Bookshelf or stand mount help please


Hi everyone.

I am buying my daughter an entry level system and am looking for suggestions on active stand mount speakers in the 1 k range. They will be used with a REL T9 sub. Thank you. 
 

Ron 

ronboco

KEF is good. So are Aperion and ATC. I know audio engine but that's much cheaper. I would listen to Klipsch too

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@grislybutter 

Thank you for your thoughts ! I didn’t think ATC had a model that cheap. I’ll definitely look 

@ronboco I should stand corrected. I don't know what they have. I just searched for a few minutes and gave up. If I wanted to hide information and make it confusing, I could not have done a better job. (Not just the ATC web site but overall, what turns up on the web)

I would be happy to sit down with @lonemountain and get a list of speakers and designation and what's in production, out of production, etc. and publish it.

$1000 is in no speaker's land btw, there are entry levels up to $500 and then the rest starts way higher

Actually ATC does not offer anything active near your target 1K price.  Passives are not far above this area used.

I might get fried for this but I would get a good blutooth speaker rather then assemble a budget system.

Why not offer your duahgter s/thing that can sonically challenge your own system and look good (it is your daughter, after allsmiley): Cabasse -- if you can, the Akoya. They are active, include a DAC & room correction s/ware, they sound excellent (e.g. in another league compared to the small to mid Kefs, etc), and they look good to boot!

 

Maybe something from Edifier's bookshelf active speaker range:

Airpuls A100 (incl. sub out), hi-res audio certified, available in 3 different colours

Audio Inputs: AUX, PC, USB, Optical, Bluetooth

Price: 1k bulls eye

 

For casual listening, I am more than happy with the 1380DB

(although without sub out).

 

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Fluance is highly regarded you should check them out.

I believe it has a buyer-friendly return policy... I have them in the office; impressive!

John Darko did some reviews of actives in this price range. Klipsch The Sevens and KEF LSX II LT. Worth a look. Note The Sevens usually go for more, but Amazon has them for $1100 now which is -15%. Not bad. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5xQsbD5-V8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTwK95FtY3M

But yes, check out the others mentioned, and yes, at least consider a "decent" Bluetooth speaker too. However, if you are to whet her appetite for audiophile sound with a soundstage and imaging, then yeah, "real" separate speakers would be better. Good luck. I hope you can convince her that good sound is important in life. Unless she has a "low board or shelf" don’t forget some stands. Nothing fancy needed, Monoprice is fine.

@ronboco 

@russ69 makes a good point. If you get her something with built in everything, like the KEF LSX 50’s or the LS 50’s, she can use her phone to control everything.  Later on, you might add a Bluesound Node to the mix for even better sound.

All the best.

@curiousjim 

That is what I was thinking too. Something easy to use now then later she can pursue better gear. She really enjoyed listening to my system when she lived at home. 
 

regards 

Ron 

Klipsch Sevens....Best sound for the buck @ $1100.......Not the best for classical, but your daughter is probably into "today's  music"...the Sevens are purrrrfect  !!

I bought and gave several speakers to my kids and neighbors for "entry level". To me powered speakers are "endgame". But of course there are so many variables, space, ease of use, convenience, expectations, type of music, source....

Why not a passive speaker, just curious?

got it. My kids don't mind the amp, but I suspect they are so used to it, they can't imagine music without it. 

@ronboco 

We have the KEF LSX II's setup on the KEF wall mounts in my wife's office and for their size they sound great, have good imaging, and decent bass. I purchased them used for around $700. The other option we looked was the  PSB Alpha IQ, because we are somewhat invested in the BlueSound ecosystem.

The KEF LSX II's are very versatile and the KEF Connect app is decent. 

KEF LSX IIs or SVS Prime Wireless Pro. I am not a Klipsch fan. The are too forward and harsh to the point they hurt my ears. The REL is a great sub if you already own it, but if I were buying I would consider the SVS Micro 3000 or the KEF KC-92 to match whichever speakers i had. 

I owned a pair of Adam speakers a few years back which I enjoyed. Made in Germany with a ribbon tweeter.

I have a NAD C340 (70 wpc) and a pair of Triangle BOREA BR03 listed on FBMP in Katonah, NY. Great entry level system for <$500

Vanatoo Transparent One here

Heard them at AXPONA 2022, kept returning to the room because couldn’t believe the great sound quality at such an inexpensive price so I purchased a pair even though I didn’t need. There are a few reviews also agreeing on surprising great sonics. Planning to give to daughter to use in her college dorm room.

Vanatoo one's are great little speakers.  The wife and I both have Vanatoo zero's as computer speakers, which are great also. The one's are a step up. Can't go wrong with either!!!! Robert TN