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Moving on a sailboat - bookshelf speakers?

I've decided to spend a year on a sailboat. I'm loath to give up my home system as it's about as good as you can get before spending silly money. (LX521s, ATI/Parasound, maxed-out Linn LP12 with Blackbird arm and VdH Frog) All of it is going in storage except for my Ayre QB-9 Twenty powered by my M1 Mac Mini. 

I am interested in opinions on great bookshelf speakers that actually need to live in a bookshelf. (No room for stand-mounted speakers in a 40' monohull sailboat.) I also need a good integrated amp to power the speakers. (I'm leaning towards the Audio by Van Alstine Vision SET 120 Control Amplifier.) 

I think I've got about 18" tall by 12" deep as limitations. Maybe less. (I'll update when I know for sure.) 

What speakers should I be looking at? Various reviews like the KEF but declare that it needs stands. Others declare the sub-$1000 B&W anniversary speakers and don't mention stands. I wish I could fit a pair of LX Minis, but the associated mid/bass tube knocks it out of the running. 

marktrav
erik_squires
15,675 posts
 

Not sure if you have considered the marine environment's effect

on speakers? There are brands designed for tougher conditions

as you will be experiencing. 

That was my thoughts too.  The salt air is hard on everything, especially home appliances not really designed for the humid/salt in the air there.  I'm afraid I'd go with whatever was most likely to survive.

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,576 posts
 

Vandersteen VLR Wood or CT’s. Richard designed these specifically for bookshelf placement. He doesn’t really hype them as they are for that singular purpose, which is pretty limited, but those that I have them and heard comment, they are very nice.

james633
892 posts
 

I would buy powered speakers with room correction. Genelec or something like the JBL 4329P, and many others. 

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,205 posts
 

Beware any electronic equipment you get will likely be ruined after a year of sailing if you sail on salt water. 

duckmanst3
52 posts
 

On second thought, considering the destructive nature of salt air, I’d go Bose cubes. :)

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