Bookshelf speakers under $200 for home gym

Hello guys/gals,

I am in search of a pair of bookshelf speakers to pair with my receiver and sub.

I'm looking for a 2.1 setup, as this system will only be used in my home gym.

I listen to a wide variety of music including: Rap, hip-hop, new era rock, classic rock, and dubstep.

I have been researching speakers in my price range for the past couple days, and the Polk RTi4's keep popping up.

I'd like the speakers to be ported in the front, and have a hole for a hook mount.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated,

Connor

Welcome to AudioReview! Check out the Pioneer SP-BS41-LR which is only $149 a pair. They received a good review in Sterophile magazine and might be available for less. I admit I do not know the location of the port.

I would consider these older model Boston Acoustics CS26. They have a very nice warmer sound and good punch. And at this price they are a steal. They perform well above their price point.

Audiophile Liquidator


If you can swing some extra cash, these PSB Aplha B-1's can be had for $240pr from Saturday Audio Look unde PSB specials and refurbished. They are B-stock and they are well reviewed in stereophile magazine

Unfortunately, both those speakers are rear ported and I don't think they have a hook hole.

Another question, the Polks I am looking at are bi-ampable. What exactly does this mean? Can I put more power towards them via a mini amp and receiver?

Biamping means you can hook up a separate amp to the Tweeter and one for the Woofer. I am not sure why they would make a $200pr of speakers that you an biamp or why you would even want to.

Another speaker to consider would be the Infinity Primus 152's or 162's. But definitely not in the same class as the BA's or PSB. I would not worry about the speaker being rear ported if you are going to use a sub. In fact, you could try stuffing the port with a piece of foam and it will tighten up the sound but decrease the bass some which would not be much of a concern with you using a sub. My Monitor Audio S1's have a port an it comes with a foam plug that improves the sound.

Check out Monitor Audio's Bronze 2's or BR2's. Front ported, 42 hz on the bottom and great mids. I've owned them for years and am still infatuated. Try DMC Electronics for discount pricing. They do on-line sales.

I guess I am looking for somthing simaller but my budget is around $300, I will be using the speakers for movies a lot and music. I am in a dorm room so I do not need anything huge. I have an excellent HDTV and need excellent sound.

I used to have logitechs z4 and they were great, but I want new speakers now

I was thinking of audioengins A5's but idk movie wise if there will be a problem with bass

And then I was thinking of getting the bose 5 2.1

And then I was thinking of getting a 5.1 receiver , 1 sub and 2 front facing speakers, and just upgrade as life goes on.

Hi ore00...you may want to consider the new Boston Acoustic line of speakers. Boston Acoustic was sold to the D&M holding company, and they are starting to design new lines....the price seems right also.

http://www.bostonacoustics.com/PDFs/A_series_lit.pdf

How about a pair of Cambridge Soundworks Model 6's? They are on sale right now for 149.99. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by Mark111867

How about a pair of Cambridge Soundworks Model 6's? They are on sale right now for 149.99. Good luck.

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Yes and I think they are acoustic suspension so no port to worry about. Better bass to integrate with a subwoofer.

I would take a good look at the the Infinity Primus P152 or P153 bookshelf speakers. I have the P150's and they are a great bang for the buck set of speakers. Front ported.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

So far, it looks like the Infinity's and Polks are the two front runners.

Keep the suggestions coming.

If its just for the gym, take a look at Ebay or other places online for closeout deals. The hook mount on the rear narrows your options.

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Originally Posted by shermanator

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

So far, it looks like the Infinity's and Polks are the two front runners.

Keep the suggestions coming.

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GMichael had a good suggestion with the Infinity's. I had forgotten about them.

Mordaunt Short Carnivals and Monitor Audio M1's are worth a look as are wharfedale diamond 9,1's

Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Bookshelf Speakers - Black (703339483406) | eBay

This helped me greatly, thank u