Best Bookshelf Speakers under $1000

[atomicAdam]

Putting together a best of bookshelf speakers under $1000 post and wonder what you all have to suggest as the best in that category.

Maybe along with what style of equipment or music the speakers sound best with.

Thanks,
-aA

[blackraven]

Here's my favorites for Jazz, Blue's, Vocal and Acoustic music-

B&W 685's
NHT Classic 3's
Dynaudio 42's and 52's

[harley .guy07]

I know these are not store bought or shop speakers but i have an entry. the Usher 701 speaker kit from Parts Express. I know this is more of a DIY thing but I think that this speaker might be able to be a contender in this under 1000 dollar class. I know its got better drivers than anything I have seen for under 1000 bucks.

[Geoffcin]

Totem Rainmakers.

[LeRoy]

Aviano 2 bookshelf speaker
Retail: $495.00 a pair
No review yet that I am aware of for this specific model.
http://www.mordauntshort.com/default.php

I own a pair of M.S. Avanti 902i ( I paid $225/pr) and they are IMHO the best speaker I have owned to date. The Aviano series is the recent upgrade to the Avanti series.


Silverline Audio Minuet loudspeakers
Retail: $600 a pair
Read the review
http://positive-feedback.com/Issue37/minuet.htm

My local audio dealer who has yet to steer me wrong...advised he gave a listen to the Minuet's at RMAF and came away highly, highly impressed with this speaker.

I would recommend analog sounding solid state gear or tubes with either speaker. For amplification I am using Belles and for CDP I am using the Musical Fidelity X-Ray.

[RGA]

Dynaudio 42 is terrific - better suited for amplified - has some good impact and air - be careful with SS amps as it can sound somewhat strident with some.

Klipsch RB 61 - big impact - easy to drive tube friendly - not the most refined around but a lot better than you might expect. Gets a bad rap for where it's sold and price.

Audio Note AX Two - very nice on acoustic instruments - surprisingly good on Piano - nice vocals - picky to match up front ends - better suited to smaller rooms and nearfield listening.

Wharfedale Diamond 8 series (lower budget than many - but don't hold that against them) there is a pro version with amplifier that sounds quite good and doesn't cost much if any more money. Diamond 9 is said to be a big upgrade but I have not heard them.

B&W 602S3 (I have not heard the new ones but if they're better deserve a serious listen).

PMC TB1 - Don't know what the US pricing is but may be right around $1,000 - high impact pro speaker - needs nearfield listening environment - best with impact amplified music in a smaller room. Very tight controlled bass without box issues.

Check out the Tannoy line - they have a ton of speakers under a grand and I would give them a serious audition. I picked up a little set of older Tannoy speakers recently and they're quite good.

Ultimately - I would buy used - your money will go further.

[harley .guy07]

I know these are not store bought or shop speakers but i have an entry. the Usher 701 speaker kit from Parts Express. I know this is more of a DIY thing but I think that this speaker might be able to be a contender in this under 1000 dollar class. I know its got better drivers than anything I have seen for under 1000 bucks.

I forgot to put down amplification. i have been told by owners of this speaker that these speakers are power hungry for stand mount speakers so most likely ss amplification would be recomended and power in the 150 wpc range would be better for these speakers.

[atomicAdam]

Thank folks, awesome feed back.

RGA - where you been?

[Ajani]

B&W CM1 (easily my favorite)
Monitor Audio RS1 (now replaced by RX1, which I haven't heard)

[RGA]

Thank folks, awesome feed back.

RGA - where you been?

Been here the whole time - did I not reply to something?

[Mark111867]

I would check out the B&W CM1. The tweeter really appealed to me. Very smooth. Wharfedale Diamond 9 series are a nice speaker for half the cost of what you are looking to spend and are very easy on the ears. The Revel Concerta M12 might be worth a listen also. IMO, the mids and bottom end stand out on these. Good luck:)

[koven]

B&W 685's are really nice for the money. Same with Totem.

[Poultrygeist]

The Tekton Model OB4.5 for $550 is in a class by itself.

[audio amateur]

The Tekton Model OB4.5 for $550 is in a class by itself.
I'd love to hear single driver full range speakers. Thanks for the info on those the prices seem very honest too

[ren9328]

Buy a used pair of Dynaudio 1.3MkI or 1.3MkIIs. They will absolutely astound you on all types of music.

Also, RGA has a lot of experience in the audio field. He is an asset to Canuck Audio Mart in thhat he has sampled many different brands of fine equipment and knows what he's talking about.

I have auditioned many different speakers but the Dyns. did it for me. BIG TIME! YMMV.

[canuckle]

Energy RC-10. Not just the best bookshelf for the price, but if you get the cherry or rosenut veneer, they're the best-looking.

[SocialCircle]

I'll suggest a set of used Dynaudio Contour 1.3 MKIIs. You will need an amp that is able to drive 4 ohm speakers....so a separate amp instead of a receiver driving those speakers is likely in order.

[manlystanley]

B&W 602S3 (I have not heard the new ones but if they're better deserve a serious listen).

Ultimately - I would buy used - your money will go further.


I have the B&W 684's and love them. They are the only front & rear ported speakers of the 600 series. This makes them more difficult to position, but also give flexibility to. like when I changed power amp and the bass was much less, I just moved them closed to the wall. I love it when (without a sub and a low volumes) that these babies make the wall shake..


Purchase used: Yep. I did as well. $800 off e-bay. Local pickup too.

Best Regards,
Stan

[Geoffcin]

I have the B&W 684's and love them. They are the only front & rear ported speakers of the 600 series. This makes them more difficult to position, but also give flexibility to. like when I changed power amp and the bass was much less, I just moved them closed to the wall. I love it when (without a sub and a low volumes) that these babies make the wall shake..


Purchase used: Yep. I did as well. $800 off e-bay. Local pickup too.

Best Regards,
Stan

I may be wrong, but wasn't the 684 a floor standing speaker?

[axton1]

Its been a while but I will always remember the accuracy of the Monitor Audio Studio 2.
These are old now but for a small speaker they were shockingly goood !
They created a wonderful soundstage. they have been used as studio near field monitors .
For this requirement they were regarded as cheap for the quality as you had to spend a lot more cash to better them.
If I remember in the U.S.they were between $1400> $1600 new so they have to be under $1000 now.

[BadAssJazz]

At the risk of sounding like a homer, Silverline Reference 12. Granted, they cost exactly $1K new, but you can find them for much cheaper used.

http://www.silverlineaudio.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=8

[manlystanley]

I may be wrong, but wasn't the 684 a floor standing speaker?


Your right. [But maybe he's got really low book shelves???] :-)

Seriously though, The 685's are book shelves and I've heard they sound very similar to the 684. I've heard that the 684's primarily only add additional bass.

[Geoffcin]

Not only that, but I'm pretty sure Adam's looking for suggestions as to under $1000 new. The used market can often get you great deals, but they are always one-off. I mean if I get a pair of Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor for less than a grand used, it doesn't mean you will.

[atomicAdam]

Yes - this is for new speakers only. Putting together a best of bookshelf speakers under 1000 for folks who aren't too familiar with speakers/forums/and stuff. a buyers guide. like the floorstanding one i did: http://reviews.audioreview.com/blog/editors-choice-best-floor-standing-speakers-under-1000/

Which you are all welcome to view and comment on if you'd like. Just remember, I'm 6'4", 240lbs, and I kickass w/o asking questions!!! :biggrin5:

Anyways...Thanks for the suggestions folks.

-aA

[jessica]

Hi guys! This is my first time posting here so I hope I'm not breaking any rule. I would like to upgrade my music listening experience and I have no idea what I'm doing.

Currently, I have a pair of Wavemaster Cube mini (I don't think they are very popular here) and I'm using them with my PC. They are ok but there is something missing when I listen. I think the low frequencies (please correct me if I'm wrong). I'm a bit on a budget so I was thinking of cutting some corners. Buy a powered subwoofer (around 100 euros ~ 110 dollars ) and a 3.5 mm splitter. Connect the splitter to the PC, 1 end goes to the speakers and the other to the sub (with maybe a RCA adapter).

Also, the people from Europe. Where do you buy your stuff? A lot of stuff I read about online is not sold here.

Will this work? Would you do this if you were in my shoes? Thanks!

Edit: what do you think about the Jamo SUB 210?

[ChiroClub]

Klipsch RB 61 is a great choice considering price and the quality it delivers. The middle of the road option I enjoy. With this option you can keep good <a href="http://www.brainerdlakesareastorage.com">storage</a> options around them also for practicality.

[Sansui71]

Putting together a best of bookshelf speakers under $1000 post and wonder what you all have to suggest as the best in that category.

Maybe along with what style of equipment or music the speakers sound best with.

Thanks,
-aA
I have been "collecting" stereos for more than 45 years. I started out with a Sansui 4 channel system. It was awesome. After not being able to acquire parts for the receiver and tape deck, I gave it up I still do have the speakers which are still pounding out the sounds. I have now moved on to Polk Audio for all of the speakers, but not the satelelite ones.
RTi A1's
and for the AV Receiver
Onkyo TX-NR656

[dasche]

If you are willing to go with a used pair, JBL Control Monitors have been the best that I've heard for well under $1000. They are definitely a tad large to be considered what many would call bookshelf. Nevertheless, they are my favorite thus far.