Looking for bookshelf speakers for music and HT - budget $5000

[MikefromNC]

I asked about bookshelf speakers for music and HT in a previous thread.

My budget was $1500 - $2000 for speakers and $1500 for 2 subs.

I received many great posts - thank you.

All the suggestions for Axiom, Paradigm and Monitor speakers got me thinking about increasing my budget to see what you guys suggest.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Room size - 20x30.

Interested in 2 bookshelf speakers, one center and 2 subs.

 

[mazersteven]

Some of the speakers recommended in your previous thread were excellent. IMO with the increase in budget, your not going gain much in sound quality with HT.

 

[chadnliz]

Your budget is into the serious music speaker territory, above poster is correct that if your focus is solely HT dont bother, spend some of that cash into dealing with your room.............there is always room for improvement that far too many ignore.

 

[chadnliz]

Sorry just noticed you want music use also, well it is a large are for that budget from BW, KEF, Totem, Proac and many others. Perhaps a trip over to Audiogon might give you ideas of speakers that look interesting to you and get out and demo for sure! Subs I love for music/movies are from Vandersteen, Martin Logan, BW and more budget options from HSU Research.

 

[speakerman39]

All very good suggestions, but I would like to add one more. For a room that size, be sure to check out Tyler Acoustics. Ty's speakers are the absolute best speakers I have heard to date. The Linbrook Signature Monitors are in one word: AWESOME!!!!! Furthermore, Ty's speakers look as good as they sound. Do yourself a favor and check them out. You will be glad you did. Here is the link:http://www.tyleracoustics.com/linbrook.html Hope this helps. Best wishes on your decision.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[mazersteven]

be sure to check out Tyler Acoustics. The Linbrook Signature Monitors are in one word: AWESOME!!!!!

Agreed that Tyler Acoustics are awesome. But how in the world is the OP going to be able to purchase L/C/R mains, and 2 subs for his budget ($5000)?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

B&W 705 = $825 x 2 = $1,650:

http://www.hometheaterstore.com/B_W_705_2_way_vented_box_system_p/705.htm

B&W ASW750 = $1,750 x 2 = $3,500:

http://www.hometheaterstore.com/B_W_ASW750_12_Active_Subwoofer_1000_WATT_p/asw750.htm

Total = $5,150

Or

Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 450 = $256 x 2 = $512:

http://www.superiorhifi.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=80&products_id=2240

Definitive Technology SuperCube Reference = $1,345 x 2 = $2,690:

http://www.superiorhifi.com/product_info.php?products_id=186

Total = $3,202

 

[Davemcc]

In this range, you could look at the Focal.JMLabs Chorus 800 series, maybe the Profile series. Also the Dynaudio Focus series, possibly the Contour series. Which series you look at will have a lot to do with your negotiating skills and how your subwoofer choice affects the budget.

 

[Midcow2]

just a question ?

I asked about bookshelf speakers for music and HT in a previous thread.

My budget was $1500 - $2000 for speakers and $1500 for 2 subs.

I received many great posts - thank you.

All the suggestions for Axiom, Paradigm and Monitor speakers got me thinking about increasing my budget to see what you guys suggest.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Room size - 20x30.

Interested in 2 bookshelf speakers, one center and 2 subs.

I assume the reason you are looking for bookshelf speakers is based on size restrictions.

What are your size and space restricitions? Can you have speakers on a stand? Is the bookshelf speaker for asthetic reasons?

What are you exact size and space restrictions?

 

[speakerman39]

Agreed that Tyler Acoustics are awesome. But how in the world is the OP going to be able to purchase L/C/R mains, and 2 subs for his budget ($5000)?

Maz..........you do have a point here. Umm depending on which subs the OP chooses, he may have enough to get the Linbrook Sigs with some of the monthly specials Ty has all the time. Those weigh 55 lbs. each and the cabinets are so beautiful. I live less than 30 miles from his shop. Plan to visit again in the very near future. The OP could also look at the Taylo Reference Monitors as they are splendid as well. Here is the link: http://www.tyleracoustics.com/taylo.html

I thought the Taylo Reference Monitors were better sounding than my Studio 20 v.3's. If memory serves me correctly, the Taylos were more natural sounding and more refined.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[DD66000]

For that size room and for music, I would suggest JBL Performance Series PT800 and PC600 center. They list for $1700/ea. There is a matching sub, the PS1400.

There are currently 2 auctions on ebay ($5995 for a 5.2 system), plus you can get them on harmanaudio.com, under "specials" for $1050/ea sold as refurbs, which I doubt they really are.
These speakers are superb, all Ti driver 3-ways. Ti tweeter in an EOS waveguide, 4" Ti midrange and 8" Ti mid-bass.
Until you have heard a MC system with 8" mid-bass drivers all aound, you don't know what you're missing.
They are airy, detailed, clear, smooth and dynamic.
They can be setup on stands, bookshelves and wall mounted.
They also come in beech and cherry
http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/default.asp?sp=S&brand=JBL&market=HOM

auction photo

 

[Gimpy Ric]

You guys keep on giving him good ideas for 80 Hz up, but I'm recommending Hsu Research for a sub. I own a SVS PB13-Ultra now, but had a Hsu VTF-3 HO Turbo prior. I believe the Hsu was a tad bit more musical than the SVS. Not trying to start any flame wars here, but having owned both, I feel confident making this recommendation.

The PB13-Ultra is a good sounding sub, and has tremendous output. It does sound good loud, music and movies.

The VTF-3 HO Turbo is no slouch, but cannot touch the Ultra for shear brute output. But it sounds so good.

Maybe, just maybe since the OP wants music he could be an early adopter of the new Hsu Research ULS DUALDRIVE sealed subs. Most believe a sealed sub will be more punchy for music than ported subs, which the OP is looking for. Plus they come in neat finishes that may match all those expensive speakers you guys are talking about

Hsu Research DUALDRIVE Subwoofers

BTW - I'm 80% Music / 20% HT

 

[MikefromNC]

Thanks and wow

Thanks for the responses - you guys are great to offer your advice and expert opinions.

The bookshelf speakers will be on stands.

Bookshelf speakers were a compromise with my better half.
I didn't want to take up too much of the room with speakers.
She doesn't quite understand what the fuss is all about.
They need to sound good and look good for her approval.

I am leaning way towards the SVS subs - 2 - SB12-plus.
I like their small size and great reviews.

I can be swayed to HSU - as these were my other consideration - along with AV123.

I was incorrect on my room size - I eyeballed it bigger - no surprise.

My room is 15X24.

You are surprising me with our names of companies I have never heard of.
THanks for your great input.
Mike.

 

[jcPanny]

HT options

Mike,
I am happy with the onix ref 1's and ref 100 that I am using for the LCR channels of my system. They fall under the larger bookshelf speaker category and are sold by AV123. Be sure to listen to the Paradigm Studios, Klipsch Reference, and other options at local dealers.

I also have one of the SVS SB12-Plus subs and it was a good comromise of performance and asthetics for my living room HT. However, don't expect two of these to have the same LFE output is one of the large box subs. If size is not a big issue, you could get 2 of the MFW-15 subs with real wood veneer in your budget.

 

[3db]

PSB's Synchrony 1B made a very good impression in all the home theatre/audio rags.

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Synchrony/Synchrony-One-B

 

[adwilk]

All very good suggestions, but I would like to add one more. For a room that size, be sure to check out Tyler Acoustics. Ty's speakers are the absolute best speakers I have heard to date. The Linbrook Signature Monitors are in one word: AWESOME!!!!! Furthermore, Ty's speakers look as good as they sound. Do yourself a favor and check them out. You will be glad you did. Here is the link:http://www.tyleracoustics.com/linbrook.html Hope this helps. Best wishes on your decision.

Cheers,

Phil

Sorry to threadjack a bit but why would this company talk about the drivers and whatnot being "fast"?

 

[DD66000]

Sorry to threadjack a bit but why would this company talk about the drivers and whatnot being "fast"?

Titanium and magnesium drivers are stronger and lighter than pulp drivers and because of their light weight can respond quicker to the signal applied to them.
The speakers I have (JBL Performance Series) have all Ti drivers and they're very fast and detailed, giving an open and huge soundstage.

 

[jliedeka]

Honestly, even with a bigger budget, I don't see how you could find a better monitor that the Paradigm S1 - unless the sound isn't to your taste.

With that budget:
Signature S1 1500-1700/pr MSRP
Signature C3 center 1500 MSRP
2x SVS PB-12 Plus 1900 + shipping

 

[speakerman39]

Sorry to threadjack a bit but why would this company talk about the drivers and whatnot being "fast"?

Not sure what you are referring to?? Ty uses some of the best drivers made. Can you post a link? Then, perhaps I can address your question better. Or, why not just email Ty yourself and ask him? The Taylo Reference Monitors sounded better than my Paradigm Studio 20 v.3's and should given that they are more expensive. The Linbrook Signature Monitors are the best speakers I have ever heard bar none. Usually "Fast" is considered to be articulate, tight, or punchy sounding

Cheers,

Phil

 

[MikefromNC]

jcpanny - thanks

I was looking at av123's reference-1 as well as the paradigm s1.

Do you like yours?

Do they look good (for the wife)?

Do they sound good?