Good bookshelf system and amp for $400

[stewgriff]

As I powered up my old Klipsch Promedia 2.1s today on a whim, I realized something. The Promedias kick my $500 Beyer rig into the mud in enjoyability. I can hear all the details in the Beyers and the Promedias are sloppy in comparison, but all the details and fine balance just can't compensate for real bass impact and an actual out-of-head soundstage.

So, I'm considering selling my main headphone rig (heresy!) and getting a decent $400-ish bookshelf system. Right now, I'm looking at getting a T-amp and Paradigm Atoms, but I know nothing about the speaker world. The source would be a Silverstone EB01, not incredibly hi-fi but good enough for a DT990; about 80% of use would be for rock, the rest split between jazz and movies. The speaker placement would be the same as my Promedias that I have right now, about 2 feet from my head and slightly below ear level. Could someone advise me on this? I'm not expecting audiophile detail on the level of my DT990, but I'd hope to get a relatively hi-fi setup.

 

[n4k33n]

I'm actually considering that same setup, some kind of t amp and some atoms with my monica. Though, I'm gonna keep my headphones ;-P

 

[midnite8791]

im quite happy with my AV123 X-LS speakers powered by a vintage Kenwood KA-7100 I got off craigslist for $100. You could also look into the Emotiva BPA-1 as a stereo amp it goes for $179 + 249.99 for the X-LS is pretty close.

 

[stewgriff]

I've experimented with Dolby Headphone, and this is giving me a great compromise. I'm not feeling the pangs for speakers anymore.

I'm still on the lookout, though. Are there any bookshelf speakers under, say, $300, that have the same level of detail and quality as a DT990/HD650 tier headphone?

 

[gritzcolin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stewgriff /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are there any bookshelf speakers under, say, $300, that have the same level of detail and quality as a DT990/HD650 tier headphone?

Lol good luck with that. Best bet is to be extremely patient and wait to find some used stuff really cheap.

 

[stewgriff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gritzcolin /img/forum/go_quote.gif Lol good luck with that. Best bet is to be extremely patient and wait to find some used stuff really cheap.

That's what I feared. Maybe I'm not used to the audiophile magazine inflation press, but the reviews I read of the Atoms made them sound like real giant-killers.

 

[jrosenth]

Go to ebay. Search fostex speaker of tekton design - there is a model with a four inch driver (with cabinets and filter) for $230 and one with a six in driver for $330.

That's a particular type of sound (go listen to a Tivoli radio to get a taste) - but they are very sensitive and will get the most out of a little t-amp (or get a dared or a panny XR).

You could get the little speakers and a used dared or panny or super t-amp or the like or the larger ones and a t-amp and stay within your budget (i know, i know a very un-head-fi thing to say )

Tough to beat that for that budget - or buy a full range driver and make the cabinet and filter yourself

 

[mojo]

How about Eltax Monitor 3s? They are under your budget and I have heard they are surprisingly good for the money.

 

[SilverTrumpet999]

I'll endorse the Paradigm recommendation. The new Atom Monitors (the old Atoms are now discontinued) come in at $250, but they are far superior to the old ones in build and sonic quality.

I'm pretty sure they can go toe-to-toe with anything in that price range. I have a pair of Monitor 5's which are great, but a bit too big for my normal space and so my HD580s get the most time on my ears - but if I were in the market for new bookshelf speakers, I'd definitely make sure you considered those.

The new Monitor line is more sensitive than the old ones, so a T-amp might be sufficient. If not, you could look for a vintage amp from Marantz, Sansui, Pioneer, etc. which would fit in the $100 remaining in your budget comfortably - with room for some decent (budget) cables.

 

[mojo]

I wish they were available in Europe. I hear about so many good speakers in my budget, only to find they are not available in the UK.

I listened to some JBL monitors in Japan, which were very nice. I preferred them to any of the Yamaha or M-Audio range. There were also some very nice Onkyo passives which I found very engaging. Of course, I had no way to get them home reliably.