Buying the Cambridge S30 bookshelfs - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

mochimon · 06-04-2008, 04:21 AM

i've decided to sell of a few cans to get me started on a speaker set up. currently running a pair of insignia bookshelfs powered by a SI T-amp. though i am very happy with this set up(at times i prefer it to my HD650's and Corda Opera) but, i can't help but want more.

im relatively set on a pair of Cambridge s30's for around 260. i was also looking at a pair of av123 x-ls's in a wood finish which would be about 100 dollars more or a pair of audioengine a5's for the same increase. However, i feel like i can get a little more bang for my buck in a component system and the cambridges are so cheap that i wont feel bad about upgrading later on.

i was planning on driving the s30's with my T-amp until i step up with an audiomagus piece or a cambridge integrate amp. also planning on picking up a DAC or turntable after selling off my NAD 521 BEE.

does anyone see any problems with this plan or have any alternative speaker ideas?

thanks a lot guys
-jason

warpdriver · 06-04-2008, 12:14 PM

Nope, I think the S30 is pretty good for the price.

skullguise · 06-04-2008, 03:39 PM

Look around, too, you may find it a tiny bit cheaper. I thought I saw it for $220 (not including shipping) one time.....

Another option is the KEF IQ-1, check out Accessories4less (THINK that's right), they have open box specials for I think $260 shipped, too. My friend has a higher model in the IQ series, they seem pretty nice.

sahwnfras · 06-06-2008, 04:06 AM

Ya the s30 are pretty nice, for a little bookshelf they sound real good.

spacemanspliff · 06-06-2008, 04:16 AM

I got my X-LS Ninja Elites for $340 shipped. Used but man alive that is a great speaker. Have not heard the cambridge though.

Still, the bass, mids, treble on mine? All there.

av123 has a forum with used speakers...cough

Spasticteapot · 06-06-2008, 05:23 AM

The Behringer 2030Ps are nice if you like the "studio monitor" sound, and are optimal for nearfield use.

You may also want to consider DIY. A well-designed pair of speakers using off-the-shelf drivers can have excellent performance at a very low price.

mochimon · 06-06-2008, 07:03 AM

spliff: i had read your thread about your ninja's. very nice OP. head-fi needs more fine work like yours. and thanks for the heads up - i had no idea there was a forum for used equipment. i will keep an eye on it. (the x-ls's would be my #1 choice if i could find them a little cheaper.)

teapot: i dont *think* im gonna be going for monitors just yet. when i move out from my parents house - maybe, for computer speakers - but i may be an old man by then

.

mochimon · 06-06-2008, 07:11 AM

i found a pair of dali ikon2's on audiogon for $750 a while ago. i've always wanted a pair of dalis, and even though i REALLY shouldn't buy these(college student) im seriously tempted here guys. i was thinking of pairing them with a T-rex from audiomagus.com at some point. man... i know i shouldn't, but....
AH!

spacemanspliff · 06-06-2008, 02:06 PM

X-LS (Classic) BS Square Grills - AV123.com Forum

X-LS for under $200. Pass that up! lol

Spasticteapot · 06-06-2008, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by mochimon

teapot: i dont *think* im gonna be going for monitors just yet. when i move out from my parents house - maybe, for computer speakers - but i may be an old man by then .

If you cannot afford $130/pair, you must REALLY be broke.

Behringer B2030P TRUTH Studio Monitors Linear (pair), passive | Full Compass