Another "Which Bookshelf Speakers to Get" Thread
Hadn't ben aware of the Linn Kans before (novice, obvy) - they seem nice! So hard to tell without being able to audition. The Axioms were also intriguing, but I'm wary about a lack of low end. I'm no bass fanatic, But I'd like to have a reasonably wide spectrum. I don't want to run a separate sub, and it seems like consensus that the Axioms are at their best with one and a little more power. |
The B&W DM601s3 is surprisingly not bad. I had the 602s2 and was never satisfied with it, but the 601 Series 3 is a much better monitor, in my opinion of course. You could probably find a pair used within your budget. The good thing about B&W is that you can sell them easily should you decide to upgrade (personal experience). Usher S520 gets recommended on this forum a lot but I've never heard it. And then there's the Onix/AV123 stuff like the Reference 1 or X-LS which have gotten good reviews for budget gear. Lots of options. Good luck. |
If you're not proud and just want the best sound for the money, you are absolutely not going to beat these psb stratus mini's currently offered on Agon http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1245173622&/Psb-Stratus-Minis-cut-rate-pri . I have owned a pair of these for 10 years with a Luxman R-117 receiver in one of my systems, and they ROCK. Additionally, they are front-ported, so there is no problem with placing them against the wall or on a bookshelf. Good luck. |
Well...here are a couple of other options. If you can stretch your budget a bit, consider a used pair of Green Mountain Audio Europa or Europa Max speakers. Another option would be to DIY. Check out the offerings by GR Research (www.gr-research.com). There are lots of information about GR Research projects over at audiocircle.com. I've never heard a set of GR Research designs, but I like to follow the builds, and the builds seem to have a following. Given your budget, this may be an interesting way to go. Your can order the kits through GR Research, and the pre-made cabinets from Parts Express (or you can have custom-cabinets made for not much more). Seems like a very easy project. Something to think about. |
05-06-09: RyantomorrowYou're on the right track. You're going to get a lot of sound quality for the money from a Canadian stand-mounted speaker in your price range, whether it's from Energy, PSB, or Paradigm. They provide similar amp loads, very linear response curves from upper bass on up to 20K, and room-filling and natural-sounding dispersion patterns to provide an even in-room power response. |
05-07-09: RyantomorrowThis review may help reinforce your decision. Looks like a great speaker for the size and cost. |
