Author Topic: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)  (Read 18330 times)

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Offline Bemermeister

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Hi everyone, I've auditioned the wharfedale dentons 80th anniversary edition and i quite liked the sound. I am currently a proud owner of a pair of a audio titus bookshelf speakers.

What other speakers in this price range do you recommend? Im looking for a loanerso we can include in the blind test as well :)

Thanks!

Offline junji

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #1 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 05:10 PM »
My target with this price range is either Dali Zensor 3 or Monitor Audio BX2. I may favor the Dali, but will wait on the result of an audition pairing with Marantz PM6005. Others who have the systems already may share their recommendations based on experienced.

Offline DTNS

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #2 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 08:23 PM »
check out the Audioengine P4 (passive speakers). they cost just 12k/pair.  :)
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Offline Hammerheart

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #3 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 08:34 PM »
I prefer the dentons over the monitor audio bx2 for music. Both are excellent speakers though, you won't go wrong with either as long as it matches your amplification and source. And your music preference of course.

Offline Conan

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #4 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 08:39 PM »
Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2.
Polk Audio Reserve R200
B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
NAD C368 Integrated Amplifier
Cambridge CXA60

Offline Bemermeister

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #5 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 09:35 PM »
Thanks!

I have not heard the Dali nor the BX2 yet. The Dentons are priced very reasonably considering its build. Reviews deemed it a good deal at 500 USD, how much more if its selling for less :)

What Amp are you using sir denton?

Offline Bemermeister

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #6 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 09:39 PM »
check out the Audioengine P4 (passive speakers). they cost just 12k/pair.  :)

These pair of speakers I have auditioned at Dexterton :) Thanks!

Offline pa3ck608

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #7 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 09:51 PM »
Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2.

+1

Slightly above your budget but they are very musical if paired with the right amp. Btw, what amp are you planning to use?

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Offline Bemermeister

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #8 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 10:04 PM »
I am currently using a lowly SMSL SA 60 Amp :) On paper it packs 50WPC and we did some blind testing against a Rotel RA 12, it did not disappoint.

Though we used a pair of A Audio Monumental(Sir Pchin's) which were not so hard to drive.

I wonder how it would pair with 6ohm speakers.

Offline Conan

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #9 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 10:13 PM »
I'm currently using my Mezzo 2 with SMSL SA-36 PRO and they sound pretty good together.
Polk Audio Reserve R200
B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
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Cambridge CXA60

Offline Bemermeister

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #10 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 10:23 PM »
I'll also look into the Mezzo :) Who carries the brand here locally?

Offline pa3ck608

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #11 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 10:24 PM »
Im sure the sa36 and sa60 have a lot in common when it comes to sonic signature. why don't you try the mezzo 2 and see if it suits your palate. Master Conan also has a rotel paired with his mezzo if i'm not mistaken, hence a good match if you are planning to change amps in the future. 
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Offline pa3ck608

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #12 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 10:25 PM »
I'll also look into the Mezzo :) Who carries the brand here locally?

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Offline Bemermeister

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #13 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 10:29 PM »
Alright! Cool! :)

Bukas naman ulit.

Goodnight!

Offline Conan

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #14 on: Apr 05, 2015 at 10:36 PM »
Im sure the sa36 and sa60 have a lot in common when it comes to sonic signature. why don't you try the mezzo 2 and see if it suits your palate. Master Conan also has a rotel paired with his mezzo if i'm not mistaken, hence a good match if you are planning to change amps in the future.

Correct! Though I've hardly used my Rotel amp after being exposed to T amps!
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Cambridge CXA60

Offline Bemermeister

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #15 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 11:27 AM »
The little smsl amps punch way above its price hehe

I am looking to borrow a pair of dentons and do a blind test vs a pair of titus gold and sir pchin's psb bookshelf speakers (forgot thr model).

These speakers are more or less within the same price range.

Offline muypogi

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #16 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 05:36 PM »

Hi everyone, I've auditioned the wharfedale dentons 80th anniversary edition and i quite liked the sound. I am currently a proud owner of a pair of a audio titus bookshelf speakers.

What other speakers in this price range do you recommend? Im looking for a loanerso we can include in the blind test as well :)

Thanks!

You should audition speakers within the Dentons' price range. I personally own a pair and they are bang for the buck. Plus the finish is superb. I like the warmish presentation, which complements the neutral to slightly warm sound of the Rega Elicit powering them.

Offhand, the potential competitors would the Q-Acoustics speakers, B&W 600 series, Tannoy Fusions, and lower-end Paradigms.

Offline Superman

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #17 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 05:39 PM »
Paradigm Atom V6 is Good!
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Offline junji

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #18 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 06:58 PM »
For the benefits of those looking for one with this price range, I suggest to indicate where we can audition it. Let's assume that we were not going to use extra subwoofer. Thanks.

Wharfedale Dentons 80th Anniv. Ed. -
Dali Zensor 3 - Architectural Audio
Monitor Audio BX2 - MLY Ent. (AVShop)
Audioengine P4 -
Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2 - 5th Avenue
Paradigm Atom V6 -

« Last Edit: Apr 06, 2015 at 07:01 PM by junji »

Offline Bemermeister

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #19 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 08:16 PM »
You should audition speakers within the Dentons' price range. I personally own a pair and they are bang for the buck. Plus the finish is superb. I like the warmish presentation, which complements the neutral to slightly warm sound of the Rega Elicit powering them.

Offhand, the potential competitors would the Q-Acoustics speakers, B&W 600 series, Tannoy Fusions, and lower-end Paradigms.

Noted on this :) Will try to get hold of as many speakers as possible haha So far, the feasible ones are the Dentons and the Titus which I already have. I have heard the 685 s2 but only for a short period and was not able to bring my player that time  :(

Offline Bemermeister

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #20 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 08:17 PM »
For the benefits of those looking for one with this price range, I suggest to indicate where we can audition it. Let's assume that we were not going to use extra subwoofer. Thanks.

Wharfedale Dentons 80th Anniv. Ed. -
Dali Zensor 3 - Architectural Audio
Monitor Audio BX2 - MLY Ent. (AVShop)
Audioengine P4 -
Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2 - 5th Avenue
Paradigm Atom V6 -

Updating your list Sir Junji:

Wharfedale Dentons 80th Anniv. Ed. - Listen Up at 3rd Floor Glorietta
Dali Zensor 3 - Architectural Audio
Monitor Audio BX2 - MLY Ent. (AVShop)
Audioengine P4 - Dexterton at 3rd Floor Greenbelt 5
Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2 - 5th Avenue
Paradigm Atom V6 - (not sure if spectra carries this)

Offline mikeer2002ph

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #21 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 08:32 PM »
I vouch for the Dali Zensors 3s.

BX2 is too laid back for my taste, a better alternate is the RX2 but of course that is way beyond the 20K price brand new, and even slightly used or pre-loved it still is beyond the strict 20K budget.

Mezzo 2 is a bit laid back too

Paradigm Atom V6 is another contender but may be a bit bass shy.

Audioengine = self powered and negates your need for a dedicated amp but this may be an issue if you already have an existing setup (amp + preamp / integrated)
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Offline Conan

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #22 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 09:16 PM »
I vouch for the Dali Zensors 3s.

BX2 is too laid back for my taste, a better alternate is the RX2 but of course that is way beyond the 20K price brand new, and even slightly used or pre-loved it still is beyond the strict 20K budget.

Mezzo 2 is a bit laid back too

Paradigm Atom V6 is another contender but may be a bit bass shy.

Audioengine = self powered and negates your need for a dedicated amp but this may be an issue if you already have an existing setup (amp + preamp / integrated)

I'm not sure what set-up you listened to but for me Mezzo 2 is very detailed using the following amplifiers:

Rotel RA04
Topping TP60
SMSL SA-36 Pro

It's almost as detailed as my Klipsch RB-51 II but with a much more refined midrange.
Polk Audio Reserve R200
B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
NAD C368 Integrated Amplifier
Cambridge CXA60

Offline Bemermeister

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #23 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 09:22 PM »
Nice, this is going to be an interesting matchup din :)

Will try to listen to all of them speakers na din para masama lahat bago mag decide.

The amplifier to be used most likely will be the SMSL SA 60 since its the only one I have left haha Plus this amp will fit in a small bag :)

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #24 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 09:30 PM »
Bemermeister, anong size ng room mo?
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Offline Bemermeister

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #25 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 10:01 PM »
I have my speakers in the sala, I have no idea of the dimensions, sorry. Its quite long, my estimate its about 5x15. I have the speakers a feet or two from the wall.

I don't have space in my room anymore which would be a better fit for audio.

Offline Courage

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #26 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 10:01 PM »
Add PSB Imagine XB on your list...
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Offline nogo

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #27 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 10:15 PM »
Sundan ko ito.
Im in the market of budget audio set up sa office.
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Offline junji

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #28 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 10:55 PM »
Thanks Bemermeister for updating the list. Balitaan ko rin kayo kung ano ang mapapasakamay ko :) Though I cannot be able to audition it all, sana naging parang Raon na lang ang pwestohan ng mga dealer locally. Magka-kalayo kasi eh, hirap mapuntahan lahat.
« Last Edit: Apr 06, 2015 at 10:56 PM by junji »

Offline Courage

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Re: Bookshelf speaker recommendations under 20K (For music only)
« Reply #29 on: Apr 06, 2015 at 11:25 PM »
Thanks Bemermeister for updating the list. Balitaan ko rin kayo kung ano ang mapapasakamay ko :) Though I cannot be able to audition it all, sana naging parang Raon na lang ang pwestohan ng mga dealer locally. Magka-kalayo kasi eh, hirap mapuntahan lahat.

Go to makati cinema square. Madaming audio shops dun.
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