Need Suggestion on used Bookshelf speaker ?B&W

[JC4ME]

I heard the B&W 685 and loved them. I cannot afford them. I want to spend about $400 or less for a bookshelf sized speaker.

What do you suggest that I can pick up used (or new) for $400.

In the B&W 600 series - Is there much sound difference in the DM601 S3 vs. DM602 S3? Other suggestions?

Any suggestions other than B&W?

Also looking for a used AM-FM reciever to power them - any suggestions? Vintage is OK with me. I do need the AM-FM not just an amp.

Thank You

[dogorman]

Linn Katans are much-maligned in certain circles, but I'm pretty durned impressed with them, myself. They've got those hyper-accurate microphonics of the new British sound, though there are probably better speakers out there for soundstage. They go plenty low all by themselves in my bottom-heavy room, and they never ever sound unmusical, even with crappy recordings.

One caveat: at 85db sensitivity and 4ohm nominal impedance, they're a pain in the *ss to drive. My buddy brings them over from time to time and they sounded like CRUD hooked up to my 50wpc-rated Naim Nait5i. But the price is at or near your budget and if you've got the current to power them I'd definitely give 'em a shot if I were you.

[dogorman]

Wait a minute, you said $400. Sorry -- for some reason I read $400 in your post, but saw it as $600 on the projector screen inside my brain. Maybe I should be a speaker salesman, huh?

You won't find Katans for anything less than $600. There's a pair on the 'gon right now for $650, in black, but that price *does* include the matching stands.

Cheers,
Dave.

[audio amateur]

How bout the B&W 686? Aren't they around 400 dollars?

[N. Abstentia]

Paradigm Mini Monitors or Atoms.

[Ajani]

Monitor Audio BR2 $400
PSB Image B15 $380
Paradigm Mini-Monitor $380
Mission M32i $400

Hope that helps... If you want to go used try Audiogon

[blackraven]

NHT classic 2's, Wharfedale diamond 9.2's. The NHT's sound really nice for the money. If your just looking for a 2ch receiver, go with the Harmon Kardon 3485. 120wpc, high current, sub and pre-amp out, can be found for about $250. This is a real bargain for a 2ch amp that sounds good and that has the power to drive most speakers under $1k fairly well. If looking for multichannel- onkyo 605
Check out the reviews of budget components at www.stereophile.com

Check out www.audiogon.com for used!

[johnny p]

I second the 686's

[Ajani]

686 should be really good, especially since he liked the 685's... only prob is that the 686 are $480 retail... so they're over his budget....

[KUNK]

Look for a pair of used 42's or 52's on the bay or a'gon. I'm listening to the Monk ("Straight No Chaser")on my office 42's right now....Damn that are sweeeeeet. Or, DIY some nice 2 way's in a bass reflex box. So simple to build and so nice to hear...I think I'm gonna get some Jack OTR....bye

Ps. I noticed these on the bay....interesting

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260210375223&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=016

[audio amateur]

I just purchased the B&W 686's.. and I can safely say that I recommend them. They are punchy, controlled, detailed and have suprisingly good bottom end for their size and driver size. Perhaps with a little negotiation you can get away with them for less.
I'll second DIY. If I could've gotten my hands on some drivers I would've made my own. It's a bit risky but hey that's the fun part! Problem is here in the UK I'm not too sure how I could've found anything. The US has so many options, you should take advantage.

[audio amateur]

I must say the Audiences are very good too.