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Looking for good bookshelf speakers less than $1k

I spend a LOT of time at my desk and want to upgrade my speakers, new or used would be ok.

My system is Jriver/Flac > Schiit Uber Bitfrost > NAD c356bee > B&W 601s2, and utilizing a Velodyne Impact 10 sub to supplement the bass.

Desk is 4'x5' and will be up against a wall in the family room. The speakers should work well on a desk really close to the wall. (the Revel M20 flush mount switch and high frequency control sounds like a good idea).

They probably should not be rear ported since they are so close to the wall?? And since they are so nearfield they should sound good with low volume, and I usually listen at lower volume anyway, but I like to crank it once in a while. I like a bit of a warm sound, however the B&W 601s2's are a little too warm and not much detail or bass slam.

I listen to a large variety of music with a huge interest in The Blues. Also listen to Jazz, Rock, anything acoustic, Indie, Alternative, Folk, Classical, Avantgarde.

My main system doesn't get used much since I'm at my desk most of the time. It's in a dedicated audio room. (Sony SACD 777ES > First Sound Presence Deluxe Mk II > Plinius SA100 MkIII > Von Schweikert Audio VR4->VR5).

TIA for any suggestions.
128x128audionut22
audionut22's avatar
audionut22 OP
43 posts
 
Thanks Yogiboy and others who have given input. I could stretch my budget to $1500 if it was something that really impresses me and looked like a speaker to keep for a long time, a speaker to listen for extended time periods at fairly low volumes (occasionally cranking it up) and never feel fatigued. (however I would prefer to keep it around $1k or less).
chrshanl37
835 posts
 
Then consider ascend sierra or kef ls50.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,389 posts
 
Brand new Factory refurbed OHM Ls are an option worth considering. I bought my pair in 1978 when they sold for $500 a pair. I still have them and refurb and upgrade them as needed. OHM has been around for over 40 years and still supports every speaker they have ever made. I think the refurbs from OHM go for $600 now. Those are refurbed cabinets with new modern updated components to bring the sound into the 21th century.

Check the OHM "outlet store" here:

http://ohmspeaker.com/outlet-store/

I see a pair available for $475 there currently.

The CAM models there also got a lot of good press back in their original day and are worth a look.
audionut22's avatar
audionut22 OP
43 posts
 
Thanks Chrshanl and Mapman for your input. Could anyone describe what happens when a rear-ported speaker is placed within a couple of inches of the wall, (probably with some toe-in as well), so I know if I definitely have to rule them out? On my 4' x 5' desktop the speakers front baffles will be approximately 4 feet to my ears so the speakers pretty much have to be very close to the wall.

I just had a thought, I do have the option of placing the desk so it wouldn't have to be up against the wall. I would be facing out into the room, instead of facing the wall... Hmm? Then it seems rear ported, or not, it should work...
TIA.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,389 posts
 
You'll get generally get more bass reinforcement close to the wall with rear ports as you will with any speaker. You generally would not want to go flush or even very close against the wall and obstruct the air motion through the port. That would limit the bass levels. Not to say that might not be desirable and sound better even in some cases. Generally, it is just not a good idea to fully obstruct the air motion through the port.

The main downside of placement too close to wall in all cases is early reflections from the wall that smear the soundstage. Its more an issue at higher frequencies though and not really an issue at the lowest frequencies handled by ports though. Some speakers might be designed to be placed close to the front wall and still control or avoid early reflections. A lot of speakers designed for "bookshelf" or near wall placement are this way. Nowadays, many small speakers are designed to go on stands aways from walls rather than close to walls or on bookshelves. It was much more common in years past.
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