(Very) Introductory Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Discussion in 'Speakers' started by Griffon, Dec 15, 2015.

  1. Griffon

    Griffon 2nd biggest asshole on SBAF

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    I bet my chance getting a meaningful answer by asking here is better than in the all purpose advice thread...

    So I don't want to be f'ing with a receiver and/or speaker amp. Yeah I know, this is a lowish land of speakers. But I have limited space. Room size is kinda small, 3x5 sqm or 10x16 sqft.

    Currently I have two things in my eyes: B&W MM-1 and Serene Talisman. Heared the MM-1 and thought they're kinda decent. Lacking the low end, but nothing major annoying.

    BTW, I'm located in Canada so I don't want to deal with anything from the US unless after shipping it's no more than 400 US. The exchange rate these days are brutal.
     
  2. thegunner100

    thegunner100 Hentai Master Chief

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    Where would you be putting the speakers? Is the size of the speakers a concern?

    The JBL LSR305 is a great choice if you can accommodate for its size, and use a preamp for volume control. You could get the Micca PB42x as well. They're the powered version of the MB42x, which sounded pretty good on top of a desk in my friend's room. Maybe the Definitive Technology Incline? The guy from noaudiophile liked it and it fits your budget. There's also the Audioengine A2s if you really need something tiny. I have them and they sound okay as long as you use a desktop stand and perhaps some EQ.

    The Vanatoo Transparent One is probably going to sound the best out of those if you want an all-in-one unit. Lots of connectivity and DSP options to play around with. $500 here in the US.

    You'll have to check the price of everything in Canada but all three of these are pretty budget friendly.
     
  3. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    I heard the MM-1 a while ago and was rather underwhelmed for the price point. They've got some points for style by not looking like a typical 2.0 computer speaker set, but soundwise they're just meh. With that form factor you'd get more bang for the buck with a pair of UE Booms and then you'd have stereo portability on top.

    Have you checked out the local Long & McQuade or Axemusic for their active monitors? At the cheap end, the M-Audio AV40 are pretty good.

    Hmm, come to think of it I've got a local friend with a pair of Emotiva Airmotiv 4s that he wants to sel for $400 CAD (plus whatever it'll cost to ship from Winnipeg). If you're interested I'll pass along his info
     
  4. thegunner100

    thegunner100 Hentai Master Chief

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    Ahh yes, the Emotivas are a good choice too. They're on sale right now but I guess it depends on the price of shipping to Canada. I'd recommend getting a Schiit Sys for volume control on these powered speakers cause reaching for the back of the speakers for volume control is a pain in the ass. I can't imagine having to deal with separate volume controls for the two channels either.
     
  5. Griffon

    Griffon 2nd biggest asshole on SBAF

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    Oh shit how did I forget about L&M (facepalm).

    Speaker size is rather a concern - I guess my desk would not house something like Emotivas (checked the dimensions). I'll probably get two Sys, one to switch between PC and PS3, one for controlling the powered monitors.
     
  6. uncola

    uncola Friend

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