Recommend bookshelf speakers for computer (1 Viewer)

[AndyVX]

Hello,

I'm in need of some advice here. I'm looking for a small pair of bookshelf speakers that would be good for listening to music from my computer (MP3/CD/DivX/DVD).

The audio out from my computer is running into an older Pioneer Dolby Surround receiver.

They must be are small, sound good, and are magnetically shielded so I can place them beside/near my monitors.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[GregAV]

In my opinion you couldn't go wrong with a pair of JBL Control 1's rated at 150 watts. There is also the lower rated Xtreme variant at 80 watts if you're tight on cash. Browsing around on Ebay should get you a decent price as JBL "anything" isn't exactly cheap..

A friend of mine has the control 1's, very decent sound for the size and price.

Control 1 - 150 watt

http://www.jblpro.com/pages/recordin...l.htm#Control1

Control 1 Xtreme - 80 watt

http://www.jbl.com/home/products/pro...Id=COS&sCatId=


Have fun,
Greg

 

[AndyVX]

Thanks. Those seem to be exactly what I'm looking for.

One question though.
The specs list them at 4ohms. My receiver is rated at 8-16ohms. Will this be a problem for me?

 

[GregAV]

Well, using the search option on the forums under keyword search "impedence" brought up several threads that pertain to this question. Browsing the threads should give you enough to make your decision.

An email to JBL with your specs and intent might get results too.

Have fun,
Greg

 

[AndyVX]

Ugh, that requires work though.

Good idea.

 

[Citizen87645]

So I've discovered something interesting. The Control 1 Pro model can be had for $150; the Control 1x for $75. In my shopping I discovered my local Best Buy carries the "original" Control 1 for $120. The packaging emphasizes this point and based on specs alone it seems to sit in between the Pro and the X models.

X Model
80Hz to 20kHz
80W
89 dB sensitivity
8 ohm impedance
4" woofer
1/2" tweeter

Best Buy "Original"
50Hz to 20kHz
100W
87 dB sensitivity
8 ohm impedance
4" woofer
1/2" tweeter

Pro Model
70Hz to 20kHz
150W
89 dB sensitivity
4 ohm impedance
5-1/4" woofer
3/4" tweeter

With the frequent Best Buy coupons the Original can be had for about 105.00, which some may be willing to pay for the additional bass extension. And it took me a lot of back and forth to figure out what was going on as the shelf tag had the specs of the 1x but the packaging obviously did not match, and it was clearly not the Pro version either.

 

[Citizen87645]

Okay, I think I figured it out. I believe the Originals are speakers meant for the overseas market. Google search for "Control One" yields information from mostly German sites.

It seems either JBL either needed to get rid of some stock or there was a mix up, sending the European model instead of the Xtreme.

 

[SethH]

What's your price range? If you've got a little more money to spend you should consider Genelec. The 8020a and 8030a models are the most affordable, but still fairly expensive. Genelec does make incredible speakers though, so the price may very well be worth it if you've got the money.

 

[Citizen87645]

I'm very pleased with the Control One's, especially the model I got since it reaches down as far as 40 Hz. Don't feel much need for a subwoofer - saves me money and space!

 

[ChrisWiggles]

There are much better speakers than those as far as bookshelves go, I would probably look elsewhere. Paradigm atoms, or one of the internet brands would probably give you superb results.

 

[Seth=L]

You guys do realize this thread is over 3 years old, right?

 

[ChrisWiggles]

Actually I didn't realize that.

oh well!