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
Perhaps you could give us actual room dimensions and your planned speaker placement and listening distances? Do you plan to listen to the integrated amp/speakers while using your computer and/or watching TV?
Daimbert, no criticism intended here, but you do seem a bit befuddled, and I'm not sure a dozen more posts recommending different speakers is going to solve that problem. So my first suggestion is to stop asking for advice and get out and listen to some speakers. Start to figure out what you like, rather than worrying about what everybody else likes. When you pin things down a little, you can come back here and ask some more specific questions.

On the bookshelf vs. floorstander question, my advice is to go with the bookshelf. (Yes, you'll need stands, but you don't need to spend an arm and a leg for these. Just look for something stable.) I don't think there are too many good floorstanders in your price range. You're buying more bass, but not necessarily a lot more bass, and probably not better bass. I prefer a speaker that doesn't try to do everything, because it's more likely to do most things right.

Something like the Paradigm Monitor 3 or the PSB Image B25 or the Infinity Beta 20 might suit you. All run in the $400-500 range. I suggest you check their websites to find dealers in your area.
Jean-Marie Reynaud Twins or Dynaudio Audience 40/42-50/52's. The Dynaudios will need a bit more power to sound better. My friend owns the Twins and they sound great. Both can be found used in your price range. Good luck.
If you are able: give Mission, Quad 12L, Monitor Audio silver series (older silver i or newer s), or Paradigm a try. You should be very happy with any of the above if it fits sonically into your system. IMHO check out the new Absolute Sound issue, has their best components list.