Best bookshelfs for sub $800

I love my Paradigm Mini Monitors. I use them as my rears but when I listen to them as stereo fronts the sound awesome.

 

Polk makes a great line of Book shelf speakers, the LSi-7 would likely be the way to go and you might be able to find them for ~$800 a pair.

They are small enough to put almost anywhere (and include a easy way to mount them) and don't sound like a small speaker at all.

Brian

 

You may want to take a look at B&W, the 602 series 3 is supposed to be great, it around $650 I think. I've listened to the 602 series 2, and was very impressed (though I ended up going with the floorstanding 603's).

 

Also take a look at Paradigm Studio 40. Plenty of good reviews here.

 

I really love my Snell QBx 20s and 15s...

Todd

 

Having listened to most of the other good speakers that have been mentioned, I found the Jean Marie Reynaud Twins Mk II to exceed all expectations. When you listen to them, you forget about the speakers and focus on the music. I believe they are under $800.
Link to JMR website

 

I auditioned both the RF-3 floorstanders and the RB-5 bookshelves and ended up purchasing the RB-5's. The speakers sounded almost identical with the edge going to the RB-5. I thought the RB-5 had tighter bass and sounded a little smoother. Keep in mind that this demo was in the dealers showroom and your space may give you a totally different sound than the showroom. But in my opinion, the RB-5's were awesome. By the way, I found these speakers at my local audio store (Sound Advice) for buy one/get one free so at that point it was a no-brainer. They also get great reviews over at audioreview.com. Check it out.

Mike

 

I have RF3's in my bedroom. I use to have RB5's. Both are great!

 

Ryan,

if you have a chance to listen to the Reynaud Twin MKII, i would definatly recommend it. i don't think they are popular on this forum, but a search on Audioasylum.com should provide plenty of useful information.

david

 

Dynaudio Audience 52's.......

 

Some others to add to your shopping list:

Sonus faber Concertino, Dynaudio Audience 52, Dynaudio Contour 1.1 (possibly used), B&W CDM1-NT, NHT 1.5, Paradigm Studio20.

These are all better than the Klipsch IMHO, but you may find differently.

Heard rumblings of the new Polk Lsi and Reynauds but have not auditioned these.

 

i heard the JM-Reynaud Twin MKIIs today, and i agree that they are very good speakers. i compared them to Paradigm Studio/20 v.2s and the Klipsch RB-5s. To me, the Paradigm and Reynauds were somewhat similar, and i didn't really like the Klispchs all that much. The imaging on the Reynauds is very nice though.

 

I second the Paradigm Studio 40. They're the best bookshelves I've heard around that price point.

 

Ryan,

If your music preferences lean towards jazz, classical or vocals, try Triangle Titus 202's

 

Absolutely no question in my mind: GR Research AV-1s. I own Mini Monitors, and the AV-1s will be their replacements...
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