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

joekapahulu

Showing 2 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

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.

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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.

AR-2ax Rehab

Restored 4 U

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.

 

 

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.