Search for the perfect bookshelf....

steveinaz
steveinaz Posts: 19,538
edited May 2004 in Speakers
Ok fellas, still researching and looking for ideas/recommendations. Here's what I need: a bookshelf or mid-sized speaker (no floor stander), min of 125 watts/rms capability, 2-way preferred, 87dB-1watt efficiency or better, $700 max. Here's what I've considered:

1. Polk Rti6: Love the slam of Polks, has good power handling/eff
2. Athena AS-B2: Great price, great sound, but I think I can do better--very similar to the Rti6 size/specs/ etc..Polk has better slam, higher treble extension
3. Paradigm Monitor 5 or 3: Leaning towards the 5
4. Totem: don't like'm, expensive and low power/low efficiency
5. Axiom Millenia M22Ti: Great reviews, bang-to-buck ratio high, 30 day return policy
6. PSB: see "totem"
7. Ascend CBM-170: Great value, great reviews, ugly but noteworthy--still considering
8. NHT SB-3: Great speaker, just way too inefficient, still considering though
9. Polk Rt55i: Have to get it used and I'm anal as hell. Don't think I'll find a pair in the condition I want
10. Polk Lsi9/Lsi7: Great speaker but a little worried about the 4 ohm load on my hot-**** running parasound amp. has the classic Polk slam and a wonderful tweeter. leaning towards the 9 on these.
11. Paradigm Ref Studio/20: See "Rt55i"
12. Other "esoteric" models: They talk the talk, but can't walk the walk, in my opinion. Dollar to performance ratio is rediculous. $1400 speaker that can only handle 60 watts--no thanks. They can keep their "cryogenically treated african rosewood smathered in rare elephant ****" side panels. LOL, I need a "blue collar" speaker that can rock!

Your thoughts?
Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited May 2004
    what happened to the ACI?

    you are ruling WAY too many good speakers out because of the efficency thing. It's really not that big of deal, your amp won't have any problems powering them. My Dyn's are supposed power hogs and my amp doesn't even budge with them. You'll be fine!
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,413
    edited May 2004
    Legacy Audio - "Studio" for 700.00 they would have to come from the used market also.

    B&W has several models in that range.

    Many models are out there in that range and way below that also, in the used market.

    I think you are looking for the best bang for the buck and all, the RTi6's or the LSi 9's may be your best bet.
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2004
    I've been scanning Ebay for a couple days, nothing good lately, but I'll keep looking. I'd really prefer new, everytime I see another Ebay listing, and the guy has his speaker's on the garage floor, I cringe.

    The ACI....was that the emerald model? I need to o back and look at that. I've been looking at so many models lately, I get them confused.

    I wish I could find some reviews on the RTi6, its predecessors have reviews everywhere, but I want the new model.

    The B&W's have me a little worried because alot of their smaller models are a little over-ripe in the bass. I have a sub, so low frequency performance isn't very important; I prefer a tight bass as opposed to reaching deeper.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited May 2004
    Originally posted by steveinaz
    I've been scanning Ebay for a couple days, nothing good lately, but I'll keep looking. I'd really prefer new, everytime I see another Ebay listing, and the guy has his speaker's on the garage floor, I cringe.

    The ACI....was that the emerald model? I need to o back and look at that. I've been looking at so many models lately, I get them confused.

    That's why audiogon exists! Shop from the people who know how to take care of their stuff. I got all my gear off audiogon, great place to find stuff!

    Yeah, the ACI emerald was in your price range.
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2004
    Cool, I surf it up right now...
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,413
    edited May 2004
    at Russman's house the RTi6 were very good performers, GREAT power handling, smooth sound, this is my only experience with them.

    There is that DIY (assembly only) Ed Frias EFE model, I just checked the "kit" at Speaker City, they have it on sale free assembly

    http://www.speakercity.com/sc_kits.shtml#efekit


    The guys at Adire audio also do some great looking kits www.adireaudio.com

    good luck on the search.

    Look for a pair of SDA CRS, you will be done.
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited May 2004
    I think you are looking for the best bang for the buck and all, the RTi6's or the LSi 9's may be your best bet.
    Agreed. Add the LSi7 to the mix.

    One of my favorite bookshelf speakers for both classic looks, build quality and sound is the Vienna Acoustics Haydn.

    Pricey at $995 MSRP and for that I would go with the LSI9.


    Don't forget Sonus Faber Concertinos or Concertos which sound wonderful (they lack bass - but with the SVS that is not an issue) but again they are $1,200 and $2,000.

    I would still go with the Polks.

    I've listened to many of the speakers on your list and can add Monitor Audio, Linn, Boston and B&W to my demo list and FOR THE MONEY Polks are really hard to beat and really are the "bang for the buck" champs IMO. ( I really would like to hear the NHT SB3s but I can't find any to demo)
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited May 2004
    Tried to post some pics but the links failed: lets try again:

    The Vienna Acoustics Haydn:
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited May 2004
    and the Sonus Faber Concertino:
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,842
    edited May 2004
    ATCVenom has an incredible set of NHT bookself speakers! I can't remember what model so hopefully he'll chime in here and let you know. I'd recommend them just from the half hour os so I sepnt listening to them!

    If you want new stuff then that is about all I have experience with. Older stuff from KLH, AR and Klipsch can be had at excellent prices. They will most likely be slightly larger than the stuff you listed but performance-wise, they will surprise you.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited May 2004
    You should be able to get the Studio 40's used for $700.....at least v2 which some people like better. I've seen the 20's as low as $500 on audiogon and ebay (v2).
    I can vouch for the 40's....they are quite awesome! Mine were $650 BuyItNow on ebay and in mint condition..... before UPS dinged a corner anyway :(
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2004
    Well, surprise, surprise. I'm thinking the Lsi9 is gonna fill the bill. It's about time I got back into a Polk speaker, and got myself ligitemate around here...Russman, you listening?

    Ok fellas, give it up. Where's the cheapest place to pick up some Lsi9's? Ain't no way in hell I'm spending $900 on them. Give up the URL's....LOL

    Lsi9...come to papa.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited May 2004
    How about buying from a fellow Polie...

    http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18230

    Not sure if they're still available, just saw that thread...

    I don't think you can beat $500...
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2004
    I'm looking for cherry. Tired of black speakers. My last 3 sets of speakers were black. Thats a good deal though. Plus, I've gotta get these Athena's sold to help finance the new ones. Heck, I still have a pair of Pinnacle CGT's sitting in the spare bedroom...
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • tonyv1
    tonyv1 Posts: 365
    edited May 2004
    The Parasound HCA 1500A won't have any problems with any 4 ohm speakers. I used one for 2.5 years to drive Maggies (MMG and MG12) without any stress on the amp.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2004
    Cool! Thanks for the input Tony.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited May 2004
    They can keep their "cryogenically treated african rosewood smathered in rare elephant ****" side panels.

    Gold Jerry Gold :D
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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