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Bookshelf speaker suggestions for Office

I'll just say up front that I am a complete newbie when it comes to hi end audio. What I'm trying to do is buy some good used speakers, and also a used record player. For speakers, I'm looking to spend anywhere from 400 to 700 dollars. As for the player, I'm open to suggestions. At this point, I am not looking to buy a tube amp, or a better tuner, but definitely in the near future. I already have a decent phono pre-amp for the record player. I would appreciate any advice anyone has. Thanks.
bdogsquad
jb8312
247 posts
 
Look into the NuForce iCon desktop amp and speakers, I am using/reviewing a pair right now. Pretty good nearfield monitors. I also use a pair of Silverline Minuets on my desktop with good results.

Desktop system:

Nuforce iCon Integrated & S1 matching speakers or Siverline Minuets
iTuns
Benchmark USB DAC
Crystal Cable Miro IC.

Good, solid office desktop set up...

Good Luck, John
reubent
6,986 posts
 
Does your "Phono pre-amp" have volume control? If so, you could buy a pair of powered monitors and be set. I use the Quad 12L Active monitors and think they are very good. They are a very attractive mid-sized monitor which have built-in bi-amp 60 and 40 watt amps in each speaker. You simply connect them to a pre-amp with a pair of RCA or balanced interconnects and you have a complete system.

I also own a Nuforce Icon amp, but not the matching speakers. The Icon/S1 is very cool, but I think it is designed mostly as a very near field desktop system, meaning the speakers are within about 2-3 feet of your listening position (John, please correct me if I am wrong). If you are trying to fill an entire office with sound, not just your desktop area, I think the powered Quad monitors are an excellent choice around which you can build a very good sounding system.

Enjoy,

TIC
henryhk
648 posts
 
I am trying to do the same, but more of a desktop system for my study. Has anyone tried using anthony gallo's stuff or tannoy's micro speakers? By the way, excuse me for my ignorance, but re speaker specs, what does power handling signify? Is it a problem to use an amp with a power rating that exceeds the speaker's power's rated power handling? The reason is i prefer to just use an amp I already have....
bdogsquad OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I am trying to fill the entire office which is 10' X 16'. I also want to primarily listen to vinyl. That being said, I was interested in possibly buying a better used record player, as well as monitor speakers. Also, my phono preamp unfortunately does not have volume control, so that might be the best for the Quad 12L's.

So to recap, I think I need to buy a new player, new monitor speakers, and possibly a better phono preamp. Of course, I'll be updating the speaker cables to something on the lower end of the audiophile spectrum.

I really appreciate any and all suggestions.
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