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New member Username: CrypticPost Number: 1 Registered: May-07 | Here's the rundown: I'm a college student looking to build my own audio system as an upgrade from a $50 pair of Logitech speakers. They sound alright for games and movies, but they really bite the big one for music. I was originally going to go with a lower end Onkyo or Yamaha receiver, but after a bit of research the Class-T amps have sold me. Especially the Trends TA-10. I can't believe the fantastic reviews its gotten, even beating out multi-thousand dollar amps. So now I'm looking for a good pair of bookshelf speakers around $100-$200 to go with the TA-10. I've already been recommended Athenas a dozen times, and while I'm sure they're great, I'd like a little more variety. |
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Silver Member Username: StefanomVienna, VA United States Post Number: 538 Registered: Apr-06 | https://www.ecoustics.com/electronics/forum/home-audio/347071.html and a few others Infinity Beta 20 $199 (factory refurbs on eBay) AV123 X-LS $219 NHT Absolute Zero: $199 Courtesy of Mr. Molloy from the mentioned thread. If you are going to have a subwoofer, I'd recommend the NHT; otherwise, probably the AV123 speaker. |
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Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 4648 Registered: Feb-05 | Stretch your budget by just a bit and the Paradigm Atom Monitor could be yours. Retails for $249, should be able to get 'em for $225. |
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New member Username: AlaciousPost Number: 9 Registered: May-06 | I'd go with a used pair of B&W dm302s if you can find them |
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New member Username: CrypticPost Number: 2 Registered: May-07 | Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately those NHT Absolute Zeros are $199 EACH, which is out of my price range. The X-LSs are looking nice though. How would Energy C-100s compare? (same price on Audio Advisor) Also, I can't seem to find any online retailers for Paradigm. |
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Silver Member Username: ExerciseguyBrooklyn, NY USA Post Number: 996 Registered: Oct-04 | The X-LS are the lowest price REAL wood veneer speakers you'll find, I think, but they are over $200. Under $200 you will not find a better speaker or better price than these Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 for $197 http://ayselectronics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=155_181&product s_id=1461&zenid=a45338ec14578e290a829f98fcd2b629 . However, shipping will push these over $200. My choice might be these Infinity Primus P152 for $120 http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Single-bookshelf-speaker/dp/B000LKC37W (Great Deal!) These Athena AS-B1.1 for $119 are another excellent choice http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATASB1%2E2 My dark-horse recommendation is the Acoustic Research ARXP62, a larger (6.5" driver), bigger sounding speaker for $99 (Yes, $99!) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002CBRA8 ...I'll hold off recommending the Cerwin-Vega! CLS-6 for $164 http://www.overstock.com/?page=proframe&prod_id=2119896 till I get a chance to listen to them (they're siting in my hallway), but I have high hopes. |
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Silver Member Username: SerniterPiscataway, New Jersey USA Post Number: 159 Registered: Mar-06 | There used to be Wharfedale 8.2s on Amazon for $199 shipped... wonder if they are available from another vendor now? |
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Silver Member Username: ExerciseguyBrooklyn, NY USA Post Number: 998 Registered: Oct-04 | I think the 8.2 are gone, again. Anyone wish to supplement or comment on that list I compiled? |
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New member Username: CrypticPost Number: 3 Registered: May-07 | The Wharfedale 8.1 and 8.2 are both available on the ayselectronics site that Chris recommended for $140 and $197 respectively. Are the 9.1s worth the extra $60 over the 8.1s? |
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Silver Member Username: ExerciseguyBrooklyn, NY USA Post Number: 999 Registered: Oct-04 | That's good to know, although the 8.2 w/s+h will push the price over $200 by a good margin. |
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Silver Member Username: ExerciseguyBrooklyn, NY USA Post Number: 1000 Registered: Oct-04 | If shipping isn't a factor, then these Infinity Beta 20 for $199 http://cgi.ebay.com/INFINITY-BETA-20-CHERRY-PR-ONLY-199-AUTHORIZED-SELLER_W0QQit emZ130107923456QQihZ003QQcategoryZ14991QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem gets my vote. However, shipping is $50. |
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Silver Member Username: SerniterPiscataway, New Jersey USA Post Number: 160 Registered: Mar-06 | I read an article on the TA-10. High sensitivity speakers seem preferred. http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/trends/ta10.html So maybe the Wharfedales won't do? The Insignias from BestBuy are quite efficient and good at high frequencies. There isn't that much low frequency extension though. They probably don't compare to speakers such as the Infinity Beta or Acoustic Research. |
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Silver Member Username: Tc_skierPost Number: 186 Registered: Oct-06 | if you decide to stick with wharfedales and are willing to stretch your budget a little bit over 200, ive got an almost brand new set of 9.2's that im lookin to get rid of. they've only got about 6 hours on them. they were too big for my dorm room. lemme know asap though if you want them cause otherwise im gonna send em back to the store and just pay the restocking fee. they're in brand new condition. email me at laxcowboy07702@aol.com if you're interested. |