Should I just get a set of the Bic DV62si, or is there something better for my money?

[fetaljunk]

Hi, first time here, recently found this forum since I've decided to spruce up my stereo system at home, I've been living with subpar quality for so long I didn't even notice any more. Unfortunately, I've decided to do this when I don't really have much in the way of free cash, so I'm seeing what I can do on a budget. With that said, I'd like to get some new speakers for under $150. Discovered the raves on the Ed Frias modded BIC DV62si bookshelf speakers here and was wondering if that's really the best use of my money.... A few others I've considered:

• 
  Athena AS-B1.2

• 
  Celestion F15

• 
  Acoustic Research ARXP62 -Has anyone heard these? Any chance they're really worth the supposed $450 list they quote here?: http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4029539

• 
  Dayton BR-1 Kit

One of these better than the rest, or should I try and save a bit more and get something like the AV123 X-LS?
Large bookshelf would be best for me, and these will be used almost exclusevely for music, no present plans for turning this into a HT setup, it's not practical in my current studio apartment. Any suggestions, yays or nays, would be greatly appreciated. I know these "What should I get" posts get really old, I'm sorry for adding to them....

Thanks!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Considering you will probably own the speakers for the next 10 years; I would get the best you can afford. If you can step up to the X-LS that would be great. If you just want a decent inexpensive speaker then the Athena is probably the one for you. If your HT budget goes up in the future then you can always move the inexpensive speakers to surrounds.

 

[Swerd]

The only speakers on your list I've heard is the Dayton BR-1 Kit. They really aren't bad. I don't know anything else for the price that sounds as good.

You should also consider, for about $50 more, the revised crossover for these speakers. I've heard a BR-1 with the improved crossover directly compared to the unmodified BR-1 and it makes an audible improvement.

You will have to mount the new crossover parts on a board, solder them, and install it in the cabinet, but if you assemble the BR-1 kit first, you will already have some experience with that. It's not that difficult.

 

[fetaljunk]

Thanks guys..... putting the daytons together myself would be fun. But, the X-LSs do look real nice. Anyone heard say, the BICs and the X-LSs, or the Daytons and the XL-Ss? Any other opinions from anyone? Thanks!