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Suggestions for modern, passive bookshelf speakers under $400

J

Jeff Archer

Member
I have two separate stereo systems that use a common set of speakers (I've built a switch box to switch receivers to the speakers). I am currently using an older set of Magnavox floor standers for speakers and I would like to upgrade to a pair of passive, modern bookshelf speakers (larger/standmount sized).

The two receivers that I will be using with the speakers are a Marantz 4415 and a Pioneer SX-626. The Marantz is rated at 30w/ch at 8 ohms (15w/ch in quad). The Pioneer is rated at 20w/ch at 8 ohms. My listening space is 14' x 12' so it's a smaller room and I tend to listen at medium volumes. Due to space in my room the speakers will have to be up against a wall.

I was planning on going with vintage bookshelf speakers but now I'm thinking of buying new. I'm hoping to spend $400 or less on the speakers. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
 
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What do you consider "bookshelf" size?

The old AR-3/3a and KLH 5 were considered bookshelf speakers at the time, and they are pretty darn big.

I've been very happy with the ELAC B2 6.2 and they are way under $400. Even smaller are the Music Hall Marimbas.

BTW - I have an SX-626 and it sounds pretty good with about any speakers I've tried.
 
Ross6860 said:
The old AR-3/3a and KLH 5 were considered bookshelf speakers at the time, and they are pretty darn big.
That is the size that I'm looking for. Larger bookshelf/standmount speakers along the lines of the Marantz Imperial line size wise. Do any modern manufacturers make speakers around that size? Most of the bookshelf speakers that I am seeing are 12" or shorter height wise and I'm looking for something more in the 20"ish range height wise. In between small shelf speakers and floorstanders.
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That is the size that I'm looking for. Larger bookshelf/standmount speakers along the lines of the Marantz Imperial line size wise. Do any modern manufacturers make speakers around that size? Most of the bookshelf speakers that I am seeing are 12" or shorter height wise and I'm looking for something more in the 20"ish range height wise. In between small shelf speakers and floorstanders.

I will check out the ELAC B2 6.2's.
 
I don't know of any new, big, stand-mounts like that with a 10" or 12" woofer for <$400. At least not any I can recommend. More money, sure. Smaller woofers, at that price, yes.

FWIW, that's the size of the room my ELACs are in. With a 60 wpc amp I've never wanted more volume than they can deliver. I do use a single 10" sub with full-range speaker-level pass through, but it's not 100% necessary.

$300 or so, you have the KLH 5, Yamaha NS-690 series, Infinity RS-5b, and many other vintage speakers. The Yamaha and Infinity sound a little more modern than the KLH 5, but the KLH is a very nice speaker.

Good luck.
 
Thanks very much for the replies. I probably will end up going the vintage route. I was thinking of going with new speakers to avoid potential refoaming/maintenance work but I've been leaning towards vintage speakers.

I would really like to find Marantz Imperial 5's or 6's. I have heard of the KLH 5 but not the Yamaha or Infinity. I will check them out as well.
 
If you end up going vintage, ADS L710, L810 hit that price and size. Not uncommon and worth a listen if they come up in your market. JBL L36 Decade (or L96 if you were fortunate to find at under $400) are well thought of and might be contenders.

There are a lot of vintage choices that meet your criteria. The thing about a good pair of well regarded vintage bookshelf speakers is that if you buy them in great condition for a fair price(not score, but that's OK too), there is a very good chance you can sell them down the road for what you paid or close to it. The retail mark-up has already been paid long ago. When well bought, there isn't a lot of downside.

Added: Poking on Detroit CL I see a nice looking pair of ADS L810........seems like they will sit there at the price he is asking. You might be able to educate him down toward your target price :)
 
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JSE Infinite Slope speakers. Seems to be a pair available on an auction site for just over that amount.
 
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