best bookshelf speakers

[audiofan007]

Hi all,
i am a newbie to this site (but not to audio). i am looking for some recommendations for bookshelf speakers for my home office. I am running a vintage Marantz 4300 receiver, NAD cd player and Rega tt. I would like to stay under $700 but am willing to go higher for the perfect match,. any help is appreciated. Thanks

[Mr Peabody]

I was impressed with a set of Dali I heard which cost around $675.00, unfortunately I did not get a model number. You might also look at a Dynaudio, Excite series bookshelf or one of the new DM series. DM is their new entry level, at lower prices than Dynaudio has been at before, I have not heard the DM series but have yet to hear a Dyn I didn't like. Not sure of pricing but the Monitor Audio, Bronze is another option. There's always B&W.

Epos and Energy make good budget speakers but I have not heard them.

Check these out, still on special price
http://www.musicdirect.com/search/advanced_search.php

I ordered a larger pair but have not received them yet so cannot comment. Should make a good conversation piece :) Really though do some research these are supposed to be something special.

[RGA]

I have two

Audio Note AX Two which is still my favorite speaker under $1,000 and the Dynaudio Audience 42. I own the Marantz 4300 receiver too and it is still going strong.

The AX Two is probably the most underrated loudspeaker on the market. It isn't perfect - bass depth isn't super low, isn't super dramatics, and the tweeter has to be partnered with something good. Not to mention it's ugly and tough to find.

Here is a review in fact directly comparing the AX Two to the Dynaudio 42.

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/archive/index.php/t-5803.html?

[Raj J]

Hi all,
i am a newbie to this site (but not to audio). i am looking for some recommendations for bookshelf speakers for my home office. I am running a vintage Marantz 4300 receiver, NAD cd player and Rega tt. I would like to stay under $700 but am willing to go higher for the perfect match,. any help is appreciated. Thanks

good day mate!
so you're looking for that perfect match - no such thing mate.
you might just have to try several before handing over the cash. who's your current audio dealer? get in touch with them and they should be able to advice on this based on your partnering equipment.

good quality bookshelfs/monitors for under a grand come in various shapes and forms.
I have heard and experienced far too may to mention, but there are ones that I can very clearly remember and would recommend. however, the equipment plays a major role because they influence how a speaker sounds. all these speakers will sound different with various amps driving them. here is my preferred list for monitors in general:

over a couple grand ($3,000 to $5,000): Sonus Faber, Wilson Audio, Proac, JM Labs, B&W nautilus series.
less than $3,000: Sonus faber (used), Proacs, Vienna Acoustics, Jas Audio, B&W matrix or DM series (older series),
everything else less than $2,000: Paradigm reference series, Ruarks, Mission, Monitor Audio, Wharferdale, Acoustic Energy, Energy veritas series, Rogers (no longer made)
also, give Mordant Short a try, British make.
Oh! I almost forgot, Quad! they have an outstanding monitor series and the finish is equisite! (11L & 12L studio active, 11L2 & 12L2 series all fantastic speakers, these have my highest recommendation) you won't be disappointed regardless of what you're driving them with! trust me I've been there...

all the best with your search!
cheers, RJ

[Jack in Wilmington]

I just saw a pristine pair of Usher V-601 on Audiogon for $400. They sell for $800 new. That would leave you enough left over for some nice cables. If you can listen to some Dynaudios, check out the Focus 110.

[harley .guy07]

usher, Dynaudio, possibly Monitor Audio would be ones to look at in my opinion as well. The Audio Notes while receiving high praise just don't have enough dealers around my area for me to get a taste of their sound so I can not recommend do to this reason only.

[LeRoy]

Hi all,
i am a newbie to this site (but not to audio). i am looking for some recommendations for bookshelf speakers for my home office. I am running a vintage Marantz 4300 receiver, NAD cd player and Rega tt. I would like to stay under $700 but am willing to go higher for the perfect match,. any help is appreciated. Thanks

Mr. P. already mentioned Epos. In the price range you've stated you might want to consider the M5i. I've heard the M5's before and I was impressed but with most of Epos speakers....if you push them too hard the tweeter might start to lose it....still though...played within their limits they are an enjoyable listen.

Raj already mentioned Mordaunt-Short. I used to have a pair of MS 902i bookshelf speakers and they do deliver the musical goods. They are now out of production but if you can find a used pair it would be a great find. They have now upgraded to the new version and you may want to check these baby's out:
http://www.mordauntshort.com/assets/documents/Mordaunt_Aviano1XR_web.pdf

Last but not least, Canton GLE 403 is also an excellent choice. This model is no longer in production but can be had at a great price at A4Less. I currently own a pair of these Canton's and so does Frenchmon.
Here is the link:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/brand/canton/results/1.html

Wow, the Canton's are selling for a $100.00 less than what I paid for them 8 months ago!! Oh well.

Anyway, there will be plenty of other suggestions coming your way from the other forum members. Good luck with your research and purchase.

LeRoy

[atomicAdam]

I have been enjoying the Ascend Acoustic's Sierra-1 speakers.

Great dark red bamboo finish - so a great looking speaker - a deep bass response - though sometimes if not positioned correctly is seems the bass is behind the rest of the music - good clear mid tones and a solid high end that isn't open and airy sounding - more on the black side. But every detailed none the less.

So far this is the most exciting bookshelf I have heard under $1000. It has a good dynamic reach - as in when playing some larger complex classical pieces it doesn't fall apart - and when the drums and whole orchestra kicks in you feel it - with horns and rock music the excitement is palpable and in your face.

They aren't the most efficient speaker so they do need some power and some time to break in They also provide a fairly linear frequency presentation. As in there doesn't appear to be too much of a warm bump in the mid range like Monitor Audio & B&W. I felt they have better bass response than some Dynaudio bookshelves speakers I have heard.

They are easy to set up and position - very heavy with little to no vibration when cranked up. Staging is good but not mind blowing. They aren't conversation inducing - as in they don't have a relaxed response around 3kHz - as in it can be hard to talk over them at moderate volumes. This is in my opinion a more realistic sound but at the same time might not work in an office environment. If you were to pair them with a pentode amplifier you would get a relaxed sound - but you said you already have something.

My only complaint is the mid range detail - it could be better - but given the speakers price point it could just be me being used to speakers 4 times its price.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1.html
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/images/products/speakers/SRM1/espresso_ng_hr.jpg

Anyways - just my two cents - I've not heard everything out there - but from what I have heard I do like these the best.

[JohnMichael]

Adam I own a pair of Ascend CBM 170SE's and I thought about the Sierra but did not buy them. I found the 170's to be more forward sounding than I like. I was worried the Sierra's would be as forward. I have also heard speakers with small woofers that boasted good bass but I thought the bass sounded hollow. So how forward is the soundstage and how is the quality of the bass?

[atomicAdam]

Adam I own a pair of Ascend CBM 170SE's and I thought about the Sierra but did not buy them. I found the 170's to be more forward sounding than I like. I was worried the Sierra's would be as forward. I have also heard speakers with small woofers that boasted good bass but I thought the bass sounded hollow. So how forward is the soundstage and how is the quality of the bass?

JM - Good Questions - you'll have to read my review.... lol lol! nah - I'll tell you.

Lets start by using this definition of "Forward" from Stereophile -

"forward, forwardness A quality of reproduction which seems to place sound sources closer than they were recorded. Usually the result of a humped midrange, plus a narrow horizontal dispersion pattern from the loudspeaker. See "Row-A sound." Compare "laid-back.""

I would say that with a digital source the sound seemed to be more closer to me then the to the speakers - with my turntable - the sound was more inline with the speakers. But if something is forward I have to know how it was recorded - which means I'd have to have some good knowledge of some of my classical and jazz recordings. But with rock and other studio projects - whose to say what is forward and what isn't. They are all close mic'd. But back to CDP vs. Analog - I've started to noticed this type of forward sound on systems from $100,000 to $2000. (I'll explain more when I do the Marten room write up - I heard tape/tape@24bit/24bit/16bit/CD) So... IDK what to say other than this seems to be an effect from a digital source - and maybe some speakers push this effect further. But nothing ever jumped out at me, out from the field it was within. With the bass being rear ported and sometimes feeling behind the speakers - this could maybe be a type of 'forward' sound but I'd argue it has more to do with cohesion.

As far as bass is concerned, the size is larger than the resolution. They reminded me of the RS6 mid bloom and boom I heard with my set up. But - in the case of speakers this size - and the variety of music I play, I'd go with a larger and more engaging bass than a leaner more detailed bass - for speakers this size/price. Comparing the Axiom M3v3 (50Hz) I have in, or even the $4000 Brodmann's (55Hz) or the TB2i (40Hz) and the Sierra-1 (39Hz - in room?) - It seems there is a tipping point where resolution provided in the bass out ways the lack of thump (Brodmann FS Series) where as with the Axiom M3v3 being detailed they have no thump (the TB2i were a great mix of both) - I'd say I'd take - in the sub $1000 price range - the Sierra-1 boom because it is just more emotionally engaging. The Axioms (being a lot cheaper and only going to 50Hz) are clean and detailed - but for me personally just not going to suck me in because they lack enough of a dynamic swing, detailed or not. This is just personal opinion in this case. I think for $350 the M3v3 are mind boggling clean and open, but they don't get me off.

FYI - edited shortly after posting ... for a better explanation....

[blackraven]

NHT Classic 3's, B&W 685's, Monitor Audio, PSB Image B6's, Epos

[dean_martin]

I run a pair of Acoustic Energy Aegis Ones with a vintage Sansui integrated amp. They paired well with an old NAD receiver that I passed down to my son too. It was only 25wpc but drove the AEs easily. My AEs are probably more than 10 years old by now. I would like to hear some of their new models. Check'em out if you can. My old pair has a lush midrange and impressive bass weight for a bookshelf speaker. The fabric dome tweeter lacks a little sparkle and detail but it's not shrill at all - nice compromise for a budget speak. Of course AE may have gone to crap by now but you got me thinking back to my first faves. Because of their British heritage I'd like to hear them with a Rega tt. Good luck!

[dean_martin]

Check these out, still on special price
http://www.musicdirect.com/search/advanced_search.php

I ordered a larger pair but have not received them yet so cannot comment. Should make a good conversation piece :) Really though do some research these are supposed to be something special.

What are we looking for, Mr. P? I tried the link and got the empty advanced search page at music direct. Now I'm really curious.

[Mr Peabody]

I'm sorry about the link, it was to show the Zu Audio, Omen. A single 10" full range driver with no crossover and a tweeter that picks up at 10k. They come in a couple of interesting finishes as well. I had temporary insanity though because they are towers. There is a bookshelf for less money but it doesn't play as low.

[atomicAdam]

I'm sorry about the link, it was to show the Zu Audio, Omen. A single 10" full range driver with no crossover and a tweeter that picks up at 10k. They come in a couple of interesting finishes as well. I had temporary insanity though because they are towers. There is a bookshelf for less money but it doesn't play as low.

I wasn't sold on Zu after my audition at RMAF, but that turned out to be bad electronics.

Let me know what you think MP - I'd be interested to hear.

[audiofan007]

Thanks all for your recommendations. it seems to me i would have quite a few more options if i bumped up my budget to $1000, which i will do. Anything else come to mind if $1000 is the budget? Thanks again for helping out a newbie to this site......i am enjoying reading all the various posts and reviews.

[atomicAdam]

the guru - sjofnhifi - thing has some bass! and is very good across the board.

[Mash]

T just ordered a pair of HR824mkII for the kitchen. And they come with amps.

http://www.mackie.com/products/hrmk2series/design.html

One seller's details:

http://www.wwbw.com/Search/Default.aspx?internal=1&src=mackie

You have many choices, from $180 each to $650 each, and they all have amps &, I believe, speaker feedback control:

http://www.wwbw.com/Mackie-MR5-Active-Studio-Monitor-603999-i1386321.wwbw
http://www.wwbw.com/Mackie-MR8-Reference-Monitor--2010--485386-i1512401.wwbw
http://www.wwbw.com/Mackie-HR624mk2-Active-Studio--Reference-Monitor-104325188-C-i1598068.wwbw
http://www.wwbw.com/Mackie-HR624mk2-Studio-Monitor--2010--485387-i1512402.wwbw
http://www.wwbw.com/Mackie-HR824mk2-Studio-Monitor--2010--485388-i1512403.wwbw

You can also check zZounds. Musician's Friend may be sold out. Music123 has new [but only one HR824 mint condition used for $515].

[jrhymeammo]

I have been enjoying the Ascend Acoustic's Sierra-1 speakers.


http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1.html
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/images/products/speakers/SRM1/espresso_ng_hr.jpg

Anyways - just my two cents - I've not heard everything out there - but from what I have heard I do like these the best.

I second Acoustic Sierra-1. Incredibly musical considering the price.

[atomicAdam]

T just ordered a pair of HR824mkII for the kitchen. And they come with amps.

http://www.mackie.com/products/hrmk2series/design.html

.

Mackie - like the guitar amps/pa systems maker?

[Feanor]

T just ordered a pair of HR824mkII for the kitchen. And they come with amps.

http://www.mackie.com/products/hrmk2series/design.html

One seller's details:

http://www.wwbw.com/Search/Default.aspx?internal=1&src=mackie

You have many choices, from $180 each to $650 each, and they all have amps &, I believe, speaker feedback control:

...
Good choice I suspect, Mash. Studio monitors are a potentially excellent -- but usually overlooked -- option.

Not only do they have built-in amps with custom tuned crossovers, but often they have "accoustic space" settings that ease placement issues. Also, they typically can handle lots and power, and they use controlled dispersion, and/or anti-defraction front panel designs. If there's a problem, it's that studio monitors are designed more for accuracy than for euphonics, and a lot of people "can't handle the true".

The Mackie HR825Mk2's look very convincing.

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/fit,400by400/quality,85/brand,zzounds/edge-865d06ecd8e887edac5ac497d2956963.jpg

[Mash]

I use A.R.T. Tube MP Studio units for volume control, etc. Yep- "Tube" as in vacuum tubes. Sneaky, right? You can find A.R.T. at zZounds, Music123, Musician's Friend, Woodwind & Brasswind, etc.

I have not yet used A.R.T. Tube MP Studio units with the TV Mackies. When we want music in the bedroom (No smart comments!) I usually switch to the Jolida/Magnepan/Velodyne SS setup. But not always.....

Yes, Adam- Mackie makes pro gear.

Your comments are right on the mark, Mr. Feanor. THE hr824 HAVE 3 SETTINGS JUST FOR PLACEMENT W/R/T WALLS AND CORNERS.

I would note that the Mackies are easy to live with for the long term. I plan to replace the HR824's in the kitchen with a pair of HR824mk2 units. Theh I plan on working up an all-HR824 surround for the bedroom...... unless I decide to use those HR824's on the patio, but this is not likely because they are too good to risk any weather exposure.

[Mash]

I use A.R.T. Tube MP Studio units for volume control, etc. Yep- "Tube" as in vacuum tubes. Sneaky, right? You can find A.R.T. at zZounds, Music123, Musician's Friend, Woodwind & Brasswind, etc.

I have not yet used A.R.T. Tube MP Studio units with the TV Mackies. I have a pair of MP Studios on hand but I am not (yet) using them. When we want music in the bedroom (No smart comments!) I usually switch to the Jolida/Magnepan/Velodyne-SS setup. But not always.....

Yes, Adam- Mackie makes pro gear.

Your comments are right on the mark, Mr. Feanor. For example, the HR824 have 3 settings just to compensate for placement w/r/t walls & corners.

I would note that I have found the Mackies easy to live with for the long term. I plan to replace the HR824's in the kitchen with a pair of HR824mk2 units. Then I plan on working up an all-HR824 surround for the bedroom...... unless I decide to use those HR824's on the patio, but this is not likely because they are too good to risk any weather exposure.

[Mash]

Features of the ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp

VU Meter and switchable OPL (brickwall limiting)
Hand-selected tube
Up to 60 dB of gain
Variable input & output gain
XLR & 1/4" inputs & putputs
+48V Phantom Power & phase reversal switch
Can function as a direct box with impedance matching
________________________________
from Amazon (typical price example)

ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp by ART
Buy new: $29.99

4 new from $29.99
4 used from $23.50

Two for stereo then cost about $60.
_______________________________
from Radio Shack

1/4" Jack-to-A3M XLR Plug Adapter/Transformer Model: 274-017 | Catalog #: 274-017

Price: $18.49

A3F XLR Jack-to-1/4" Plug Adapter/Transformer Model: 274-016 | Catalog #: 274-016

Price: $19.69

Two for stereo cost about $37 - $40.
______________________________

You can see that using the ART units costs only a little more that using the adapter/transformer from RS when we need to use balanced XLR interconnects for long interconnects, in my case 50 feet long. You can use unbalanced interconnects up to .... ummm ... 25 feet IYAL.

My point is that for our audiophile projects, using pro gear can offer a better, more flexible, and a more cost-effective solution compared to using audiophile gear. Be flexible and investigate!

[Feanor]

...
My point is that for our audiophile projects, using pro gear can offer a better, more flexible, and a more cost-effective solution compared to using audiophile gear. Be flexible and investigate!
I'll buy that. For my next home theatre, (if there should ever be a next one), I'm going for a prepro with XLR outs and active studio monitors all around.

[atomicAdam]

Yes, Adam- Mackie makes pro gear.



I'm just surprised - every single thing I've ever heard out of a Mackie has sounded just awful. But I've not heard their smaller monitors - just stuff I've heard at shows. And I generally think that sound at shows is pretty awful - but Mackie's have always sounded thin like a dentist drill and harsh like a kick in the teeth.

[Mash]

We went to our one-and-only indoor 'rock' concert c1976. BS&T. I took an SPL meter along. The EQUIPMENT HUM was 80 dB. Ever listen to music with your ears covered? They damn near exceeded the max level reading capability of my SPL meter. You never know how much smarts are posessed by the people who set up sound reiforcement speakers.

The Mackie Studio Monitors are very different products compared to the sound reiforcement products which are designed for abuse. The speaker servo feedback feature in the Mackie studio monitors just about forces accurate playback. Check out the schematic on pg 18 of the HR824mk2 OM (owner'smanual).

http://www.mackie.com/products/hrmk2series/design.html

[Feanor]

We went to our one-and-only indoor 'rock' concert c1976. BS&T. I took an SPL meter along. The EQUIPMENT HUM was 80 dB. Ever listen to music with your ears covered? They damn near exceeded the max level reading capability of my SPL meter. You never know how much smarts are posessed by the people who set up sound reiforcement speakers.

The Mackie Studio Monitors are very different products compared to the sound reiforcement products which are designed for abuse. The speaker servo feedback feature in the Mackie studio monitors just about forces accurate playback. Check out the schematic on pg 18 of the HR824mk2 OM (owner'smanual).

http://www.mackie.com/products/hrmk2series/design.html
The Mackie HR825mk2's are very attractive on all accounts. However I can't seem to find the reference to "servo feedback"; is the a more specific link you can send?

[Mash]

But even the specs would not "fit":

HR824MK2_Specs[1].pdf:
Your file of 193.9 KB bytes exceeds the forum's limit of 19.5 KB for this filetype.

SOOOOO.............

1. Go To:

http://www.mackie.com/products/hrmk2series/design.html

2. On right side "Downloads" tabs, Select "Owners Manual: 824mk2"

3. Download Adobe file HR824MK2_OM[1].pdf & Open it. This is a file you cannot edit....

4, Go to Page 18, which shows the schematic "HR824mk2 Block Diagram"

5. Setting 100% magnification is suggested

6. Look at Lower right corner of schematic (just below the woofer)

7. Checkout the "Bass Control Servo Loop" circuit.
_____________________________________
=================================
8. Now Go To:

http://www.mackie.com/products/hrmk2series/design.html

9. On right side "Downloads" tabs, Select "Spec Sheet: 824mk2"
_____________________________________
From the spec sheet HR824mk2_specs[1].pdf

Low-frequency power amplifier
_____________________________________
Rated Power (at 1 kHz with 1% THD):150 watts
Rated Load Impedance: 4 ohms
Burst Power Output: 350 watts
Rated THD (1W to –1 dB of rated power): 0.1 %
Slew Rate: 35V/μS
Distortion (THD, SMPTE IMD, DIM 100): < 0.035%
Signal-to-Noise (20Hz-20kHz, unweighted, referenced to 150W into 4 ohm): > 102 dB
Cooling: Convection

===> Design: Class AB, Parametric Servo Feedback

The crossover is 1900 Hz.

[Poultrygeist]

I would suggest the Tekton OB4.5 as the best $550 you could spend on a bookshelf speaker. The only problem is that it will make you want to upgrade your amp.




http://www.tektondesign.com/ModelOB45.htm

[Mash]

Wherefrom I copied this from a Nov 2009 review (EnjoytheMusic.com) quoted by Tekton:

[And this sort of review would give me a LOT of pause....]

"Fine Tuning
In the review of the OB4.5 there was an SPL chart of the monitors pointed straight ahead along with an overlay of the response with the monitors aimed directly at each shoulder. For the chart presented here I took measurements from 200 Hz down with the subwoofers active and used the line representing the monitors aimed toward me. When I took my first set of measurements with the subs crossed over at about 80 Hz and turned up to about 2/3 full volume as I had tuned by ear, I was disappointed in the measured results. Now, granted, these are crude in-room measurements taken from the listening position and the Radio Shack analog SPL meter is known to be less accurate at the frequency extremes, but I really expected to see a more convincing graph."

The graph referenced above did look like crap but I am bothered by the following:

"...these are crude in-room measurements taken from the listening position and the Radio Shack analog SPL meter is known to be less accurate at the frequency extremes, ..."

NO, the RS analog SPL meter is A-weighted **only**, i.e. sensitive to 500Hz to 10000Hz (?)

NO, the reviewer should have used C-weighting.

YES, One CAN correct the RS analog SPL meter readings to C-weighting, but why bother?

I have an RS Digital SPL meter which offers both A-weighting and C-weighting. At the least this reviewer SHOULD be using the RS digital SPL meter set to C-weighting. I worry about the results produced by people who perform their jobs with inappropriate or obsolete equipment...................

I thought about this parallel-cone configuration years ago but I could not get enthusiastic about it. And the Dahlquist was an open-baffle cone speaker that generated a lot of interest years ago but I think it died. My friend and I listened to the Dahlquist at his house. I went for Magneplanars and I never looked back. He went for double KLH-9's, and later, Martin-Logan.

[Feanor]

But even the specs would not "fit":

HR824MK2_Specs[1].pdf:
Your file of 193.9 KB bytes exceeds the forum's limit of 19.5 KB for this filetype.

SOOOOO.............

1. Go To:

http://www.mackie.com/products/hrmk2series/design.html

2. On right side "Downloads" tabs, Select "Owners Manual: 824mk2"

3. Download Adobe file HR824MK2_OM[1].pdf & Open it. This is a file you cannot edit....

4, Go to Page 18, which shows the schematic "HR824mk2 Block Diagram"

5. Setting 100% magnification is suggested

6. Look at Lower right corner of schematic (just below the woofer)

7. Checkout the "Bass Control Servo Loop" circuit.
_____________________________________
=================================
8. Now Go To:

http://www.mackie.com/products/hrmk2series/design.html

9. On right side "Downloads" tabs, Select "Spec Sheet: 824mk2"
_____________________________________
From the spec sheet HR824mk2_specs[1].pdf

Low-frequency power amplifier
_____________________________________
Rated Power (at 1 kHz with 1% THD):150 watts
Rated Load Impedance: 4 ohms
Burst Power Output: 350 watts
Rated THD (1W to –1 dB of rated power): 0.1 %
Slew Rate: 35V/μS
Distortion (THD, SMPTE IMD, DIM 100): < 0.035%
Signal-to-Noise (20Hz-20kHz, unweighted, referenced to 150W into 4 ohm): > 102 dB
Cooling: Convection

===> Design: Class AB, Parametric Servo Feedback

The crossover is 1900 Hz.
Yes, I see that now. :o That seems like it ought to be an excellent feature in addition to everything else. Like I said, those Mackies are very enticing speakers and very reasonably priced considering the built-amplification.

In priniciple at the very least, self-powered speakers with their custom crossovers, amps, and other features like the servo control in this case, really ought to be far more popular than they are with audiophiles.

[RGA]

It is nice to see that Mackie places a large emphasis on pair matching.

If people are interested in the home theater aspect of this on the budget and quite good - then perhaps also consider M&K loudspeakers. I remember hearing a very inexpensive set back in the early 1990s and was roundly impressed - but back then space warranted only a floorstander. The dealer at the time was good friends with Georg Lucas and noted that M&K was George's speaker of choice. Apparently, despite the B&W advertising, M&K is STILL George's speaker of choice.

I am certainly going to consider them when I start my home theater system. Apparently M&K invented the subwoofer. So I should think they make some good ones.

Remember that Pro speakers sometimes get a raw deal because of their looks. PMC is a pro-speaker maker but decided "hey if we put them in a nicer looking cabinet we can sell to the public too" and it has worked well for them.

Since I could give a rat's ass about the look and I'm generally a cheap bastard I have no problem with looking into speakers that are used to make the movie sound tracks on.

Incidentally M&K subs have been put up against audiophile brand subwoofers in a shootout and the M&K beat them all with only one other Sub making the cut. And the M&K is less money by quite a bit in the North American market.

Now some studio monitors don't work as well for home listening - they can be a little tiresome but that is still speaker dependent. M&K is on my short list for home theater whenever I finally bother getting around to doing it. Have a read of their website http://www.mksoundsystem.com/mk750.htm

[JohnMichael]

I thought M&K created the first satellite and subwoofer system and Janis created the first subwoofer.

[RGA]

I don't know. M&K is claiming they invented both. Bottom right of this page http://www.mksoundsystem.com/history.htm

[RGA]

Sorry I posted the home series - M&K's active pro series is here http://www.mksoundsystem.com/propages/mkprof_2401p.htm

[basite]

May I recommend the Wharfedale Diamond 10 series? I've been hugely impressed with them so far... downright better than everything else in it's price range...

http://www.wharfedale.co.uk/Products/ProductSeries/tabid/77/PID/166/language/en-GB/Default.aspx#detail

and Montior audio Silver series, too...

keep them spinning,
Bert.

[Poultrygeist]

Rick Baker of "Enjoy The Music" made these final comments regarding the Tekton OB4.5 in his August 2009 review:

"The OB4.5 gives you an incredible transparant and focused view into the recording venue that opens the door to the upper level of High End audio at an entry level price."

In his latest review of the OB4.5 ( January 2010 ) he states the following:

"But it is by far the best full range speaker I've heard under $2000. If I close my eyes, it is not difficult to imagine I am listening to a $20,000 pair of speakers. It is that good."