dirty Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Morning all, A friend has asked me for advice on bookshelf speakers under $700. Happy to test from Stereo Shops in Melbourne. General pop/rock music will be the general choice. Looking forward to the suggestions. I don't know the source or amplifier, but if I remember I will find out today. Thanks, dirty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy8 Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Speakers are often based on individual preferences. Best thing is to go with your friend to an audio store (e.g. Clef, Selby or Klapp but there are many others) with your favorite music and listen. When comparing, make sure volume is about the same. Buy the best sounding speakers within the budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janjuggler Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 HI AS Snoopy says, speakers can be very individual, and what you think may be suitable may not sound the way they like in their system, best to go to some shops and listen to as many as they can. JJ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rogerthat Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 I would add Carlton Audio Visual to that list if you are in Melbourne. Best customer service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AudioMusic1234 Posted August 31, 2017 Share Posted August 31, 2017 While auditioning is best practice, I purchased a set of Wharfedale Diamond 225s (my first pair of 'real' speakers) and have been impressed with their performance on many genres of music. I was lucky enough to snag them at 40% off, this was a big purchase factor, but they can be found in stores below $700. IMO they are well rounded in sound and seam to handle what has been thrown at them so far. The downward port also means they do not need to be a large distance from the rear wall if space is a premium. There may be better out there in the price bracket but these put a smile on my face and that's what matters to me. I will also point out they took a few hours to get there. When first connected I was mortified and instantly had buyers remorse however, once they warmed up I was presently surprised. Happy to answer any questions on them or my setup if greater insight is wanted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bolek Posted August 31, 2017 Share Posted August 31, 2017 Carlton Audio is very good place to start. Big range of speakers and they have some ex demo . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty Posted August 31, 2017 Author Share Posted August 31, 2017 14 hours ago, Snoopy8 said: Speakers are often based on individual preferences. Best thing is to go with your friend to an audio store (e.g. Clef, Selby or Klapp but there are many others) with your favorite music and listen. When comparing, make sure volume is about the same. Buy the best sounding speakers within the budget. Thanks Snoopy, Clef look like they have quite a range under $700, so will pick out a few for him to start there. Klapp also look to have a couple of different brands as well. It's been a while since i have had to look so a reminder of Melbourne's great stores is appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty Posted August 31, 2017 Author Share Posted August 31, 2017 14 hours ago, rogerthat said: I would add Carlton Audio Visual to that list if you are in Melbourne. Best customer service. Thanks, CAV have a few at that price also with the Sonus Faber Principia 1 worth a listen, We'll see how they do a cheaper speaker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy8 Posted August 31, 2017 Share Posted August 31, 2017 Just now, dirty said: Thanks Snoopy, Clef look like they have quite a range under $700, so will pick out a few for him to start there. Klapp also look to have a couple of different brands as well. It's been a while since i have had to look so a reminder of Melbourne's great stores is appreciated. Yes, we are quite lucky with many good audio retailers in Melbourne. Would your friend consider second hand as well? May have to wait, but can sometimes pickup decent gear on the classifieds... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Muon N' Posted August 31, 2017 Share Posted August 31, 2017 These would be worth auditioning Richter Merlin Speakers https://www.richter.com.au/shop/loudspeaker/legend-series-v/merlin-v-bookshelf-loudspeakers/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleRiver Posted September 1, 2017 Share Posted September 1, 2017 Thanks for the tip on the merlin. Look nice... worth auditioning them in store... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrews_melb Posted September 1, 2017 Share Posted September 1, 2017 Another +1 for Carlton Audio, such a good range for you to try and good prices. Have a listen to some monitor audio bronze, or even if super lucky some silver 1's as i think theres a new model coming out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty Posted September 3, 2017 Author Share Posted September 3, 2017 The Merlin's have made the list, as have the Monitor,s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gibbo9000 Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 A little left field - but the Q Acoustics Concept 20 are worth a listen. True bookshelf size and were near the top of my list in the sub $700 category - until I spent too much time at one of the excellent retailers and ended up spending a bit more! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nike_shox04 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Dali Zensor 3 - award winning audiophile bookshelf speaker and lots of good reviews. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C_T Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Watching this intently. Any thoughts on the ascension fire sprites? I'd like to audition them in Melbourne town - but can't seem to spot them anywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted September 8, 2017 Share Posted September 8, 2017 Have a listen to the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 www.carltonaudiovisual.com.au/speakers/bronze2.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunno77 Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 +1 for q acoustics concept 20 but I'd definitely recommend to go a little over budget and look at dynaudio Emit m10. They can be found a fair bit cheaper than the rrp. Sent from my JAZZ using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundreference Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 I would add Sound Reference Melbourne to that list if you are in Melbourne. Best customer service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gibbo9000 Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 3 hours ago, Bunno77 said: +1 for q acoustics concept 20 but I'd definitely recommend to go a little over budget and look at dynaudio Emit m10. They can be found a fair bit cheaper than the rrp. . . and there is the slippery slope of budget . . +1 for the Emit M10's (loved them), but then I listened to the B&W CS1's and they were well priced as well, and just a bit smaller . . Oh for a bit of temptation! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snapper() Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 Dali Zensor 3 - award winning audiophile bookshelf speaker and lots of good reviews. [emoji4] I agree on the zensors ... but dont hear too much on here about them. They are stellarSent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allthumbs Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 Go the recommended stores and listen too everything under, up to and including $700.00. they have in the shop. It won't take that long as there is a never a great cornucopia of choice across the trade outside of the major brands which is going to inherently limit your choice if you insist on auditioning speakers. That said $700 will get you essentially a great pair of speakers if you stick to the usual suspects. Stick to your budget or push the wheel and deal to within an inch of its life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 These might be worth a listen too. Nearly half price. https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/collections/speakers/products/kef-q100-bookshelf-speakers-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshG Posted September 13, 2017 Share Posted September 13, 2017 On 9/11/2017 at 9:16 PM, blakey72 said: These might be worth a listen too. Nearly half price. https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/collections/speakers/products/kef-q100-bookshelf-speakers-1 Would jump up to the Q300's bigger sound punchier bass etc. Should be able to grab them for around $650 mark. I like mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gibbo9000 Posted September 13, 2017 Share Posted September 13, 2017 (edited) Apologies if cross posting is frowned upon (I am not sure - relatively new) - but these look like great, opportunistic value to me at under $700. A bit warmer than most of the B&W range. Edited September 13, 2017 by gibbo9000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts