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  1. #1
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    Best looking (first) and great sounding (second) bookshelf for $1000

    So,
    I have been hunting for a great bookshelf for $1000 (plus or minus 10-15%). This is going to be a pseudo lifestyle system, as it will be front and center in our main living space. So, while I do want the speakers to sound great, I also require they look great as well.

    I've posted in other threads about the Von Schweikert VR-1, as I thought I had found the perfect speaker for me. The speaker cabinet finish is drop dead gorgeous and they sound great. Finally, I am considering going with a tube amp, and thus that was also part of why the VR-1s were such a find...looks great, sounds great, and efficient. Alas, they have been discontinued. While I might consider used I wanted to buy new. So, what are your bookshelf speaker picks for right about $1000 that look great and sound great as well. To give you and idea of what I mean by "looks great" here are a few other options I have been through.

    1. Von Schweikert VR-1 - perfect, but discontinued.
    2. Totem Rainmaker - looks good, didn't love the sound, not so sure about efficiency for tube amp.
    3. Onix reference Monitor 1 - looks pretty good, nervous about buying online from a company that has not been around that long (but maybe I could get over this). Also, at 4 ohms, would these be a reasonable match for a tube amp?

    So, the traits shared by the above are a wonderful cabinet finish, good full range sound reproduction, and a relatively petite bookshelf design. So, what other speakers are out there that are in the same category as the above speakers.

  2. #2
    I took a headstart... basite's Avatar
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    welcome to the forums

    Monitor audio GS 10, preferably in piano black
    or Dali Mentor 2
    or Dynaudio Focus 140?
    or some kef's higher priced series...
    B&W 705's
    Sonus Faber concertino domus...

    you could start with them

    Keep them spinning,
    Bert.
    Life is music!

    Mcintosh MA6400 Integrated
    Double Advent speakers
    Thiel CS2.3's
    *DIY Lenco L75 TT
    * SME 3012 S2
    * Rega RB-301
    *Denon DL-103 in midas body
    *Denon DL-304
    *Graham slee elevator EXP & revelation
    *Lehmann audio black cube SE
    Marantz CD5001 OSE
    MIT AVt 2 IC's
    Sonic link Black earth IC's
    Siltech MXT New york IC's
    Kimber 4VS speakercable
    Furutech powercord and plugs.

    I'm a happy 20 year old...

  3. #3
    Class of the clown GMichael's Avatar
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    Don't be afraid to try any of the speakers you like from Onix (AV123). They are a great company to deal with. If you end up not liking anything about the speakers you buy, you can return them within 30 days for a full refund.
    I love the speakers I bought from them, but they are not bookshelf types. Did you look into the Rockes?
    WARNING! - The Surgeon General has determined that, time spent listening to music is not deducted from one's lifespan.

  4. #4
    Shostakovich fan Feanor's Avatar
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    Limitation

    Quote Originally Posted by ptoomey
    So,
    I have been hunting for a great bookshelf for $1000 (plus or minus 10-15%). This is going to be a pseudo lifestyle system, as it will be front and center in our main living space. So, while I do want the speakers to sound great, I also require they look great as well.

    I've posted in other threads about the Von Schweikert VR-1, as I thought I had found the perfect speaker for me. The speaker cabinet finish is drop dead gorgeous and they sound great. Finally, I am considering going with a tube amp, and thus that was also part of why the VR-1s were such a find...looks great, sounds great, and efficient. Alas, they have been discontinued. While I might consider used I wanted to buy new. So, what are your bookshelf speaker picks for right about $1000 that look great and sound great as well. To give you and idea of what I mean by "looks great" here are a few other options I have been through.

    1. Von Schweikert VR-1 - perfect, but discontinued.
    2. Totem Rainmaker - looks good, didn't love the sound, not so sure about efficiency for tube amp.
    3. Onix reference Monitor 1 - looks pretty good, nervous about buying online from a company that has not been around that long (but maybe I could get over this). Also, at 4 ohms, would these be a reasonable match for a tube amp?

    So, the traits shared by the above are a wonderful cabinet finish, good full range sound reproduction, and a relatively petite bookshelf design. So, what other speakers are out there that are in the same category as the above speakers.
    For with a tube amp you probably want 89+dB sensitivity which would rule out any of the Totems and many other bookshelve speakers, since that format tends to be inefficient. Of course, if you expect to keep the volume relatively low, there are a lot that come in around 86-87dB and are under or around $1K and look quite nice. Just few examples:
    • Paradigm Studio 20
    • PSB G-Design GB1
    • NHT Classic 3

  5. #5
    Forum Regular jim goulding's Avatar
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    Pt . .

    Are you gonna stand mount these? What is the output of the amp you've got your eye on? Is this for audio only or A/V. The higher the output the more flexibilty you will have in the speakers you choose. Robert Harley seemed very impressed with the Focal Chorus 706V in the most recent issue of The Absolute Sound. They are a two-way design using a 6.5" mid/bass driver so you will get respectible full range and have 90db sensitivity. And they are just $595 a pair.

    The Metronome 7.7 Mark 5 would be my choice for under $1k (they are $850.00 direct from the manufacturer) but they have an eniqmatic look that might not have enough appeal for you but they're sure to be a conversation piece. They are physically time aligned for a seemless transition between dirvers and they are also a sealed box enclosure design which will give you tighter bass with more timbre than their ported contemporaries.

    There are lots of tube intergrated amplifiers out there that will give you 50 watts a channel or so. I'm partial to the Prima Luna Prologue Two based on all of the wonderful reviews this thing is getting here and overseas and the price. I'm interested to know why you are interested in tubes. The Prologue is self biasing, by the way.

    NHT Classic Two's would be a speaker recommendation, also.

  6. #6
    Suspended topspeed's Avatar
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    Usher X-719 - Likely the most dynamic of this group with real energy in the lower octaves. If you like VSA, you'll likely appreciate Usher. Variable wood and color finishes (even screaming yellow!)



    Tyler Acoutics - gorgeous wood work and top notch components.
    Taylo Mini's (the price is a bit high, but negotiate. It can be done.)


    PD10's are perfect for a lower power tube amp (8ohm, 97dB's)


    Quad 12L - very fast sound, beautiful fit and finish, excellent coherence top to bottom, legendary name in audio.

  7. #7
    Can a crooner get a gig? dean_martin's Avatar
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    I second both the Focal-JM Lab and Quad recommendations. Also, you might search out a Triangle dealer and audition the Comete. I've seen Vienna Acoustics' Haydns in Best Buy stores that have the Magnolia HT room/dept. I'm not sure if they're as efficient or as good a match with tubes as the other 3.

    http://www.sumikoaudio.net/va/prod_haydn.htm#spec

  8. #8
    Class of the clown GMichael's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by topspeed
    Usher X-719 - Likely the most dynamic of this group with real energy in the lower octaves. If you like VSA, you'll likely appreciate Usher. Variable wood and color finishes (even screaming yellow!)



    Tyler Acoutics - gorgeous wood work and top notch components.
    Taylo Mini's (the price is a bit high, but negotiate. It can be done.)


    PD10's are perfect for a lower power tube amp (8ohm, 97dB's)


    Quad 12L - very fast sound, beautiful fit and finish, excellent coherence top to bottom, legendary name in audio.
    I have a friend who had the Usher X-719 for a few months. I liked them better than the ML's he replaced them with.
    WARNING! - The Surgeon General has determined that, time spent listening to music is not deducted from one's lifespan.

  9. #9
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    You might take a look at these from Ascend Acoustics. Not the
    best looking, but the nataural finish looks pretty good...vardo

    http://ascendacoustics.com/pages/pro...SRM1/srm1.html

  10. #10
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    I'm liking the Quads and Vienna Acoutics so far

    Ok,
    So, the quads look amazing, seem reasonably priced, and look fairly efficient. How do you think these would mate with a Jolida 302B integrated tube amp? In order to demo the pair I'll likely need to purchase at least one (probably the Jolida). Also, I noticed on Quad's site that they have the 12L and the 12L2. A quick call to a dealer leads me to believe the 12L2 is a replacement...correct?

    With regards to either of these choices and tube amplification...The quads are rated at 88db efficiency and a nominal impedance of 6 ohms. The Vienna Acoustics are 89db at 4 ohms. The efficiency ratings seem in line with what I've read for more powerful tubes (the Jolida is 50W per channel). However, what about the impedance rating? I don't listen to music at rattling levels...mostly fairly casual listening.

    Thanks,
    Patrick

  11. #11
    Suspended topspeed's Avatar
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    The Soundstage! review of the 302 noted that while it does provide 4 ohm taps, it sounded better with 8 ohm speakers on the 8 ohm taps. It's not that the amp wasn't stable, it simply wasn't as good. Tubes are fickle and require more thought in matching with speakers, which is why I always suggest picking the speakers first and then finding the right amp. I'd probably pass on the Vienna's. BTW, you'll note in the article one of the reference speakers was the Taylo, a speaker that seemed to lock in with the Jolida. Tyler Acoustics is a brand worth seeking out for audition.

    'Course, my vote is still for the used VR-1 .

  12. #12
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    So, the Quad's are 6 ohm, and the website says that they are "compatible with 8 ohm amplifier outputs". So, might this be a fine balance? Anyone out there running Quads with a Jolida integrated. If not, anyone else have a good suggestion for an integrated tube amp (at $1000 or less) that would be a good match for the Quads?

    Quote Originally Posted by topspeed
    The Soundstage! review of the 302 noted that while it does provide 4 ohm taps, it sounded better with 8 ohm speakers on the 8 ohm taps. It's not that the amp wasn't stable, it simply wasn't as good. Tubes are fickle and require more thought in matching with speakers, which is why I always suggest picking the speakers first and then finding the right amp. I'd probably pass on the Vienna's. BTW, you'll note in the article one of the reference speakers was the Taylo, a speaker that seemed to lock in with the Jolida. Tyler Acoustics is a brand worth seeking out for audition.

    'Course, my vote is still for the used VR-1 .

  13. #13
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    I am doing tons of googling on the Quads and found a number of people comment that the Quads are great for orchesteral, but may not be your cup of tea if vocalists are your priority. Well, I actually do emphasize vocals over orchesteral music. Any comments about this? What, of the above speakers everyone has mentioned, is known for vocals.

    Patrick

  14. #14
    Suspended PeruvianSkies's Avatar
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    The Usher X719 is very cool looking, but I have never heard one. If I were going just by what has been recommended thus far in terms of looks, this would be the winner, but again.....I haven't heard it and I consider that to be a higher priority over looks. Obviously you put that second in your priority, so maybe this is a good candidate. Hopefully you can hear a set.

  15. #15
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Like Topspeed and GMichael said, the Usher X-719 is my choice. I spent the afternoon with the X-719, the VR1, the Totem Rainmaker, and the Consonance Eric 1. The X-719 just did everything so well. Had the kind of bass you would expect from a floorstander and a soundstage that filled the room. Now this is not to say that the other speakers sounded bad. Each of the other speakers sounded very good and I would be very happy with any one of them in my listening room.

  16. #16
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by topspeed
    Usher X-719 - Likely the most dynamic of this group with real energy in the lower octaves. If you like VSA, you'll likely appreciate Usher. Variable wood and color finishes (even screaming yellow!)



    Tyler Acoutics - gorgeous wood work and top notch components.
    Taylo Mini's (the price is a bit high, but negotiate. It can be done.)


    PD10's are perfect for a lower power tube amp (8ohm, 97dB's)


    Quad 12L - very fast sound, beautiful fit and finish, excellent coherence top to bottom, legendary name in audio.
    [img]
    http://edu.pudasjarvi.fi/~mokkula/images/Hifi/Quad%2012L.jpg[/img]

    Hey Topspeed, If you were getting the X-719's, which color would you go for. The red has me very intrigued, though I would like to see them first. Thanks

  17. #17
    RGA
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    Well beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I have found that if the sound is good the speaker will start to LOOK a heckuva lot better and if the sound is poor then no matter how pretty they are they will soon look ugly.

    The Audio Note AX Two was designed for SETs and sounds quite excellent with Jolida -- very popular combination. Now they look utilitarian but come in a different finishes. They sound excellent with all sorts of acoustic music and punch way way beyond the price class. Comparing say the B&W 705, Totem Model One, Paradigm Studio 20, all of which cost a lot more and using piano - a very difficult instrument the AX Two was in our view easily the best at producing the tranisent and the decay of the instrument as well as the vocals without hardness or early compression.

    But like I say it is not as pretty as most and I am not sure thatthey come with front grills - so you will see the drivers on Audio Note speakers (because they're meant to be listened to without the grills).

    http://www.audionote.co.uk/products/.../ax-2_01.shtml

  18. #18
    Shostakovich fan Feanor's Avatar
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    Handsome is as handsome does

    Quote Originally Posted by RGA
    Well beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I have found that if the sound is good the speaker will start to LOOK a heckuva lot better and if the sound is poor then no matter how pretty they are they will soon look ugly.
    ...
    But like I say it is not as pretty as most and I am not sure thatthey come with front grills - so you will see the drivers on Audio Note speakers (because they're meant to be listened to without the grills).

    http://www.audionote.co.uk/products/.../ax-2_01.shtml
    IMO, grills are necessary to satisfy the esthetic taste of "wives", (using the term loosely to describe non-audio enthusiasts). That excludes the Audio Note from present consideration along with some others, e.g. the Tylers if I'm not mistaken.

    Apart from that, the Audio Notes do resemble plywood boxes, (aren't they plywood boxes?), with Radio Shack drivers. But, hey, handsome is as handsome does.

  19. #19
    Class of the clown GMichael's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Feanor
    IMO, grills are necessary to satisfy the esthetic taste of "wives", (using the term loosely to describe non-audio enthusiasts). That excludes the Audio Note from present consideration along with some others, e.g. the Tylers if I'm not mistaken.

    Apart from that, the Audio Notes do resemble plywood boxes, (aren't they plywood boxes?), with Radio Shack drivers. But, hey, handsome is as handsome does.
    Doh.....
    WARNING! - The Surgeon General has determined that, time spent listening to music is not deducted from one's lifespan.

  20. #20
    Suspended topspeed's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jack
    Hey Topspeed, If you were getting the X-719's, which color would you go for. The red has me very intrigued, though I would like to see them first. Thanks
    It depends on your decor and aesthetic sensibilities. If you saw Westcott's room in his thread, I think the red or yellow would match famously with his artwork and new projection screen cover. I prefer much more subdued, classic tones such as dark cherry wood (my B&W's) or African Hazelwood (my Von Schweikerts). My choice would be piano black with natural cherry. Classy yet has enough modern "pop" from the wood appliques. Red and yellow need to be set in modern decor, otherwise they'll simply dominate the room.

  21. #21
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by topspeed
    It depends on your decor and aesthetic sensibilities. If you saw Westcott's room in his thread, I think the red or yellow would match famously with his artwork and new projection screen cover. I prefer much more subdued, classic tones such as dark cherry wood (my B&W's) or African Hazelwood (my Von Schweikerts). My choice would be piano black with natural cherry. Classy yet has enough modern "pop" from the wood appliques. Red and yellow need to be set in modern decor, otherwise they'll simply dominate the room.
    You make a good point. I was thinking of the speakers alone without any regards to my listening room. My accent wall is a deep maroon color and all my equipment is on that wall. I don't think the red would be a good match. Do you know what wood finishes are available? On the Usher website when you click on available finishes you get the red, yellow, etc. I like the Mahogany Birch that is on the "V" series.

  22. #22
    Suspended topspeed's Avatar
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    Sorry, I don't. I checked their website as well and they may not offer options on the wood anymore. You'll have to call your dealer on that one. With a maroon background, I'd stick to the gloss black body.

  23. #23
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by topspeed
    Sorry, I don't. I checked their website as well and they may not offer options on the wood anymore. You'll have to call your dealer on that one. With a maroon background, I'd stick to the gloss black body.
    I see that the matching stands (RWS 729) come in Birch and Walnut. That may be the available speaker choices also. I agree with you, the Gloss Black is the way to go. I will make another trip to the dealer just to discuss finishes and of course to listen to the X-719's again. The dealer also carries Von Schweikert. I'd like to know what is taking the place of the VR1's.

  24. #24
    Forum Regular jim goulding's Avatar
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    Those Ushers looked so inviting on Topspeed's reply that I visited their website as you may have, too. I think they meet one of your requirements pretty near hands down but they are a tad higher than the cost window as I read your desription. One of the things they use in their description is a 7" paper mid/bass driver. The size should translate to very respectable in room bass but don't dismiss the paper material for the mid/bass driver. Paper cones are light, quick, and stiff. Improved in some cases with the use of carbon fiber coating or impregnation. The fact that they start with paper makes them all the more interesting in my experience.

    Some dealers, perhaps even some online dealers, will let you audition at home, Nothing shabby about that, huh? I've always had to pay them upfront and got my money back when I returned them. I would recommend returning them on time, for sure. I've never paid a penalty- there is usually a 30 day money back anyway, it's just that it's in MY best interest that you do!

    I believe Usher's site said they are $1300 a pair. They may be worthy of the stretch. The certainly look like a keeper! See if you can find a reivew for more info. I don't remember if there were any links on Usher's site or not.

  25. #25
    RGA
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    Yes as a matter of fact the AX Two does use plywood - the particular material costs more than MDF and the Russian Birch models cost far more than ANY MDF currently available by anyone.

    The drivers in the AX Two are modest Vifa drivers but at least Vifa is a specialist in the driver making business and has been for decades. The cabinets are hand made in Denmark and matched to very tight tolerances under .3db across their full bandwidth which is critical to get an integrated sound of drivers. This may be a reaosn why the instruments sound coherent unlike speakers like the 705 where the tweeter is heard separate of the woofer. And the 705 is supposedly one of the better standmounts which makes me wonder about so many of them.

    However the AX Two is not going to impress in cabinet appearance or how expensive the drivers are, or the technobabble. They use a paper woofer and foam surrounds and the company chose that because it gets the desired sound they want.

    Peper typically offers far more advantages for sound reproduction than any of the other materials currently being used with the exception of tweeters.

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