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Under $100 Bookshelf speakers for Lepai 2020A+

post #1 of 30
1/5/13 at 5:26am
Thread Starter 
Hi, I'm new here, really like this place so far!

I was reading an article from CNET - Build your own desktop stereo for under $70, it shows how well the Lepai Amp and the Dayton Speakers perform together for its price. And I thought I could spend a bit more for a better overall sounding speaker set up.

So basically what would be an upgrade for the Dayton B652 yet still works with the Lepai amp for just under $100 ?

Please help, thanks in advance!


p.s. I will be using this speaker set up for playing music and sometimes movies from the computer. Also I already own the Lepai LP-2020A+ amplifier.

Edit: I live in Sydney, Australia. (Also updated in my profile)
Edited by dauntingearth - 1/5/13 at 5:03pm
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #2 of 30
1/5/13 at 7:11am
A pair of: Paradigm 7se, 5se or 5se MkII speakers. Great-sounding speakers. (I run 5se MkIIs in my home office.)
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post #3 of 30
1/5/13 at 7:24am
Look into the Pioneer BS-41, though it's discountinued they are still around

http://www.stereophile.com/content/pioneer-sp-bs41-lr-loudspeaker
http://www.hometheater.com/content/pioneer-sp-bs41-lr-speaker-system

Or just go with the Dayton
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post #4 of 30
1/5/13 at 7:29am
Quote:
A pair of: Paradigm 7se, 5se or 5se MkII speakers. Great-sounding speakers. (I run 5se MkIIs in my home office.)

You can get those Paradigm speakers for under $100/pr?

Daughting, where are you located? Could be something on your local Craigslist that might appeal to you.
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post #5 of 30
1/5/13 at 7:43am
Quote:
You can get those Paradigm speakers for under $100/pr?
The 5se's should be no problem for $100 or less. The larger 5se MkII's and the 7se's (essentially the same speaker) might go for closer to $150 for a minty-mint pair, but for a pair showing some minor wear $100 isn't unreasonable.
Edited by eljaycanuck - 1/5/13 at 7:49am
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post #6 of 30
1/5/13 at 7:47am
Look at the RBH AC-51 speakers - they auto relist till sold
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290827248212?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

http://www.rbhsound.com/ac51.php

The Pioneer BS22 is under $100 at TigerDirect
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3381565
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post #7 of 30
1/5/13 at 8:29am
RBH = Silver speakers.

Pioneer BS21 = $60 shipped no tax, but larger speakers will give better sound. Not necessarily better than the Daytons.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117405
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post #8 of 30
1/5/13 at 8:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by eljaycanuck View Post

The 5se's should be no problem for $100 or less. The larger 5se MkII's and the 7se's (essentially the same speaker) might go for closer to $150 for a minty-mint pair, but for a pair showing some minor wear $100 isn't unreasonable.
What he meant was, unless you can post a source what you're posting isn't believable. Though used is a good option for some, "You can probably find them used somewhere sometime" isn't a source.
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post #9 of 30
1/5/13 at 9:10am
If you can afford another $10 then check out the BIC DV62si which are better than any of those already mentioned.
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post #10 of 30
1/5/13 at 9:15am
Quote:
What he meant was, unless you can post a source what you're posting isn't believable.
I suggested to the OP that those Paradigms would be good speakers to buy, and that they can be had for ~$100.

At no cost or financial risk to himself, the OP can check around his area - wherever that might be - to see if any are available at that price:
- If there are, he can choose to buy them (or not).
- If there aren't, he can look for something else to buy.

There's nothing unbelievable about that.

But just for fun, here are a couple of sources:
http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-electronics-Paradigm-speakers-W0QQAdIdZ440933396
http://fredericton.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-electronics-SOLD-PPU-4-Paradigm-7se-Speakers-W0QQAdIdZ443781171

Now feel free to lecture me about how those sources are of no use to the OP because they're not near where he lives...wherever that might be. rolleyes.gif
Edited by eljaycanuck - 1/5/13 at 9:38am
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post #11 of 30
1/5/13 at 9:46am
Got it. "You can probably find used speakers somewhere sometime." That really is invaluable advice for those new to buying speakers.
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post #12 of 30
1/5/13 at 9:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zieglj01 View Post

Look at the RBH AC-51 speakers - they auto relist till sold
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290827248212?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
http://www.rbhsound.com/ac51.php
The Pioneer BS22 is under $100 at TigerDirect
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3381565

Yes, the RBH are silver speakers.smile.gif

Here is a good review - I would keep them on a short list.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_3/rbh-ac-speakers-8-2003.html

Pioneer BS22 review
http://www.hometheater.com/content/pioneer-sp-bs22-lr-speaker-system
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post #13 of 30
1/5/13 at 9:55am
Quote:
Got it. "You can probably find used speakers somewhere sometime." That really is invaluable advice for those new to buying speakers.
No, you clearly didn't get it at all. rolleyes.gif

"These are good speakers for ~$100" - that was the advice. Nothing wrong with it.

You challenged me to provide a source to prove that my claim on pricing was realistic:
Quote:
... unless you can post a source what you're posting isn't believable.
I provided two sources. So sorry to disappoint you... frown.giftongue.gif

---
OP, if you can find these speakers in your area for ~$100, they're at least worth a listen. If you don't find any in your area, don't buy them.

Whatever speakers you do end up with, I hope you enjoy 'em. smile.gif

Over and out.
Edited by eljaycanuck - 1/5/13 at 10:11am
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post #14 of 30
1/5/13 at 4:19pm
Thread Starter 
OP here, loving this place! This is a very active forum, thanks for all your replies!

Sorry for being away, and forgot to mention my living location, my bad. I live in Sydney, Australia. I am still searching around for speaker shops or I can order from Amazon/Parts-Express/eBay. I don't shop online often, this is also one of the reasons why I only want to spend around $100.

Quote:
Originally Posted by eljaycanuck View Post

OP, if you can find these speakers in your area for ~$100, they're at least worth a listen. If you don't find any in your area, don't buy them.
Whatever speakers you do end up with, I hope you enjoy 'em. smile.gif
Over and out.

Right, the Paradigms. 7se, 5se and the 5se MkII, I will try to look for them around my area. Hopefully I will bump into them luckily!

Quote:
Originally Posted by zieglj01 View Post

Yes, the RBH are silver speakers.smile.gif
Here is a good review - I would keep them on a short list.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_3/rbh-ac-speakers-8-2003.html
Pioneer BS22 review
http://www.hometheater.com/content/pioneer-sp-bs22-lr-speaker-system

Awesome, the RBH speakers are around $90 including shipping from eBay. Will take note of it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave1027 View Post

If you can afford another $10 then check out the BIC DV62si which are better than any of those already mentioned.

I just had a quick google and found it on Amazon but I also checked that they don't ship to Sydney. Will further look into it. Quick question though, the BIC has a power handling of 150W but the Lepai amp can only output 20RMS, will the amp be able to drive those speakers?
Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzy_ View Post

RBH = Silver speakers.
Pioneer BS21 = $60 shipped no tax, but larger speakers will give better sound. Not necessarily better than the Daytons.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117405

zieglj01 suggested the Pioneer BS22. I quickly compared the specs of the BS22 and BS21 and I don't see much differences except for the front cover grill, or am I missing something?

Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt View Post

You can get those Paradigm speakers for under $100/pr?
Daughting, where are you located? Could be something on your local Craigslist that might appeal to you.

I'm not sure if Craigslist is popular here in Sydney as we have a similar one called Gumtree, will have a look there anyway, thanks!
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post #15 of 30
1/5/13 at 4:39pm
with that tripath amp you going to want speakers of 90 db sensitivity or better. that little amp will distort very quickly with higher volumes with anything less. great little amps for certain uses.own 3 of them myself
Edited by smasher50 - 1/5/13 at 4:50pm
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post #16 of 30
1/5/13 at 4:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dauntingearth View Post

zieglj01 suggested the Pioneer BS22. I quickly compared the specs of the BS22 and BS21 and I don't see much differences except for the front cover grill, or am I missing something?

It is not all about so-called specs >> and the BS22 has newly built woofers and tweeters.
I have owned both - the BS21 and BS22, and the 22 is a nice step up for me with better
overall balance. The bass goes lower and is tighter, with better midrange and treble for
good imaging and sound-stage presentation. The tweeter is real nice for the price.

On a side note - the BS22 was measured to have a lower -3 db bass point, over the bigger
Pioneer BS41 speaker.

Based on where you live and your budget - you will be better off trying to find something
local in your area.
Edited by zieglj01 - 1/5/13 at 5:01pm
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post #17 of 30
1/5/13 at 5:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dauntingearth View Post

Awesome, the RBH speakers are around $90 including shipping from eBay. Will take note of it.
Shipping is for the USA
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post #18 of 30
1/5/13 at 5:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dauntingearth View Post

OP here, loving this place! This is a very active forum, thanks for all your replies!
Sorry for being away, and forgot to mention my living location, my bad. I live in Sydney, Australia. I am still searching around for speaker shops or I can order from Amazon/Parts-Express/eBay. I don't shop online often, this is also one of the reasons why I only want to spend around $100. thanks!

Check Ebay in Australia
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/Speakers-Subwoofers-/14990/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=BOOKSHELF%20SPEAKERS&LH_PrefLoc=1&rt=nc&_pppn=r1&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=25&_udhi=90

Look at this Tannoy
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tannoy-Mercury-M1-High-Fidelity-Loudspeakers-Bookshelf-with-Speaker-Cables-/160948205089?pt=AU_Hi_Fi_Speakers&hash=item257942b621
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post #19 of 30
1/5/13 at 5:58pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by zieglj01 View Post

Check Ebay in Australia
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/Speakers-Subwoofers-/14990/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=BOOKSHELF%20SPEAKERS&LH_PrefLoc=1&rt=nc&_pppn=r1&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=25&_udhi=90
Look at this Tannoy
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tannoy-Mercury-M1-High-Fidelity-Loudspeakers-Bookshelf-with-Speaker-Cables-/160948205089?pt=AU_Hi_Fi_Speakers&hash=item257942b621

That reminds me of a very important general question that I should look into:

How to buy bookshelf speakers, what are the things that I need to look into, and how to make sure that it will work with my Lepai amp.
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post #20 of 30
1/5/13 at 7:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by zieglj01 View Post

Look at this Tannoy
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tannoy-Mercury-M1-High-Fidelity-Loudspeakers-Bookshelf-with-Speaker-Cables-/160948205089?pt=AU_Hi_Fi_Speakers&hash=item257942b621

What's good about the Tannoy?
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post #21 of 30
1/5/13 at 7:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dauntingearth View Post

What's good about the Tannoy?

Tannoy makes some nice speakers > I have owned some of their passive Monitors
in the past - however, I have not owned the Mercury. >> For the price, the word on
them is good, they were well regarded in the European market. Someone gave them
a budget European speaker of the year reward. >> The speakers are old - however,
they seem to look good. I was given you an option to look at, for a tight budget.
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post #22 of 30
1/5/13 at 9:15pm
Thread Starter 
What do you think about this?

Jensen AVX-7
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/willoughby/audio/bookshelf-speakers-2-way-jensen/1011765488



The specs of the AVX-7 is somehow missing but I assume the specs values should be somewhere between the AVX-6 and AVX-8. So about 90db sensitivity, 130W power handling and it is 9kg (20lb). It should work fine with my Lepai amp correct?

What do you think?
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post #23 of 30
1/5/13 at 9:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dauntingearth View Post

What do you think about this?
Jensen AVX-7
The specs of the AVX-7 is somehow missing but I assume the specs values should be somewhere between the AVX-6 and AVX-8. So about 90db sensitivity, 130W power handling and it is 9kg (20lb). It should work fine with my Lepai amp correct?
What do you think?

The Jensen name was licenesed out to someone in Australia to build those speakers.
They tend to make me think about some Advent speakers.

The Jensen speakers may sound good to you - make sure you are able to audition them,
that they sound good and clean - that both the tweeters and woofers are working. >>>
The Jensen should work fine with the Lepai amp - some people even use the Pioneer
speakers with the Lepai amp for desk-top use > it is all about your expectations.
Edited by zieglj01 - 1/5/13 at 10:05pm
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post #24 of 30
1/6/13 at 8:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dauntingearth View Post

I just had a quick google and found it on Amazon but I also checked that they don't ship to Sydney. Will further look into it. Quick question though, the BIC has a power handling of 150W but the Lepai amp can only output 20RMS, will the amp be able to drive those speakers?!
When you are deciding if speakers can be driven by an amp you need to look at two specs, impedance and sensitivity. The sensitivity is how loud the speakers will play with one watt of power from the amp. Below are some of the specs from the BIC DV62si

Sensitivity 90 db @ 1 watt, 1 meter
Drivers 6 1/2" poly/graphite woofer, custom-designed 3/4" poly soft dome tweeter
Magnetic Shielding Yes
Gold-Plated Terminals Yes
Recommended Power 10-175 watts per channel
Impedance 8 Ohms
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post #25 of 30
1/6/13 at 8:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzy_ View Post

What he meant was, unless you can post a source what you're posting isn't believable. Though used is a good option for some, "You can probably find them used somewhere sometime" isn't a source.

You mean as opposed to providing links to speakers that either don't ship at all to where the OP lives (Australia) or where shipping would be exorbitant for the OP? rolleyes.gif

To the OP: Speaker recommendations can be difficult since you live in Australia because everyone here knows US (and North American) price/value options. Is there are an audio store or two near you that has a website? Maybe someone could make a recommendation based on what is available nearby to you.
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post #26 of 30
1/6/13 at 12:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

You mean as opposed to providing links to speakers that either don't ship at all to where the OP lives (Australia) or where shipping would be exorbitant for the OP? rolleyes.gif
In your rush to show us all how brilliant you are, you missed this.
Quote:
Edit: I live in Sydney, Australia. (Also updated in my profile)
Edited by dauntingearth - Yesterday at 8:03 pm

Speakers vary by geography, inexpensive speakers even more so. Look locally, ask for advice locally.
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post #27 of 30
1/6/13 at 12:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzy_ View Post

In your rush to show us all how brilliant you are, you missed this.

I stand corrected. That definitely made your advice oh so much more useful than eljaycanuck's rolleyes.gif
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post #28 of 30
1/7/13 at 2:14am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave1027 View Post

Below are some of the specs from the BIC DV62si
Sensitivity 90 db @ 1 watt, 1 meter
Drivers 6 1/2" poly/graphite woofer, custom-designed 3/4" poly soft dome tweeter
Magnetic Shielding Yes
Gold-Plated Terminals Yes
Recommended Power 10-175 watts per channel
Impedance 8 Ohms

I think I finally understand now. biggrin.gif

Here are the some of the Lepai amp specs:

Class-T architecture
Single Supply Operation
"Audiophile" Quality Sound
0.03% THD+N @ 10W 4ohm
0.1% THD+N @12W 4ohm
0.18% IHF-IM @ 1W 4ohm

High Power
25W @ 4ohm, 10% THD+N, VDD=14.6V
22W @ 4ohm, 10% THD+N, VDD=13.5V
13W @ 8ohm, 10% THD+N, VDD=13.5V

High Efficiency
88% @ 12W 8ohm
81% @ 20W 4ohm
Dynamic Range = 99dB


With 8ohm speakers, Lepai amp will produce 13watt. And for 1watt I will get 90db.

So if I turn up the volume on the Lepai amp to the max, I will get 90db x 13 = 1170db. Am I correct? That sure is powerful. eek.gif

I think I have learnt something today smile.gif
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post #29 of 30
1/7/13 at 3:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dauntingearth View Post

I think I finally understand now. biggrin.gif
Here are the some of the Lepai amp specs:
Class-T architecture
Single Supply Operation
"Audiophile" Quality Sound
0.03% THD+N @ 10W 4ohm
0.1% THD+N @12W 4ohm
0.18% IHF-IM @ 1W 4ohm
High Power
25W @ 4ohm, 10% THD+N, VDD=14.6V
22W @ 4ohm, 10% THD+N, VDD=13.5V
13W @ 8ohm, 10% THD+N, VDD=13.5V
High Efficiency
88% @ 12W 8ohm
81% @ 20W 4ohm
Dynamic Range = 99dB
With 8ohm speakers, Lepai amp will produce 13watt. And for 1watt I will get 90db.
So if I turn up the volume on the Lepai amp to the max, I will get 90db x 13 = 1170db. Am I correct? That sure is powerful. eek.gif
I think I have learnt something today smile.gif

That would be nice, we'd all just use those little amps for our home theaters if that was the case. Unfortunately, the relationship between power and volume is logarithmic, not linear. It takes ten times the power to double the volume, so basically that 13 watt amp will get you to roughly half the volume capability of a 100 watt per channel amplifier. That being said, the vast majority of the time speakers are using a watt or less. You could run into issues for instance, with movie soundtracks when there is a big explosion or something.

1170 dB would literally destroy your ability to hear.
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post #30 of 30
1/7/13 at 9:35pm
Actually you need double the power for a 3 db increase or 10 times the power for a 10 db increase.

Here's a cool web utility that calculates it for you. http://www.globalrph.com/master_speaker.htm

Turns out the little class D amp and the BICs will get you to about 108 db at 1 meter.
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