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Looking for good bookshelf speakers less than $1k

I spend a LOT of time at my desk and want to upgrade my speakers, new or used would be ok.

My system is Jriver/Flac > Schiit Uber Bitfrost > NAD c356bee > B&W 601s2, and utilizing a Velodyne Impact 10 sub to supplement the bass.

Desk is 4'x5' and will be up against a wall in the family room. The speakers should work well on a desk really close to the wall. (the Revel M20 flush mount switch and high frequency control sounds like a good idea).

They probably should not be rear ported since they are so close to the wall?? And since they are so nearfield they should sound good with low volume, and I usually listen at lower volume anyway, but I like to crank it once in a while. I like a bit of a warm sound, however the B&W 601s2's are a little too warm and not much detail or bass slam.

I listen to a large variety of music with a huge interest in The Blues. Also listen to Jazz, Rock, anything acoustic, Indie, Alternative, Folk, Classical, Avantgarde.

My main system doesn't get used much since I'm at my desk most of the time. It's in a dedicated audio room. (Sony SACD 777ES > First Sound Presence Deluxe Mk II > Plinius SA100 MkIII > Von Schweikert Audio VR4->VR5).

TIA for any suggestions.
128x128audionut22

Showing 6 responses by audionut22

audionut22's avatar
audionut22 OP
43 posts
 
I'm not sure if I want actives or not, but I will keep the Adams and the like on my list.

Unfortunately I am unable to audition anything due to living about a 10 hour drive to a larger metropolitan area and have always been somewhat envious of others who live where they could just drive across town to listen to whatever they wanted to.

Having said that, I have not heard any of the speakers I have considered, and only mention these due to comments and reviews I have read that seem to jump out at me. Used speakers are the way I will probably go.

Dynaudio Focus 140
PSB Platinum M2, Imagine B, Synchrony Two B
Revel M20
Usher X 718
Harbeth P3 ESR
Ref 3A De Capos, dulcets
Sonus Faber Concertos
Joseph Audio RM7xl
PSB Imagine B
Spendor SA1, Spendor S3/5R2
Totem Model 1
ATC SCM
Rega RS1

Any help would be very much appreciated to narrow this list down, or suggest something else that may work. I have been away from speakers for a while with a headphone addiction and if it would help to clarify my preferred sound signature, the headphones I really enjoy are the LCD 2.2, Sennheiser HD650 and AKG 712.

Thanks.
audionut22's avatar
audionut22 OP
43 posts
 
Thanks Yogiboy and others who have given input. I could stretch my budget to $1500 if it was something that really impresses me and looked like a speaker to keep for a long time, a speaker to listen for extended time periods at fairly low volumes (occasionally cranking it up) and never feel fatigued. (however I would prefer to keep it around $1k or less).
audionut22's avatar
audionut22 OP
43 posts
 
Thanks Chrshanl and Mapman for your input. Could anyone describe what happens when a rear-ported speaker is placed within a couple of inches of the wall, (probably with some toe-in as well), so I know if I definitely have to rule them out? On my 4' x 5' desktop the speakers front baffles will be approximately 4 feet to my ears so the speakers pretty much have to be very close to the wall.

I just had a thought, I do have the option of placing the desk so it wouldn't have to be up against the wall. I would be facing out into the room, instead of facing the wall... Hmm? Then it seems rear ported, or not, it should work...
TIA.
audionut22's avatar
audionut22 OP
43 posts
 
Thanks for the explanation Mapman. I plan to use the current orientation for new speakers. The rear inside of the speakers are within an inch of the wall and the rear outside is about 6 inches from the wall. They are toed in with the tweeter leveled off directly at my ears about 4 feet away.

I believe that space should give a rear ported speaker a little room to breathe. And I could easily hang some acoustic material on the wall which should break up some of the early reflections hopefully maintaining most of the soundstage.

The list of possibilities has shrunk, (a little bit:). Some I have been considering in the $1500 or less, (as always I raise the $ bar once researching), category are some model of these:

LS50
Fritz
Spendor
Dynaudio
Acsend Sierra
Vapor
Totem
Ref 3A
Harbeth P3 ESR

Another I have not heard of is Selah which some have high regard for. Anyone have any experience with those?

TIA to any who have input on these, (or others)!
audionut22's avatar
audionut22 OP
43 posts
 
Well, I found a smoking deal on the LS50's and HAD to get them:)! I'm very impressed initially, however I will withhold judgment until 200+ hours burn-in.

When first set up, my desk was facing out into the middle of the room and they had an unbelievable spacious and deep soundstage. However out of necessity I have had to place my desk up against the wall:( Unfortunately, as has been said, the sound stage suffers.

I am now looking into some sort of acoustic material to hang/tack onto the wall behind the speakers as well as pulling the desk away from the wall a few inches in the hope of regaining some of the stage and depth.

Can anyone recommend some type of acoustic panel ~ 5' x 2'?
audionut22's avatar
audionut22 OP
43 posts
 
That looks like good stuff Roscoeiii. The speakers are about 4 ft apart and will be up off the desk to be level with my ears, which would put the tweeter at ~ 18", (Top of speaker is 2 ft off desktop). So it looks like I will need a good diffusion panel about 4 ft wide and at least 2 ft tall.

I will be considering GIF, RPG, Acoustical Solutions, Core Audio Designs, Auralex diffusion or other.

Anybody have any thoughts on QRD vs Q7D vs skyline or whatever for this situation?

TIA, I really appreciate the input I get from this forum.
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