Bookshelf speaker recommendations up to £1500

[Shadowbox81]

Afternoon and seasons greetings to all.

I am in the market for a new pair of speakers and am looking for recommendations so that I can narrow down what is a rather crowded field at this price point and put together a shortlist for demoing. I'm currently running a pair of Q Acoustic 3020 speakers powered by a Forte Audio Model 2 pre and a Croft 7 power amp. I'm a big fan of the 3020s as I think they really punch above their weight and I like the overall sound but I would like a wider and deeper presentation.

Speakers are to be placed on an av unit due to space limitations in a roughly 5m X 4m room and although funds are available up to £1,500, I'm happy to go second hand and to come in below that to free up money for other uses.

I've home demoed the PMC 25.21 and didn't like them (sound was too laid back and preferred the 3020s on a blind test) and am interested in the KEF LS50s and R3s but am slightly concerned that the Croft isn't juicy enough to drive them. Also looking to listen to Martin Logan Motion 15s and the JBL 4306 for something different.

Source is primarily analogue nowadays via a Lenovo GL75 with material ranging from jazz and classic rock to drum and bass to opera.

All suggestions are welcome

Thanks

Neil

[Sherwood]

I have a pair of the tiny ML Motion 2 speakers in a bedroom system. They are fantastically detailed and dynamic. They excel on vocals and give a lifelike reproduction of real music. Yes, they have limited bass, but that suits me well in a bedroom system. I haven't heard the 15's but they appear to have the same ML ribbon tweeter. Alternatively, you might look at the slightly bigger ML Motion 4i's with a ML subwoofer. They come with a wall mounting attachment which may be useful to you.

[ianlenco]

I'd have a look at these:
http://www.bkelec.com/Jordan/Refex_7.htm

If you are any good at woodwork you could build a pair even cheaper although these are good value. The Jordan Eikona drivers are full range drivers and with no crossover are easy to drive. They have a very fast, immediate sound and do very decent bass. If you can wait a bit Colin at Jordan is bringing out a new single driver transmission line device in the new year which should be excellent. The floorstander 2 driver TL3 ( https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?67028-Jordan-Eikona-TL3) has phenomenal bass and I'm sure the new TL will be equally impressive for its size.

[Discopants]

https://www.proac-loudspeakers.com/html_files/Speakers.php?Range=Tablette&Speaker=Tablette10Signature

Proac tablette 10 signature, punch above their price range in my opinion. Forgiving on placement can go up against the wall if you need to.


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[Shadowbox81]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Siting of a sub would be an issue but I had mentioned the Motion 15s because of the ribbon tweeter so good to have some feedback on the ML sound. Also thanks for the suggestions of the Proacs, I'll add them to the list.

I hadn't heard of the Jordans before and whilst I would probably be looking at the BK complete version (in the interest of time and construction - I know their subs are well regarded) I do like the look of the crosslam construction, especially as it would match my turntable plinth.

I'm not too experienced with woodworking but reckon I could knock out something half decent with the jigsaw and router. That being said, getting the slices done with a CNC machine would be a lot easier.

Ian - how much did the CNC work set you back?

[ianlenco]

I can't say exactly as the company I used provided the ply and the CNC work in one price but I'd guess around £80. If you are thinking of going down this route I will probably get the plans for the new TL a little early from Colin and work out a cutting plan and maybe even build a pair so maybe chat after Christmas.

[Shadowbox81]

I can't say exactly as the company I used provided the ply and the CNC work in one price but I'd guess around £80. If you are thinking of going down this route I will probably get the plans for the new TL a little early from Colin and work out a cutting plan and maybe even build a pair so maybe chat after Christmas.

Thanks Ian. I'll have a think about it and let you know. But just shown your TL3s to the missus and she's given the thumbs up which is positive.

[ianlenco]

OK Neil,
If you fancy coming over for a listen let me know by pm and we'll sort something out.

[Firebottle]

Thanks Ian. I'll have a think about it and let you know. But just shown your TL3s to the missus and she's given the thumbs up which is positive.

The TL3s sound amazing Neil, certainly a thumbs up from me.

I have heard some smaller Quadral speakers, the Galan 9 I think, they were also extremely good.
Good hunting.

[Shadowbox81]

The TL3s sound amazing Neil, certainly a thumbs up from me.

I have heard some smaller Quadral speakers, the Galan 9 I think, they were also extremely good.
Good hunting.

Thanks Alan.

Think the Galan 9 might just about squeeze in if second hand or ex-demo but see that Quadral have a couple of other models in the desired price bracket so will definitely add them onto the list

[Sherwood]

some great prices on Martin Logans https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?67310-Martin-Logan-Motion-Offer-Save-%A31000!

[Shadowbox81]

some great prices on Martin Logans https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?67310-Martin-Logan-Motion-Offer-Save-%A31000!

Thanks Geoff.

Agree that some very nice savings to be had.

[Ninanina]

What's wrong with LS3/5a's?

They would be my recommendation... owned them and loved them...

[Sherwood]

What's wrong with LS3/5a's?

They would be my recommendation... owned them and loved them...

I still have my Rogers LS3/5a's bought new for £150 over 40 years ago. I couldn't bring myself to sell them but in truth the current prices are ridiculous so that they cannot be considered good value for money. Compared to current designs around £1,500 they are dynamically challenged and lack fine detail. Tonally, they are great in the midrange and image well, but that is not enough for me.

[Ninanina]

You are probably right about them Geoff... but I thought they had 'something' special about them..

If I needed to get small speakers again they would still be my first choice I think... but luckily I don't :eek:

[Sherwood]

You are probably right about them Geoff... but I thought they had 'something' special about them..

If I needed to get small speakers again they would still be my first choice I think... but luckily I don't :eek:

I wonder if you opinion would change if you listened to them directly after your Maggies. I still remember when I first heard a pair of LS3/5a's back in 1977. They were playing a live jazz recording in a cramped hifi shop yet still sounded incredible. However, their tonal qualities and imaging tended to obscure a lack of detail. Having experienced the lightning transients and detail of the Maggies, they might disappoint now.

[Lawrence001]

I've realised in recent years that my search for ever more detail went hand in hand with my loss of interest in the wider musical picture. It's only recently I've learnt to sit back and not worry about every last ounce of detail, and just let the music take me on a journey like it used to. So my speaker choice is no longer based on getting the highest resolution for the money.

[Shadowbox81]

What's wrong with LS3/5a's?

They would be my recommendation... owned them and loved them...

Nothing at all as I understand it. Thanks for the suggestion

[Pieoftheday]

How about some usher s520's? Relatively cheap compared to your budget but great speakers, mine are not for sale btw:)

[TIU]

I have two pairs of as new speakers available - Monitor Audio Silver 50 and Dali Oberon 1. But given your budget you almost certainly want something more exotic.

[Pieoftheday]

I have two pairs of as new speakers available - Monitor Audio Silver 50 and Dali Oberon 1. But given your budget you almost certainly want something more exotic.

If the silver 50 are anywhere near as good as the rx1's I had, brilliant speakers

[TIU]

but in truth the current prices are ridiculous so that they cannot be considered good value for money.

I agree. Excellent midrange but lack bass and will not fill a room. The companies who make designs based on the original trade on the name.

[Shadowbox81]

I have two pairs of as new speakers available - Monitor Audio Silver 50 and Dali Oberon 1. But given your budget you almost certainly want something more exotic.

Thanks Gary

You're right - I'm really happy with my 3020s around the same price point as your two speakers but am looking for a step up within the space and location constraints and something slightly different

[TIU]

Not quite the same price point Neil, the Silver 50 are £500. They are beautifully made. Mine are the natural oak real wood veneer. The 3020i are a good improvement on the 3020, I could quite happily live with a set for a while. There is a set of Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors on the wigwam for £1600 ovno. I would love those. :)

[Shadowbox81]

Not quite the same price point Neil, the Silver 50 are £500. They are beautifully made. Mine are the natural oak real wood veneer. The 3020i are a good improvement on the 3020, I could quite happily live with a set for a while. There is a set of Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors on the wigwam for £1600 ovno. I would love those. :)

Lol, apologies - missed the "silver" part of the name when I read your post. Quite right that they are definitely not at the same level as the 3020s. Both the MAs and the Dali's look in lovely condition as do those Sonia Faber's which I think are a little to expensive for me.:)

[Eagle123]

Best to listen and u do need to invest in speaker stands as well.


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[hoopsontoast]

I'd really recommend the KEF 201/2, absolutley superb bookshelf speakers. Pretty much all you could want from some small 3-way speakers. Great imaging and integration with the Uni-Q Mid-Treble, and great bass depth.
The bass port vents out the top and they have boundry compensation/treble compensation so they are quite flexible in placement. I used mine on the dedicated stands as well as a bookshelf, both worked really well.

https://live.staticflickr.com/4450/36666864934_cac5323847_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XS8gus)
KEF 201/2 (https://flic.kr/p/XS8gus) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

[Lawrence001]

I'd really recommend the KEF 201/2, absolutley superb bookshelf speakers. Pretty much all you could want from some small 3-way speakers. Great imaging and integration with the Uni-Q Mid-Treble, and great bass depth.
The bass port vents out the top and they have boundry compensation/treble compensation so they are quite flexible in placement. I used mine on the dedicated stands as well as a bookshelf, both worked really well.

https://live.staticflickr.com/4450/36666864934_cac5323847_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XS8gus)
KEF 201/2 (https://flic.kr/p/XS8gus) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on FlickrThey were certainly sounding very nice at Kegworth 2018.

[Shadowbox81]

I'd really recommend the KEF 201/2, absolutley superb bookshelf speakers. Pretty much all you could want from some small 3-way speakers. Great imaging and integration with the Uni-Q Mid-Treble, and great bass depth.
The bass port vents out the top and they have boundry compensation/treble compensation so they are quite flexible in placement. I used mine on the dedicated stands as well as a bookshelf, both worked really well.

https://live.staticflickr.com/4450/36666864934_cac5323847_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XS8gus)
KEF 201/2 (https://flic.kr/p/XS8gus) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Thanks Rob. They are lovely looking speakers. A Stereophile article suggests that they are pretty demanding and require a juicy amp to get the best out of them. Just wondering what your experience was of them in this regard?

[Shadowbox81]

Best to listen and u do need to invest in speaker stands as well.


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That's the idea, although I am very tempted by the thought of undertaking a project with the Jordan Eikonas. As for location, agree that stands are ideal but not possible at the moment just to room layout but it's certainly a longer term aspiration

[hoopsontoast]

Thanks Rob. They are lovely looking speakers. A Stereophile article suggests that they are pretty demanding and require a juicy amp to get the best out of them. Just wondering what your experience was of them in this regard?

I used mine with a Denon PMA-2500NE, which was a great match. Before that I used a Rega Cursa/Maia3 with them which was OK but lacking a bit of control at higher SPLs. Thats really nit-picking though as I could have happily lived with the Rega Pre/Power to be honest.

The 201/2s are certainly the 'Best' hifi speakers I have owned in terms of low distortion, soundstage & Dispersion and just generally balanced presentation.

[hifinutt]

There is a nice pair of audiosmile kensai at 549 on av forums , cheap for a quality speaker like that

[Lawrence001]

Just listening to my Jas Orior Grands, I think the Orior bookshelves would be very nice indeed.

[Martyn Miles]

I still have my Rogers LS3/5a's bought new for £150 over 40 years ago. I couldn't bring myself to sell them but in truth the current prices are ridiculous so that they cannot be considered good value for money. Compared to current designs around £1,500 they are dynamically challenged and lack fine detail. Tonally, they are great in the midrange and image well, but that is not enough for me.

The current prices are, in part, due to the LS3/5a collectors in the Far East.
Some have over 12 pairs, stacked up in a shelf.
They compete on eBay ( or wherever ) for rare Chartwells and Rogers, pushing up prices to over £3000 a pair.

I’m not sure they ever listen to them, though...

[Shadowbox81]

Hey all

Just wanted to say that i eventually decided to go for the DIY option and acquired a pair of Jordan Eikona 2 drivers on Ian's recommendation. Then big bad Covid hit and the Eikona's stayed in the wardrobe for a whole year whilst I dealt with work going crazy, home-schooling kids and life in general. Eventually, however, i managed to get around to the build and having taken just over six months (working a few hours here and there on weekends), i finally finished building a pair of birch ply mini transmission line cabinets for the drivers to sit it and to match my birch ply turntable plinth. Haven't had too much chance to listen to them yet but so far so good. I'll post some pics of the build and the final result when i get a little more time.

Regards (and thanks for the recommendations)

[hifinutt]

Look forward to that