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Bookshelf speakers for $500ish

I'm looking to upgrade my Dynaco A25s to something more compact and modern.

They will be amplified by Marantz 2238B, and I'll be listening to acoustic jazz such as Bud Powell or Miles Davis- a lot of piano trios and small groups with horns.

The room is 10' x 12', and I won't be able to mount them on stands, or be more than a few inches from the back wall.

Budget is $500 or so. I like the idea of buying used, but I'm not up for a very long hunt. New options I'm considering are KEF Q300, B&W 685 S2.

Thanks for your help!
tmcevoy213
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
837 posts
 
No idea if these are any good, I happened to see the review right before I saw your thread. They are active, maybe you'd like to get rid of that Marantz

http://noaudiophile.com/JBL_LSR305/
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
One of my favorite "bookshelf" speakers over the
years was the Sequerra Pyramid MET-7. They do't go very deep,
but their mid-range and treble are excellent. I used a small
subwoofer with the pair I owned, but without a X-over it's
hard to get a good blend. The speaker has been in production
for 30+ years, and while a new pair is well above your budget,
used examples can be an excellent buy (I recently saw a used
pair for $600), and there is a pair currently for sale on Ebay
for $375.
Check out the Internet for various reviews.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Here's an interesting listing for a pair of Rega RS-1s. No affiliation with seller.
kiko65
279 posts
 
Check out the Vanatoo Transparent Ones if you don't mind buying active. Tons of rave reviews! They start at $499.00 in black with multiple options including Bluetooth and Airplay.

From the Vanatoo website:
"Check out our home stereo speakers in the comfort of your own home with the Vanatoo 30 day audition period. If you decide within 30 days of receiving your Vanatoo speakers that you are not totally satisfied, you can return them for a complete refund. All we ask is that you pay for the return shipping".

Michael Fremer bought the review sample :-)
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,334 posts
 
I think you're going to have problems replacing the Dynacos. One thing that's nice about the A-25s is that it delivers very tuneful and deep bass for its smallish enclosure size. The highs are rolled off and the midrange is not as articulate as more recent loudspeakers, but the bass makes it sound close to being a full range loudspeaker. I suspect this quality is very appealing to you when listening to small combo jazz. I can't think of a loudspeaker that is smaller than the A-25s that have anywhere near its tonal balance.
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