Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    AR Newbie Registered Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Posts
    4

    How are these bookshelf speaker options?

    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
    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
    (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.

  2. #2
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Posts
    122
    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.

  3. #3
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Helotes,TX
    Posts
    771
    Quote Originally Posted by brandoD View Post
    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

    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.
    My audio lab:
    Qinpu A-6000 MK ll Integrated Amp
    Blue Marble Audio Speaker Wire
    Tannoy Mercury V4
    HHB CDR-850
    Grant Fidelity DAC-11/Phillips 7DJ8 tube

    Parasound Zamp V.3/Parasound ZPre2 Preamp
    Signal Cable Analog 2 Speaker Wire
    Dali Ikon 2 mk 2
    Marantz SACD/DVD DV6001
    Stello DA 100 Signature DAC

    HT:
    Arcam AVR 200
    Signal Cable Classic Speaker Cable
    Mirage Nanosat
    Rel R-528 Subwoofer
    Marantz SACD/DVD DV6001

    Various power cords, I.C.'s, optical, coax, and analog cables.

  4. #4
    AR Newbie Registered Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Posts
    4

    hmm

    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.

  5. #5
    Forum Regular harley .guy07's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Springfield, Mo
    Posts
    1,594
    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.

    Marantz SR5008(HT)
    Nu Force P8 Preamp (2 channel)
    Pass Labs X150.5(2 channel)
    Adcom 545 mk2 power amp(rear channel amp)
    Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S Mains Speakers
    Dayton 8" HO custom sealed subwoofer(2 channel)
    Yamaha NS-c444 center channel
    Emotiva ERD-1 surround speakers
    JBL e250p subwoofer highly modified
    Samsung 46" LED TV
    OPPO BDP-83 blue ray/multi format player
    ps-audio NuWave dac (2 channel)
    Dell I660 music server running fidelizer windows 8 audio optimizer
    PS Audio Quintet power center



  6. #6
    AR Newbie Registered Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Posts
    4
    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%

  7. #7
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    Take a look here for PSB speakers, Saturday Audio 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

    Here are some reviews-

    Epos Epic 2 loudspeaker Robert J. Reina | Stereophile.com

    Epos Epic 2 loudspeaker | Stereophile.com

    Epos Epic 2 - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums



    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.
    Last edited by blackraven; 06-03-2013 at 08:27 AM.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  8. #8
    Forum Regular harley .guy07's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Springfield, Mo
    Posts
    1,594
    Quote Originally Posted by brandoD View Post
    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.

    Marantz SR5008(HT)
    Nu Force P8 Preamp (2 channel)
    Pass Labs X150.5(2 channel)
    Adcom 545 mk2 power amp(rear channel amp)
    Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S Mains Speakers
    Dayton 8" HO custom sealed subwoofer(2 channel)
    Yamaha NS-c444 center channel
    Emotiva ERD-1 surround speakers
    JBL e250p subwoofer highly modified
    Samsung 46" LED TV
    OPPO BDP-83 blue ray/multi format player
    ps-audio NuWave dac (2 channel)
    Dell I660 music server running fidelizer windows 8 audio optimizer
    PS Audio Quintet power center



Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •