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Musical, Warm and Smooth bookshelfs under 500

I've been searching for the perfect pair of budget bookshelfs (as close to perfect as one could get in this hobby) for my living room (11 by 11 ft extending to an open dining space to 1 side).

I've posted another thread here and have received some wonderful suggestions, but to narrow the options down (for an audition shortlist) I've decided to look at speakers based on my sonic preferences and needs.

Priority - in terms of performance - is for 2 channel audio. These would be mated to my LCD Tv and we would be watching movies and cable with these speakers as well - but in terms of performance audio comes first HT second.

I listen predominantly to Jazz but occasionally to contemporary genres as well. In terms of sound signature, I prefer something that's a little warmer, musical and smooth. Clarity is important, but not to the point of being bright. I'm relatively sensitive to high frequencies (at least with headphones - some of which are piercingly bright and painful) and appreciate a richer, well-grounded sound.

Please do nominate what you think would be the best set of speakers for these requirements.

I've had recommendations for the following:
- Audioengine A5
- Cambridge Audio S30
- Monitor Audio BX1 or BX2
- Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 or 10.2
- NHT SuperZero
- Pioneer SP BS41 LR (Andrew Jones)
- PSB Alpha B1
- Paradigm Atoms, or Titans
- Studio Monitors such as Adam Audio A3x/A5x Dynaudio BM5/6a etc

Please do chime in with ideal amp pairings as well, if you could =)

Many thanks guys!
milesandcoltrane

Showing 1 response by sonicbeauty

sonicbeauty
324 posts
 
The AudioEngine is a good buy but hardly a "no brainer"

None of the usual small speakers mentioned are. You might want to read up on the PSB Alpha B1 though. Try and find Paul Barton's interview about the history and design timeline of this small classic. Many speaker designer don't labor over such micro refinements and testing even for their floorstanders, let alone the mundane bookshelf.

I am using a pair of Alphas in my office with the diminutive Fatman iTube amplifier and dock. I am amazed everytime I hear them and wonder how Barton did this for soooo little money. Ridiculous how good they are. Worth a try for sure, and they will sell lightning fast if you don't like 'em (but you will).

Good luck
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