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Recommendations for bookshelf speakers

I hope some of you knowledgeable folks can help point me in the right direction here. I've just sold off a pair of venerable old Celestion SL600s to a friend who's setting up her own system. I've been using these for casual listening, mostly as computer monitors (YouTube mainly, and some streaming broadcast services, with very occasional forays into higher-res formats) and as musical as they are, I think it's time for something more modern and more efficient.

Well, this is where I get lost. I'd like something that approximates the Celestions' musicality, but scouring the internet for information on speakers of appropriate size and price (I can go up to about $1000 for these) just seems to muddy the waters. I'm happy to go with either used or new. A few that I've looked into but been put off by various aspects of their reviews: Monitor Audio Silver 50 and RX1, Polk Audio LSiM703 (there's a really good deal on these on Polk's website, but they're quite a bit bigger than I'd like), various models of Elac's bookshelf speakers, PSB Imagine Bs, and even a few used B&Ws, a brand I've never really liked all that much.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions you might have. There's an endless variety of speakers out there and I feel I've barely scratched the surface. Your suggestions would be gratefully received. Thanks!
cooper52
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
@mr_m

The RP-600M is indeed a great speaker for the price; however it’s impedance in the treble is very high, thus a tube amp would make the speaker sound brighter, and it’s already bright to begin width.

Despite popular belief, Klipsch speakers aren’t actually that high sensitivity (par the Heresy and such). Klipsch states sensitivity as in-room and not anechoic, historically they use +6dB. So even though the RP-600M states 96dB, it’s actually 90dB (John Atkinson estimated it at 89.6dB). Still higher than average, from a far cry from the ridiculous 96dB spec.
audiojedi
225 posts
 
The KEF Q350's are a really fun speaker - I couldn't personally live with the LS50 but the Q350 have really good boogie factor going for them.

There are a pair of B&W's that go for a bit more that are also supposed to be really good bookshelves not sure which model but probably still in budget.
genesis777
112 posts
 
The Polk 703 are very nice. I had the Lsim705 but they were too big for my office so I sold them. The 703 weigh about 30lbs each and are built very well.
jrpnde
271 posts
 
There's an endless variety of speakers out there cooper......You didn't mention what electronics you will be using to drive the speakers. A most important element. If you have the opportunity to audition speakers with YOUR electronics that would be a big plus in your decision. Some speakers sound great with some electronics and not so good with others.
Your statement..... "There's an endless variety of speakers out there" is so true. You will receive countless recommendations from many who have different speakers and attest to their satisfaction with their speaker choices. Most opinions will be base on complete system setups and personal tastes. Audition speakers if you can!!
 
gsm18439
895 posts
 
I have a pair of Celestion SL700s (stand mounted) in my bedroom. I don't plan to part with them. Ever.

That said, you should always audition speakers - and preferably at home and in situ. If your budgets can handle it, you should consider a pair of LS35a. Even today and almost regardless of the manufacturer, they represent a landmark speaker.
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