Audiophile bookshelf-sized speakers

[pmc123]

Hi, cool site you have here.

I thought I would give this a try. I'm looking for a pair of audiophile quality speakers, roughly bookshelf size, a little bigger is ok, that is in the range of $1000-1500.

Some names that come to mind are Dynaudio, PSB, NHT, Vandersteen, etc. (not bose. gak!)

What I would really like is a pair of these, dynaudio 1.3 or 1.4 contours
http://www.dynaudiousa.com/products/...se/con13se.htm

Also, dynaudio bm5a studio monitors with built-in amps would be a possibility.

this site has an interesting deal - a tube amp plus their $1200 speakers for $1000. Very tempting, and I'm told this brand is quality:
http://www.av123.com/products_produc...s&product=23.1


Thanks.

[petekym]

Give me a few to look around

[petekym]

On a quick glance, This is the start of my search.

I only checked the bookshelf speakers available. You might find other choices in the floor speakers. Let me know how these sites work out for you.

Axiom Audio

Search for M2tti bookshelves.

$440.00 USD/pair


Here is another place

CambridgeSoundWorks.com

Search> Bookshelf Speakers


$499.99 Pair

[pmc123]

Wow, those Axioms look nice, especially in maple. Great reviews too. Thanks!

while reading reviews for Axioms, I also stumbled upon these cool looking speakers:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/g...cro_system.htm

So many choices.

Thanks for your help.

[Venner]

The Axioms are good speakers. I've heard them. However, I liked the offerings from Ascend Acoustics better ( Ascend ) The Axioms were a little too 'bright' in the high end for me...I could see the sound straining my ears after a while. Of course, you may very well like that...tastes vary :-) The Onyx Rockets are another one to consider. They look terrific, but have much more of a recessed sound.

Because of my budget and lack of space, I ended up buying a pair of Ascend CBM-170s and I could not be more pleased. There's a Soundstage review of the CBM-170s here (pdf). Ascend has custom finishes available if you don't like the plain matte black look. I'd rather the plain spartan look over cheap faux-wood any day.

You'll be more interested in their CBM-340 line (here). I will be purchasing the CBM-340c (same speaker, different crossover for center channel) soon, but can't personally vouch for them yet. There are lots of happy customers in Ascend's forum. I think that is the best thing about the Ascends...you'll have a helluva time finding a bad review. The Ascend people are awsome to work with and will help you with all of your questions.

I paired the Ascends with a Harmon-Kardon receiver for a great, warm sound. If I'd had a little bit more money at the time, I would have gone with something from NAD. Harmon Kardon has a terrific sound, but a NAD reciever sounds as good as quality separates.

So there you go. My money is on the Ascends.

EDIT: Be sure to have a look in the Ascend forums. There are lots of people out there with an open invitation to go to their homes and demo their Ascend systems.

[pmc123]

Thank you Venner. These look good too. I like the size of the CBM-170. I'll check out those forums. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Venner

The Axioms are good speakers. I've heard them. However, I liked the offerings from Ascend Acoustics better ( Ascend ) The Axioms were a little too 'bright' in the high end for me...I could see the sound straining my ears after a while. Of course, you may very well like that...tastes vary :-) The Onyx Rockets are another one to consider. They look terrific, but have much more of a recessed sound.

Because of my budget and lack of space, I ended up buying a pair of Ascend CBM-170s and I could not be more pleased. There's a Soundstage review of the CBM-170s here (pdf). Ascend has custom finishes available if you don't like the plain matte black look. I'd rather the plain spartan look over cheap faux-wood any day.

You'll be more interested in their CBM-340 line (here). I will be purchasing the CBM-340c (same speaker, different crossover for center channel) soon, but can't personally vouch for them yet. There are lots of happy customers in Ascend's forum. I think that is the best thing about the Ascends...you'll have a helluva time finding a bad review. The Ascend people are awsome to work with and will help you with all of your questions.

I paired the Ascends with a Harmon-Kardon receiver for a great, warm sound. If I'd had a little bit more money at the time, I would have gone with something from NAD. Harmon Kardon has a terrific sound, but a NAD reciever sounds as good as quality separates.

So there you go. My money is on the Ascends.

EDIT: Be sure to have a look in the Ascend forums. There are lots of people out there with an open invitation to go to their homes and demo their Ascend systems.