I'm looking to purchase a pair of bookshelf speakers for $335 or less that will be used as front L/R in a 5.1 setup for both movies and music. I would really love to get your advice.
The speakers I have in mind are the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE, RBH R5Bi, and KEF Q100 if I can manage to find a pair used for $335.
I don't think I really have a sound preference. I've only owned one good pair of speakers in my life and that was the JBL Studio 530 that I had to sell last year because I needed the money. But I loved them immensely! My favorite thing about them is what I think you would call imaging or maybe soundstage. I could hear things in different directions as if the sound was coming from other speakers not the ones right in front of me. It was so cool! Based off what I'm reading from users, it sounds like the RBH R5Bi is really good at doing that too.
If I could get something that sounds even close to as good as the 530 then I'll be more then happy. Plus, since the RBH R5Bi are less then $250 that would give me enough money to buy a better sub. If I go with something like the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE I can afford the BIC America F12 subwoofer. Or if I go with something like the RBH R5Bi I can afford to buy it's bigger brother the BIC PL-200 or any sub for $300 or less.
If there's any other speakers you think I should look out for please let me know.
Thank you very much to everyone who took the time to read my post and is willing to help me out. It really means a lot to me.
The R5Bi are long gone---sold out in both A and B stock, and RBH seems unlikely to continue that Impression series of speakers at this point.
However, you can still get the RBH I-12 subwoofer for $419 shipped, and for the speakers go with the Sony Core bookshelves for $150/pair ($90-100 if you're willing to wait a few weeks for them to go on sale again). The I-12 normally retails for $600 so it's far beyond the BIC subs you're looking at. https://rbhsound.com/bstock-i12.php
Or, instead of the Sony speakers you can get the Q Acoustics 2020i for about that price here:
Thanks for this post Zorba. I ordered the 2020i's from Jet to try out. The total was $153.55 with the discount and a little extra off using a debit card. Free return shipping within 30 days. Now I will see what all the Q Acoustics hubbub is about.
Do you have a center + surround speakers already, or do you eventually need to get those too?
Just wondering if your $335 budget is your end budget for everything, fronts + sub (and you own the rest already). Or if you plan to spend more down the road and build up slowly?
$335 is just my budget to spend on the bookshelf speakers for fronts. I figured that's what I should spend the most of my money on.
I have a separate budget to spend on everything else which is $440. With that $440 I plan on getting the PIONEER
VSX-530-K from for $120, Fluance AVBP2 $120 for rear speakers, and then the BIC F12 for $200. As for the center channel I know it's not ideal but I think I'll be okay with using phantom center seeing as there will only be two people watching close together at a time and three at the most all on the same couch.
Thank you very much for the suggestions! You're actually the person that peaked my interest in RBH R5Bi after reading how much you liked them. I found a pair for $234 from New Audio Video.
Or is that site not safe to purchase from? If it's not safe, then is it possible to find a pair used somewhere or is it a rarity?
That subwoofer looks awesome! But I worry it might be "too much" for my medium sized room. I hear that even the F12 can make windows and pictures on the walls shake. I wouldn't want it to be a nuisance to my neighbors if they can hear it though my house when I'm watching movies at night. They're about 40 feet away. Though my concerns are coming from a place of ignorance as I've never even owned a subwoofer before and this will be my very first. I'm not entirely sure what to expect.
While the Sony Core are good speakers and worth their price -- even more than $150 - there are several speakers that cost more and still will not trump the Sony. However with all that said, the Studio 530 are clearly in another league.
Believe it or not the Boston VS240 are (except for the bass) around the same league in sonic sound signature as the Studio 530 -- and they will go down low enough to cross over nicely to a sub. And their dimple-dome tweeter is really a good one. The Boston VS240 use to sell for around $798 a pair, and they can handle a lot of power and have good dynamics. And the imaging, soundstage, detail, definition, and depth are really good. It is up to you and your call. I own a pair and I know that they are not a wimp. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-of-Bos...601946?hash=item1c8bbe801a:g:pLsAAOSwjk9ZXAPH
And the other one that I would look at would be the Philharmpnic AA speakers -- I think that he may be on vacation this week, and there is a waiting period for them http://www.philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html
While the Sony Core are good speakers and worth their price -- even more than $150 - there are several speakers that cost more and still will not trump the Sony. However with all that said, the Studio 530 are clearly in another league.
Believe it or not the Boston VS240 are (except for the bass) around the same league in sonic sound signature as the Studio 530 -- and they will go down low enough to cross over nicely to a sub. And their dimple-dome tweeter is really a good one. The Boston VS240 use to sell for around $798 a pair, and they can handle a lot of power and have good dynamics. And the imaging, soundstage, detail, definition, and depth are really good. It is up to you and your call. I own a pair and I know that they are not a wimp.
Thank you sharing that! I really appreciate it. I'll definitely consider buying those.
I got a pair 8 months ago. They are amazing. Other options are the deftech sm55, q acoustic 3020, and htd level 3. All rave reviews, all right at your range.
I have had my share of bookshelves from Ascend cbm-170, Def Tech sm45, Martin Logan, Chane 1.4, RSL cg23. All great speakers with different sound presentation, but for your budget and needs I would go with the Def Tech sm45's and build your HT around that. You can get refurbs on ebay for a great price. The sm45 is a well balanced speaker that has a non fatiguing sound and they will surprise you on how loud they can get for their size. The Ascend would be my second choice but would be more money as well. Good luck with your search.
Thank you very much for the recommendations! It means a lot to me. And no worries about derailing the thread. I appreciate you helping me and I love the discussion.
Def Tech SM45 manufacturer refurb is available for $85 per speaker! Bajawaverunner on eBay. SM55 is $120 per speaker. I feel like I've been posting the same info on all the threads haha.
A lot of the members on this thread helped me a ton and gave me lots of knowledge so you are getting great advice!
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
AVS Forum
34M posts
1.5M members
Since 1999
A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!