Are there any good bookshelf speakers?

[cromagnon]

You shouldn't put bookshelf speakers on bookshelfs because it will erase the data in your books

[ViperDFS]

You can make practically any bookshelf speaker sound great if:
- It is sealed (or port plugged),
- Adequate amplification,
- Paired with a subwoofer or two,
- All controlled with something that can PROPERLY EQ to optimize the in-room frequency response. For this i recommend the MiniDSP 2x4HD, or DDRC-24.

Using lower cost components with this method has the potential to greatly exceed the sound quality achieved by spending big bucks on speakers alone.

[tonywilkins]

Thanks heaps Paul, after hearing your thoughts I went and bought the harbeth bookshelf speakers. Could not be happier listening to them in my office. I drive them with a valve amp, a Primaluna 200 integrated, and it’s just fun to listen to… provides a lovely compliment to my highly resolving main system based on B&W 802 D3 speakers.

Again, thanks,

Tony

[panoskonstantinidis]

"...the perfect chef"! We need chefs, not fast food in sound.

[alanbrown]

The British have always built very good small bookshelf speakers, those that have ever had a pair of LS3/5A will testify to that. A brilliant little speaker that I rate over the PS3ESR is the ProAc Tablette 10 which is non ported like the old LS3/5A.

[matthewj.hullbasbmf]

I had a set of Mordaunt Short MS10 on an old Dynaco ST120 and PAT4 preamp with a small Eminence subwoofer and plate amp that assembled and made enclosure for myself that sounded amazing. It had such a small footprint, too. They were truly bookshelf speakers on bookshelves. I had best results SQ wise having them on top of each bookshelf and properly place in each corner for imaging. Outstanding SQ that rivaled systems 5 times the price I paid for everything.

[edwyrd]

Funny thing, but back in the 70s, what we called bookshelf speakers would never have fit on a bookshelf. They were often bigger than today's floor standers.

[markholder]

Hay Paul. Just watched this video and saw you recommended Harbeth loudspeakers. They are designed by Alan Shaw, an ex-bbc engineer!

[HumbleTrader]

Or, if cost is a concern, just get a pair of Sony SS-CS5 speakers when they're selling for $120 or less per pair. The weakest link isn't the speakers themselves. It's your hearing, especially if approaching retirement age.

[robertvandeneijk]

Best is to go listen for yourself multiple times over multiple weeks. Don't listen different speakers with AB switch. The second one you listen will always sound off. The speakers you choose are the speakers YOU choose, no matter what others say. So much depends on your age, lifestyle, musical taste, sound taste, etc. It could well be that you like 300 USD speakers better than 3000. But it can also be the other way around. Also, ask if you can try them out at home. Acoustics is a very big factor.

[justinmorris]

Dynaudio Special 40's. I've got them in my office and they are amazing. The trick is to get a decent subwoofer to accompany your bookshelf speakers, nothing massive but then you'll have bookshelf speakers that can sound like large floor standing speakers.

[timwilson]

I have KEF Q100's which were the smallest speakers in KEF's entry level Q series. I believe they have been replaced by the KEF Q150's which are virtually identical in size but have the port relocated to the back of the speaker from the front. I'm not sure if one of these is what Paul was referring to but I would not recommend either for placing on a bookshelf. For one they are not very small and would not fit on any of my bookshelves. More importantly I found mine sounded much better when placed more than the 9" minimum distance from the rear wall recommended by the manual. If I were the fellow asking this question I would look for something with a front port or sealed that is smaller and cheaper than what Paul has recommended because I think putting a nice speaker on a bookshelf would be a waste.

[andya]

Picked up a pair of Jamo E825s at a thrift store for $20. They are in like new condition. I was extremely surprised at how well they sound even at low levels, very smooth and yet exciting, and detailed. Wow!

[kendoglarson]

Paradigm Atoms, PSB Alpha Mites, and Cambridge, And Triangle. The hyped Sony SS-CS5.

[Geoff]

'Harbeth' has its origins from a BBC engineer 'Dudley Harwood', who's wife was called Beth hence 'Har-beth'. He was instrumental in the creation of the LS3/5a. All Harbeth speakes are made to a similar exacting standard and as such are superb - I wish I could afford some!! They have gone on to make newer equivalents to the LS3/5a as we see here. Another engineer who worked at the BBC was 'Spencer Hughes', who's wife was Doreen (Spen-dor), You will find Spendor speakers are also amazing!

[toddharper]

I have the B&W CM6 S2's in Rosenut...2k for the pair. Absolutely gorgeous, well built speakers and so delightful to listen to...very smooth. Bryston power amp.

[michaelmcintyre]

Our friends at GR Research were sent a pair of baby Harbeths', they had a smooth response, here's why, the circuit board inside was completely filled with components of the cheesiest kind, for a speaer at this price point, the only way to improve would require an out board crossover since there was no room left. hence not worth doing

[randywagner]

I am very happy with my SVS Ultra's. I went into Listen Up and listened to Bowers & Wilkins and Focal and I felt they didn't sound much better than the SVS Primes (they didn't have the Ultra) and Prime's were a lot less money. Based on that experience and the unbeatable SVS warranty and 45 day in home trial I went all in on the Ultra's. No way I'm returning these baby's (I ended up with 4, the center, and a PC-13 Ultra sub). Brings a smile every time I turn my system on.

[materialsguy]

Paul I am really enjoying all these short videos. There is always something you say that really gets my attention or that I had not thought about. Thanks!

[bobc]

I just picked up a pair of used Pioneer BS21 speakers for $30 and i was astounded at the quality of the sound from those little boxes. Great drivers and a nicely done enclosure with curved side panels. The aren't going to fill a large room but for a second system you can't go wrong, add a sub and you will have full range sound for very little money.