Best Bookshelfs

Early B.
Early B. Posts: 7,900
edited August 2004 in Speakers
I'm considering moving my Lsi7's upstairs and getting a new pair of speakers for my main 2-channel system. Since there are so many options, just wondering what y'all suggest. Here are the parameters:

1) the budget is $500

2) I prefer used speakers (or a very good deal on some new ones)

3) they must be very visually appealing (a WAF thing); a dark color wood veener

4) great midrange for female vocals (I listen mostly to jazz)

5) not too large (i.e., the Lsi9 is too large)


I could even be cajoled into DIY (it would be my first attempt)

BTW -- the 7's sound great; just need an excuse to buy another pair of speakers. I'm sure you understand.

Thanks.
HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

"God grooves with tubes."
Post edited by Early B. on
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2004
    THANKS! Excellent summary. I'll check out your suggestions.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,774
    edited August 2004
    The Audio Note? Cosmetically Appealing?

    Are you on drugs? :confused:

    That thing must take a 180 in person then.

    I would recomend the LSi7 (if you like em)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,583
    edited August 2004
    maybe look for some paradigm ref 20s.

    of course, also look into used lsi9s.
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,731
    edited August 2004
    I'll second the NHT SB-3's. I have a pair in my shop and enjoy the sound. They do require a lot of power to drive them though. They come up on Audiogon once in awhile and never last long.
    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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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited August 2004
    I would highly reccomend a used pair of Dynaudio Audience 52's for that budget, or the less expensive 42, but I'd go for the 52's, GREAT little speaker.

    Also some JM lab Chorus bookshelves would be in that 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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  • pjdami
    pjdami Posts: 1,894
    edited August 2004
    Some really good suggestions above on things to listen to.

    I would also add to the list the Epos line which has been getting great reviews:
    Critics are raving about the ELS-3, including Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, and

    I would also include the Spendor 3/5 bookshelf (look for used on Agon). I own a pair of their bigger brother.

    For over two decades Spendor was licensed to manufacture the legendary LS3/5a BBC mini-monitor loudspeaker. It became an international reference standard. In 1998 when Spendor learned that manufacture of the LS3/5a drive units was to cease, we decided to develop our own 140mm (5inch) bass-midrange drive unit using modern materials and technology. Combining this with a small 20mm Vifa soft dome tweeter, new crossover engineering and a more up-to-date look we created the Spendor S3/5. Many discerning listeners consider it to be the most transparent and truly musical mini-loudspeaker they have ever heard and the S3/5 has won many awards.

    Finally, the SDA CRS+ can be found used on eBay / audiogon under $500 but the size may be a problem for you.

    Good luck. Speaker shopping is fun.

    As always, make sure that you have the electronics to run / mate with the speakers that you chose.
    Paul
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  • setzer808
    setzer808 Posts: 173
    edited August 2004
    If you are willing to go used, and can spare the space (I know u mentioned it being a consideration) I would recommend finding a mint pair of RT55i's. I've been using mine a lot for music listening lately, without a sub...they produced cleaner bass than my PSW350. They can cover an amazing range on their own and aren't too difficult to drive. While "maybe" not as refined as some of the other choices listed (LSi7, Dynaudio, etc) they are a great set of speakers. Just my two cents. :)
    Polk CS245i Center
    Polk RT55i Mains
    Polk RT25i Rears
    Polk PSW-350 Sub -in storage.
    Yamaha RX-V681 A/V Reciever
    Sony SCD-CE595 SACD Player
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited August 2004
    Originally posted by Early B.
    (5) not too large (i.e., the Lsi9 is too large)
    Originally posted by setzer808
    I would recommend finding a mint pair of RT55i's
    The Rt55is are considerably larger than the LSi9s.
    "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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  • setzer808
    setzer808 Posts: 173
    edited August 2004
    Ah, I've seen the LSi 9's, but not long enough to make a proper size comparision between them and the 55i's. Oh well.
    Polk CS245i Center
    Polk RT55i Mains
    Polk RT25i Rears
    Polk PSW-350 Sub -in storage.
    Yamaha RX-V681 A/V Reciever
    Sony SCD-CE595 SACD Player
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,731
    edited August 2004
    Link to NHT...

    http://www.nhthifi.com/2004/products/product_detail.asp?ProductLineID=2&ProductID=13
    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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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited August 2004
    I highly recommend the Von Schweiker VR-1.

    The local hi-fi shop in my town has them on "Permanent Sale" for $750 new. I'm sure you could find a used pair well within the $500 price cap.

    The cabinets are small, but beautifully finished in a high gloss wood veneer. The sound is something that must be heard to believe. The only other bookshelf speakers I've heard that make as much bass as the VR-1's are tryrrthg's Dynaudios. The 3 dimensional soundstage the VR-1's create is awesome.

    g
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,731
    edited August 2004
    Got a link to those?
    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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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited August 2004
    ha ha, I just looked them up too.

    http://www.vonschweikert.com
    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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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited August 2004
    Originally posted by Zero
    The VR-1 from Von is probably one of the single worst "hifi" products I have ever heard. Please listen first before you buy on faith.

    :eek: What?:eek:

    I've listened to them numerous times at the shop that carries them. I was always very impressed. What is it about them you didn't like?
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited August 2004
    http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/vonschweikert_vr1.htm

    Here is a link to a review of the VR-1's. (the reviewer also loved them:p )
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited August 2004
    Originally posted by gmorris
    :eek: What?:eek:

    I've listened to them numerous times at the shop that carries them. I was always very impressed. What is it about them you didn't like?

    Remember, this is Sean you're talking about.... :)

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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