Best budget bookshelf speakers for 3-600 dollars.


Hello all now that I've made a decision to stray away from active monitors (genelec 1029a) I need to decide upon what I can best get for my money. As a reference I would like to tell you what kind of headphones I own so you can have a taste of what I like. I own Senhessier 580 aswell as etymotic 4s and 6I and some shure 3.

I mostly listen to classical (brass music, big ochestra) and jazz (clark terry, lester young etc). I do have my ocassional moments when I go rock crazy for awhile. I know there all different mediums are there any speakers that can handle all pretty well for the price range 3-600 dollars used or new (lower better more around 4-500 just willing to plunk a little more if need be).

Feel free to give me any models. I live in NYC so am sure I can find someplace. Speaking of NYC where are the good places. The only place I've been to is soundexchange and I don't much like the sales people there.

Thanks again like always.
daimbert

Showing 6 responses by daimbert

I don't actually own the genelec. My friend suggested to get these for the money I have. What I thought was a draw back is that if I ever wanted to upgrade am stuck. That's it. Anymore suggestion>
alright in that case what would be some good floorstander suggestions that are small and sound good?
I forgot to mention that these speakers are to be used in my bedroom not living room. The source will be my computer. My dimensions are 18X12X10'tall.
As for amplification I was planning to use a intergrated amp either the Nad C320BEE or the audio refinement complete. Yes room constraints is an issue since my computer is situation on the same wall as my 32" television. I plan to position the speakers on either side of my television. I plan to use m-audio audiophile (external usb) as source. I plan to listen from my bed, or from my computer chair. I know that a perfect set-up but it's the best I can do until I move into a house and have a seperate listening room.

It was for this issue with my room that so many people suggested near-field bi-amp speakers such as genelec or dynaudio. I listened to some and even though they do many things well, there just not to musical to listen to.

I also figured going with an amp would give better flexiblity in the future than just buying active studio monitors. That's why I wanted to get suggestion of good bookshelf speakers that are fairly small but good performers. Is it possible with my room constraints?
Not offended at all. Just want the suggestions so I know what to listen to and decide on. I understand if I am coming out as confused and maybe a little annoying :) but you need to understand I don't know nothing. I am learning alot by the suggestions though so thank you.

My bedroom is 18X12 with 10 foot ceiling. Like stated before my television 32" and computer are against my 18' wall. Although there is a door to the left side so in and a radiator on the other side so it's really 11-12'ft. Some where in there I plan to place my speakers facing my bed. I plan to actually listen from my bed with about 8' feet of space or my computer chair with about the same distance.

I usally do not use my speakers in the computer anyways but they may be used on occassion for some livefeeds,games but 95% of the time for just straight listening and playing along with big ochestral works so I can practice my excerpts. I may use speakers for stereo sound while watching movies but again not much at all.

One thing for certain I do not to use a sub. I actually like a well defined bass over a bass that I can feel. I would like speakers that sound like my headphones which are Senheissers hd580, Etymotic 4p and my shure 3. Speakers don't have to be big but reproduce music well.

I hope this clarify a bit.