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Bookshelf speaker with electrostatic sound

Hi,

I'm looking for recommendations for an efficient bookshelf speaker for my second system in living/dining area. About 3,000 cu. ft. Vaulted ceiling goes to 14". They will sit on top of 12" deep bookshelves, about 6' high. They'll be used primarily as background music at low to moderate levels.

I've had various electrostatic/tube systems for 30 years. I like the open, quick boxless sound from electrostatics. So naturally that is my reference. I realize I can't replicate that sound in this application, but I thought it may help with recommendations.

Tonal accuracy and balance is important, especially at low to moderate levels. No rolled-off or excessively bright treble, or overemphasized bass or treble for affect. Rear porting or emphasis on porting for bass will probably not work. I'd like to avoid speakers that exhibit nasal qualities. Not interested in speakers that demand really good amplification. I deal with that in my other system.

Initially they'll be paired with Onkyo TX-8555 receiver, but I'll consider a small integrated down the road, tube or SS. Just want to keep it simple for casual listening. Source is radio and digital. Prioritized music tastes are classical, jazz, folk, blues, rock, alternative.

Budget: Less than $1,000.

Thanks!

Scott
sschmidt
toddnkaya
493 posts
 
Are the speaker in bookshelves up six feet high?
If so, there is no way I would spend a grand for background music.
Usher makes a fantastic speaker the 520 that is front ported and will be all the speaker you will ever need. Or Triangle Titus around the same price point. I would look for a front ported speaker . You can't expect great sound stuffing speakers in a bookshelf , not to mention having them at 6 feet in the air. Usually stand mounts are at 24 inches and require a foot of room to the front wall. You might even be able to send less than $250 , with a speaker like the Audio Engine series.
Todd
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Your proposition all around sounds like a loser. There are a few mini-monitors that are fast enough and devoid enough of box resonances to approach the speed and transparency of electrostatics, but not sitting on a bookshelf 6' off the floor and a few inches from the back wall.

Second, if you want these for "background music," why the push for the in-your-face transparency of electrostatics?

Third, if you want them for background music, you need something with strong bass response at low signal levels, or they will just sound scratchy and annoying. If you go the mini-monitor route, you should also get a compact subwoofer or two to add bass balance to the underpowered speakers.

Although they're not transparent like electrostatics, the best thing I can think of for your situation is a pair of Bose 901's. Theyare very compact, sound just fine 6' off the floor and are meant to interact with the wall about 1' behind them. They have three other advantages:

1. The direct/reflected approach energizes the entire room, perfect for background and casual listening no matter where you are in the room, standing or sitting.
2. The full-range driver concept removes any crossover interference from the listening spectrum. The midrange will be clean and uncluttered.
3. The active equalizer module makes sure the bass response is part of the tonal balance even at low volume.

I say get a pair of 901s from a vendor that allows a trial period, hook them up and let them break in, and see if they give you just what you're looking for. I recommend you set the speakers on a set of Vibrapods or other shock absorbers if you place them directly on bookshelves.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
If you can find a pair used, these will come in north of $1k, but south of $2K. If that's close enough, I think they'd be hard to beat (probably because they're electrostats - of a sort):

http://www.soundlab-speakers.com/ministat.htm

Good Luck

Marty
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