How are these bookshelf speaker options? [Archive] - Audio & Video Forums

PDA

View Full Version : How are these bookshelf speaker options?



brandoD
06-02-2013, 12:21 AM
I'll explain the situation best I can. Thanks for reading.

Uses: 90% music (crazy range of music from orchestra to metal to rap to dubstep to acoustic to raggae), 10% other. I want loud.
Receiver: Onkyo TX-NR515
Sub: bought from a friend for $120... wasn't even fully broken in.
Sub - 12 Subwoofer | Klipsch (http://www.klipsch.com/sub-12-subwoofer#fourth)
Front L/R: Borrowing from a friend. I can't find much information about them. They are Carver M30's.
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-Rare-...g,!~~60_35.JPG (http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-Rare-Elusive-scarce-speakers-carver-ts-m30-two-way-metal-enclosures-/00/s/MTA2NFgxNjAw/$(KGrHqV,!nME9g(F02SzBPoc)!og,!~~60_35.JPG)
(if you can tell me more about these I'd love to know. All I know is they are damn heavy and hes taking em back soon)

-Basically, I just want a nice set of bookshelf speakers that pair well with a sub.
-Aiming for $200-250, I'll go to $350 if someone can convince me the price jump is worth it.
-I know this range probably won't hold up to those Carvers but they aren't mine. (or my friend is wrong about the price of these Carvers)

Heres some options I've run into:

Cerwin-Vega XLS 6 $202 current A1components.com sale free ship.
PSB Alpha B1 $300
NHT Absolute Zero $350 pair on sale
Wharfedale 10.1 $350 pair

I put these ones that are over my wanted price limit, but I'm hoping for someone to say I will get more bang for my buck with say the XLS 6 or maybe another around $200-250 for a pair. Let me know other good options if any, and what you would choose. I like bigger speakers, size is no problem.

Billiam62
06-02-2013, 03:25 AM
LeRoy recommended the Cambridge Audio S30 to me. They are priced at $219.

In addition to that speaker I am going to recommend the Jamo C 601 which I just purchased for myself. Great little speaker with impressive bass, very clean midrange and high end. I've also found the sound stage is not only wide but deep as well. And when playing tracks that have a lot of instruments playing fast and clustered together, it can separate each instrument quite well and creates more of a lifelike concert stage that does not sound muddled by a bad mix. Cost right now at Amazon is $180 a pair including free shipping!

Neither of these will be bright speakers. Both are pretty neutral sounding and the Jamo speakers have just a slight touch of warmth though it is far from being a dominant aspect of the sound. Both will do well with a sub woofer if you desire. I believe the C 601's already have pretty deep bass and probably don't need a sub unless you want to shake a room.

LeRoy
06-02-2013, 07:57 AM
I'll explain the situation best I can. Thanks for reading.

Uses: . I want loud.

-Basically, I just want a nice set of bookshelf speakers that pair well with a sub. Aiming for $200-250, I'll go to $350 if someone can convince me the price jump is

Let me know other good options if any, and what you would choose. I like bigger speakers, size is no problem.


Check out this site for speaker deals that fall under or near the price range you are looking to stay in. Kahl Audio » Speakers (http://kahlaudio.com/product_categories/speakers/)

i have not listened to the speakers you have listed as potential buys for you so I can't comment on them. Since you want "loud" you should consider the speaker efficiency as the more efficient the speaker it will get louder sooner than later.

Good luck with your research and final selection.

brandoD
06-02-2013, 10:10 AM
Thanks for replies those s30s look nice. They recommend a sub which is good, and seem like some serious bang for your buck speakers. I gotta say the cerwin vegas are still tempting they just look like something id enjoy hearing and I like the bigger size haha. Leaning to those s30s though too. Amy other opinions would be great.

harley .guy07
06-02-2013, 11:22 AM
I would look for a pair of Usher s-520's. they are small bookshelf speakers and they are built very well and sound very good, probably some of the best under $500 speakers I have heard.

brandoD
06-02-2013, 01:25 PM
Those Usher S-520s look great I love the gloss white. Only problem is the price of 479.99. Thats almost 15% of my savings im going more for 5-10%

blackraven
06-03-2013, 07:50 AM
Take a look here for PSB speakers, Saturday Audio (http://saturdayaudio.com/) You can get B-stock speakers at huge discounts. The PSB Alpha B's are $240pr and the PSB B6's are $439pr. I own a pair of the B6's and they are an excellent speaker, better than the one's you have listed.

From your list, I would consider the Wharfedales. Give thought to the 10.2's for $449pr with free shipping from music direct.

Give thought to these Epos Epic 2's List price $800pr, on sale for $399 with free shipping.-

EPOS EPIC 2 BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS (PR) at Music Direct (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-57507-epos-epic-2-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx)

Here are some reviews-

Epos Epic 2 loudspeaker Robert J. Reina | Stereophile.com (http://www.stereophile.com/content/epos-epic-2-loudspeaker-robert-j-reina)

Epos Epic 2 loudspeaker | Stereophile.com (http://www.stereophile.com/content/epos-epic-2-loudspeaker)

Epos Epic 2 - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums (http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=414273)



Based on the reviews the Epos seem to be in another league compared to the speakers you have listed and they should be with a list price of $800pr. If you can afford the $399 it will be well worth it for the more detailed and refined sound. Besides, Music Direct has a 30 day return policy if you don't like them.

harley .guy07
06-03-2013, 12:35 PM
Those Usher S-520s look great I love the gloss white. Only problem is the price of 479.99. Thats almost 15% of my savings im going more for 5-10%

I was really thinking if you could score a used pair on Audiogon or ebay as they come up for sale from time to time when people upgrade to bigger speakers or move up the Usher line. But there are plenty of other options out there in your price range that others have already commented on. You might look at Paradigm as well they are well built and their bookshelf speakers are good for the dough.