What are your favorite non-polk bookshelf speakers

Conradicles
Conradicles Posts: 6,119
edited June 2010 in Speakers
Title says it all. After hearing some little Paradigm Studio Monitors that lightman1 let me borrow for a few days, and also seeing a thread about those classic a/d/s speakers, this gave me an idea to add some small bookshelf speakers on stands in my 2-channel rig between the SDA's. I already have plenty of room and amplification. They will be powered by the "B" ouputs of my Denon POA-1500 (150 watts per channel).


No real criteria other than I love Vintage speakers because they can be had on the cheap and usually are built with great quality.
Pictures or links are cool as well.

Let me know what some of your favorites have been over the years.:cool:



Eric.
Post edited by Conradicles on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«13

Comments

  • thuffman03
    thuffman03 Posts: 1,325
    edited September 2009
    I just bought a set of Athena S2 book shelf speakers. They are pretty nice.
    Sunfire TGP, Sunfire Cinema Grand, Sunfire 300~2 (2), Sunfire True Sub (2),Carver ALS Platinum, Carver AL III, TFM-55, C-19, C-9, TX-8, SDA-490t, SDA-390t
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • michaeljhsda2
    michaeljhsda2 Posts: 2,185
    edited September 2009
    Paradigm Titans
    SDA SRS 2.3TL's
    Silk Audio MS-90-BT integrated tube amp
    Yaqin MS-20L integrated tube amp
    SDA 2B TL's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited September 2009
    Hot rodded Tannoy Saturn S8LR's.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,186
    edited September 2009
    Focal 807v's
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited September 2009
    By far the Stone Image Audio Rothschilde A2s, they easily bested my LSi7s.

    Pic stolen from Zero
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited September 2009
    Vienna Acoustics Hadyn Grand
    "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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited September 2009
    Totem Rainmaker and Model 1 SE, EPOS ELS-3, M12, Paradigm Studio Reference 20v3, Spendor 3/5, B&O S45-2, in addition to those mentioned previously.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,181
    edited September 2009
    I've had plenty of the older avg. stock and some nice upper level sets but these stick out:

    The Paradigm Studio 20v3's were outstanding !!!.

    I still own some Pinnacle PN8's and other model Pinnacles that sound great.

    With less bass output, Boston Acoustics VR-M60's, KEF Q10's too

    But the top of my heap (but they're bigger) has to be the ADS L710's....Sooooooo clear...& balanced..... I'm keeping them for life! Most people who hear my L710's ,and can afford to, go on a search for their own, seriously.Just like the SDA's!!!!!
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,119
    edited September 2009
    Cool Tony, the L710's peak my interest as well. How much would a man have to spend to get a set of those?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Barefoot
    Barefoot Posts: 149
    edited September 2009
    Hands down the Revel Performa series. More specifically the m20 and it's successor the m22. They're so good, too good even. I've owned both, and both of them are as close to perfect as you can get.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • miner
    miner Posts: 1,305
    edited September 2009
    The pair that I have been more than pleased with has been the Dynaudio 52SE. Incredible soundstage and bass for a small 2-way. I am considering upgrading to the Dynaudio Special 25.
    [
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited September 2009
    Dynaudio Contour 1.3 Mk II.

    Beats every bookshelf mentioned here, and many floorstanders too.

    Edit: Why? Because I say so.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,181
    edited September 2009
    The ADS L710's can be bought on Ebay for around 300.00 pr. with cloth grills or up up to 450.00 with metal grills. I was lucky with craigs list...100.00 w/ cloth grills.

    Also the JBL L1's were very impressive to me too.
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited September 2009
    The DT Studio Monitor 350's. They're like the miniature versions of the BP7000 series speakers. Instead of an active sub, they use a passive one. 8" for the 350's, and 10" for the 450's.
    VERY sweet sounding!
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cienega
    cienega Posts: 85
    edited September 2009
    michaeljhsda2 wrote: »
    Paradigm Titans

    Couldn't agree more. Pair them up with a decent sub that's not too overpowering and you have a nice inexpensive little setup.
    2 channel
    Vandersteen 3a sigs
    McCormick 225
    Vincent SAT-1 tube pre
    Cambridge 650 c
    HSU VTF-15H sub
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited September 2009
    ricardo wrote: »
    dynaudio contour 1.3 mk ii.

    Beats every bookshelf mentioned here, and many floorstanders too.

    Edit: Why? Because i say so.

    Yeah!!!!! What he said!!!!!!:d

    Edit: Now WE say SO!!!!
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited September 2009
    Gaara wrote: »
    By far the Stone Image Audio Rothschilde A2s, they easily bested my LSi7s.

    Pic stolen from Zero

    How much do those go for?

    Since making the dive into SDA's, I've wanted to dive into other speakers to know whats out there so I'm reading up on this thread often :D
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,119
    edited September 2009
    Great info...Keep em' coming...

    Also, maybe some more Vintage "giant killer" budget choices say under $200 or $300 on the used market.

    Thanks to all!!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited September 2009
    cienega wrote: »
    Couldn't agree more. Pair them up with a decent sub that's not too overpowering and you have a nice inexpensive little setup.

    Have a pair as well - they're awesome little speakers with surprising output.

    Have Titans, Atoms, and 5ses currently.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited September 2009
    Best bookshelfs I have heard were the GamuT L3's..They sound HUGE.

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • emoxley
    emoxley Posts: 205
    edited September 2009
    Allison AL-115 bookshelves.
    Samsung HL61A750 LED DLP
    Onkyo TX-SR805 receiver
    Oppo BDP-83 blu ray player
    Polk Audio LSi9 front speakers
    Polk Audio LSiC center speaker
    Sony SS-MB100H rear speakers
    SVS PC12-NSD powered subwoofer
    Pioneer PL-514 turntable
    Logitech Harmony 628 Universal Remote
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited September 2009
    Dynaudio Confidence C1 hands down to my ears.

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WastelandWand'r
    WastelandWand'r Posts: 466
    edited September 2009
    Paradigm Titans-as I have owned them and enjoyed them.
    Paradigm Studio 20's, later versions. Convinced friend to buy them and they sounded great. Meatier sounding then the Titans.
    Good luck with your search.
    Nathan
    Home Rig

    SDA 2.3TL's front and center
    Polk 1000p Center
    Pioneer Elite SC35 Receiver (Pre/Surround
    Sunfire Cinema Grand 5X200-Back in the mix.
    OPPO BDP-93
    Squeezebox
    Stepped up to name brand Speaker Cables and interconnects!
    Monitor 4, 5, 7, 10's, SDA 1B's, 2B's, 2.3TL's, RTA 15TL's all in storage waiting for me.
    Sales Rating #1!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited September 2009
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    How much do those go for?

    Since making the dive into SDA's, I've wanted to dive into other speakers to know whats out there so I'm reading up on this thread often :D

    These probably won't be the ones then, they are very hard to find.

    Retail was $1335 according to Sean's review over on Affordable Audio. I believe the company is now defunct, but I'm not sure on that.

    Used I have seen them go from $475 -$750...but I bought my pair on 2007 and didn't see another pair pop up until late 2008.
    Conradicles wrote: »
    Also, maybe some more Vintage "giant killer" budget choices say under $200 or $300 on the used market.

    Not Vintage but the AV123 X-ls really surprised me. I think I paid $175 for my pair and they really did sound quite good, paired them with a $30 portable cdp and $30 amp and I was shocked at how good things sounded.

    Many users/pro reviews consider them modern day "giant killers"
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,119
    edited September 2009
    Thanks Gaara, looking at the AV123 site now...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited September 2009
    michaeljhsda2 wrote: »
    Paradigm Titans

    This. :D

    The bookshelf that doesn't sound like a bookshelf.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited September 2009
    nguyendot wrote: »
    Have a pair as well - they're awesome little speakers with surprising output.

    Have Titans, Atoms, and 5ses currently.

    Do you mind threadjacking a little and telling me what you think of the 5ses? I have a chance to get a pair of 7ses for $150 in good shape, and i've been resisting, but i'm starting to think it would be stupid to pass them up. Haven't heard them yet, though.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mister pig
    mister pig Posts: 28
    edited September 2009
    Gr Research Neo 2X

    Regards
    Mister Pig
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited September 2009
    I played around with my Titans with a single S8 in a new room yesterday and i about made a mess in my seat. Just sayin'.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BB3
    BB3 Posts: 297
    edited September 2009
    I guess my old Advents, mainly because they're the only bookshelves I've ever owned and they still perform quite beautifully.
    Sony 52in.XBR6
    Sony 32in.XBR6
    Anthem AVM50V
    Anthem PRE-2L
    Sonic Frontiers SFCD-1
    Carver C-9
    Carver C-19 PreAmp
    Carver C-16 PreAmp
    2-Carver Silver 7-T's
    4-Carver TFM55's
    2-Carver TFM35's
    1-Carver TFM25
    Carver 490T
    Denon DCD1560
    Sony BDP-S350
    Sony PS3
    Nintendo Wii
    Panasonic DMK23DVR

    Speakers :

    PolkAudio SDA-SRS
    PolkAudio SDA-SRS 1.2TL
    PolkAudio SDA-CRS+(Compliments Of Mr. Jim Thomas"jtgranby")
    PolkAudio RTA-15TL
    PolkAudio M3
    3-Velodyne F-1500's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter