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Suggestions for bookshelf speakers that have great dynamics, budget of $500 used.

So I really do not know where to start with bookshelf speakers as not been in the market for any for ever it seems.
This is for a second system where a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 3i are currently doing duty.
Room is largish and open but ultimate sq is not the aim as it is occasional use only, but when I do fire this rig up I usually like to play fairly loud.
Sources are many, fm radio, cassette tape, vinyl and streaming.
I have plenty of horses to feed them so even inefficient models can be considered.
Prefer to buy used as big savings to be had obviously and already broken in.
So suggestions around a maximum price break of $500 used.
Thank you in advance.
128x128uberwaltz
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,939 posts
 
Are these actually going on a bookshelf? How big can they be?

Vanatoo Transparent One Encore active speakers are the first thing that come to mind. These do it all well and very compact.  You can buy them new on Amazon for $600.   I use a pair in my wife’s sunroom. 
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
Actually they will sit on 26 inch high solid sand filled stands so can be a decent size in reality.
I guess monitors is a better description that bookshelf speakers.
But active will not work as being driven by a vintage Sanyo receiver, no outputs bar speaker connections.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,939 posts
 
https://ohmspeaker.com/outlet-store/

If you can go just a bit more I’d be considering the Ohm Cam 42s here. 
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
The Legacy studios are very good call but again doubt if can be had for $500.
You never know though.

Mapman.
Have no experience of Ohm speakers at all.
big_greg
6,570 posts
 
If you're willing to go bigger than bookshelf, consider used Klipsch Heresy I. You can put them on stands, but they're designed to be on the floor. Very dynamic, don't need more than a few watts.
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