On the classifieds here I saw a few that might fit the bill, again depending on the sound preferences of your ears, and if you are looking for low end or, efficient, volume, etc. You could also add a sub later if you find the need.B&W Natulilus SCM1 are front ported, and used here on AG for $850, Focal 906 here for $911, Paradigim Prestige 15B for $900, Dynaudio Excite X14 for $800, KEF LS50 $790, Revel Preforma M20 $750 with stands even, and more of course some for less. I have seen a few Spendors for this range, but usually a bit older. Depends on how much the beautiful cabinet means, and physical size. I do agree if you can find sealed or front port you are likely better off if jammed for bookshelf space. But these are ones I would enjoy for different reasons. There are some fairly decent powered units out there for around that amount as well, then just hook up a small digital source unit.
Bookshelf speaker for an apartment
I rented a 1BR apartment as a 2nd home and want to upgrade my speakers. I currently am using Totem Mini's through a Denon AVR-X6200. My speakers in my main system in my home are Sopra 2's. Due to Covid I am unable to audition speakers but have read good things about the Focal Chora 806, Aria 906 ane the B&W 707. I would like to keep the budget under $1000 for the pair but go a bit higher for the right speaker. I welcome suggestions. Thank you.
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What source do you use? I think the speakers you have suit your situation. Are the totems bi-wire able? Perhaps a matching sub might be an option. With the home theatre amp, you can bi-wire using separate speaker outputs, it has a sub out option , dependant on the bass output inside your room.
"Totem also offers a matching KIN Mini Sub subwoofer ($800), which lowers the frequency response down to a respectable 32 Hz"https://kinbytotem.totemacoustic.com/product/kin-sub/ |
I just uncrated a pair of Andrew Jones DBR 62 past Friday. Speakers placed several feet from back wall, more mid-room. In other words, not the ideal placement for enhancing lower frequencies. Experience thus far, while only several hours, appears that the speakers will reproduce sound stage, imaging as recorded. So bad recordings will sound badly. Fortunately, the converse is true ... Don Fagan's Kamikiriad was heavenly ... while a 1980s AAD recording of Beethoven's Fifth Piano concerto was shrill. At sub $800 please consider these! I believe these babies sourced with Roon or a decent DAC (with proper placements) will be a mind blower! Good luck! |
Thank you all for so many good suggestions. I am still not used to being in an apartment and listening to music and theater the way I am used to. In my home theater I have the following: Sopra 2 Fronts Sopra Aria Center (due to space limits) B&W 805D3's Rears (Fronts prior to the Sopra's) 2 REL T7i's Anthem AVM60 Parasound A52+ So for the part time apartment I don't think I want to go with a sub or too crazy in price. I have not yet heard any of the speakers we are discussing but my gut is leaning toward the Focal Chora or Aria, although I had not considered upgrading to better Totems which is an interesting idea too. I do plan on upgrading the Denon to a better multi-channel receiver. Thanks again all. |
Good call on the Focal Aria 906 (I’m a former owner). It’s an enjoyable speaker that has good detail without being harsh. Beautiful imaging and a very transparent treble. Doesn’t have the deepest bass, but it’s fine for its size. The new Chora line has gotten some mixed reviews - I think the Aria would be much better. Good luck! |
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