Looking for bookshelf speakers around 300$ range

[Yumz]

Hello guys, as the title states I'm looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers around the 300$ range. Thing's I'm looking for in the speakers are; Clean and clear at higher volumes, detailed mids and highs, not too harsh sounding. Music I'll be listening to by genre is rock, classical, newer stuff such as drum and bass, basically just a whole range of different stuff.

I've got a receiver, and I've chosen a subwoofer already so I only need some help with the speakers

Speakers I'm considering:

1. Klipsch Synergy B10B
2. Audioengine P4
3. Mordaunt Short Aviano 1
4. Cambridge Audio S30
5. Behringer TRUTH B2031P

I'm leaning towards the aviano 1, so if you can just aim me in the right direction that'd be great.

Thanks

 

[j_garcia]

2030P not the 2031P are what are more commonly recommended since you already have a sub.

I think you sort of covered a good range, but I'd probably throw in the HTM-200 SE Home Theater Monitor I haven't actually heard these new ones, but I've heard the 170SE and 340SE and liked them both.

This thread has quite a bit that should fit your range too http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/loudspeakers/81831-wanted-small-speaker-recommendation.html

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

2030p is decent option, but it needs a few mods to really shine
MS makes some great speaks, don't much about this one thou

I'd skip Klipsch Synergy B10B and highly support Cambridge Audio S30 and support Ascend recommendation above

Also if you can stretch budget a bit go with CMT-170's


p.s: I will also throw in Energy RC10 as highly recommended
Energy RC10 2-way black Reference-series bookshelf speaker pair | Vanns.com

RC10 vs CMT170 - RC10 would have bass, cmt170 a less bass, but better mid-range - as measured by NRC
SoundStage! Measurements - Energy Reference Connoisseur RC-10 Loudspeakers (2/2006)
SoundStage! Equipment Review - Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 Loudspeakers (3/2003)

 

[jcl]

I've got a receiver, and I've chosen a subwoofer already so I only need some help with the speakers

What receiver and what subwoofer are you planning on using with these speakers? That might help narrow the choices.

Other options I'd recommend listening to are Def Tech Studio Monitor 350's and 450s.

The 350's are on sale at NewEgg for $180 pr.
Newegg.com - Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 350 Bookshelf/Stand Mount Speaker (Black) Pair

The 450's are on sale there for $280 pr.
Newegg.com - Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 450 Bookshelf Speaker (Black) Pair

You might find them at a local best buy to listen to and they might price match.

 

[zieglj01]

Everyone has their preference - however, I really favor the
Cambridge S30 - and they really can go down low. Do not
be surprised at the performace, this speaker can bring.

The Ascend should also be considered.

I do not favor the Klipsch on your list.

 

[Yumz]

2030p is decent option, but it needs a few mods to really shine
MS makes some great speaks, don't much about this one thou

I'd skip Klipsch Synergy B10B and highly support Cambridge Audio S30 and support Ascend recommendation above

Also if you can stretch budget a bit go with CMT-170's


p.s: I will also throw in Energy RC10 as highly recommended

I'm not really willing to mod them, so I'll probably have to pass those up. Those Energy RC10 seem nice but I can't seem to find them anywhere in stock.

Everyone has their preference - however, I really favor the
Cambridge S30 - and they really can go down low. Do not
be surprised at the performace, this speaker can bring.

The Ascend should also be considered.

I do not favor the Klipsch on your list.

Any particular reason for not favouring/liking the Klipsch, just so I can factor that into my decision

I do like the Cambridge S30, but versus the other options does it hold its own or is it beaten by the others

What receiver and what subwoofer are you planning on using with these speakers? That might help narrow the choices.

Other options I'd recommend listening to are Def Tech Studio Monitor 350's and 450s.

The 350's are on sale at NewEgg for $180 pr.

The 450's are on sale there for $280 pr.

You might find them at a local best buy to listen to and they might price match.

Sherwood RX-4105 (Currently own) and a Polk PSW505 as the sub (200$ on amazon)

 

[j_garcia]

I don't know if it matters to you too, but the Behringers don't come with grilles. Modding will take it to the next level, but it should still be fine right out of the box in terms of clarity.

 

[Yumz]

I don't know if it matters to you too, but the Behringers don't come with grilles. Modding will take it to the next level, but it should still be fine right out of the box in terms of clarity.

It's not a concern, there's no children in the house and I take care of my things And thanks for your feedback

So far its sounding like all the options besides the Klipsch would be fine, but no ones really touched on the audioengine p4 yet. Thoughts on that guys?

 

[shadyJ]

If you can stretch your budget just a tad, and are willing to do a bit of simple assembly yourself, check out some of these kits from parts-express, I think those would be a very high value in the bang-for-the-buck dept. Some other options worth looking into for 300: HTD Level Three, Hsu HB-1 mk2, and the Arx A1b Monitor. I have some of the Behringer 2031p monitors, those are very good, you can't go wrong with those, however those are meant for near-field listening, and as such are not intended for extreme loudness levels. The above mentioned Hsu speakers do handle high volumes with no problem, I have a pair of those as well.

 

[zieglj01]

Any particular reason for not favouring/liking the Klipsch, just so I can factor that into my decision

I do like the Cambridge S30, but versus the other options does it hold its own or is it beaten by the others

You can except this or ignore what I say - however >>>

I have owned the B10 and it is on the coarse/grainy, harsh/edgy side
of sound, and the bass is lacking. They do have a nice central image.
They also have a weak midrange. The Cambridge is more clean > and
more detailed with good lows, mids and highs.
Did you say the Cambridge will get beaten up. The Stock Cambridge
measures good compared to a lot of speakers, and is not even beaten
up buy the Behringer 2031p. The Cambridge has a nice coherent sound
and even Denns Murphy liked the stock version.

Here is a subjective review - and no, I did not write this one.
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Cambridge Audio S30 Speakers, Dark Oak (Pair)

Now on a side note - I can play them loud in a 20 X 30 open room.

 

[lsiberian]

I have some of the Behringer 2031p monitors, those are very good, you can't go wrong with those, however those are meant for near-field listening

The 2030p's are versatile enough for reasonable volumes in medium size rooms. That said the price point has gone up enough to where they would not be my first choice. The Ascend Acoustic monitor is better and worth the small difference in price now. They can also be modded just like the Behringer's if you are that type of person. Modding a speaker only requires some red oak 1 x 2 and a saw with some good gluing skills, but it still is not for everyone. Underestimating effort is a common mistake people make with speaker projects. I could easily mod the speakers, but it would take a day to do so.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Polk PSW505 as the sub (200$ on amazon)

If you still don't own Polk sub you might want to look for a different sub
Welcome Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

 

[j_garcia]

The thread I linked in my first response had a few comments about the P4, all positive.

Yes, Polk's lower model subs are not a good choice if you haven't bought it yet.

 

[Yumz]

You can except this or ignore what I say - however >>>

I have owned the B10 and it is on the coarse/grainy, harsh/edgy side
of sound, and the bass is lacking. They do have a nice central image.
They also have a weak midrange. The Cambridge is more clean > and
more detailed with good lows, mids and highs.
Did you say the Cambridge will get beaten up. The Stock Cambridge
measures good compared to a lot of speakers, and is not even beaten
up buy the Behringer 2031p. The Cambridge has a nice coherent sound
and even Denns Murphy liked the stock version.

Here is a subjective review - and no, I did not write this one.
*edited out URL, I'm not 5 posts yet :/*

Now on a side note - I can play them loud in a 20 X 30 open room.

I see.. Those B10s sound the exact opposite to what I want, thanks for letting me know

Now after reading that review I'm really favouring the S30s, they seem to fit what I'm looking for perfectly so I think I might get those since the price is right as well

If you still don't own Polk sub you might want to look for a different sub
*link edited out*

The thread I linked in my first response had a few comments about the P4, all positive.

Yes, Polk's lower model subs are not a good choice if you haven't bought it yet.

Well if I get those C30s I'll have about 300$ left in my budget for the sub, if you have any recommendations you guys think will be better then the PSW505 then I'm all ears here

 

[zieglj01]

I see.. Those B10s sound the exact opposite to what I want, thanks for letting me know

Now after reading that review I'm really favouring the S30s, they seem to fit what I'm looking for perfectly so I think I might get those since the price is right as well

They are really nice, and can handle music and home theater.

 

[agarwalro]

The Stock Cambridge
measures good compared to a lot of speakers, and is not even beaten
up buy the Behringer 2031p.

$219 shipped puts them in the 2030p price range and if they can beat the 2031p they're nothing short of physics/mind bending (because the S30 has a 4.5" mid vs. 2030p has 6.5" vs. the 2031p has 8"). I found the S30 to be universally praised but no measurements. Can you point me to any? They might become my new budget recommendation since they have considerably less utilitarian look than the 2030p.

 

[zieglj01]

$219 shipped puts them in the 2030p price range and if they can beat the 2031p they're nothing short of physics/mind bending (because the S30 has a 4.5" mid vs. 2030p has 6.5" vs. the 2031p has 8"). I found the S30 to be universally praised but no measurements. Can you point me to any? They might become my new budget recommendation since they have considerably less utilitarian look than the 2030p.

Here is one - yes, some speakers can play louder. Also, it is not
the average 4.5 size > inside the woofer frame, to the edge of
the outside surround is 5 inches. The cabinet is 9 inches deep.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Well if I get those C30s I'll have about 300$ left in my budget for the sub, if you have any recommendations you guys think will be better then the PSW505 then I'm all ears here

Since Energy S10.3 is gone, unfortunately and same fate for JAMO Sub650
I recommend STF-2 Subwoofer as cheapest decent sub you should consider
STF-1 is ok too, but more limited to music and even smaller rooms

 

[Yumz]

Since Energy S10.3 is gone, unfortunately and same fate for JAMO Sub650
I recommend *link edited out* as cheapest decent sub you should consider
STF-1 is ok too, but more limited to music and even smaller rooms

I'm looking at an S10.3 right now actually, I can get a new factory refurb with warranty for 300$. Should I go for that?

 

[zieglj01]

I'm looking at an S10.3 right now actually, I can get a new factory refurb with warranty for 300$. Should I go for that?

I would consider it - it will go down low.

From Sound & Vision in 7,500 cubic ft room.
subwoofer 20 Hz at 84 dB SPL
104 dB average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz
108 dB maximum SPL at 62 Hz
bandwidth uniformity 97%