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Bookshelf Recommendations

High_Noon

High_Noon

Active Member
Buddy o' mine has asked for guidance setting up an audio/video system. He is not an audiophile. His usage is ~ 50/50 TV/Movies & music. He has a giant Samsung smart TV, a Yamaha RX-V459 receiver, a Sony BluRay, and a pair of older Polk bookshelf speakers - maybe T-15s, but not sure. The Polks went missing during his latest move.

The plan is to hook up the TV & the BluRay to the receiver (obviously) so that he can stream Spotify and Pandora from the Smart TV through his stereo. His MO is to have it as easy as possible - no bluetooth - just turn on the system and go.

His budget is ~ $500.00 - 600.00 for new speakers and he does not want floor standing speakers/towers. He would like to buy a quality pair that will last him a very long time if not the rest of his life.

Primary requirement is that the speaker not be made in chiner, this is non-negotiable. Used is preferable b/c he can get a higher quality speaker for around his budget than a new speaker would provide.

Time frame to purchase is within the next couple of weeks.

I have made the following recommendations, all used. I either have direct experience with these speakers or have researched them fairly extensively:

1) Snell KII - excellent speaker in my estimation.
2) Focal 807V
3) Focal 705/6V (no experience)
4) Rogers studio monitors (no experience)
5) Salk Song Surround

And a bit over budget:
6) Zu Audio Omen bookshelf
7) Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2

Obviously, not all of these options are available at a given time, so I would like to narrow it down to 3 or 4 options so I can find at least one pair when he's ready to pull the trigger.

Although I am an audiophile, I do not consider myself an expert, so I appreciate the advice of others more knowledgeable than myself. Other speaker recommendations are welcome.

What say you?

Thanks in advance for your advice and recommendations.
 
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Using the speakers in an AV system as opposed to pure 2ch listening places some unusual requirements on the speakers chosen.

Most AV receivers have some form of processing and crossovers that should be taken into account, you may not get the most out of larger floorstanding speakers given the processing/crossover interaction.

For mixed usage I recommend a 2.1 setup with smaller mains and a subwoofer.
 
wmgwizard: Thanks for the reply. Your recommendation of a 2.1 system is a good one and something to consider.

I have a 2ch A/V set up with the afore mentioned Snell KII speakers and I have never found it lacking for either music or movies; however, a subwoofer would indeed add an worthwhile dimension lacking with just the 2 Snells.

I have mentioned this to my bud, but I'm not sure he will want to go that far.
 
Why not a newer set of Polks? He can audition them at the Big Blue Box store. Does he partake in blowing off fireworks on the 4th?
 
Bill S: Am I to take your reply as sarcastic? Polk certainly wouldn't be my first choice.

hnash53: Thanks, but the Wharfedale Diamond is MIC, which is a deal-breaker.
 
High_Noon said:
Bill S: Am I to take your reply as sarcastic? Polk certainly wouldn't be my first choice.

hnash53: Thanks, but the Wharfedale Diamond is MIC, which is a deal-breaker.
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I'm just saying, if he liked the Polks, listen to some. They make some nice bookshelves. His requirement for no chiner made me laugh. Thats why I asked if he buys fireworks for the 4th.
 
The lower end Kef & B&W are 100% MIC.... I also wont buy that crap!! If looking at newer speakers look at:

Definitive Technology SM350 or SM450. Newer stuff MIC
NHT SB2 or SB3.
M&K LCR750 or SS-500
Also canadian makers PSB & Paradigm

These makers started in home theater and do great with music as well
 
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nolasally: Thanks, I had planned to take a look at Paradigm - possibly the Studio 40 V3, and possibly PSB as well. The M&K looks interesting and is certainly in his price range. What are your impressions of the M&K LCR750? I'm not familiar with these.
 
The paradigm are a very very good sounding speaker . I run my Sansui 8 Deluxe with a pair of the 7 s and they are amazing in SQ . +AAAA for paradigm and a do have a bunch of kick ass speakers hear to swap out on occasions .They were my second set of higher end speakers , before the Technic SB -7000 A showed up here and I still have both sets . The 7s are over 27 plus years old and still not any issues .
 
M&K was at the forefront of HT setups... They never made junk... All are good, but made speakers from good to stellar.... They were never cheap....
 
A friend just set up a HT , one of the best techs out there and he borrowed my 7s for the rear channel , he has one of the best audio setups that I have ever heard , and I have heard 100 K systems , that did not sound as good as here system . Ask any of the SMAC member here .I have not heard the M& K before so not one to comment on theses speakers .
 
You might consider looking at the Barter Town previews here on AK. You have to be a paying subscriber to see the actual listings but you can post a WTB ad and might find some speakers local to your location and save shipping
 
ok. just got back and he certainly has enough room for a set of bookshelf speakers, but he will need stands to go with them. I figure about 24-30" stands.

Any recommendations on stands? He/we are leaning towards the Ascend Acoustic Sierra 2, but that could easily change.

Thanks
 
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