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  1. #1
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    Looking for some small bookshelf

    I am looking to upgrade my current kitchen speakers and I am trying to keep the price below 400 if I can. I am most likely going to power them with a Creek 4140s2 integrated amp.

    I'd love to hear from anybody who has some ideas or good reviews on a pair they have. I am hoping to keep the size as small as possible. I auditioned a pair of Audioengine 5 speakers and was thouroughly disappointed. I'm looking to improve on a pair of Boston Acoustics HD5s. They actually sound ok, but the faux wood is just not cutting it with the wife.

    Right now, I am looking at a pair of Axiom M2 v3.

    http://www.axiomaudio.com/m2.html#

    Thanks!

  2. #2
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    The Audio Engine need break in time. I've only heard the amplified versions but I thought they were very good.

    Acoustic Energy isn't in my area any more but they used to have some nice sounding bookshelves, although not the last word in big bass. The Paradigm Atom is decent but doesn't go very low. You might try Epos.I haven't looked at bookshelf models in your price in a while

  3. #3
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    For some people the axioms are bright, but i consider them to be detailed and not bright.
    I personally like the M3 v3.

  4. #4
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Usher Audio makes a great little bookshelf speaker called the S520. I currently have a pair doing surround duty in my HT system and I'm really not being fair to these little gems. I have moved them into my family room system as the mains on occasion and they really liked to flex their little muscles and play with the big boys. They can be had online at various etailers.

    Looking for some small bookshelf-s-520-e-1-640x467-.jpg
    2 Channel System
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II
    Pass Labs X150.5 (Amp)
    Cary SLP-03 (Preamp)
    Music Hall MMF 5.1 (TT)
    Goldring 1012GX (Cart.)
    Pro-ject SE II (Phono Box)
    Rotel RCD-1072 (CD Player)
    Bryston BDA-1 ( DAC )
    Sennheiser HD-600 (Headphones)
    Musical Fidelity Xcan V3 (Headphone Amp) _

    HT System
    Usher X-719 (Mains)
    Usher X-616 (Center)
    Usher S-520 (Surrounds)
    Rel T2 (Subwoofer)
    Anthem MCA20 (Amp)
    Yamaha RX-A830 (Receiver)
    Panasonic TH-46PZ85U (Plasma TV)
    Denon DBT-1713UD (BluRay/SACD)

  5. #5
    Retro Modernist 02audionoob's Avatar
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    I've become a bit of a fan of the KEF iQ30 in this price range.


  6. #6
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    All the responses are appreciated. Thanks, folks.

  7. #7
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    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
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    I recently purchased a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze BR1s as my surrounds for about $250.00/pr. This model is phasing out so I got a great price. Sound fabulous, great timber, detail, etc. By themselves as small bookshelfs I believe they would be super.

  9. #9
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    I would also recommend the well reviewed Axiom M3 v3. I have the Algonquins which are the same speaker except for the cabinet material. Even though it's a 2 way it has the advantage of the drivers running full range. It's high efficiency means it will work well with most amps. Mine are driven by a vintage Marantz but sound good with a t-amp and are not bright in the least.

  10. #10
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Check out the prices of the B-stock PSB B-5's and Alpha B-1's here-

    http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picture...psb_bstock.htm

    And their Monitor Audio Bronze deals-

    http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picture...etails.htm#BR2
    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

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody
    The Audio Engine need break in time. I've only heard the amplified versions but I thought they were very good.
    Interesting. I friend of mine brought them over and they were brand new.

    Thanks for all the help guys. I definitely have some new ideas.

  12. #12
    Tyler Acoustics Fan drseid's Avatar
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    The PSBs mentioned previously are good choices, IMO. I personally chose Consonance Eric-1s for both my office and bedroom systems and am very happy with them. They are not sold new in the US anymore, but pop up on Audiogon used from time to time around $400 a pair. I can definitely recommend them.

    ---Dave
    Integra DHC-40.2 Pre/Pro
    Coda 2 X 200 Watt Amp
    Rotel RB-985 5 X 100 Watt Amp
    2 Tyler Acoustics 2 Piece Linbrook Signature System
    1 Tyler Linbrook Signature Center Channel
    3 Tyler Taylo Reference Monitors
    1 ACI Titan II Sub
    Toshiba HD-A1 HD DVD
    Panasonic BDT-210 + 350 Blu-ray
    Consonance Droplet CDP-5.0
    Sony 55NX-810 1080p 3D-LED HDTV

    Office:
    Opera Audio Consonance CD-120
    Jolida 1301A 2 X 30 Watt Int. Amp (Sovtek Tubes)
    Opera Audio Consonance Eric-1 Speakers

  13. #13
    Man of the People Forums Moderator bobsticks's Avatar
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    Hey dave....good to see you around these parts.
    So, I broke into the palace
    With a sponge and a rusty spanner
    She said : "Eh, I know you, and you cannot sing"
    I said : "That's nothing - you should hear me play piano"

  14. #14
    Tyler Acoustics Fan drseid's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobsticks
    Hey dave....good to see you around these parts.
    Yeah, after a couple years hanging out at AVS licking my wounds after HD DVD lost the format war to Blu-ray (hiding my head in shame) I have returned. :-)

    Good to see you too, Bob!

    ---Dave
    Integra DHC-40.2 Pre/Pro
    Coda 2 X 200 Watt Amp
    Rotel RB-985 5 X 100 Watt Amp
    2 Tyler Acoustics 2 Piece Linbrook Signature System
    1 Tyler Linbrook Signature Center Channel
    3 Tyler Taylo Reference Monitors
    1 ACI Titan II Sub
    Toshiba HD-A1 HD DVD
    Panasonic BDT-210 + 350 Blu-ray
    Consonance Droplet CDP-5.0
    Sony 55NX-810 1080p 3D-LED HDTV

    Office:
    Opera Audio Consonance CD-120
    Jolida 1301A 2 X 30 Watt Int. Amp (Sovtek Tubes)
    Opera Audio Consonance Eric-1 Speakers

  15. #15
    Man of the People Forums Moderator bobsticks's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by drseid
    Yeah, after a couple years hanging out at AVS licking my wounds after HD DVD lost the format war to Blu-ray (hiding my head in shame) I have returned. :-)

    Good to see you too, Bob!

    ---Dave
    LMAO!! Dear lord, don't let sometin' like that chase you off...I think we've all made a faux pas or two...Yeah, I bit into HD-DVD too...

    And, I'm glad to read that the Consonance speaks are still treating you well. Circumstances may dictate that I move into smaller quarters and I've been considering a sub-sat system...I'm watching this thread with interest.
    So, I broke into the palace
    With a sponge and a rusty spanner
    She said : "Eh, I know you, and you cannot sing"
    I said : "That's nothing - you should hear me play piano"

  16. #16
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    I am back to considering the audioengines, but I am giving pause due to the over-heating issues I have heard about this in several places. My buddy has not experienced that yet, but he does not crank them up as he listens after his kids go to bed. I'd be cranking them for hours at a time.

    People claim that they can overheat after 30 minutes of play. This worries me.

    Has anybody heard of this and is it possible that they have cleaned this issue up?

    Thanks again for all the help.

  17. #17
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    If you are considering Audio Engine then you should take a look at M-Audio speakers-

    http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=...studiomonitors

    You can find them online for a lot less than list price.
    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

  18. #18
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    OK, I am leaning against powered monitors as they all seem to have issues that concern me. I like the idea of not having to redeploy an amp, but I'm not sure it's worth it.

    I like what I hear on the Ushers and they really fit the bill on four important scores...

    1) They are very small.
    2) The look great
    3) They get very good reviews
    4) They are front ported and these will be sitting on top of marble counter tops and near walls.

    The issues with the Ushers are that they are really deep. The depth is greater than the height. They are also the highest price tag that I am considering. Those two can be set aside. The big issue is that I have read that they are very power hungry and I'm unsure if the Creek is going to be sufficient to get all the benefits that the speakers ought to provide.

    http://www.digitalaudioreview.net.au...nt-loudspeaker

    I'm unsure as to what the real issue is. If it's a power supply thing, the Creek should be ok. I have two Marantz vintage units (2275 and a 2225) that are both in good shape. My understanding is that both have solid power supplies. The 2275 obviously has plenty in terms of RMS.

    How many Usher owners are here and can any speak to the power issue? That is, their thirst for power.

    Sadly, if I have to step away from the Creek, I then have to find a way to store a big ass amp in the kitchen as the Creek tucks neatly away in a cabinet at nine inches in depth (including the heat sink and rear wiring).

    The Creek had no problems powering my Paradigm Mini Monitors or my Vandersteen Model 1s, so I know that I can find some speakers to go with it. The Kitchen is about 12x12 and I would like to avoid adding any bass modules as doing so would be a logistical nightmare as there just are no good placement options. Thing is, I probably spend as much time listening in the kitchen as any room in the house.

    So, here I am. I want to use the Creek if possible. I am looking for a quality option that either has no port or a front port. Am I wrong to avoid rear ports when being so close to a wall?

    This model that seems to be gaining is the Mordaunt Short Carnival 2. It's a little tall, but all other factors seem good. I have never heard any of their speakers, so that's really the only drawback.

    Anybody own a pair?

    Again, thanks for the help. I'd like to get this right the first time if possible.

    Peace
    Last edited by Meddle; 04-21-2011 at 04:26 AM.

  19. #19
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    I can't see any reason that your Creek would have a problem driving the Ushers. When I move them out to the Family Room I'm running them off a Pioneer 80 watt receiver and the speakers that are normally their are Paradigm Mini Monitors. The Pioneer has no problem with either speaker. I got my S520's for $375 online at one of the dealers who was having a sale. There is a nice pair on Audiogon if you don't mind the used route.
    2 Channel System
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II
    Pass Labs X150.5 (Amp)
    Cary SLP-03 (Preamp)
    Music Hall MMF 5.1 (TT)
    Goldring 1012GX (Cart.)
    Pro-ject SE II (Phono Box)
    Rotel RCD-1072 (CD Player)
    Bryston BDA-1 ( DAC )
    Sennheiser HD-600 (Headphones)
    Musical Fidelity Xcan V3 (Headphone Amp) _

    HT System
    Usher X-719 (Mains)
    Usher X-616 (Center)
    Usher S-520 (Surrounds)
    Rel T2 (Subwoofer)
    Anthem MCA20 (Amp)
    Yamaha RX-A830 (Receiver)
    Panasonic TH-46PZ85U (Plasma TV)
    Denon DBT-1713UD (BluRay/SACD)

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington
    I can't see any reason that your Creek would have a problem driving the Ushers. When I move them out to the Family Room I'm running them off a Pioneer 80 watt receiver and the speakers that are normally their are Paradigm Mini Monitors. The Pioneer has no problem with either speaker. I got my S520's for $375 online at one of the dealers who was having a sale. There is a nice pair on Audiogon if you don't mind the used route.
    I almost prefer used as most of my great adds happen that way. I'm a bit of a bottom feeder as I have a lot of rooms to fill with sound I can live with. I have seven rigs in the house and one in my barn.

    I looked at the Ushers on Audiogon and the savings is not that much once you account for shipping. At 470, the dealer ships for free and I'd have all the paperwork and such, but thanks for the heads up.

    I wonder what the separation is between the Usher and the Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 (259 w/free shipping)? The Ushers look nicer for sure.

    I'm glad I'm not in a huge rush. Thanks for the ideas and for the real-life info on the Ushers.

  21. #21
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by hifi-freak
    For some people the axioms are bright, but i consider them to be detailed and not bright.
    I personally like the M3 v3.
    I'd personally back this as well. I would think the M3v3 would be very good kitchen speakers. They are light, airy, and have a large stage and sound good from a variety of angles. Kind how I picture kitchens. Airy, light, a breeze flowing through.

    Though I would point out if you have a lot of reflecting material, counter top, walls, floor, you might get a fair amount of high frequency reflections. So you might want to try for a darker speaker. Something with a fair amount of roll off at the top.

  22. #22
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    I think you are spot on with the front port. The only Mordaunt I've heard was the 902 and I'd say they performed beyond their price, surprising bass from a bookshelf in that range, the highs, are, vivid.

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody
    I think you are spot on with the front port. The only Mordaunt I've heard was the 902 and I'd say they performed beyond their price, surprising bass from a bookshelf in that range, the highs, are, vivid.
    Thanks, Mr Peabody. Very helpful.

  24. #24
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    Btw has anyone auditioned Monitor Audio Bronze BX-2. Apparently they don't have a lot of dealers in Northern California and I am curious about how good those are since they apparently won the Hi-Fi award a few years ago.

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