• Please note that Audiokarma will be offline briefly for updates early on Monday morning, September 28th.

What's best bookshelf speaker?

2

2010 AR D79A

Active Member
What's vintage best bookshelf speakers,Rogers LS3/5a,Technics SB F3 phase linear,a/d/s SAT 7 or....please quote. and
What's new best bookshelf speakers, Polk RT iA1,KEF LS50,Magnepan Mini Maggies, Aon 2,Aon 3, Pioneer SP- BS22-LR or.....please quote.
Thank You.:banana:

My Speakers:
ADS L2030,JBL L300 SUMMIT,Magnepan Magneplanar MG II IMP,Klipsch La Scala.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
If you're running tubes, you might want to look for a pair of first-generation Wharfedale W40's (the early ones with the ported cabs and alnico drivers). From what I understand, those are VERY-underrated and beautiful-sounding, as are all of their tube-era models.
 
There's going to be a bit of a shock, going from any of your list of speakers to a small bookshelf speaker, no matter which one you choose.

For that matter, there's a pretty wide range of sounds from your list. It's going to be tough to figure out what you like, given the broad range of speakers you own.
 
Don't be afraid to try a pair of Klipsch KG2s. For low to medium loud volume levels they're superb.
 
bentpencil said:
Don't be afraid to try a pair of Klipsch KG2s. For low to medium loud volume levels they're superb.
Click to expand...

While I do like or love several Klipsch models, the KG2 just didn't do it for me. I sold them, and kept my Paradigm Mini Monitor version 3, which to my ear are superior in every way, including bass response, even though the cabinet and driver are smaller than the KG2. I'm listening to the Minis now; doubt I'd ever sell them... they're just so good for their size, imo.

The current v 7 are likely improved, but I haven't heard them... sure would like to. Good bookshelf speaker for the OP to audition as it shouldn't be too difficult to find a dealer. They seem to be going for $600/pair these days - my v3s were only about $350, but they are certainly using higher-tech materials now. So that is an audition suggestion for the v 7, not a buy recommendation, since I haven't heard them.
 
I really like my 1st gen Polk 4's with the Peerless tweets and fuses on the back. I bought them new in '81 with stands. They can be bought right too, under 100 bucks. That is if you like vintage. Lacking bass though. They are bookshelf.
 
There is no "best"; as the subjective component of loudspeaker assessment is just too significant (i.e., de gustibus non est disputandum).

That said, I'd seriously consider a pair of Harbeths if I were in the market for a new pair of loudspeakers and I was aiming high in terms of quality and performance.
http://www.harbeth.co.uk/uk/index.php
 
do like i do get some audition them if you like keep them if not sell them (the speaker market is good right now for sellers) i keep more than i sell plus the selling part keeps me funded for more,,once you get the first pair you might as well call yourself a collecter,,,
 
Lots of modern small bookshelf systems out there. Use a set of 6" two ways with an 8 inch powered sub and you are set. I can't see a small modern system like this being beat by any old small vintage bookshelfs without a sub. That being said--I would (and do) use Wharfedale W-45's with a modern powered sub--very nice. (W-45's are early 70's 10",three way,all cone bookshelf speaker used with a Polk 12" single powered sub controlled with a Paradigm X-10 control unit.) I bring in the sub just enough to fill in the bottom end; just a little, no overkill with the sub--works well for me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom