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I need help trying to decide which bookshelf speakers to purchase

Let me try to narrow it down.
I have an NAD T777 V3 with surround sound.  I am looking for two bookshelf speakers for stereo listening.  I want to keep the budget around $3K new or used.  Room size is 20' X 18' with an additional open foyer with a stair well and an opening to a hall way.  Not a totally closed square room.

So far I have tried the following speakers.  Elac UB5s, SVS Ultras, Revel Concerta 2 M16, Paradigm Prestige 15, and Dynaudio X18.  We don't have many audio stores around, so I can't listen to many speakers.  We have the Best Buys. and NFM, but not much else.  So far I have purchased all speakers without hearing them except the SVS Ultras.

I don't want to keep spending money on speakers without hearing them.  My plan is to get some recommendations on speakers, and travel to places that have new speakers so I can listen, or take a chance on used speakers without hearing them.

Let me list the speakers I have tried.  I would rate the speakers I have tried in this order (Favorite to least favorite)

Dynaudio X18,
Paradigm Prestige 15 (a close second),
SVS Ultras,
Elac UB5,
Revel M16

I noticed some speakers for sale on this site.

Totem Mani 2 Signatures,
T+A Elektroakustic TCD410,
Dynaudio Contour 20 Bookshelf Speakers


I know it's a stretch, but based on what I like in speakers so far, do you think I would like the ones I listed? What are their characteristics?
Thanks!
stttt
jrpnde
271 posts
 
Can't comment on the NAD T777. NAD equipment has evolved to include more digital equipment than analog. That said.......

I use a Nad C375BEE integrated for music only. Auditioned MANY bookshelf speakers and found that the clear winner was the PSB Imagine B. Probably because NAD and PSB are/were sister companies. I have never been able to find a good pair of PSB Synchrony 1B speakers since they have been out of production for several years but they are regarded as the superior PSB bookshelf.

If you want to change to a different amp then that starts a new search. If possible, try to audition your amp with PSB speakers. There may be other brands that sound better with NAD equipment but I haven't found them.

dynguy's avatar
dynguy
66 posts
 
$3K. Dynaudio Special 40. Outstanding. At Audio Advisor you get the 40s and the correct Dynaudio Stand 6 thrown in. A $500 value. 

Not it sure what their return policy is. Crutchfield. Same speakers but no stands but 30 day trial period with a small return fee.

i doubt you return them. 
dynguy's avatar
dynguy
66 posts
 
Sorry, I missed your request to not buy and return speakers. No Dynaudio near? 
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,771 posts
 
I'd second atl4love's recommendation of that pair of Nola Boxers on ebay. I bought a pair of the originals and liked them so much I upgraded to the S1 version, sold the originals to a friend with a full McIntosh stack and now he's in love with the Boxers. They've worked beautifully for me with both tubes and solid-state. Do a search for reviews, there are quite a few online.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nola-Boxer-Speakers-Orig-Packing-Excellent-Sound-And-Condition-Rave-Reviews/202689277809?hash=item2f3138ef71:g:AnAAAOSwl0xc6Uye

rixthetrick's avatar
rixthetrick
1,060 posts
 
I agree with millercarbon also.
Best bookshelf speakers I've ever heard are Lenehan Audio ML1 and ML2 reference.
With the money you have, you may get a pair of ML1's against the Australian dollar.
I currently run a pair of ML1 ultimates, with a Gieseler Groß DAC, Datasat RA2400 and Lenehan Audio Ribbonflex cables.

I cheat, I have springs under my speakers and under my amplfier - the springs make a significant difference.

stereo.net.au is a good place to see forum reviews.


For those who are into loudspeaker design/ building.
It has 3mm spring steel plates lining the cabinet, and the crossover has 12AWG hand wound air core inductors. The ultimate version has cast Duelund capacitors and resistors. They weigh 26lbs each, and are (12.8 x 6.7 x 10.0"). Not very well known in USA, but I do know that in New York City they bested Magico Mini's in a shootout.

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