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  1. #1
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    Tower Speaker Selection

    Purchased a pair of Jamo 68 three way bookshelf speakers a while back to tide me over while I find a suitable tower to use in the future.

    At this point I am planning to have two stereo systems and will build a new system around the new towers and a new Tube Amp (see post in the amp forum).

    Budget is $500 or less. I think I've found a way around the rear port problem I had previously and now I can consider rear ported speakers in addition to front ported or sealed enclosures. Have a different room in mind.

    Looking for something that won't weigh more than about 35 lbs. Tired of moving heavy speakers. Can't be a complete grill covered front otherwise the cat I have will claw the speakers. Can't use the Mirage OM 10 towers for that reason. Picture a speaker like the following. For illustration purposes only, found the first photo on Amazon that fits the bill:

    http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-SKF-4800...tower+speakers

    Note the grill starts at a foot off the floor. That level or higher will work.

    Also want something that won't have to stick out more than two feet off the rear wall to sound good. Prefer a neutral sound though a slightly warm mid range is acceptable. Prefer clear but not bright high end. I can still hear sounds above 20khz and for that reason sometimes highs can come off as shrill to my ears. Need a subdued high end like I have with the MIrage OM 10's which reach to 25khz.

    That being said I would like to get some opinions at least to start on the following speakers.

    Home Theater Direct Level 2 Towers.

    Boston Acoustics A 250


    Any other towers in my price range suggested will be considered.

    Thanks again. As always, I know I will get some decent, unbiased information on this forum.
    Last edited by Billiam62; 02-13-2016 at 01:42 PM.

  2. #2
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    I've spent a air amount of time looking into tower speakers in my price range that don't have a full front grill. Virtually none except for the two mentioned and some cheap Polk which is not likely to offer the sound I want.

    Question.

    Would a pair of bookshelf speakers combined with a sub woofer give me the same kind of sound stage that tower speakers can give?

  3. #3
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    You might look at Wharfedale, Polk does have a new line of affordable speakers that are supposed to be good for the money, possibly Infinity, or Elac.

    You sub suggestion will work and give you more flexibility as far as adjusting bass for taste, but the down side it's sometimes tricky to get the sub to blend, or sound seamless with the satelites.

    On your amp thread Blackraven brought up a good point, tube amps with low wattage need an efficient and/or easy load to drive. So put some thought into your purchase, not any amp and speakers thrown together are a optimum match.

    I'm not sure what your integrated budget is but Jolida did have a respectable 100 wpc hybrid for around $550.00.

  4. #4
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    About the best buy in your price range are the new Elac F5 towers. Read the reviews on the B5. B6 and F5 Elac speakers. The only down side is that they are not very efficient at 85db sensitivity.

    ELAC Debut F5 Tower Speakers (Pr) at Music Direct

    speakers ? Welcome to ELAC Americas

    Music direct also has a pair of Wharfedale towers for sale. But they are rated at 86dB.

    If you go with low power tube amps then you will need a speaker rated above 90dB. Give Klipsch a look. The one below is rated at 96dB and will play ear bleeding loud at 10wpc.

    Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-250F (Cherry) Floor-standing speaker at Crutchfield.com
    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

  5. #5
    I put the Gee in Gear.... thekid's Avatar
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    As the resident cheap bast@#rd here its my civic duty to state that you may want to consider something used that might be available locally on Craigslist or thrifts. All of my speakers have been obtained that way for well well below your budget. Yeah you will see a fair amount of home theater and boom box speakers but depending on where you live I'd be willing to bet there are some hidden gems out there that beat anything in your price range that Best Buy offers.
    NAD D3020
    Denon 2910
    Denon DMD 1000
    MSB Link DAC III
    Von Schweikert VR2
    NAD 7240PE
    NAD 5240
    Hughes AK 100
    Tascam 122
    Technics SL 1700
    Rogers BBC Monitors LS3/6

  6. #6
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    TheKid.

    I've actually tried purchasing via Craigslist in the past. Three times. Each inquiry was ignored! Not sure why but I will at least take a look to see what is available and perhaps will try contacting someone one more time. But I figure if my inquiries were ignored three times by three different people, no point in wasting my time there again.

  7. #7
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    Blackraven.

    Sensitivity looks too low on the Elac and Wharfedale's I did look at both but balked at the idea even for my current amps since they are not efficient. The Jamo C 601's that I still have but boxed up when I purchased the Jamo 68's are only 86 db too. Maybe I could do a test with them to see if they can adequately drive the tubes before deciding what to do.

    Klipsch. Does this particular speaker sound as shrill (high end) as the Heresy's? If so, would the tubes tame it some? I need a more mellow high end. Aside from that issue they might be adequate. A little more money than I would like to spend but I can always wait a couple more months to purchase.

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    Mr. Peabody.

    I think you may be referring to the newer Polk TsX series. Yes, apparently they have a different sound than the typical Polks. Based upon dozens of reviews I've read they apparently do have a more mellow high end than most Polks. One problem though. It appears as though the Grill cover does cover the entire front speaker. Not sure if leaving it off is wise since that will change the sound.

    TSx 330T - Polk Audio

    Does anyone know if a grill can be custom made anywhere? I could purchase a pair of speakers that currently have a full front grill but then have the grill modified or even a new one made to cover just the speakers leaving the bottom exposed.

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    Have you looked at the new Emotiva Airmotive speakers? They have many of the same components of their powered Airmotive speakers (ATM tweeters, carbon fiber woofers) at very reasonable prices. The towers have an ATM tweeter, 2 6.5" CF woofers and a 5.25" CF mid for $349/ea. Bookshelfs are $299. They look very interesting for the price.

  10. #10
    I put the Gee in Gear.... thekid's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Billiam62 View Post
    TheKid.

    I've actually tried purchasing via Craigslist in the past. Three times. Each inquiry was ignored! Not sure why but I will at least take a look to see what is available and perhaps will try contacting someone one more time. But I figure if my inquiries were ignored three times by three different people, no point in wasting my time there again.
    You have to understand that there are lot more people who are into audio than you might think and a lot of them are watching Craigslist. If it's quality gear then the seller probably gets a lot of interest and most will not follow up with everyone once they have a buyer.

    I have plenty of gear and am happy with what I have but I still check CL several times a day because usually the first responder gets the item. Patience does payoff. Good hunting and I hope whatever way you go you find something that works for you!
    NAD D3020
    Denon 2910
    Denon DMD 1000
    MSB Link DAC III
    Von Schweikert VR2
    NAD 7240PE
    NAD 5240
    Hughes AK 100
    Tascam 122
    Technics SL 1700
    Rogers BBC Monitors LS3/6

  11. #11
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    For the record, removing the grill typically does change the sound, it varies how much from model to model, however, removing the grill is typically an improvement in sound.

  12. #12
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    The Polks may be you best bet. But also consider the Boston Acoustics CS260 II's. I helped put together a very nice budget system for a friend with the BA CS26 bookshelfs. I have always liked the sound of these bookshelf's as they have a slightly warmer rich and smooth sound. Their midrange is excellent and the tweeters are laid back. They perform way above their price range. Here is a review on the towers.

    Boston Acoustics CS 260 II Review | Digital Trends


    Too bad you are set on Towers, there are more options and better sound to be had with Bookshelf's.
    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

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