Sub-$200 Office Bookshelf Speakers

[goobernoodles]

I'm looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers for my cube at work. Preferably something with good detail so that I can hear well at low volumes and possibly with background noise. Preferably closer to 100 than 200 but whatever.

I'm going to be powering them with this: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=310-304

 

[SithSolo1]

I'd have recommended these http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-2 but they are self-powered. How much room do you have/what size speakers are you looking for?

Other smaller options right around $200:

Energy CB5 - http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542796859/energy-cb5
Klipsch WB-14 Icon - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882780084

Powered monitors, such as the M-Audio AV40s, maybe another option in that range but as I don't know much about them I'll leave that to others to discuss.


Also depending on what you are listening to and how critical it is to have detail you may be better off with a set of headphones.

 

[jhansman]

No recommendation on speakers, but that amp looks cool. Do let us know what you end up hooking up to it and how it performs.

 

[goobernoodles]

I have Sennheiser HD498's, but I can't just put cans on at work and not be able to hear people, answer the phone, etc. Space isn't an issue, I have plenty, however I'm looking hopefully for a smaller bookshelf just to keep it more professional looking.

 

[frowertr]

I picked up a pair of Paradigm Atom Monitor V.5's from my local Paradigm dealer for ~$220 last fall when I built out my HT system. They were slightly used as he installed them into a client's house and the client didn't like their color (they are white). He ended up removing them after a week and I purchased them.

The moral of the story is you might want to check your local HT speaker dealer. They typically have used speakers sitting around that are excellent condition.

 

[sdifox]

err, speakers in cube farm is a big issue. Just wear headphones at moderate levels.

 

[goobernoodles]

err, speakers in cube farm is a big issue. Just wear headphones at moderate levels.

No, it's not. I had my X-LS's at my last job and I was in an open environment - no acoustic barrier between me and the next people. They actually enjoyed that I had speakers and would use them when I wasn't there. Now, I'm on the 2nd floor with pretty much no one around. The only 3 cubes around me are project managers that are all out on job sites.

Besides, most people have crappy computer speakers (including myself) that you have to crank to be able to hear at all.

This isn't a debate about whether speakers are an issue.

 

[sdifox]

No, it's not. I had my X-LS's at my last job and I was in an open environment - no acoustic barrier between me and the next people. They actually enjoyed that I had speakers and would use them when I wasn't there. Now, I'm on the 2nd floor with pretty much no one around. The only 3 cubes around me are project managers that are all out on job sites.

Besides, most people have crappy computer speakers (including myself) that you have to crank to be able to hear at all.

This isn't a debate about whether speakers are an issue.

ok. Then I suggest you get some active monitors. The M-Audio AV40 is quite popular. Places I have been to are quite stringent on noise pollution.

 

[goobernoodles]

ok. Then I suggest you get some active monitors. The M-Audio AV40 is quite popular. Places I have been to are quite stringent on noise pollution.

Active monitors would have been an option but, I want the flexibility of an amp - which I already bought. Plus I can play mp3's directly off of it as well as listen to the radio.

Just looking for bookshelf speaker recommendations.

 

[kornphlake]

The little pioneer bookshelves at best buy are getting some good reviews. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer...air)/1148218.p?id=1218224799780&skuId=1148218

 

[uhohs]

you missed out, they were on sale at newegg for $50 a few days ago.

 

[hans030390]

If you don't mind a bit of DIY work (very easy soldering and basic speaker assembly), check out the Dayton BR-1 kit on Parts Express. I don't think you'll be able to do any better for the price.

 

[fralexandr]

http://slickdeals.net/f/3930128-JBL...0-4-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers-pair-110-free-s-h? jbl studio 130 pair for $110 from wwstereo

they have good resellerratings
dunno how good the speakers are though, but the people at slickdeals seem to love them

the pioneer BS21s (from bestbuy above) are $71 at amazon.com from premier audio video
it's always nice to check speakers out in person though
wow just saw them on deals.woot they BS21 are currently at newegg again for $50, ending TODAY though
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS21-LR-Watt-2-Way-Speaker/dp/B004MEWZE4?tag=dealswoot-20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117405&Tpk=pioneer bs21

the BS41s are ~$150

 

[alkemyst]

I'm looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers for my cube at work. Preferably something with good detail so that I can hear well at low volumes and possibly with background noise. Preferably closer to 100 than 200 but whatever.

I'm going to be powering them with this: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=310-304

I am curious about your VDC solution for a cube...however it's bound to fail in many offices as you really should be in headphones and not broadcasting.

 

[goobernoodles]

I am curious about your VDC solution for a cube...however it's bound to fail in many offices as you really should be in headphones and not broadcasting.

I love these people.

Do you people not read? Stop broadcasting your own work situations onto me. My boss is not Bill Lumbergh. I am not planning on blasting music. If anything, I want to be able to listen to music at a lower volume with the help of better speakers. The piece of shit speakers I have from dell make more noise than the speakers I order will. Headphones are not a solution, but you would know that if you read a post or two.

 

[sdifox]

Active monitors would have been an option but, I want the flexibility of an amp - which I already bought. Plus I can play mp3's directly off of it as well as listen to the radio.

Just looking for bookshelf speaker recommendations.

wee bit more than your budget

http://www.amazon.com/Mirage-Nanosa...ics&ie=UTF8&qid=1328880136&sr=1-6

I do love their sound

 

[goobernoodles]

http://slickdeals.net/f/3930128-JBL...0-4-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers-pair-110-free-s-h? jbl studio 130 pair for $110 from wwstereo

they have good resellerratings
dunno how good the speakers are though, but the people at slickdeals seem to love them

the pioneer BS21s (from bestbuy above) are $71 at amazon.com from premier audio video
it's always nice to check speakers out in person though
wow just saw them on deals.woot they BS21 are currently at newegg again for $50, ending TODAY though
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS21-LR-Watt-2-Way-Speaker/dp/B004MEWZE4?tag=dealswoot-20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117405&Tpk=pioneer bs21

the BS41s are ~$150

Those BS41 look intriguing. If they weren't so fugly, I'd pull the trigger. I'm considering bumping the budget a bit.

 

[goobernoodles]

Welp, goodbye original budget. Ordered Energy RC-10's.

 

[scootermaster]

Welp, goodbye original budget. Ordered Energy RC-10's.

That's kinda funny. I was going to chime in here with my suggestion, the Arx A1s, but they're around $275, shipped, and I hate it when people ask for something, and then get suggestions that aren't the least bit relevant.

Which, it turns out, is bad news for you. The RC-10s are nice, but I woulda gone with the A1s. I'm sure you'll enjoy them either way.

 

[goobernoodles]

That's kinda funny. I was going to chime in here with my suggestion, the Arx A1s, but they're around $275, shipped, and I hate it when people ask for something, and then get suggestions that aren't the least bit relevant.

Which, it turns out, is bad news for you. The RC-10s are nice, but I woulda gone with the A1s. I'm sure you'll enjoy them either way.

Hmm interesting. Looks like people like them a lot. Have you heard the RC-10's? They have some great reviews as well.

 

[goobernoodles]

I was able to pick up a new pair of RC-10's from Vanns on eBay for $270.

Yes, I posted this in "post pics of your setup" thread as well. lol

 

[SithSolo1]

Aren't you supposed to remove the bars between the binding posts if you wish to hook them up like that?


They look good, I've always wanted to try a pair.

 

[Howard]

Aren't you supposed to remove the bars between the binding posts if you wish to hook them up like that?


They look good, I've always wanted to try a pair.

Haha, yeah, they're shorted out right now.

 

[Anubis]

welcome to the club

and remove the bracket is you are going to bi-wire/amp

 

[sdifox]

anubis pull them forward as much as you can.

biwire is a waste of money.