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Speaker journey... Where to start?

post #1 of 14
10/23/10 at 12:37pm
Thread Starter 

First off I did not know where to put this so I apologize for the semi-off-topic-ness. 

 

I am looking to start my way into a small speaker rig. I will be using it in a small room but I still want them to be slightly loud when cranked up. I am looking for maybe bookshelf speakers to put on stands because they are cheaper than floor standing. I want to be able to use them while I upgrade the other hardware. So the speakers need to sound well. I don't want to spend more than $400 max. The cheaper the better. I will at first be using an old receiver to power these but eventually some dedicated stuff. I really have no idea where to start to look so I thought I would come here first. Suggestions please, and thanks.

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post #2 of 14
10/23/10 at 12:48pm

Here: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/list/21 (I think...)

 

And sorry, I can't help you.

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post #3 of 14
10/23/10 at 12:56pm

For your budget you won't be disappointed in the M3 V3 from Axiom Audio for $348.  I have owned two different versions of this speaker and have been very happy.  When hearing them people often comment that they must be expensive because they sound so good.  I originally read about them on Goodsound.

 

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post #4 of 14
10/23/10 at 1:22pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the recommendation. And I am too dumb to read the word speakers :P, could a mod please move this thread to the correct location without locking it. Thanks.

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post #5 of 14
10/23/10 at 7:11pm

heard audioengine a2 and a5 are good.

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post #6 of 14
10/23/10 at 7:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by j2kei View Post

heard audioengine a2 and a5 are good.



I started my journey at the A5's because I got them for an amazing price and I have to say they are awesome. The first time I heard them and PLACED them properly, I had a smile stuck on my face for the whole day. Placement is key though. They are really really good. Presently, I have a sub with them and am using the compass as a preamp and the experience is elevated to another level really.

 

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post #7 of 14
10/23/10 at 7:32pm

How small?

i own the altec lansing IM237 and the sound is OK, way better than the iHome capsule speakers which i had before.

its useful for when you want to listen but need to be alert so cant use 'phones. and i can asure its way better than any regular laptop speakers

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post #8 of 14
10/23/10 at 7:42pm

why cant i edit?

nevermind my last post, somewhere in OP's post i read "portable" ...

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post #9 of 14
10/27/10 at 8:53pm
Thread Starter 

I am looking for any size. I don't care if they are floor standing. I am really looking into the DIY Zaph ZA5.3. Any word on those?

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post #10 of 14
10/27/10 at 9:32pm
First, I moved this thread.

Second, I'm not familiar with the Zaph speakers, but I *strongly* recommend used and DIY speakers. Your money will go much farther. Also, try browsing Audiogon for speakers priced under $500. I know you said $400, but there's often room to negotiate there.

Be sure to browse Craigslist and eBay with a search restricted to your area. I got a terrific bargain on some ESS AMT-1s that way - about $300 and the guy met me a few miles from home with the speakers.
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post #11 of 14
10/29/10 at 8:38am
Thread Starter 

I have been looking on Audiogon, but my whole problem is that I do not know what to look for. That is where I need some advice. I would love to have some floorstanding, as they would probably sound better. But I am going to be using a fairly small room and it would be more cost effective for bookshelf and invest in some good stands later on down the road. Any suggestions to look for on ebay, craigslist, or Audiogon? Thanks for moving the thread!

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post #12 of 14
10/29/10 at 9:51am
Put your maximum price into Audiogon's filter and see what turned up. Googling the model plus review brings up reviews. Look up the ones that interest you and ask here. Thing is, there are hundreds of models out there. I only have experience with a handful, so any recommendation will leave out quite a few good ones.
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post #13 of 14
10/29/10 at 12:35pm

Some suggestions in your price range (all used):

 

-Dali Ikon 1

-Totem Mite's or possibly Rainmaker's

-Dynaudio Audience 42 or 52

-Quad 11L or 12L (or 11L2/12L2)

 

 

These are all fairly small bookshelf speakers, but will play loud in a small room and are good enough quality to be able to appreciate improvements in upstream gear.

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post #14 of 14
10/29/10 at 1:13pm
Thread Starter 

I found a pair of B&W Matrix 805's in great shape on ebay. The reviews I read where great. Any one heard these? And thanks for the recommendations.

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