Small, pretty bookshelf speakers that sound good

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I still can't get pass the "pretty" part.

So subjective.

NHT Absolute Zero, Classic 3.

 

[LiveJazz]

I still can't get pass the "pretty" part.

Haha, I know, but I couldn't think of a better word. "Pretty" basically encapsulates the goal: nice looking, on purpose, and aware of it.

Other speakers are attractive in a utilitarian, blend-in, minimalist way (I think NHT falls into this category), and that's fine. But when I think of "pretty," I think of graceful, shiny, veneered objects of speaker lust.

 

[LiveJazz]

The WOW1s can go down to 48 Hz at -3 dB using a 12 cm (4¾") woofer. You can't have bass depth and high sensitivity and small size all in one speaker without paying through the nose.

Salk also tends to be very conservative on his sensitivity ratings. I have SongTowers which are rated at 88 dB. I have heard them side-by-side with other tower speakers rated at 90 dB. With the same amp, in the same room, with the same volume settings, the STs were without question louder.

If you are serious about these speakers, talk to Jim Salk and ask him what size amp he would recommend. I doubt if they require a big hoss of an amp.

Good points. The thing is, the amp I'm using up there is the little Lepai 2020a class T. Maybe the WOW1 don't require massive power, but probably more than than the Lepai can provide (??). I ended up with the Lepai out of space considerations: it's easy to hide. Otherwise I would be all over the Emotiva UPA-200. Dayton Audio makes a 50wpc class T, but if it's anything like the Lepai, SQ degrades sharply at about 1/2 - 2/3 output. And build quality is questionable.

I've been looking for small (as in you can hide it behind a picture frame) stereo amplifiers with more like 50 wpc and haven't found anything very convincing. I would be willing to spend some money on such an amp, if it exists.

[Edit: If I really want to get sleek and clean, the other thing I'm considering is using using an Amphony wireless setup: computer --> DAC --> Amphony transmitter --> Amphony receiver/Amp (150 watt x 2 class T) --> speakers. This would also allow me to move to the speakers around easily.]

 

[slipperybidness]

Good points. The thing is, the amp I'm using up there is the little Lepai 2020a class T. Maybe the WOW1 don't require massive power, but probably more than than the Lepai can provide (??). I ended up with the Lepai out of space considerations: it's easy to hide. Otherwise I would be all over the Emotiva UPA-200. Dayton Audio makes a 50wpc class T, but if it's anything like the Lepai, SQ degrades sharply at about 1/2 - 2/3 output. And build quality is questionable.

I've been looking for small (as in you can hide it behind a picture frame) stereo amplifiers with more like 50 wpc and haven't found anything very convincing. I would be willing to spend some money on such an amp, if it exists.

Hypex Ncores might be an option, but they are DIY-style

 

[Swerd]

I've been looking for small (as in you can hide it behind a picture frame) stereo amplifiers with more like 50 wpc and haven't found anything very convincing. I would be willing to spend some money on such an amp, if it exists.

A small amp, $350 at Audio Advisor, maybe less elsewhere:

Parasound Zamp
Product Lines > Parasound Z > Zamp v.3 Two Channel Zone Amplifier

45 watts per channel at 8 ohms
9½" wide × 1¾" high × 10" deep (2" high with rubber feet)

 

[JerryLove]

Another upside of going with a custom builder (I see the WOW1 recommendation), is that you can have custom built. Physics determines volume, but within that you can have the dimensions tweaked (and the appearance) to your heart's content.

 

[slipperybidness]

A small amp, $350 at Audio Advisor, maybe less elsewhere:

Parasound Zamp
Product Lines > Parasound Z > Zamp v.3 Two Channel Zone Amplifier

45 watts per channel at 8 ohms
9½" wide × 1¾" high × 10" deep (2" high with rubber feet)

That looks to be a decent little amp too.

 

[jcl]

The z-amp is a good little amp. I think though the Lepai is an integrated amp, so the z-pre might be needed as well.

Teac makes a small integrated - Product: A-H01 | TEAC that can be found at accessories4less for much less than list. I'm not sure if it's much of a step up in power though.

The Rega Brio is pretty small as well. Rega Brio-R Integrated Amplifier

The project stereo box seems to be the smallest - P R O - J E C T

HTH

 

[ski2xblack]

This one at PE has a form factor that may work. Not quite as svelte as the little Parasound, but narrow at least, a bit more juice at 75w@8ohms, and a volume control.

 

[macddmac]

How about a pair of Focal 705v's at 350.00 on close out leaving some cash for one of those compact amps ?
Cheers, Mac

 

[Swerd]

Oops, I missed the fact that the Lepai was an integrated amp .

The Dayton APA150 is integrated, has a nice compact form (5½" H × 6" W x 11½" D), a nice price, but it is rated at 75 wpc at 4 ohms. It always works better if we read all the web page

.

They don't rate it at 8 ohms with two channels driven, but it should be safe to assume it will be less. Is there such a thing as an audio amp that is stable at 4 ohms, but not at 8 ohms?

For what it's worth, the Parasound zamp is 45 wpc at 8 ohms, and 60 wpc at 4 ohms. So, the Dayton is a possibility. Nice catch ski2x.

 

[ski2xblack]

Oops, I missed the fact that the Lepai was an integrated amp .

The Dayton APA150 is integrated, has a nice compact form (5½" H × 6" W x 11½" D), a nice price, but it is rated at 75 wpc at 4 ohms. They don't rate it at 8 ohms with two channels driven, but we can assume it will be less. For what it's worth, the Parasound zamp was 45 wpc at 8 ohms, and 60 wpc at 4 ohms. So, the Dayton is a possibility. Nice catch

It always works better if you read all the web page .

Hey, that's the same one I linked to. Copy cat!

Good catch on the power rating, there is less advantage than I assumed. Still, more watts/dollar than the Parasound, if only slightly more overall power. Also, those amps are fan cooled, but reportedly silent. That may interfere with the OP's placement restrictions.

 

[Swerd]

Hey, that's the same one I linked to. Copy cat!

You missed my edit .

Nice catch ski2x.

 

[afterlife2]

Amazon.com: Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 45 (each) 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker: Electronics

 

[3db]

3db, I did hear the Imagine Mini's, and actually just remembered them before checking back here earlier. Extremely impressive speaker for the size! I was in the demo room with them and the sound was so rich, tight and clear that I kept checking to see if I had switched to the Imagine B by accident. Definitely a contender here.

How's the hunt going?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think NHT Absolute Zero for $175 each since they are so extremely accurate +/-0.9dB from 100Hz-10kHz. They are flat only to 83Hz, but that's what subs are for.

For speakers, you just want the most accurate.

 

[LiveJazz]

How's the hunt going?

Well, I'm doing my usual wishy washy "what's it worth to me?" internal debate. I'm actually curious about how the vets here stay within a target budget, particularly when the budget it somewhat flexible. I can talk myself in circles indefinitely, and almost find it harder when I have a flexible budget but want to keep it on the low side...do I want to keep the price lower, or do I want nicer speakers?

Right now, I still love the WOW1's, and all else equal I would go with those. I have time to decide, as we're still in the process of selecting the furniture that the speakers will ideally match with...this is why the WOW1's are so attractive: infinite finish options.

The other thing I was considering was trying my hand at the DIY Overnight Sensations. I've been tossing that around for awhile, and would like to build some speakers either way, even if they don't turn out to be the speakers of my dreams. Depending on how professional (ahem, presentable) I can make the veneer look, that would be an intriguing option in terms of value, quality and finish options. I don't pretend to know much of anything about the physics of designing a good speaker, but with a well regarded kit, it really becomes more about how well you can piece it together.

 

[ski2xblack]

The differences between a KEF LS50, a Philharmonitor, and the other great suggestions so far are different shades of "good to excellent", if it helps reduce the stress level any!