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Smooth/Musical Bookshelves upto $1500 - $2000

Hi members,

Greetings, I'm so glad to have found this forum. This is my first post and i'm taking my first step into real/proper Hi-Fi. Some details.

Room Size = 12ft x 10ft
Music Source = Desktop PC
Music Type = Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, Dance, House, Techno.
Budget for speakers = $1500 - $2000 ( Bookshelves )

I like a Smooth and Musical sound which is easy on the ears, a kind of sound which is comfortable to listen for long hours. Basically fatigue free listening.

Unfortunately i have very sensitive ears. A Bright/Analytical/Forward sound gives me a headache within minutes and High Treble pierces my ears and they start hurting rather quickly.

At the same time i'd like the sound to be involving & exciting with a melodious character with a bit of detail. Taught bass with excellent vocals is preferred. I'm willing to add a Subwoofer. ( separate budget )

I'd like to invite suggestions for Bookshelves which fit the above description. I hope such a Speaker exists which is involving & exciting but at the same time smooth and musical.

Regards,

Rana.
rana_kirti

Showing 7 responses by anonymoustao

anonymoustao
127 posts
 
where do you live and what opportunity do you have to audition speakers before you buy?
anonymoustao
127 posts
 
i use audioengine2 speakers on my desktop and can't imagine using anything much bigger than them or john blue jb3's, but my desk may not be as large as yours. still, i would think listening at that nearfield a position will necessitate some compromise in terms of cabinet size. i recall a system sold on headroom that used the smallest harbeth speakers. and gallo reference stradas may work. i'm sorry to say i have not heard either speaker in that nearfield a position to say whether they would work for you and your listening requirements, but they might be worth looking into.
anonymoustao
127 posts
 
i would heed bongofury. he has the best username of anyone who has replied to your query and a history of sound responses to questions. apropos of atc, any suggestions as to where one would go to hear them in southern california? i'd like to hear a pair but the only CA dealer seems to be in santa cruz.
anonymoustao
127 posts
 
Nola Boxers are great, but seem pretty substantial for a desktop at almost a foot deep. (15.5 inches H x 8 inches W x 11.5 inches D) I can imagine Incarcerated Scarfaces sounding fantastic on them, though. :)
anonymoustao
127 posts
 
Rana, in the life of an Audiogon thread, this is the part where I start praying for the original poster to go audition the most reasonable offerings and report his/her findings and experiences. Please. Make my prayers come true. :) Good luck! There are a lot of great suggestions here, and depending on personal preferences, I doubt you'll be left wanting by the time you choose a favorite.
anonymoustao
127 posts
 
from your description, rana, it sounds like the nola/mcintosh combo had the most emotional impact. you might consider trying the nola's with a less powerful and less expensive integrated tube amp and see if it still provides you with the breathtaking sound you described.

there's always the option to get the lower priced PSB/NAD alternative, live with it for a couple of years, and upgrade after than, but it doesn't sound like that's what you're looking to do, so it might make sense to get what appeals to you most, despite the relative costs.

in any event, i'm glad you took the time to go out there and check out those offerings, and hope you find something you can enjoy for the long haul.
anonymoustao
127 posts
 
i had totally forgotten about the desktop limitation. since you're already a fan of PSB, you may as well check out those imagine minis before finally deciding. and i think they're $700, which is nice, too.
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