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Need speaker suggestions

C

chadacadabra

New Member
Hello all, I'm trying to put together a decent home hi-fi setup and would like some speaker suggestions from those with more experience than I. Admittedly, I am very green in regards to hi-fi equipment.

I have a Technics SL-D2 turntable and Harmon Kardon hk 580i receiver. I hoping to find a medium sized set of shelf or monitor speakers that can handle deep bass reasonably well. I have no objection to getting a sub woofer as well but of course if I can find speakers with sufficient built in subs then I'll be happy. I'd prefer vintage speakers but am interested in suggestions of new speakers as well. I'm hoping for a set below $300.

Thanks in advance for any help y'all can lend.
 
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Hard to keep this from becoming a value-based question, which means it should be placed in the Dollars & Sense section... but, I can discuss speaker options in regard to sound only, and not sound vs $$$.

I had a pair of Klipsch bookshelf speakers that would've suited your sonic needs. Klipsch has several good models from the late 80's to early 00's in bookshelf size. Also look at something like the JBL 4408, or maybe the Boston Acoustic HD line.
 
My go to suggestion for vintage bookshelf speakers are EPI 100's with the inverted tweeters. I have a pair in the corners of my family room at ear level and the bass is very good for their size. To get better bass you would probably need to go with something that has a larger woofer and then they really aren't bookshelf sized even though they might be call bookshelf speakers.
 
colohiker said:
My go to suggestion for vintage bookshelf speakers are EPI 100's with the inverted tweeters. I have a pair in the corners of my family room at ear level and the bass is very good for their size. To get better bass you would probably need to go with something that has a larger woofer and then they really aren't bookshelf sized even though they might be call bookshelf speakers.
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Yes, I've had 100's and was very impressed! And the cabinets would be very easy to veneer in real wood.
 
+1 on the EPI 100s.

They were my first real set of speakers around 1980 and I still have them. Recapped, refoamed, rewired and new binding posts. They had to be refoamed, they wanted to be recapped and they just plain old deserved new wiring and posts after all those years of faithful service.
 
EPI's are great. To get a better sound stage image they should be out from the back wall and elevated. You will not get deep bass from any bookshelf speaker. Small ADS speakers on stands, with a quality 12" 150 watt powered sub might get you there, with some real punch, if your room will handle it.
 
Pioneer had those Andrew Jones designed speakers that were really hot last year. Can't remember the model - I think there was 22 in it - anyway search this forum for 'Pioneer Andrew Jones' and you'll find some threads. I heard em at a regional AK event in KC and was very impressed for their size.


janikphoto said:
Hard to keep this from becoming a value-based question, which means it should be placed in the Dollars & Sense section...
Click to expand...

I don't think that was the intent of the 'questions of value belong in D&S' rule. It is meant to limit links to ads, auctions and questions of 'what is my gear worth' to that forum. This thread is about speaker recommendations in a price range. Perfectly fine for this forum as far as I understand. It's not that you can't use a dollar sign anywhere else but D&S. Not to be nitpicky, just wanted to lay to rest any concerns the OP might have.
 
What sound qualities do you like? Warm and musical? Loud? Dynamic? Great imaging? Punchy or bright? Or accurate and neutral? Plus, your room size and speaker placement options? Genres of music too? All will help in finding a good match. But, the EPI 100 suggestion is a very good one. It's a very good starting point, within your budget.

Good luck, and Welcome to AK!
 
KLH 32
ADS L470
ADC 303AX
Infinity QE
Infinity RSe
I have these medium size bookshelfs and think highly of all of them. The Infinitys are 4 ohm.
 
chadacadabra said:
Hello all, I'm trying to put together a decent home hi-fi setup and would like some speaker suggestions from those with more experience than I. Admittedly, I am very green in regards to hi-fi equipment.

I have a Technics SL-D2 turntable and Harmon Kardon hk 580i receiver. I hoping to find a medium sized set of shelf or monitor speakers that can handle deep bass reasonably well. I have no objection to getting a sub woofer as well but of course if I can find speakers with sufficient built in subs then I'll be happy. I'd prefer vintage speakers but am interested in suggestions of new speakers as well. I'm hoping for a set below $300.

Thanks in advance for any help y'all can lend.
Click to expand...

Where are you located? Many of us have extra speakers sitting around unused looking for a good home. If an AKer is local to you, it may help your search. Welcome to AK.
 
Love the open-ended "what speaker should I get?" question! For that budget, you could choose 2-4 pairs from among the following and keep them all:

KLH-17
Dynaco A25
Advent 3002
Epicure Model 70C
KLH-32
AR-4x

I have all of those. The "Smaller Advent Loudspeaker" (its actual name) would fit the bill too, from what I've read around here. Or DIY some Karma Indignias.
 
Freddymac2 said:
EPI's are great. To get a better sound stage image they should be out from the back wall and elevated.
Click to expand...

EPI actually recommends placing them against two surfaces for the most linear sound. I have mine slightly toed in at ear level against the back wall and side wall and the bass is more than adequate.


EPI.jpg
 
I agree totally with the towed in at ear level but the OP said handles deep bass quite well. 40 hz is not deep bass.
A quality used powered sub will get you there, but know that the subtle difference will the disturb the neighbors, if you are in an apartment. It just adds impact without messing up the mid range, When you set it up right you barely hear it, except when it is needed.
 
Two speakers that may not have the bass output of a great sub (not many speakers do);

Infinity RS-325

Klipsch KG-3.2

The Infinity is a very unassuming speaker that has a very musical sound and punches WAY above what it's size would suggest.

The Klipsch is a bit larger so you would expect more bass, and you wouldn't be let down. The KG-3.2 won't leave you feeling you need a sub, it has prodigious amounts of bass.

Infinity
cambio-infinity-rs-325-impecables-no-bowers-dynaudio-881501-MLM20340900811_072015-F.jpg


Klipsch
P1020312-021.jpg
 
best to search local garage sales and c/l and see what is around you.a good pair can easily be found given enough patience and effort.
 
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