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Author Topic: Affordable bookshelf speakers?  (Read 9958 times)

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Offline achalsey

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Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« on: January 17, 2018, 08:37:18 PM »
I know this is kind of a stupid question, but I'm in the market for some relatively inexpensive speakers (< $500).

I did a little research a while ago (basically just googling the thread topic) and looking back the only thing bookmarked are the ELAC Debut B6 speakers.  Not sure exactly why that is.

I do have the Monoprice Hybrid Tube Amp if the speakers need power.  This was an impulse buy and probably kind of stupid, but I still have it, so whatever.  The headphone out is noisy as all hell and has a big issue with the volume knob when turned.  Haven't tried it with speakers; I hope it's just a headphone jack issue.

I'm not really an audiophile, but I do have a pair of Beyer DT 770s that I really like the sonic signature of if that helps at all.

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« Last Edit: January 20, 2018, 09:07:36 AM by jbell »
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Offline Genghis Cougar Mellen Khan

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2018, 09:12:30 AM »
At that price point, I don't think you can go wrong with the ELAC Debut B6. The Audio-Engine speakers suggested were self-powered, I believe they do have them available in passive as well, but they appear to be more of a studio monitor.  Not that there's anything wrong with an accurate studio monitor, but for enjoyment listening personally I prefer something with a little more liveliness. You could probably add inexpensive stands and fill them with something to weigh them down for pretty cheap.

Is the noise from the headphone out only when you adjust the volume?  If so see if you can remove the volume knob, hit it with some contact cleaner (work that thing) might just be an inexpensive volume control that needs a little shot now and then. I'm you hear that noise floor hiss, then yuck.

Another that looked interesting:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AQFE42/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_c_x_2_w

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Offline lsd2525

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2018, 10:15:29 AM »
I know this is kind of a stupid question, but I'm in the market for some relatively inexpensive speakers (< $500).

I did a little research a while ago (basically just googling the thread topic) and looking back the only thing bookmarked are the ELAC Debut B6 speakers.  Not sure exactly why that is.

I do have the Monoprice Hybrid Tube Amp if the speakers need power.  This was an impulse buy and probably kind of stupid, but I still have it, so whatever.  The headphone out is noisy as all hell and has a big issue with the volume knob when turned.  Haven't tried it with speakers; I hope it's just a headphone jack issue.

I'm not really an audiophile, but I do have a pair of Beyer DT 770s that I really like the sonic signature of if that helps at all.

Get a can of this, pull the volume knob off and spray it in the pot. May just fix your problem.
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Offline kindms

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #4 on: January 18, 2018, 10:35:21 AM »
if you are handy parts express sells speaker kits for bookshelf etc.
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Offline perks

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #5 on: January 18, 2018, 12:52:19 PM »
http://usheraudio.us/?wpsc-product=s-520-bookshelf

Usher S520 - they were less expensive than the list price when I called an authorized dealer.
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Offline raymonda

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2018, 07:01:06 PM »
Celestine Sl6s or si's are great vintage speakers that can be bought for around 200 to 300 a pair. Very hard to beat. Upgrade the wiring and caps would be like adding a cherry on top.

Offline boyacrobat

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2018, 11:09:52 PM »
b5 elacs are an awesome speaker from Andrew jones
wow factor these speakers have big time.
I use a pair of b5s in the kithchen and get many comments on the sound they make.
they pair up better with a sub than the b6s

get the b6s if using with no sub
get the b5s if using with a sub

listening to post Malone stoney album and you would swear that the subs are on but they are off
and that's why I love the elac sound , they sound very deep and phatt
sound goes through a centrance dacmini straight into rega brio r amp to speakers
in to many words buy the elacs you will be so so happy you did the first second you put them on.
I was bitten in the first seconds of listening to them.....
this Andrew chap knows what he is doing when it comes to building speakers


g
« Last Edit: January 19, 2018, 11:15:15 PM by boyacrobat »

Offline achalsey

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #8 on: January 24, 2018, 12:05:56 PM »
I went with the ELAC B6.

I did not look at the specifications carefully enough.  They are huge.  I think I misinterpreted what "bookshelf" speakers were.

Keep the recommendations coming if other people are interested, but I need to go with something much smaller.

Offline Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #9 on: January 24, 2018, 01:15:09 PM »
I tired those Wharfedale - Diamond 10.2's a few years ago and really liked them.

I ended up going with the Epos ELS 8's WITHOUT trying them (based on a few reviews)...didn't like them as much. I did get a really good deal on them though. :P

The Wharfedale's just sounded so much fuller.

I think for $275 I might grab a pair. They were $500-ish when I had previously checked them out.
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Offline raymonda

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #10 on: January 25, 2018, 01:51:16 PM »
Won't even consider the Celestions? You are missing out on something really good. Also, you should consider Spica's TC 50 or 60's. Do not shy away from something used or vintage. My modded Celestion's SL6's are extraordinary and a screaming value on today's market price. They have a very small foot print and are true bookshelf speakers but, as all speakers, must be placed on stands for maximum performance. Think twice before ruling out.

Offline sparkey

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #11 on: January 26, 2018, 11:38:57 AM »
Dunno about their product line now. but B&W used to make great sounding bookshelf speakers that weren't outrageously expensive.
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Offline raymonda

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #12 on: January 26, 2018, 01:59:39 PM »
Their CDM 1 was always a great sounding speaker and should fall within a reasonable price point today!

Offline JimmieC

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #13 on: January 26, 2018, 11:25:19 PM »
I just don't know how people can deal with a mid/tweeter not attached to a horn, haha (being stupid)  I bet most would need the port on the front though (e.g, Audioengine, Usher S520, and CDM1) but depends on placement.  No port on the Celestion's SL6's? Yes to stands to place them head height and away from the wall if port on the backside.
« Last Edit: January 26, 2018, 11:33:23 PM by JimmieC »
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Offline raymonda

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #14 on: January 27, 2018, 12:33:40 PM »
Celestion sl6s are bass reflex. No port on these.

Offline morst

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #15 on: January 29, 2018, 03:12:30 PM »
I just don't know how people can deal with a mid/tweeter not attached to a horn, haha (being stupid) 
I hope you're kidding. Horns sound like... horns!

Celestion sl6s are bass reflex. No port on these.
SL6 is a great pair of 2-way speakers. A nice balance of pleasant enough and accurate enough.
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Offline Chilly Brioschi

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #16 on: January 29, 2018, 09:46:23 PM »
Celestion sl6s are bass reflex. No port on these.

Bass reflex is ported
Sealed enclosure is not
Baffled and / or damped lies inbetween

It's all about the back pressure on the bass transducer.

I hope that helps

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Offline morst

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #17 on: January 29, 2018, 10:11:31 PM »
Sealed enclosure is not
Oh yeah, thanks for pointing that out. The SL6 is a sealed enclosure, no ports, front loaded 5" paper driver and a metal dome tweeter.
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Offline thunderbolt

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #19 on: March 17, 2018, 04:28:23 PM »
http://usheraudio.us/?wpsc-product=s-520-bookshelf

Usher S520 - they were less expensive than the list price when I called an authorized dealer.

Second this.

Offline phanophish

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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #20 on: May 16, 2018, 08:56:25 PM »
I've run a pair of B&W CDM2 speakers for many years and really like them.  they are a bit weak on bass but any speaker that small is.  I recently picked up some Martin Logan Aerus I and think that is going to be what finally offsets them in my living room. 
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Re: Affordable bookshelf speakers?
« Reply #21 on: May 16, 2018, 09:40:55 PM »
https://www.ebay.com/itm/pair-B-W-model-V202-loudspeakers-Bowers-Wilkins/183123150613?hash=item2aa2fd8715:g:b3oAAOSwh1haCGoR

I have a pair love them.
I also have a pair of these B+W's and love them. But I got these when I was 15 and I dunno if its just Ive had them so long that I don't know any better, I love the way they sound. Theyre like a family member at this point Ive lugged them around for so long.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/172879470451

 

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