I need bookshelf speaker recommendations

Hidden Driveways · Post by **Hidden Driveways** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 3:07 am

I'm looking for consumer bookshelf speakers for my stereo system. I will also be using these to help my mixes. I just got the Central Station so I am going to A/B mixes with the consumer speakers and my Genelecs. I do not want passive reference monitors. I do not want pro. I want consumer.

Needs:

* I'd prefer passive speakers. I'm looking at some powered ones, the Audioengine A5 specifically, but I don't think I want powered ones. I have a nice 1970's receiver that I want to power the speakers with.

* They cannot be large. No more than 9" deep. One of the things they need to be able to do is sit on the mantel of a fireplace, and the mantle isn't very deep.

* They cannot be ugly. I'm moving in with my girlfriend so her sensibilities need to be respected. Luckily we both like white speakers, so if they're white - all the better.

I've always disliked Bose for some reason, but I have to admit, their product is pretty nice in this category. I've already decided to get my girlfriend the Bose Sounddock for her iPod. That way she won't have to wrestle with the complicated DJ rig/stereo system I have when she wants to listen to her music.

The white version of their Acoustimass system is a contender:

Anyone have any experience with the Acoustmass? I'm kind of worried that I might think they totally suck ass when I hear them.

What's weird is that I actually own ONE of these:

Back in the 90's I shared an apartment with a few other people. We got robbed at one point, and the thief stole half of my roommates stereo system. I guess the thief got spooked and split before they got both speakers. My roommate was so bummed and disgusted that he couldn't stand looking at the single Bose speaker. He gave it to me because he didn't want to look at it. If I could find another single one of those I'll be set. It's a bit large, but whatever.

Anyhow... all suggestions are welcome.

Muzz · Post by **Muzz** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 4:25 am

http://www.northcreekmusic.com/

The Okara 2 speaker is designed to sit on a shelf.

I have a set sound amazing. Made the boxes up myself. Pretty easy to do.

theque · Post by **theque** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 7:46 am

blue sky exo.

they are active, but worth a mention i think, cause they are pretty special for the price, and they even have white cones.

cheers to sweetjesus for always banging on about how good they are.

tjwett · Post by **tjwett** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 7:50 am

http://www.scandyna-speakers.com/

the Micropods sound beautiful.

i actually used the Minipods for studio monitors for a long time too. they look like the Michelin Man's leg but they sound great. very accurate and flat.

SubFunk · Post by **SubFunk** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 10:55 am

if you want something to AB your mixes and also for pure listening pleasure, i would not look any further then either the wharfadale diamond 8.2 or a low model like the 705 e.g. from B&W

mind you both, especially the wharfadale diamond 8.2 are dirt cheap and the most used B setup in mastering studios. perfect to check your mix and they are a pure pleasure for just enjoying music on them, too.

oh... and they are both passive, too.

the wharfy is shelf mountable if you like, the B&W range isn't.

cheers
axel

8O · Post by 8O » Sat Jan 03, 2009 11:02 am

What's your budget?

squeakycheeker · Post by **squeakycheeker** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 12:44 pm

hi - i use jpw gold mini monitors for pretty much everything - making and listening to music ...look nice just painted cream. they turn up for a few quid on e-bay - i run them with a vintage leak tuner/amp for added warmth...

Hidden Driveways · Post by **Hidden Driveways** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 6:40 am

tjwett wrote:http://www.scandyna-speakers.com/

the Micropods sound beautiful.

i actually used the Minipods for studio monitors for a long time too. they look like the Michelin Man's leg but they sound great. very accurate and flat.

Wow. I've been trying to figure out what kind of speakers Sven Vath has in his (or her?) DJ room:
http://www.ilxor.com/ILX/ThreadSelected ... adid=54540

It seems like they might be Scandynas.

And speaking of Mite... I stopped into a stereo shop on Broadway today and they recommended these speakers from Totem:

http://totemacoustic.com/products/compact/mite/

My budget could be $500, but I may spend more. Or less. I don't know. I just want juicy sound that won't be visually upsetting to my girl.

SubFunk · Post by **SubFunk** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:21 am

Skandinas ain't bad it's a former B&W engineer. but they are a little overpriced.