So, what would you recommend for $300/pr?

[Norm Strong]

I've read a bunch of advice for $800/pr, but what about $300/pr. Anyone have good advice? Lots of pipe organ music.

Norm

[markw]

Norm, from personal experience I'd suggest the $250/pair Athena AS B2's. I pruchsed these initially for a second (two channel) system but was so impressed I went ahead and dedicated these to surrounds in a 5.1 with the $400 AS -F1's for the fronts, along with the matching center channel.

About the only thing I'm not to happy about is the rear port. I much prefer front ported speakers for the placment options.

..plus, they are available at Best Buy.

FWIW, if you can extend your limit another $100, the F1-s are quite worth it, IMNSHO.

YMMV

[newbsterv2]

The Axiom M3ti's are $275/pair tax and shipping already included in the price. In small to medium sized rooms the bass these speakers produce will have you looking for an imaginary subwoofer. And the bass is clean. No bloat. Compared to my Maggie MMG's the bass on the Axiom's smokes the MMG's. The treble on the other hand.... Anyways these speakers are a KILLER deal. And hey if you don't like 'em send 'em back to Axiom for a refund. The shipping costs will come out of your pocket however. Happy listening

http://www.axiomaudio.com/m3ti.html

[dmb_fan]

Here are a couple of seemingly objective reviews that have great things to say about the Swan Divas and the Monitor Audio Bronze series.

http://cheaphometheater.com/Speaker%20Shootout.htm
http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/revie...andvision.html

The sound and vision review includes blind listening tests.

I hope these help.

-Adam

[46minaudio]

Here are 2 good reads Norm.Both done blind to eliminate bias,Both within your price range..
http://www.paradigm.com/Website/Sit...ge/SI_Titan.pdf

http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/reviews/index.html
Go to the Sound and Vision review battle of the bookshelfs..

[Bryan]

I'd recommend a sub as that pipe organ music goes low. Other than that, used speakers are your best bet.

[WmAx]

I've read a bunch of advice for $800/pr, but what about $300/pr. Anyone have good advice? Lots of pipe organ music.

Norm

Site Newbie

Online Why not just build a set of Ed Frias's AR DIY speakers? Will likely surpass any commercial product anywhere near the same price point, since you are investing your money into actual raw building materials and Ed has generously provided his design plans for free.

http://www.audioreview.com/Learncrx.aspx

-Chris

[Jim Clark]

Site Newbie

Online Why not just build a set of Ed Frias's AR DIY speakers?
-Chris

Great suggestion if either has or feels like adding a sub, otherwise it's probably a very poor choice for his pipe organ music. Not to dis the speakers, I just got a pair myself and emailed some thoughts about them to him.

Norm, whatever you decide I'd appreciate knowing what it is that grabbed you. If I had to guess my money would be on a set of inexpensive floorstanders by the likes of Infinity, Wharfdale, or Athena but that's just speculation based on your many posts over the years.

jc