Questionable that that speaker is outdated. What are you in search of? More dynamics? In an office setting? Perhaps more definition. Then better amplification and server. Your query somewhat ill-defined. You’ve the right speakers for expressed musical tastes. I think your search will lead you in a very different direction than ridding yourself of the Spendors. Best of luck in your quest.
What are some quality bookshelf speakers that can actually be used on a bookshelf?
OK, I have concluded that the dated Spendor S3/5 speakers used in my office on a bookshelf need to be updated. It is not an ideal setup and there is zero chance to change it but I need to have music. I have a shelf about 2.5 feet above and in front of my head on which the speakers sit. The shelf is about 14 inches high and deep where the speakers have to fit. My PC monitor sits about 24 inches out from the wall the shelf is on on a desk and my printer, router, phone etc sit under the shelf on another platform which has no room for speakers. So I am listening to speakers above my head from that shelf with only a little room behind them to the wall. I prefer passive speakers as I have a Marantz PM8005 and currently run a Wiim Ultra for streaming while working. I live in Hawaii, so no place to listen. I am guessing that I need something that has no ports or ports that face front or can be stuffed. Listening is eclectic from jazz to blues to rock to Hawaiian slack key and other acoustic guitar. I figure I can spend up to $1000 US (new buy) but if there are things a little below that, that is ok too. I figure I am looking at AMZN, Audio Advisor, Crutchfield, Music Direct as likely sources to save on shipping. I have done some searches on stuff but been overwhelmed with how much is out there so I am hoping some of you have faced similar needs and filtered out the winners. I tried some of the online YT reviewers but there is lots of noise from folks that dont seem to be really knowledgeable. In my other systems, I am using Ohm 2000s and Kef R300s. I have been happy with the Kefs and like their sound but they are bigger than the space is so thoughts of trading up died....Thanks in advance for any and all input
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The speakers are not the problem, where you have the speakers placed is the problem. No traditional bookshelf speaker is going to help you here, so stop fussing about it and save your money. The speakers are 'up in the air' relative to your sitting position. The speakers' sound thrust misses your head completely. I have a similar situation with my Golden Ear BRXs, which I have placed on top of bookcases that are roughly 5 feet tall. Speakers sound good, but not as good as they could sound if placed lower. Are these shelves wall mounted or part of a larger unit? If part of a larger unit, you could attach wooden shelves to the sides of the unit at about the height of your ears and place the speakers on them. Might not look pretty, but could work. If the shelves are wall mounted, can you lower a shelf? I guess you could go with a portable bluetooth speaker like the JBL Authentic 300 and place it anywhere in the room. Won't sound as good as your Spendors though. Your Wiim Ultra should work out fine. Don't know how the Marantz would fit into this though. Hopefully some blue-toothers here can help you out. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_109ATH300B/JBL-Authentics-300.html?tp=63340 My step daughter lives on big island. You are not kidding when you say you can't audition much. Be well, Rich
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A slightly different direction, but you could consider something like LS50 actives. They can be configured specifically for desk and wall modes. https://us.kef.com/products/ls50-wireless-2 These are well liked, but would be a different sound than the Spendors. I have a Wiim for a spare room, and I do think the amplification on the KEFs would be an upgrade. |
edit: I wrote below based on the title, then I read your post about the high shelf: you will need to angle any speakers down to your ears and keep them from falling. .......................... Vintage AR-2ax, 3 way, 10" woofer, no ports, level controls for tweeter and mid. Everything needed to restore them exists. They were designed to fit in or on a bookcase. I restored a pair for nostalgia to use in my Garage/Shop system, they sounded so good I put them in my office and restored a second pair for down there. Horizontal, seated ear level, awesome imaging. Earlier, I had a pair of Wharfedale 225’s, but they, (any with a small woofer) will need a self-powered sub, ok for an office, but the AR-2ax 10" woofer combined with the level controls will beat that, they certainly did here. Any ’local pickup only’: Give UPS size and weight for a ’pack and ship’ estimate. Have seller drop them off unboxed at UPS near him, you pay UPS to pack and ship.
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sorry I missed your location also, in any case, I recommend getting speakers with level controls to adjust with an SPL mic and test tones, and angling down can work like toe-in, it is advantageous regarding initial sound waves for imaging and altering the angle of all reflections. anchor them properly so no inadvertent accident can occur. |
It's funny but you have your speakers positioned much like my office system. Due to lack of room, the only place was up near the ceiling corners at either end of my desk. I initially tried some Zu Omen Bookshelf speakers, but they really didn't click. I then bought the Vandersteen VLR's, which really worked out well. They are designed to be place on a shelf and near a corner for bass reinforcement. I use a pair of HSU subs, but to be honest, I really don't have to use them as the bass is pretty deep without them, when placed near corners. Most people don't consider this little bookshelf speaker, I didn't, too, but I have to say the VLR's are one of the undiscovered speakers. Being in HI, I don't know if you'll be able to find a pair easily unless you can get someone to ship overseas. Bob |
I have a pair of Dynaudio Emit 10s in my office system that I am quite happy with. They are rear ported speakers but can be stuffed. I think they provide foam to do so. I’m a fan of Dynaudio speakers and have a pair of Confidence 20s in my main 2 channel system. https://dynaudio.com/home-audio/emit/emit-10
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