The Vandersteen Model 3 would be my first choice.
What's best bookshelf speaker for an 8x10 room?
I have a small 8x10 listening room. Looking for something used in a bookshelf. Currently have Kef 104/2's but they need more room to breath. I play rock/hard rock music. Been told Merlin TSM's and Kef LS50 are nice. Anything else you experts would suggest? Trying to stay under $1,500.
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Several will work well in spite of what some will tell you. Spendor and Harbeth are the two most popular choices. Linn monitors work in small rooms. I have the same size room, right now using Kudos Super 10. But also have a pair of these: http://guruaudio.com/ I would recommend them |
Without knowing what amplifier you have, it would be impossible to recommend a speaker; even if was being used in a small room. Besides, speakers are so subjective, what sounds good to one person, may not sound good to you. If any component needs to be auditioned, its certainly speakers. Also, you indicated you are going to use them on a bookshelf. Therefore, you need to look at front ported speakers only. If you press rear ports against a wall, you won't be getting all the bass the designers intended. For example the Kef LS50's that were suggested, are rear ported and those ports should be 18"-36" away from a rear wall. And I have never seen a shelf that deep. So my suggestions is to know your amps capability, makes sure it matches the impedance and sensitivity ratings of what speakers you are auditioning and consider front ported models only. A far more intelligent approach to find the speakers that are best for you. Good luck and rock on brother! |
I can testify that the Merlin TSM will do well near the front wall. In a second system, I have a pair placed 10 inches into a huge room (16x25), resting on their sides in a large, open-sided wall unit, driven by a Manley Stingray II with a Marantz SA-11s2 SACD source and a small, sealed Von Schweikert sub. In your room the sub would likely be unnecessary. Naturally, they'd image better on stands four feet into the room but they do quite well in this compromised arrangement. Paraneer gives good advice about avoiding rear ports so near the front wall. The TSM has a sealed cabinet, as you probably know. I have a pair of front-ported Omega Grande 8R's, which also work well there, but the Merlins are quite a bit better. |
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