[vrao81]

As alternatives to the DM303 consider the Energy C-1, Boston Acoustics CR-75, and Monitor Audio Bronze B1 or older Bronze 1.

 

[squirt]

i've ben using NHT SB3 speakers for a few months and are really nice sounding...they are acoustic suspension and give tight clean bass though you'll need a sub to go down deep. overall they are turning out to be superb speakers.

 

[Sol_Zhen]

I’m a PSB, Energy, NHT, Mission, Tannoy, and Paradigm guy myself. I do like B&W and Monitor audio as well, but I think the previously mentioned brands offer a better value for cost compared to almost anything else.

Best advice is to just go listen. Locate some local Hi-Fi shops and go audition. They’re your ears, and everyone hears differently. Careful with amp pairing also; most good stores will let you listen to speakers with several different sources and amps. The good shops will oblige, even if you’re only looking at $200-$500/pair speakers.

 

[Asmo]

Yeah, don't let them pair bookshelves (2 channel audio setup) with a av receiver meant for 6 or more channels, I got a NAD c320BEE int. amp with my paradigm monitor 5s, pretty nice lil 2 channel amp, check out audioreview.com for reviews on alot of amps, another good 2 channel amp that is relatively cheap is the cambridge a500 I believe.

 

[lini]

Sound like a K501? Hmmm - JM Lab Chorus 705 or 706, maybe...

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[MacDEF]

For those looking for good, inexpensive bookshelf speakers, also check out goodsound.com 's Reviewer's Choice awards for the past few years -- they have a number of sub-$500 bookshelfs that they highly recommend.

 

[Bostonears]

Quote:

Originally posted by kuma Go used, dude.

I just noticed that there is a used pair of the ~$1000 Sonus Faber Concertinos that I mentioned in my post up for auction on the Audiogon web site at
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc....oni&1056252829
(I am not the person selling those.)
In the past, the price I've seen them go for used has usually been in the $600 to $700 range.

 

[msjjr]

Check out the Brat speakers at www.fabaudio.com

They're great for classical and jazz.

 

[soundboy]

I second the recommendation of the Energy C-1. I have these as my L/R speakers in my den system. Excellent sound quality and "to die for" imaging. Aluminum tweeter not bright at all out of the box, but benefits from breaking-in. Great bass response from such a small speaker. Ported in the front and quite efficient at 92 db. Magnetically-shielded with excellent build quality.

For your reference, I've owned NHT SuperOne, Boston Acoustics CR8, JBL S26 and HLS-610, Paradigm MiniMonitor, Polk Audio RT25i and RT35i. They are are great speakers in their own way. I've auditioned the B&W 302, 303, 601, and 602. But the Energy C-1 is indeed something special.