[hi_fi82]

Looking to replace my Audioengine A5's with a decent bookshelf/combo set, prefer to be better than the a5. Range would be about $200 for the pair, any suggestions?


I say this because I feel that the Audioengines are overpriced and the premium is due to their additional, but useless to me, ipod/mp3 specific features, as well as their weak competition in the computer market. I am sure that for $250 their is a better passive option than the Audioengines. Right?

 

[blackzarg]

Does your budget include the amp?


The premium for the A5s (and other powered monitors) is not only for the MP3 jack, but also for the size and the electronics.

 

[hi_fi82]

Yes, that budget includes the amp, though I could settle for a dayton 15W amp.

 

[qirex]

The A5s are expensive but they're not really that overpriced for what you get. If you shop very carefully for used gear you might be able to but that's a pretty tall order.

 

[Ron Alcasid]

Behringer Truth B2030A $219.99

http://www.behringer.de/EN/Products/B2030A.aspx

 

[hi_fi82]

How about some models in the same class as the Infinity Primus P162? Around $300.

 

[blackzarg]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hi_fi82 /forum/post/18261770


How about some models in the same class as the Infinity Primus P162? Around $300.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Alcasid /forum/post/18252147


Behringer Truth B2030A $219.99

http://www.behringer.de/EN/Products/B2030A.aspx

Not sure if the Primus P162's are better than the A5's in terms of detail. The Behringer is a pretty good model, and is available for much less than the MSRP.


If you're at $300, I suggest the WAF-1/Gizmo package from TweakCityAudio . It's $309 shipped, and comes with a nice desktop amp (with a subwoofer out). The speakers themselves are very detailed and have a very flat response curve.

 

[hi_fi82]

The Behringer's look good, but I am seeking a passive set to pair with an amp. if the Infinity's aren't that great, how about the EMP E5Bi or Polk Monitor 40 Bookshelf?

 

[hi_fi82]

Final Choices:


BIC DV62si 120/pair

Polk Monitor 40 150/pair

Yamaha NS-6490 150/pair

Yamaha NS-333 200/pair

Polk Audio Tsi100 200/pair

Infinity Primus P162 250/pair

Energy CB-10 250/pair

 

[Ron Alcasid]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hi_fi82 /forum/post/18261941


The Behringer's look good, but I am seeking a passive set to pair with an amp. if the Infinity's aren't that great, how about the EMP E5Bi or Polk Monitor 40 Bookshelf?

They make a passive versions of the 6" and 8" too...

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/B2030P.aspx
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/B2031P.aspx

 

[Ron Alcasid]

The Audioholics 2009 Budget Bookshelf Shootout includes some of the speakers you are considering.

 

[hi_fi82]

Decided to up my budget to a max of $400, looking at these options so far:


Energy C-100 $300

HSU HB-1 $300

SVS SBS-01 $225

PSB Image B15 $400

Swan Diva 2.1 $429

Paradigm Monitor 7 $400?

 

[blackzarg]

For that it's hard to beat the Energy RC-10. Unfortunately the price of those are now about $350 - they were $300 up to about a week ago :-/

 

[hi_fi82]



Quote:
Originally Posted by blackzarg /forum/post/18267111


For that it's hard to beat the Energy RC-10. Unfortunately the price of those are now about $350 - they were $300 up to about a week ago :-/

How does the Energy compare to the HSU or SVS?