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All,
I want to build a system and need advice on selecting small speakers and an amplifier, each current and under $500 or so. I realize this sort of question is perennial, but as long as companies keep overhauling their products, it's always a valid one.
My room is small and the speakers will have to be positioned atop a bookcase about five feet from each other, and three feet from the ceiling (hardly ideal). From my review of the posts here, my short list includes1. Axiom 3Ti
2. GR Paradox 1
3. Triangle Titus
4. JMR Twin
5. Castle Richmond
6. nOrh 4.0 ceramic
7. Swan Diva 2.1I've read much about the Paradox 1 (betters the Axiom, one said), but other comparisons between the above models, or ones I haven't mentioned, would be appreciated. The Richmond replaces the Isis, which got excellent reviews a couple of years ago, but little has been written about the Richmond, so I'm unsure of it.
A more difficult question involves the amplifier: which to get, integrated or not? (Radio reception isn't important). Or to get one at all? I have an old Bogen RF-35 tube receiver, but I'm not sure if it's worthy of resurrection. I expect to have a basic chain of amp, turntable, cd player and speakers. The preponderance of well-regarded amps have been discontinued, so I'm at a bit of a loss here. Cambridge, NAD, and Rotel are likely brands, but there seems to be wide variation between models from the same company, so careful specification is important. Any guidance is appreciated.Thanks,
Charles
Follow Ups:
Also check these out...Axiom Audio Millennia M22Ti SE Loudspeakershttp://www.soundstage.com/audio_frame.shtml
Axiom and Cambridge Audio are a very nice, musical sounding match.
Also check these out...Axiom Audio Millennia M22Ti SE Loudspeakershttp://www.soundstage.com/audio_frame.shtml
The Alpha + NAD/Cambridge advice is good, and better yet the point that few bookshelf speakers are voiced to sit near a rear (and certainly side) wall. I do not know about current designs, but Wharfdale Diamonds once were so designed, and sounded quite nice for under $250/pr. The Boston Acoustic A400's (or was it A-40) were another real bookshelf design that was hard to beat for the price - ca $170-$200/pr.Assuming a fairly generous line of credit, or better yet, several dealer demos, I would highly recommend purchasing four or five pair and auditioning in your space. Also check out Audio Advisor's reduced price on the Sound Dynamics RTS (? - I think) 3's, although I know these DO need to be out into the room, and are rear ported.
Then there is the used market...but there you would have to know exactly what you are looking for.
Few "bookshelf" speakers are designed for the bookshelf.Most are designed to be away from the wall. There are a few models designed for near wall placement... Alas, which ones escape me now.
But the well reviewed and practically free Polk RT-25i speakers sell for $99 each, and can be hung on the wall with an integral bracket, or just pushed flush up on the shelf. The rear port is designed to be placed against the wall.
These little guys do sound good. I just put together and installed a killer little home theater for a friend based on 5 of the little Polks.
Granted a nice sub makes the difference between "good" and "WOW".A year ago I would've avoided Polk like the Plague...
Those and a little Creek or similar integrated.
I have owned Axiom 3ti, Diva 2.1, and GR Paradox1. I found the Diva to be unsatisfactory overall, with a shouty midrange character and fat, underdamped bass. The Axiom is a good speaker, certainly the best at its' price. I have them in my away office, and am listening to them now. They have great highs, and a smooth, fairly detailed sound, but are a bit lacking in upper mid energy, and have a noticeable midbass emphasis. The Axiom M22ti is better in the last two areas, and is worth the extra $, in my opinion. The GR is the easy champ, with superior detail and flat response, and better dynamics overall. I also has a much better quality cabinet, and costs more. Either the Axiom or the GR are in my opinion the most satisfying speakers at their price points. If you get the GR, consider the AV1 to save a little $, particularly if your amp is a little "hot" sounding. Make sure you buy the Black hole damping material if you get the GR. Good luck!
n/t
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