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Budget minded bookshelves

I'm beginning to build my budget college setup (I'm a freshmen) and am really confused when it comes to speakers because there's just so many choices. I already have an Onix SP3 MKII integrated amp and a Fubar II USB DAC. Right now I'm looking for some decent bookshelf speakers in the $3-350 range used. That price does not include shipping. Any ideas? I'm looking at mainly B&W DM602s and PSB B25s. Since I'm around 150 miles from any kind of dealer auditioning isn't an option -- but I'm okay with buying and trying, and selling if necessary. None of the dealers I can find have any "low-end" stuff in stock.
uncledavid218
gonglee3
304 posts
 
You can also check local Craigslist - I bought some good stuffs for your budget - speakers costing over 1k originally.

This way, you can hear it first and see if you like them.

PSB is a good name to look for - I like mine.

Other ones you might want to consider are :

Paradigm studio series

Dynaudio

NHT zero is a good speaker but as it was stated, really need a sub. Your dorm mates might not appreciate a sub though - low sounds bother neighbors...

I wish I had your system at that age - sure beats what I had at back then...

Paradigm
grinnell
1,077 posts
 
I used DM602 s3 with my tube Primaluna PL2 and was not thrilled. Sound was a bit dull and not as rich as i had hoped. Bought a pair of Triangle Comete's and wow the sound is full and rich (as best it can be with bookshelfs) and a nice top end.

A friend was over the other day and he was very impressed with the sound as he listened to his heavy metal cd's.
swanny76109
382 posts
 
Find some VonSchweikert VR1s. You can find them for a bit over your range, around 400 or so. Very efficient at 90 db, wonderfully smooth crossover, easy to place in any room and sound good, can place close to wall with a really small rear port. Fairly deep bass for the size (down to about 45-50 hz) and a smooth tweeter. Amazing sound stage and imaging for the price. I have a pair I was using in my small living room system with a 100 w amp and it cranked. They may not be quite as forward as you might like but you should consider as they sound so good with rock, acoustic, folk, bluegrass, jazz.
uncledavid218 OP
9 posts
 
The Von Schweikert's look appealing.

I'm wondering how I'd get a sub attached to my system with the NHTs as my amp doesn't have a sub-out. I could plug the sub directly into my sound card on my PC but since I'm using a USB DAC it disables the sound card when in use.

And thanks for the input on the DM602s, after doing some reading that looks like a general consensus.

Also, I don't have any neighbors or anyone nearby that would care, so the music can be as loud or bassy as I want :)
loomisjohnson
1,906 posts
 
it seems you'd want something fuller range, so i'd look at these within your budget:
acoustic energy evo (very dynamic, big bottom end)
canton gle (really nice--you can get 'em for around 300 at accessories4less)
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