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Looking for good bookshelf speakers less than $1k

I spend a LOT of time at my desk and want to upgrade my speakers, new or used would be ok.

My system is Jriver/Flac > Schiit Uber Bitfrost > NAD c356bee > B&W 601s2, and utilizing a Velodyne Impact 10 sub to supplement the bass.

Desk is 4'x5' and will be up against a wall in the family room. The speakers should work well on a desk really close to the wall. (the Revel M20 flush mount switch and high frequency control sounds like a good idea).

They probably should not be rear ported since they are so close to the wall?? And since they are so nearfield they should sound good with low volume, and I usually listen at lower volume anyway, but I like to crank it once in a while. I like a bit of a warm sound, however the B&W 601s2's are a little too warm and not much detail or bass slam.

I listen to a large variety of music with a huge interest in The Blues. Also listen to Jazz, Rock, anything acoustic, Indie, Alternative, Folk, Classical, Avantgarde.

My main system doesn't get used much since I'm at my desk most of the time. It's in a dedicated audio room. (Sony SACD 777ES > First Sound Presence Deluxe Mk II > Plinius SA100 MkIII > Von Schweikert Audio VR4->VR5).

TIA for any suggestions.
audionut22

Showing 4 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,754 posts
 
Brand new Factory refurbed OHM Ls are an option worth considering. I bought my pair in 1978 when they sold for $500 a pair. I still have them and refurb and upgrade them as needed. OHM has been around for over 40 years and still supports every speaker they have ever made. I think the refurbs from OHM go for $600 now. Those are refurbed cabinets with new modern updated components to bring the sound into the 21th century.

Check the OHM "outlet store" here:

http://ohmspeaker.com/outlet-store/

I see a pair available for $475 there currently.

The CAM models there also got a lot of good press back in their original day and are worth a look.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,754 posts
 
You'll get generally get more bass reinforcement close to the wall with rear ports as you will with any speaker. You generally would not want to go flush or even very close against the wall and obstruct the air motion through the port. That would limit the bass levels. Not to say that might not be desirable and sound better even in some cases. Generally, it is just not a good idea to fully obstruct the air motion through the port.

The main downside of placement too close to wall in all cases is early reflections from the wall that smear the soundstage. Its more an issue at higher frequencies though and not really an issue at the lowest frequencies handled by ports though. Some speakers might be designed to be placed close to the front wall and still control or avoid early reflections. A lot of speakers designed for "bookshelf" or near wall placement are this way. Nowadays, many small speakers are designed to go on stands aways from walls rather than close to walls or on bookshelves. It was much more common in years past.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,754 posts
 
Hard to beat the small size and band for the buck of the KEF ls50s but I think most of the home audio speakers you identify are designed to perform best on stands with some distance from walls. Not to say they might not sound very good still otherwise, but...

Have you considered any pro active monitors? That is where I looked recently for the most compact and cost effective solution to use on an office desk or shelf. Check out amazon Guitar Center, or anyplace that sells pro studio gear for many options there.

Audioengine active monitors are popular in these parts as well for cases like yours.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,754 posts
 
I can recommend the auralex line available on Amazon for good value, quality and effectiveness as advertised.
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