New Speaker Requirements

[Billiam62]

Now that I know that rear ported speakers will not function well in my listening room in my new house, I have to come up with a pair of speakers that either are not ported at all or have front ports.

I would like to find something that has a comparable sound to the Jamo line of speakers. Neutral to slightly warm but a balanced sound overall. Detail is good and the image is surprisingly well laid out.

Any suggestions? Would like to look at bookshelf speakers only and with a maximum price of $400.00 US.

Thanks.

[JohnMichael]

Here are your new speakers.

FOCAL CHORUS 705V BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS (PR) at Music Direct (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-41245-focal-chorus-705v-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx)

[Billiam62]

Here are your new speakers.

FOCAL CHORUS 705V BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS (PR) at Music Direct (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-41245-focal-chorus-705v-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx)

Only one serious flaw that I can see with this speaker. After reading the reviews it seems evident they are not suited to fill a mid to large size room with audio. The room I have to put my stereo system in is 14' by 14' with a 9' ceiling. Not sure this speaker will sound right in a room of that size. Otherwise it is exactly what I am looking for at this time.

Do you think it would work OK in a room of that size?

[JohnMichael]

My room is 12x15 for the living room and continues into the dining area so it is a fairly deep space. My speakers are about 2 1/2 feet from the back wall and I sit about 6 1/2 feet from the speakers. I would think more about the triangle of speakers and listening position more than overall room size. They are efficient and have good bass for their size.

People have used smaller speakers such as the BBC LS3/5A in their systems. I think within your budget constraints and where they will be in the room I think you will be pleased.

[blackraven]

There a quite a few speakers that will fit the bill. JM's recommendation is a good one. Others to consider are a pir of PSB B6's (they can be found as B stock here- Saturday Audio (http://www.saturdayaudio.com/) look under PSB specials then PSB refurbished. I bought a pair of these from here and they are a great speaker for the price, read the reviews.) Also consider a pair of the Monitor Audio Rx2's under Monitor Audio Specials and closeouts. They use a 7" woofer. I have a pair of the older S1's which have a 6.5" woofer and they have no problems filling my 17x17x12 bedroom with sound. They are a little pricier though.

B&W 685's are nice as are the Wharfedale Diamond 10.2's at Music Direct. You will need some power to drive the Diamonds though. Also take a look at their Focal 806v which is on sale but a little over your budget.

Here is a Monitor Audio Bronze in your budget-
Monitor Audio - Bronze BX-2 - 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers-Audio Advisor (http://www.audioadvisor.com/Monitor-Audio-Bronze-BX-2-2-Way-Bookshelf-Speakers/productinfo/MRBBX2/#.UzeDK6hdVGg)

If you have to stay with in your budget go with the PSB B6's or the Focals. The B6's have very good bass for a bookshelf and have a slightly warmer sound. They are a little forgiving of poorly recorded music. The B6's will be able to fill a large room with sound better than the Focal 705's. They are a bigger speaker with a larger woofer.

[Sir Terrence the Terrible]

People have used smaller speakers such as the BBC LS3/5A in their systems. I think within your budget constraints and where they will be in the room I think you will be pleased.

I have to agree with this statement. Being a proud owner of ATC, Harbeth, and a custom design based on the BBC LS3, the midrange and high frequencies are superb. Pair this design with a great subwoofer(these speakers don't do bass), and it will perform like a high quality wide range speaker.

[Billiam62]

I have to agree with this statement. Being a proud owner of ATC, Harbeth, and a custom design based on the BBC LS3, the midrange and high frequencies are superb. Pair this design with a great subwoofer(these speakers don't do bass), and it will perform like a high quality wide range speaker.

I will be using a T Class amp.

Topping TP60 Tripath TA2022 50WPC (80WPC 4 Ohm) Amplifier | 310-326 (http://www.parts-express.com/topping-tp60-tripath-ta2022-50wpc-(80wpc-4-ohm)-mini-amplifier--310-326)

Or

Dayton Audio DTA-120 Class T Digital Mini Amplifier 60 WPC | 300-3800 (http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-dta-120-class-t-digital-mini-amplifier-60-wpc--300-3800)

I am wondering how a subwoofer would sound and pair up with these amps. I tried a Castle Conway 3 tower with an existing Topping T21 T amp and it could not drive those very well at all. Works well with bookshelf speakers though. I have heard the crossover networks in speakers (more than a 2 way) present issues for these amps.

That being said the Focal, PSB or MA Bronze sound like perfect speakers for this amp and my listening tastes. As luck would have it I live pretty close to Chicago and could drive there to pick up a PSB on sale.

Once my tax refund gets here I will make a decision about which speaker to buy. Most likely will go with what is still on sale since I want to spend the least amount of money possible for the best speaker at that price.

[Billiam62]

My room is 12x15 for the living room and continues into the dining area so it is a fairly deep space. My speakers are about 2 1/2 feet from the back wall and I sit about 6 1/2 feet from the speakers. I would think more about the triangle of speakers and listening position more than overall room size. They are efficient and have good bass for their size.

People have used smaller speakers such as the BBC LS3/5A in their systems. I think within your budget constraints and where they will be in the room I think you will be pleased.

Thanks. This may work then. It's on my short list now.

[Billiam62]

There a quite a few speakers that will fit the bill. JM's recommendation is a good one. Others to consider are a pir of PSB B6's (they can be found as B stock here- Saturday Audio (http://www.saturdayaudio.com/) look under PSB specials then PSB refurbished. I bought a pair of these from here and they are a great speaker for the price, read the reviews.) Also consider a pair of the Monitor Audio Rx2's under Monitor Audio Specials and closeouts. They use a 7" woofer. I have a pair of the older S1's which have a 6.5" woofer and they have no problems filling my 17x17x12 bedroom with sound. They are a little pricier though.

B&W 685's are nice as are the Wharfedale Diamond 10.2's at Music Direct. You will need some power to drive the Diamonds though. Also take a look at their Focal 806v which is on sale but a little over your budget.

Here is a Monitor Audio Bronze in your budget-
Monitor Audio - Bronze BX-2 - 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers-Audio Advisor (http://www.audioadvisor.com/Monitor-Audio-Bronze-BX-2-2-Way-Bookshelf-Speakers/productinfo/MRBBX2/#.UzeDK6hdVGg)

If you have to stay with in your budget go with the PSB B6's or the Focals. The B6's have very good bass for a bookshelf and have a slightly warmer sound. They are a little forgiving of poorly recorded music. The B6's will be able to fill a large room with sound better than the Focal 705's. They are a bigger speaker with a larger woofer.

PSB looks promising since I live pretty close to the Saturday Audio store. I think the new Wharfdale 10.1 has a rear port though the older 9.1 does not. Basing this upon what I saw in a review.

[JohnMichael]

The Focal's have that midrange warmth you would like.

[Billiam62]

The Focal's have that midrange warmth you would like.

Excellent. Just did some quick research on the PSB Image line and it appears they are rear ported. Since I did not see a port on the front images on the PSB website, I will have to rule out that line.

[blackraven]

Excellent. Just did some quick research on the PSB Image line and it appears they are rear ported. Since I did not see a port on the front images on the PSB website, I will have to rule out that line.

That's too bad because they are a great speaker for the price. If you are going to use a sub, then you can plug up the rear port and it will tighten up the sound but give you less bass.

We have the PSB's 8"-10" from the rear wall on speaker stands and they sound great.

Just remember if you are planning on using a sub, that those 2 amps you are looking at have no line out for a sub. You will need a sub that has speaker level inputs unless you eventually decide to use a preamp with those amps.

Those wharfedale 10.1's have a sensitivity of 86db. Those 2 little amps will have a hard time getting the most out of the W's. I would look elsewhere.

You should give a listen to these-
DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY STUDIO MONITOR 55 SPEAKERS **DEMO** at Music Direct (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-211212-definitive-technology-studio-monitor-55-speakers-demo.aspx)

SoundStage! Global | SoundStageGlobal.com | DefTech's Surprising StudioMonitor 55 (http://www.soundstageglobal.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=177:deftechs-surprising-studiomonitor-55&catid=72&Itemid=209)

I have a pair of the promonitor 1000 and they have the passive bass radiator on top and it works great at extending the bass.

Its kind of crazy that they have those speakers paired with probably over $20,000 of Pass Labs monoblock amps. They would make any speaker sound good

[Billiam62]

BlackRaven. The SM55 looks like a possibility as well. I don't think the top sided passive radiator will be too much of a problem even in the recessed area of the room where I have to locate the speaker. Will do more research on it. As long as the high end is not bright like Klipsch, it would probably work.

I still have my Qinpu A3 amp. Plan to use that along with the T class amp. The Qinpu easily drives my 6 ohm 86 db sensitivity Jamo C601 speakers and I don't need to get the volume turned up past about 10 AM to get plenty of loudness for my taste. If worse comes to worse, I can switch amps out but I just have to be sure to have no rear port on my next pair of speakers. Won't work right in the living room.

[blackraven]

If you have a Best Buy store near you, you may be able to listen to the SM55's.

Here is a stereophile review of them.

Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 55 loudspeaker | Stereophile.com (http://www.stereophile.com/content/definitive-technology-studiomonitor-55-loudspeaker)

[Billiam62]

If you have a Best Buy store near you, you may be able to listen to the SM55's.

Here is a stereophile review of them.

Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 55 loudspeaker | Stereophile.com (http://www.stereophile.com/content/definitive-technology-studiomonitor-55-loudspeaker)


I will see if they are carried in a local store. Noted Stereophile gives the SM 45 a big thumbs up and a endorsement in its price category. After reading this I got to thinking if I can figure out a way to block the recessed area of the living room next to the fireplace with a large book case and fill it with my books. I am thinking that might make the room more accoustically friendly for a rear ported speaker, which the SM 54 happens to be.

Trying to find a front ported or non ported speaker these days is a real pain in the neck. And it seems as though there are even fewer of these in the higher priced speaker categories.

[blackraven]

One thing to consider if you are planning on getting a sub is to skip the sub and put more money to the speakers. The Focal 806's are front ported and a great deal at music direct.

FOCAL CHORUS 806V BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS (PR) at Music Direct (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-139677-focal-chorus-806v-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx?source=igodigital&)

or the 807's-

FOCAL CHORUS 807V BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS (PR) at Music Direct (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-139678-focal-chorus-807v-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx?source=igodigital&)

or the NHT Classic 3's and Classic 2's which are non ported

NHT - Classic Model Three-Audio Advisor (http://www.audioadvisor.com/NHT-Classic-Model-Three/productinfo/1NHT3/#.Uzn8-qhdVGg)

[Billiam62]

One thing to consider if you are planning on getting a sub is to skip the sub and put more money to the speakers. The Focal 806's are front ported and a great deal at music direct.

FOCAL CHORUS 806V BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS (PR) at Music Direct (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-139677-focal-chorus-806v-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx?source=igodigital&)

or the 807's-

FOCAL CHORUS 807V BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS (PR) at Music Direct (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-139678-focal-chorus-807v-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx?source=igodigital&)

or the NHT Classic 3's and Classic 2's which are non ported

NHT - Classic Model Three-Audio Advisor (http://www.audioadvisor.com/NHT-Classic-Model-Three/productinfo/1NHT3/#.Uzn8-qhdVGg)

Thanks. No, not planning on a subwoofer at this time. Would only do that if I bought the Super Zero 2.1which has no real bass to speak.

Read the Stereophile comments on the SM 55. Sounds like the high end on it will not be to my liking. Not refined at all according to the write up in the latest edition of the magazine. Overall a great speaker but for my sensitive ears I absolutely have to have a refined high end. The Focal is a better match in this regard.

I am going to check with someone that has very good knowledge about room acoustics to see if by putting a large book case in the corner recess of the room, I can make it more acoustic friendly for a rear ported speaker.

[JohnMichael]

My Focal 806's have good bass. Check the ratings of the Focal 705 & 706 in The Absolute Sound.

Focal Chorus 706V Loudspeaker | The Absolute Sound (http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/focal-chorus-706v-loudspeaker/)

The Focal 705's have been included in their annual listing of products with the 706's.

[blackraven]

If you can find a pair or Audio Note bookshelf speakers, they are made to be placed in a corner.

[Billiam62]

My Focal 806's have good bass. Check the ratings of the Focal 705 & 706 in The Absolute Sound.

Focal Chorus 706V Loudspeaker | The Absolute Sound (http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/focal-chorus-706v-loudspeaker/)

The Focal 705's have been included in their annual listing of products with the 706's.

Yes, the Focal 705v definitely interests me. The reviews I've read seem to suggest it has the right kind of high end and midrange that will suit my taste. Bass should be adequate. I don't need heavy bass that will shake a room but something that is a bit punchy yet balanced without over riding the lower midrange works for me.

[JohnMichael]

If you can find a pair or Audio Note bookshelf speakers, they are made to be placed in a corner.


Way out of his budget.

[blackraven]

Way out of his budget.


Yep, but a few months ago a saw a pair of used AN's on audiogon for about $600.

Here are a couple of good deals on some used Paradigms-

Paradigm Monitor 3 Black Ash | Monitors | Kettering, Ohio 45429 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community (http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-paradigm-monitor-3-black-ash-2014-03-28-speakers-45429)

Paradigm Mini Monitor V2 With VTI Stands As New | Monitors | Carefree, 85377 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community (http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-paradigm-mini-monitor-v2-with-vti-stands-as-new-2014-03-22-speakers-85377)

And these B&W's-

B&W CDM-1 SE Light Cherry | Monitors | Dutton, Michigan 49316 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community (http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-b-w-cdm-1-se-light-cherry-2014-03-28-speakers-49316-dutton-mi)

[Billiam62]

Yep, but a few months ago a saw a pair of used AN's on audiogon for about $600.

Here are a couple of good deals on some used Paradigms-

Paradigm Monitor 3 Black Ash | Monitors | Kettering, Ohio 45429 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community (http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-paradigm-monitor-3-black-ash-2014-03-28-speakers-45429)

Paradigm Mini Monitor V2 With VTI Stands As New | Monitors | Carefree, 85377 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community (http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-paradigm-mini-monitor-v2-with-vti-stands-as-new-2014-03-22-speakers-85377)

And these B&W's-

B&W CDM-1 SE Light Cherry | Monitors | Dutton, Michigan 49316 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community (http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-b-w-cdm-1-se-light-cherry-2014-03-28-speakers-49316-dutton-mi)

Hey, thanks for these links. I will do some research on these particular models. I've heard of the Paradigm Mini Monitor but not the B and W model. Price is in the ballpark on each of these.

[JohnMichael]

Yes, the Focal 705v definitely interests me. The reviews I've read seem to suggest it has the right kind of high end and midrange that will suit my taste. Bass should be adequate. I don't need heavy bass that will shake a room but something that is a bit punchy yet balanced without over riding the lower midrange works for me.


Music Direct offers a 30 day trial. I would check to be sure if that is true with close out models. Hearing them in your room first would be good.

[blackraven]

Here is a review of the B&W's-

B&W Compact Domestic Monitor 1 loudspeaker Sam Tellig, December 1998 | Stereophile.com (http://www.stereophile.com/content/bw-compact-domestic-monitor-1-loudspeaker-sam-tellig-december-1998)

[JohnMichael]

Here is a review of the B&W's-

B&W Compact Domestic Monitor 1 loudspeaker Sam Tellig, December 1998 | Stereophile.com (http://www.stereophile.com/content/bw-compact-domestic-monitor-1-loudspeaker-sam-tellig-december-1998)


So potentially the speakers are 16 years old? If you did not hear that model before when new how would you know if the speaker was still performing to spec?

[Billiam62]

Music Direct offers a 30 day trial. I would check to be sure if that is true with close out models. Hearing them in your room first would be good.

Excellent. I am really leaning towards the Focal 705v or 706v at this point. After seeing the cost to get a wooden book case with doors to fill in that gap it might be easier just to stick with the original plan to use a front ported or no ported speaker. I have to go locate the AC outlets in that room too before I commit to anything. Will do that this weekend.

Do you know if Music Direct has a showroom which would allow me to go in to pick them up and buy them? I live about 3 hours from Chicago right now.

[Billiam62]

I have to admit I don't know if I want to buy speakers that are 16 years old regardless of how good they sound or their condition. I seem to recall that older speakers often times can have their sound change (as JM has pointed out) and worse, start to see physical deterioration of the cones, especially the woofer and also the foam inside the box. I don't think I would even consider buying anything over 8 to 10 years old at this point.

[JohnMichael]

Excellent. I am really leaning towards the Focal 705v or 706v at this point. After seeing the cost to get a wooden book case with doors to fill in that gap it might be easier just to stick with the original plan to use a front ported or no ported speaker. I have to go locate the AC outlets in that room too before I commit to anything. Will do that this weekend.

Do you know if Music Direct has a showroom which would allow me to go in to pick them up and buy them? I live about 3 hours from Chicago right now.

Yes they have a showroom. I was invited to visit when I was in Chicago. Sadly I was a distance from them. Nice folks to deal with and they take good care of their customers.

[JohnMichael]

I have to admit I don't know if I want to buy speakers that are 16 years old regardless of how good they sound or their condition. I seem to recall that older speakers often times can have their sound change (as JM has pointed out) and worse, start to see physical deterioration of the cones, especially the woofer and also the foam inside the box. I don't think I would even consider buying anything over 8 to 10 years old at this point.

Materials do deteriorate. Spiders and suspensions can age. Crossover components values can change. Adhesives can weaken and who wants to receive a speaker where the magnet has separated from the woofer. Worst case scenario but things that can happen with older speakers.

[Billiam62]

Just curious. I noticed a local store has the Infinity Primus bookshelves on sale. I used to believe Infinity speakers are bright but some reviews of these seemed to indicate the entire Primus line is warm sounding.

Are these speakers any good if they are discounted from the regular price? Will they even be in the same ball park as the Focal 705v?

[JohnMichael]

Just curious. I noticed a local store has the Infinity Primus bookshelves on sale. I used to believe Infinity speakers are bright but some reviews of these seemed to indicate the entire Primus line is warm sounding.

Are these speakers any good if they are discounted from the regular price? Will they even be in the same ball park as the Focal 705v?

This is purely speculation on my part but owning a speaker with a metal coned mid/woofer and woofer you will not have the midrange warmth of the Focal's.

[blackraven]

I bought a pair of the Primus 160's for my daughter. They are good for a cheap budget system or HT but if you are wanting quality sound, look elsewhere. It is the only speaker that I have when hooked to my reference system where the sound only mildly improved. I would rather have a pair of the well regarded cheap Pioneer bookshelfs.

Pioneer SP-BS22-LR loudspeaker | Stereophile.com (http://www.stereophile.com/content/pioneer-sp-bs22-lr-loudspeaker)

Go with the Focal's or the Monitor Audio's and be done with it. Music Direct and Audio Advisor have 30 day return policy's.

[Billiam62]

I was just curious. I recall hearing Infinity in the 80's and thought they sounded too much like Klipsch speakers. Most likely it will be the Focal or possibly the MA's.

[blackraven]

Infinity use to make great speakers in the 70's and early 80's. Eventually the Harmon group bought them and now they make low end speakers.

[Billiam62]

Infinity use to make great speakers in the 70's and early 80's. Eventually the Harmon group bought them and now they make low end speakers.

Never heard of Harmon. I recall hearing Infinity speakers in the late 80's and they reminded me of Klipsch at least where the sound of their high end was concerned. On that subject. I wonder if Klipsch will now run Jamo into the ground or turn them into a second rate speaker company. They wiped out Mirage which made excellent speakers until a decade ago or about the time Klipsch bought them.

Probably the only way I won't buy either the Focal or MA speakers is if I can find a cost effective way to put a large book case with wooden doors into the recessed area of the living room. If I do that, then I will look at rear ported speakers again since I have some great options available including Jamo's Concert series speakers or Dali Zensor 1's at reasonable prices.

[JohnMichael]

Never heard of Harmon. I recall hearing Infinity speakers in the late 80's and they reminded me of Klipsch at least where the sound of their high end was concerned. On that subject. I wonder if Klipsch will now run Jamo into the ground or turn them into a second rate speaker company. They wiped out Mirage which made excellent speakers until a decade ago or about the time Klipsch bought them.

Probably the only way I won't buy either the Focal or MA speakers is if I can find a cost effective way to put a large book case with wooden doors into the recessed area of the living room. If I do that, then I will look at rear ported speakers again since I have some great options available including Jamo's Concert series speakers or Dali Zensor 1's at reasonable prices.


If you want a great rear ported speaker check out the JBL Studio 530's. As far as Harman Int. they are the parent company of Revel, Infinity, JBL, Harman Kardon, Mark levinson and AKG.

The MA's will not give you the midrange warmth that the Focal's will.

The Studio 530's are currently on sale through JBL fro $479 a pair.

[Billiam62]

If you want a great rear ported speaker check out the JBL Studio 530's. As far as Harman Int. they are the parent company of Revel, Infinity, JBL, Harman Kardon, Mark levinson and AKG.

The MA's will not give you the midrange warmth that the Focal's will.

The Studio 530's are currently on sale through JBL fro $479 a pair.

Thanks. Yes, I gave thought to the 530's a while back but shelved the idea of buying any speakers until I had a better idea of what would work in the living room in my new home. I know that you think very highly of them and mentioned despite having a horn tweeter, it is not a bright speaker. Will keep these in mind again if I can find a way to block the recessed area with a good sized book case with doors.

I really like the Jamo speakers and know I will like the Dali's as well. If the JBL's are anything like them I will probably want to buy them. Would probably be easier than finding the Concert Series by Jamo these days.

[Billiam62]

The following is a great speaker. Auditioned it while at Parts Express a few weeks ago. Unfortunately they are only suited for a small room up to 150 square feet and my room being large with high ceilings won't lend itself well to the use of this speaker. If anyone is in the market for a great speaker for a small room give this one a look.

Dayton Audio RS621CK Speaker Kit Pair Cherry | 302-962 (http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-rs621ck-speaker-kit-pair-cherry--302-962)

[Billiam62]

Have done so more reading on the Focal 705v speaker. Someone that owns JBL Studio 330's said they sound almost identical except that the Focal is a bit more "air" around the mid range and high end while the JBL is punchier.

As luck would have it I think the current house is going to be a temporary stay. I am going to be shopping for another house thanks to an issue that cropped up there on April 4. I found out on April 5. I will be looking for a more acoustically friendly environment for rear ported speakers this time.