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Bookshelf speakers without rear ports

6K views 40 replies 11 participants last post by  bluewizard 
#1 ·
I don't have room for my towers anymore so I'm looking for a pair of speakers ($500 range) that I can put in my entertainment center next to the TV. The problem is most are rear-ported. Here are some options I've come up with:

B&W 685/686
Definitive Tech ProMonitor 1000 (top radiator)
Definitive Tech SM55 (top radiator)
Klipsch Reference II (recently discontinued but still available)
Polk RTiA1/3 (main port in front, some sort of small rear port)
Wharfedale Diamond 220/225 (bottom port)

Any suggestions on which would be best? I've been leaning towards the Wharfedale, and it's supposed to be easy to place, but not sure if that really includes being in cabinetry.
 
#2 ·
I don't have any firsthand experience with those speakers ..but the Wharfdales seem to be really popular around this forum.. a quick craigslist search of your area might turn up something you haven't thought of as well..
 
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#6 ·
Thanks, yes, there are a lot of older speakers that are sealed or front ported; I've done some searching on the used market but there are so many options it takes a while.
 
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#3 ·
Assuming you have subs, and you should, ports aren't an issue, as the L/C/R speakers won't be working in the range where ports function.
 
#7 ·
As Bill said, if you have subs and are crossing over at 80hz, the ports have almost zero effect and many brands supply port plugs for close wall placement if run full range so those could be used as well.
Ah, yes, of course, I didn't even think of that, that makes sense, thanks very much! I was originally hoping to find a pair that had some reasonable bass extension and not worry about a sub (my wife doesn't like a lot of bass), but after watching a movie last night I realized I will need one. That opens up lots of options (although the ones I listed still aren't bad).
 
#8 ·
I have SM 55 surrounds and it's a really nice speaker in a really nice line from Def Tech. They are very accurate and clear. I'm very happy with them. I have the big brother SM 65 mains and center channel. It's very nice.
Thanks, I've heard good things about them, they are just pushing my price limit, but we'll see. I don't want to go cheap and be disappointed.
 
#11 ·
I guess this brings up another question: I was originally going to go for 6.5" speakers, but with a sub maybe that's overkill and 5.25 is fine? I realize lots of people use even smaller speakers, but these will be for music too, and I would like as smooth of a transition between speakers and sub as possible.
 
#13 ·
I guess this brings up another question: I was originally going to go for 6.5" speakers, but with a sub maybe that's overkill and 5.25 is fine?
4" is fine...if you're like me and have eight per side and six in the center. Otherwise IMO the minimum for a result that won't leave you with buyers remorse is 2x5.25 or 1x6.5. Buy once, cry once.
 
#22 ·
The prior KEF Q series (Q100 and Q300) not the ones that just came out) are front ported. I am using a pair of the Q300 as surrounds.
 
#23 · (Edited)
I decided to go with NHT for cost, size, and ease of placement. I got the SuperZeros, Center, and Sub so far; I'll use the SuperZeros for surrounds after my SuperOnes come in this Friday. So far I'm pretty impressed with the SuperZeros. Still working on sub placement and intergration though. At first I was underwhelmed and thought I'd have to get another sub, but I think I just need to set it up properly.
 
#24 ·
I decided to go with NHT both both cost and ease of placement. I got the SuperZeros, Center, and Sub so far; I'll use the SuperZeros for surrounds after my SuperOnes come in this Friday. So far I'm pretty impressed with the SuperZeros. Still working on sub placement and intergration though. At first I was underwhelmed and thought I'd have to get another sub, but I think I just need to set it up properly.
The SuperOnes will be much easier to integrate with the sub than the SuperZeros because they go down at least 40Hz lower.

Google up "subwoofer crawl" for optimal sub placement, if you haven't already.
 
#26 ·
Thanks everyone. Wow, I didn't realize there was such a big difference between the zeros and ones. I do notice how inefficient these are compared to my old large speakers; I really have to crank them up.

Right now I'm using an old receiver that doesn't have crossover settings. My next mission is to get a new receiver but I don't know where to start.

I think I'll do the crawl when no one is home to watch.
 
#29 ·
I...I'm looking for a pair of speakers ($500 range) that I can put in my entertainment center next to the TV. ...
Can you explain the portion of your statement highlighted in BOLD above?

...IN an entertainment center next to the TV...?

Did you mean IN or ON? And both speaker to the same side of the TV? Not one on each side?

While other people have covered the options nicely, I don't think I can productively comment until we have a clarification on the placement of the speakers.

Generally bookshelf, regardless of porting, don't need that much room, some room yes, but easily achiveable for most people in most circumstances. I would guess, depending on the speakers, a minimum of 4" but 8" to 10" behind the speakers would be better.

Also keep mind that close or closed placement is going to be a problem regardless of where the ports are. Perhaps a bit less for Front or Downward Post, but a problem none the less. The problem is boundary walls, not the port. Typically a Port can cause timing problems with poor placement or perhaps muddy midrange.

So, a clarification on specifically what you mean by -


...IN an entertainment center next to the TV...?

...Is in order.

Also an explanation of why you just can't use conventional speaker stands.

For me ... too many missing details.

Steve/bluewizard
 
#37 ·
Thanks for the suggestions on receivers; I didn't know accessories4less was an authorized Integra (refurbished) dealer. I'll do some research and post in the receivers forum.
 
#39 ·
Sadly, $1500 ($1000 speakers, $500 AVR) is very very lean. So, at this point we have to inquire as to our expectations?

I think most here would consider speakers in the $500/pair range to be entry level.

For Subs, the same, about $500 is the entry level for good Subwoofers.

But to your benenfit, $500 is also the entry level of AV Receivers. While not the best, a $500 AV Receiver is pretty good.

And ...yes.... you can by a complete compact 5.1 Lifestyle system for $1000. The question isn't can you buy it, but do you want it, and that brings us back to expectations.

I think you can go to Walmart and buy a complete Home Theater in a Box system for about $200, but would you want that system. Somebody must want them because they keep selling them.

Equally you can go to Walmart and by a complete 5.1 Sound Bar system for $200 ...but... would you want that system? ....expectations....

This would most certainly be a worthy system - Q Acoustic 3000 -

https://www.amazon.com/Acoustics-3020-Bookshelf-Speakers-Graphite/dp/B00TR7I1EY

https://www.amazon.com/Acoustics-Bookshelf-Speakers-American-Walnut/dp/B00TR7JK7Q

Having had both in my home, I prefer the Graphite finish, and this from someone who does not like Black Speakers.

Here is the matching Center -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V6ADU0K?m=A3EWOB9ML2A8ST

So, for those Threes speakers we have -

$290/pr = Q Acoustic 3020 Bookshelf Speakers
$180/ea = Q Acoustic 3090C Center Speaker
$500/ea = Subwoofer of choice
----------------------------------
£970 = Total


That does not include Surround Speakers, but those are more difficult, and are contingent on what is possible and workable in your specific room.

The Smaller Q Acoustic 3010 bookshelf speakers are $200/pair.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TR1QOEY?m=A3EWOB9ML2A8ST

The Q Acoustic 3020 (5" drivers) are 9" deep. I have my on open 12" shelves with no problem. I suspect, pushed forward to the edge of a 15" Cabinet would not be a problem, especially if you line the cabinet cavity with Acoustic Foam. Acoustic Foam comes in a variety of colors, the standard charcoal, but also green, blue, maroon, and so on.

https://www.atsacoustics.com/foam-wedge-acoustic-panels-12charcoalblue.html

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA8GS3197136

https://www.newegg.com/Soundproof-Store-Effects/BrandSubCat/ID-130820-3395

It might also be wise to raise the speakers up a bit on small speaker stand similar to this -



We can trim back on the Subwoofer. Here are two good options -

Dayton Audio Sub-1000, 10", 100 watts - $120 -

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628

BIC Forumula F-12, 12", 475w - $220 -


https://www.parts-express.com/bic-formula-f-12-12-475-watt-subwoofer--303-436

These are both considered good Subwoofers for the money.

Dayton also makes a 12" Sub -

Dayton Audio Sub-1200, 12", 120w - $148 -


https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

These are Dayton's lowest cost Sub, they make Sub that run up near $1000.

However truly good powerful Subs are going to run closer to $450 to $650 on the low end.

The BIC Formula F-12 is pretty highly rated, and if you check YouTube you will find many positive reviews, and given the modest price, represents a good deal for someone on a budget.

https://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M

Of course there are many other Subwoofers to consider in this lower price range.

On a higher level, the SVS SB-1000 would be good Sub, though more expensive, for someone who likes a compact unit with very controlled bass.

SVS SB-1000 Sealed Sub, 10", 300w, Black Only - $499 -

https://www.svsound.com/products/sb-1000

As far as AV Receiver, there are many to choose from in the roughly $500 price range - Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer, and others -

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVX2300/Denon-AVR-X2300W.html?tp=179

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RXV583/Yamaha-RX-V583.html?tp=179

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVS930H/Denon-AVR-S930H.html?tp=179

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RXA670/Yamaha-AVENTAGE-RX-A670.html?tp=179

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RXA760/Yamaha-AVENTAGE-RX-A760.html?cc=02

That should help get you started on actual equipment.

Accessories4Less is selling B-Stock, but for people on a budget, they represent exceptional value, and are most certainly worth considering.

http://www.accessories4less.com/

At Accessories4Less, these speakers would do a very good job for you -

Cambridge Audio SX-60 Bookshelf Speaker - 6.5" Drivers - $230/pair -

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak....5-bookshelf-speakers-dark-walnut-pair/1.html

Cambridge Audio SX-50 Bookshelf Speaker - 5.25" Drivers - $150/pair -


http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ay-bookshelf-speakers-dark-walnut-pair/1.html

Cambridge Audio SX-70 Center Speaker - 4"Drivers - $140/each -

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...way-center-channel-speaker-dark-walnut/1.html

The Center is relatively small and could probably be placed above you TV angled down slightly. The Dimensions are -

5.4" H x 14.2" W x 9.7” D

Again, that should give you a few workable options in real equipment.

Steve/bluewizard
 
#40 · (Edited)
Note, if we modify this system with a cheaper Subwoofer, we can then afford the Surround Speakers -

$290/pr = Q Acoustic 3020 Bookshelf Speakers
$180/ea = Q Acoustic 3090C Center Speaker
$500/ea = Subwoofer of choice
----------------------------------
£970 = Total

Becomes -

$290/pr = Q Acoustic 3020 Bookshelf Speakers
$180/ea = Q Acoustic 3090C Center Speaker
$200/ea = Subwoofer of choice
$200/pr - Q Acoustic 3010 bookshelf speakers
----------------------------------
$870 = Total

At $870, you have between $200 and $330 before you max out your $1000 suggested budget.

With the Cambridge Audio SX Series -

$230/pr = Cambridge Audio SX-60, Front Ported, 6.5"
$150/pr = Cambrigdge Audio SX-50, Rear Port, 5.25"
$140/ea = Cambridge Audio SX-70 Center, 2x4"
-----------------------------
£520 = Total


From a $1000 budget, that leaves up to $480 for a Subwoofer. Though with a Sub in the $150 to $250 range, you have more money for your AV Receiver.

Just laying out the possibilities.

Steve/bluewizard
 
#41 ·
A couple more Subwoofers to consider, though Black Only.

Emotiva is a direct seller, and offers very high value for the money. The Emotiva BasX-8 and BasX-10 are right in your price range, and should do an outstanding job in your system.

The Emotiva BasX-8 ($199) is a very compact 8" subwoofer that is rate down to 28hz at -3db. That's not much for a typical Movie Subwoofer, but you have indicated that your wife and self do not like overly intense bass, and at -6db, this Sub is down in the Mid-20's which is fine for movies. So, if you don't want absolute rock the house bass, this is well worth considering at $199.

https://emotiva.com/products/subwoofers/basx-s8

16.63 inches high (feet add 1.625 inches) x 10.63 inches wide x 12.63 inches deep.

The Emotiva BasX-10 ($299) is a 10" Subwoofer, rated down to 27hz at -3db. Again, if you don't want rattle the windows bass, these two Subs are well worth considering.

https://emotiva.com/products/subwoofers/basx-s10

15.25 inches high (feet add 0.5 inches) x 14.38 inches wide x 15.88 inches deep.

Both fall in the price range that would allow you to get either of the speaker suggestions I made, and fall at or near your suggested budget.

There other Subs to consider, but those suggested come pretty close to your budget and requirements.

Just a few more thoughts.

Steve/bluewizard
 
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