MM-K

I was thinking of these : http://www.harmanaudio.com/images/pr...large/ES20.jpg

These KEF's look badass, but they go for like $400 around here http://www.accessories4less.com/mas_....KEFIQ3BLK.jpg

jtypin

would go nice if you're shelf is that color and grain of wood personally i like my choices but those i must admit look dang sexeh!!!

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MM-K

Only black, so it matches my case, keyboard, monitor.

I just don't know what to look for, whats best etc. My buddy who is crazy about audio is away so I can't ask him for advice right now.

isstern35

would go nice with this receiver
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i

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technodanvan

First I've gotta give a little spiel about building these as you'll never approach them in sound quality for their cost. You can easily get by without a subwoofer with them too.

But of course, that's not for everybody.

I'd take a look at Polk Audio or Klipsch for new ones. They're mainstream and pretty good. Get them at a dedicated audio retailer though, and don't get the lowest end model.

If you want something that'll get the job done without breaking the bank, check out Yamaha.

Personally I'd hop on eBay though. Speakers don't go bad unless an idiot is using them and you can get pretty great deals on otherwise unattainable (due to budget constraints) models.

But really, if you have the means build them yourself!


eBay DEFINITELY helps you out on an amp. There are a million good two channel amps there, anything in the last 30 years will easily suffice. If you go new, I'd stick with Harman/Kardon. If you go old, Yamaha, H/K, Marantz, hell even old Pioneers were badass. Just depends on your needs.

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MM-K

Right, I don't want a sub with this setup. Hoping that they will give me enough bass.

Thanks for the advice. Any thoughts on JBL speakers? What other amp manufactures can you suggest?

isstern35

JBL is a very good brand for speakers. They are popular in professional studios.
Amp: Onkyo Pioneer Denon Yamaha, and some sony's

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technodanvan

JBL is pretty solid, though generally not as detailed on the high end from my experience. However, this could be due to only listening to their lower-end models, I'm sure they have some pretty decent ones.

I assume you'll be looking at newer amps. You can get two channel Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc, etc for probably $150 new. They have power and play loud. That's about all they can do though, I wouldn't plug my speakers into them. TO be fair, they're getting better. That doesn't make them good. Now if you're going for cheap and works (and durable) then by all means.

My personal preference for receivers would definitely be Harman/Kardon. After extensive testing at a number of stores I have found them to be vastly more "musical" than any other brand. Pioneer Elite was a very, very close second, but they generally cost more and I don't believe they make a 2-channel model. If you're going new, look for the HK-3390 ($260 shipped on the 'bay right now). It's simple and powerful, and will not make your ears bleed. Don't be confused by it's mere 80 watts. My first H/K was only rated at 40x5. That's all you need, even for a loud 5 channel home theater ever speakers sounded great even turned up. 80 watts is more than enough for 99% of speakers, and 100% of bookshelves.

Now if I were you, I'd first ask myself this:

"Am I absolutely certain that I don't want to go multichannel in the future?"

If yes, then I'd get an old receiver from the 70's or 80's, or the H/K listed above.

If no, I'd definitely invest in a multichannel receiver now. Both H/K and Pioneer Elites can be had around the $400 range, if not lower. The low end models are typically enough too, all you really need is the power. You don't need the video processing or HDMI switching more expensive models offer.

In any case, I would not buy them from Newegg...please, PLEASE go to a store and listen to them (both speakers AND receivers), then buy them locally (or on eBay if you must get them online).

Keep in mind even Bose can be found in professional studios. I'm not trying to say anything about the quality of non-professional JBL speakers (as I really don't have much experience with them) however you don't often hear anything good about Bose from anybody in the mainstream market. Pro gear is vastly different, and that's true with all brands.


Oh yeah, note that some speakers are rated at 4 ohms. Not many in your price range I'm sure but bear in mind many receivers are only rated at 8 ohms and may not like the heavier load.

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soloz2

I see several people have been trying to push bose 2.1... complete crap. For anyone that wants a computer 2.1 setup that actually sounds good look to swans m10.

Speaking of swans, their powered monitors have received good reveiws and then you wouldn't need an amp.
Audioengine 5's are supposed to be very, very good and once again are powered. They received a good review in Stereophile and a few other places.

If you want bookshelf speakers/monitors then in your price range there are a few you can look at.
I forget who posted the epos, but they were on the right track. Great sound, liquid, great soundstaging for the size speaker, but a bit weak on lows.
PSB Alpha B1, good speaker, not the best out there
Paradigm atom, another great speaker in your price range.
The above you can listen to in stores.

But, the best in your price range is by far av123's products. Nothing else can compare, and I've listened to the above recommended speakers, and several more expensive speakers as well.
I picked up a pair of these:
http://av123.com/component/page,shop...art/Itemid,37/
just to see what they were like and have been very impressed thus far. quite a bit of bass for such a small speaker, smooth mids, highs aren't as detailed as my ref, nor do they stage as well and can't compete in several other areas, but have an almost romantic sound that just makes you want to listen to music. They are pretty decent for movies as well.
Right now shipping is included in the $300 price, as well as 30day in home trial, if u don't like u can send them back for a full refund (return shipping included)

http://av123.com/component/page,shop...art/Itemid,37/
The x-ls has received many, many awards, including once ninja upgraded beat out lots of other sub $1k speakers, and just received I think it was consumer reports best buy, but I owned the original x-ls and it was a great speaker, has the lows you'll likely want w/o a sub and the encore has a better tweeter and crossover, so should be a lot better. can't go wrong with it. Not sure when will be in stock again though, no free shipping, but well worth the price and risk free trial once again.

I have a pair of ref .5's I'm selling, you could get them for a bit cheaper, add a $100 used integrated amp and then still have $ for a sub. They have better highs than the elt525 or x-ls, but are a little light on the lows.

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jtypin

good find soloz, give you're self a imaginary + rep from me

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