-K840P (500 watts [100x1 channel]) from a 5.1 box system and I have two crappy Aiwa 3-way speakers as the fronts with the 5.1 sony center still there and the subwoofer that came with the box system as well.

Its plugged into my PC through an Asus Xonar D2S with a TOSLINK cable and I'm content with its performance with PC Games.

The problem is movies, and music!

Movies are a pain to watch with this. I found out by a scientific test of putting my ear to each round indention on these Aiwa speakers, that the "tweeter" doesn't even exist at all, as in, it was never a tweeter, just a tricky round circle. Its front ported so its not even a port. The "Tweeter" on the speakers is about 2 inches which I would totally guess is a cone tweeter. (I'm a bit of a noob thats only been researching speakers frequently) The center is so paltry that I never bother to even use it. The thing is downright absurdly terrible. Then I can't make out clear dialogue since these tweeters are crap as well. The ambiance and whatnot actually isn't too bad, the woofers are about 5". Blade Runner was a downright shame to watch with these speakers ( I do have Grado SR-60's that I listen to the album in though which did more justice, but I don't wear headphones since I do get fatigue from the Grados.)

Music suffers from a total lack of immersiveness and what I call, paperyness. Cymbals and whatnot do not sound metallic at all. They sound almost like paper. My equalizer in Foobar is set to put most things at negative whatever, while 70hz and 110hz with 14khz and 20khz are put nearly at 0db so when I turn it up, I can get more of a bass/midrange response, but then some songs just continue to sound very papery, with nonexistent midrange. It feels like the singers are singing with a sheet of notebook paper in front of their mouths, and the drums are also covered with notebook paper. At louder volumes, there IS a small sweet level, but its usually too loud to be pleasing, and louder makes it sound downright harsh. When I put on my sub, I turn it to a flat EQ but the sub just takes away from how it should really sound. The sub works well with Movies and Games since it mostly booms and I'm mostly annoyed at how midrange and vocals are handled.

I listen to: Alot of classic rock (The Who, The Clash, ACDC, Zeppelin, Johnny Cash [Not so much rock...]). Old 90's Rap mostly, with some new stuff like some Indie Houston rappers and Mos Def, Talib, etc. I also listen to alot of modern indie rock (Animal Collective, Neon Indian, Cut Copy, etc) which have strong electric themes as well. I'm pretty well versed in my listenings, except I don't listen to classical. Piano Jazz is what i listen to when studying.

As for my room, its incredibly small, with a huge ceiling (more that 14 Feet) but I have a sheet making it about 6 feet to prevent excess sun and heat from the higher windows from making my room excessively hot (I live in Houston, TX, it gets hot and muggy!). Its about 8x7 so I can't have any "wide" sounding speakers otherwise I'm afraid it might just sound terribly odd in my room.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR

I'm wanting a pretty well rounded set of bookshelves. Overall though, I want strong midrange performance. I would sacrifice that for lower range performance since I have a sub that I'm content with FOR NOW (Not in the future!). I also want great tweeter performance, and I can't bring myself to invest too much into the speakers since my receiver is crap. So I don't want a picky speaker. Hence why I've been looking at the Klipsch B-3 and the Yamaha NS-333 since they're horn loaded which I've read a lot, means they're pretty non-picky and efficient. I could care less about coloration, I'm not using any audiophile receiver as mentioned above so... yeah.

THE SPEAKERS I'VE BEEN LOOKING AT PURCHASING

Yamaha NS-333 - $150-200 Give or take
Yamaha NS-6490 - $150 at Audioholic's store
Klipsch Synergy B-3 - $180
Behringer Truth 2031P - $180 (On Amazon. Seen it cheaper at other places)
Dayton BR-1 -$170 after shipping (I am mechanically inclined so I don't mind the assembly)

MY CONCERNS

Klipsch B-3 -> I hear these have very little bass. I hope the midrange is strong. Anyone have experience? I also hear these are totally different from the References, true? $180 is a good price though from what I've seen. Klipsch forum-ers love these, yet some of them hate them and totally rip them once they got References. Are they (references) REALLY that good to hate your old speakers?

Yamaha NS-333 -> They look like they have a great woofer. The Tweeter is horn loaded. There is however a lack of reviews around. Most compare it to its price range, but how would it stack against the Klipsch B-3? I know it has a smaller woofer, but since midrange and clarity is what I'm looking for...

Yamaha NS-6490 -> They seem to be cheaply-er made than the NS-333 considering the price even though it has an extra driver on it. Do I need a 3-way speaker if I've already got a sub?

Dayton BR-1 -> Don't know if people just boast them because they built them theirselves (so obviously its better to the beholder!) They have a low frequency response which seems good, but is it really quality there? I've seen the Dodge Dakota have a V8 engine, that still gets outgunned by my Nissan Xterra's 4 Litre V6. Numbers can be pretty subjective.

Behringer 2031P -> Seem like the Hyundai of speakers. They boast ALOT of claims and seem to have the marketing on their website to back them up and they're cheap, but are they as great as claimed? How would they be in my tiny room? Are they mostly used for guitar/instrument people (the reviews I've read are mostly those people). The 2030's were reviewed in the budget bookshelf speaker shootout, but not the 20301's. Would my receiver be fine?

I did take a listen to Polk TSi 100 speakers in Best Buy but only at the radio and the worker was being an idiot and preventing me from plugging in my Sansa (I've got FLAC playback on it) to really try to get a feel for them. Told me "I'm going to break it"... Yeah right. Theres a Modia home theatre that has the NS-333's and I'm going to try to listen to them sometime this weekend probably. The Polk TSi 100's though, they didn't sound to great through the radio (Hardly a proper test though) but I think I got a hold on what "Polks sound like" (heard people cite this multiple times) and I wasn't too keen on them.

I did look at the ORB speakers but I came to the conclusion that they're small and won't really serve my needs/wants properly. I'm all for "Bigger is not ALWAYS better" (I do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!) but there is a point where size DOES matter.

I don't think there are any other speakers I've been seriously looking it (I'll update if I can remember any/come across any). I'd love for you guys to give your input and even recommend some other brands for me! I'd love to hear what y'alls experiences with any of these are, or speakers in general that might help steer me into my decision. I know speakers is very subjective, but I just want to hear some personal input. I might've started rambling on, if theres any clarification needed, feel free to ask.

I did audition some Paradigm Signatures just to hear what prime time should sound like so I might've spoiled my ears too early on! I'm also totally open to used speakers as well. Design/aesthetics don't really matter to me since I'm just looking for better performance. I have been keeping track of CList and Audiogon just to keep my mind in the zone. I'd like to buy from a place that has a lenient return policy.

 

[j_garcia]

I haven't heard the new models yet, but I'd also throw in the new model of the SVS SBS-01. The originals are pretty good for the price.

IMO, the 2030p would probably be the better choice of the two vs the 2031p, though both have the same issue of not having grills. These guys make studio equipment, so I wouldn't worry about quality. These are studio monitors, not home theater speakers.

 

[jamie2112]

The 2030p would be my choice,then add a sub from Dayton for $120 or so and your set.......

 

[Royal Flush]

I'm a little worried about one thing with the Behringers though. Studio Monitors are supposed to be engineered to bring out tonal imbalances, and imperfections so they can be corrected, while Bookshelf speakers are made so they can pretty much sound good for wide applications.

Are the Behringers forgiving speakers?

They seem almost too good to be true.

I'm kind of basing this via the budget bookshelf speaker 2009 article

 

[sholling]

The Behringer B2030P when used with a sub are pretty amazing.

 

[Cristofori]

I'm a little worried about one thing with the Behringers though. Studio Monitors are supposed to be engineered to bring out tonal imbalances, and imperfections so they can be corrected, while Bookshelf speakers are made so they can pretty much sound good for wide applications.

Are the Behringers forgiving speakers?

They seem almost too good to be true.

I'm kind of basing this via the budget bookshelf speaker 2009 article

The 2031p's are 4 Ohm speakers as opposed to the 8 ohms 2030p's, so make sure your amp can handle them if you decide to buy.

Also, it would appear that nobody around here actually tested the 2031p's, as there has already been a debate about this in a recent thread started by myself (see thread "Will Behringer 2031p's work with my receiver"?), although the 2030p's have been tested extensively here.

It is believed that the 2030p's are better overall as a speaker/sub combo, but the 2031p's are the better choice if you are not using a sub. However, they may possibly integrate with a sub just as well.

The 2031p's are only a mere $15 more than the 2030p's, and at these prices you really couldn't go wrong with either choice.

And yes, these apparently are the real deal, and one of the best kept secrets in audio. I'm still eagerly awaiting for my 2031p's I ordered to come in!

 

[shadyJ]

To that list I would add the Infinity Primus P162, which is a highly regarded bookshelf speaker. I have a couple of those and found them to be very good.

 

[Royal Flush]

The Primus' hit $200 for a pair which is the tip of my budget so I've kind of shyed away from them.

So if I get the 2030P's, I shouldn't really have a problem driving them? I've read from some reviews that the 2031P's need a hefty amp (I'm not getting the 31's since I already have a sub and I have ZERO idea if my Receiver handles more than 8ohms).

 

[WmAx]

The Behringer speakers are all that is claimed. There is no speaker I know of by any brand that comes even close to giving the combination of build quality and actual measured performance of these for anywhere near the price.

-Chris

 

[njedpx3]

Cambridge Audio S-30

These speakers will give the Behringers a run for their money. They are ported and actually provide pretty good bass for asmall speaker; rated down to 55 Hz.

The are about $219 a pair; sometimes as low as $199.
http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-S30-Speakers-Black/dp/B00198LYMU


Technical Details
5 inch woven-composite mid-bass drive. 1-inch soft dome tweeter
Bi-wirable
Audiophile grade capacitors
Three-way gold plated bullet connectors
Magnetically shielded
› See more technical details

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Product Details
Shipping Weight: 16 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
ASIN: B00198LYMU
Item model number: S30
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,638 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)
Date first available at Amazon.com: May 9, 2008

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Product Description
Product Description
The stylish and punchy S30 heralds Cambridge Audio's loudspeaker revival. The R50 and R70 were highly regarded speakers in the 1970s and like its forbears, the new S30 offers excellent depth and soundstage yet extraordinary value for money. Designed from the ground-up, the S30 is a delicately revealing speaker which is the perfect partner to Cambridge Audio's array of electronics products, working particularly well with the mid range Azur series for the perfect budget package. A 4.5" composite woven driver delivers a powerful yet controlled bass performance while offering extremely low distortion and excellent dispersion of higher frequencies. This is matched to a soft-dome tweeter featuring a neodymium driver with a state-of-the-art motor system and a critically selected voice coil assembly. By virtue of a purist mechanical design, a simple first order crossover is capable of perfectly controlling high and low frequency distribution. This custom designed component features audiophile grade polypropylene capacitors and enables the S30 to be bi-wired for greater bass control, crisper treble and improved detail. The ported cabinet design is braced and stiffened for minimum movement and features a neat terminal panel with three-way gold plated bullet connectors. Finished in natural oak, the S30 is supplied with a complementary grille.


Peace and Good Sound,

Forest Man

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

from Cambridge's web site:

Frequency Response: 55hz - 20kHz

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/specifications.php?PID=213&Title=Specifications

Whats wrong with this picture?

 

[Royal Flush]

Was there something from the Cambridge one I missed?

Those do look very nice. I did also stumble upon some more extra cash so my budget might be raised to a max of $264.

I can't bi-amp those Cambridges, would that hinder the frequency ranges?

 

[lsiberian]

Was there something from the Cambridge one I missed?

Those do look very nice. I did also stumble upon some more extra cash so my budget might be raised to a max of $264.

I can't bi-amp those Cambridges, would that hinder the frequency ranges?

The right choice is still the Behringer 2030ps. Don't make this complicated it's simple. There is a lot of junk below 250 and you don't want any of it.

 

[Royal Flush]

Alright I'm gonna go ahead and place an order for them.

Is there a specific place that I should get them from with a decent return policy just in case?

 

[lsiberian]

The right choice is still the Behringer 2030ps. Don't make this complicated it's simple. There is a lot of junk below 250 and you don't want any of it.

bhphotoandvideo has the best price on them usually. They have a reasonable policy and the cost is half of what a retail local outlet charged for them in my area.

 

[KEW]

bhphotoandvideo has the best price on them usually. They have a reasonable policy and the cost is half of what a retail local outlet charged for them in my area.

What he said^^^:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/321847-REG/Behringer_B2030P_B2030P_2_Way_Passive.html

You might find a better price, but B&H is reliable.
Here is their policy:

At B&H, our goal is to ensure your complete satisfaction with your purchase. If, for whatever reason, you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you can return it to B&H within 15 days of receipt of item(s). Claims for missing items or items damaged in transit must be received within two business days of receipt of merchandise.

Many pro audio shops will charge a 10-15% restocking fee on their studio monitors (unless they are defective) to discourage recording engineers from buying them for a specific job, then returning them a week later.

 

[Cristofori]

Was there something from the Cambridge one I missed?

Those do look very nice. I did also stumble upon some more extra cash so my budget might be raised to a max of $264.

I can't bi-amp those Cambridges, would that hinder the frequency ranges?

Actually, it looks like you can bi-amp the Cambridges, as they have 2 sets of terminals. It's the Behringer's that you won't be able to bi-amp easily.

Regardless, I'd go with the Behringer's anyway. Probably still a better choice for less money.

Also, I would tend to avoid speakers from a company that is mostly known for it's audio components. Not that these are always inferior or a bad deal, but my personal experience is that speakers made by a company dedicated to that specific product tends to produce better results.

Behringer being a producer of pro gear is the rare exception.

 

[njedpx3]

from Cambridge's web site:

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/specifications.php?PID=213&Title=Specifications

Whats wrong with this picture?

First sorry I did not responde earlier; I go to my Woods Cabin a lot and have no internet there and missed this!

I have these speakers and while I have not actually measured there low frequency Hz response and do know from experience that do play bass notes very well ..maybe not 55 Hz but I would guess they easily hit 100 or 80 Hz.

They are ported with a 4.5" cone, making them pretty stout for a small bookshelf speaker.

Peace and Good Sound,

Forest Man

 

[njedpx3]

Actually, it looks like you can bi-amp the Cambridges, as they have 2 sets of terminals. It's the Behringer's that you won't be able to bi-amp easily.

Regardless, I'd go with the Behringer's anyway. Probably still a better choice for less money.

Also, I would tend to avoid speakers from a company that is mostly known for it's audio components. Not that these are always inferior or a bad deal, but my personal experience is that speakers made by a company dedicated to that specific product tends to produce better results.

Behringer being a producer of pro gear is the rare exception.

I respectfully disagree with your "probably" . The Cambridge Audio S30s are classier looking, very well made, and do have good low freqeuncy response as well as being capable of bi-amping. I own a pair of the Cambridge Audio S-30s.

Peace and Good Sound,

Forest Man

 

[Royal Flush]

Sorry but I'm actually going to pick up 4 Yamaha NS-333's and a Yamaha NS-C444 from a friend of a friend for $150 sometime this week. Ultimately I wanted to get a good quality 5.1 system, so that pretty much accomplished my goal (If they sound fine when I make sure everything is good). Guy is apparently one of those people who pretty much throw out their old systems as they upgrade.

I also liked the fact that the Yamaha's center is actually a center rather than just putting another Behringer in front since I use this for my computer/media center.

I'll write back with a review and some pics when (if) I get em.

As for the Bi-Amping, I meant to say my receiver doesn't do bi-amping.