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Best Bookshelf under $500 for music

5139 Views 60 Replies 23 Participants Last post by  sd_smoker
Looking for a pair of bookshelves for music, $500 or under each. I do have subwoofers.

Your pick, and why?

I've heard great reviews around here for the Ascend, Chane, etc.
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Jbl 705i or p

Good output (you can find measurements on sound and recording magazine)
good measurements
small footprint
Good mounting options
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Jbl 705i or p

Good output (you can find measurements on sound and recording magazine)
good measurements
small footprint
Good mounting options

Isn't that over the $500 price point? What does it typically sale for?
Jbl 705i or p

Good output (you can find measurements on sound and recording magazine)
good measurements
small footprint
Good mounting options
Its around 700 usd for p in Russia.
But


Isn't that over the $500 price point? What does it typically sale for?
I'm in Russia so our prices will differ.
But it is around 700 usd for p version here. You need additional DSP for i version. There mentions in a few threads that you should ask for a discount.
on a positive side you won't need an external amp and they are protected with a limiter.
Canton Chrono 513 --- The Chrono series is real good for music and movies/TV

A real good price and new in the box
https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...air-free-speaker-wire-and-banana-plugs/1.html

Or you can spend over $950 for them here
https://soundapproach.com/canton-chrono-513-bookshelf-speakers-pair.html
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A lot of people seem to like the Audioengine HDP6. They are worth a look.
Canton Chrono 513 --- The Chrono series is real good for music and movies/TV

A real good price and new in the box
https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...air-free-speaker-wire-and-banana-plugs/1.html

Or you can spend over $950 for them here
https://soundapproach.com/canton-chrono-513-bookshelf-speakers-pair.html


Very nice. Heard great things for the Canton speakers.

What would be a good amp for this? Will it need dedicated amp?

And I do like buying from A4L. Got some receivers/amps from there in the past.
Very nice. Heard great things for the Canton speakers.

What would be a good amp for this? Will it need dedicated amp?

And I do like buying from A4L. Got some receivers/amps from there in the past.
Just need a good receiver, no need to buy a special amp
I have pair of the 707 towers for my 2 channel system. I got them with the similar adorama deal. Some could argue there may be a slightly better sounding speaker for the money but imo no one will say there is a better looking or well made speaker available brand new for the price.
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Klipsch RP-600M or Polk M703, as others have mentioned.


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I have pair of the 707 towers for my 2 channel system. I got them with the similar adorama deal. Some could argue there may be a slightly better sounding speaker for the money but imo no one will say there is a better looking or well made speaker available brand new for the price.


Funny, as I am reading through user reviews on these 703s; I keep seeing people praising how well they're built and how great they look; rather than how amazing they sound.

I do prefer sound over look. I don't look at speakers when I am listening to music.
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Funny, as I am reading through user reviews on these 703s; I keep seeing people praising how well they're built and how great they look; rather than how amazing they sound.

I do prefer sound over look. I don't look at speakers when I am listening to music.
Kef LS50
https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...25-2-way-mini-monitor-gloss-white-pair/1.html
Focal Aria 906
https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...way-bookshelf-speaker-dark-walnut-pair/1.html
Revel Concerta M16
https://www.crutchfield.com/g_37900/Bookshelf-Speakers.html#&nvpair=FFBrand|Revel
Dynaudio Emit M20
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_345M20B/Dynaudio-Emit-M20-Black-Satin.html
Very nice. Heard great things for the Canton speakers.

What would be a good amp for this? Will it need dedicated amp?

And I do like buying from A4L. Got some receivers/amps from there in the past.
I'd look at Crutchfield options, (the LX16s are excellent), as at $500/pair buying speakers from them is essentially you buy them you own them.

Canton makes excellent speakers but A4L's return policy is among the least "friendly" out there, (you pay full, not discounted, shipping cost both ways plus 10% restocking...on on a $500/pair of speakers that could run $200+ very easily).

Crutchfield is a flat $10/box return.
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Funny, as I am reading through user reviews on these 703s; I keep seeing people praising how well they're built and how great they look; rather than how amazing they sound.

I do prefer sound over look. I don't look at speakers when I am listening to music.
Maybe that's because it goes without saying. ;)

Over the past few years I've communicated with Polk about what I should replace my Polk speakers (SDA-2B, Monitor 5 Jr) of 30 years with, should the end come. It hasn't. The LSiM line was the answer. FWIW I listen mostly to Classical and Jazz.

I'm surprised you haven't already purchased what was recommended. Anyway, good luck, have fun, with whatever you choose.:)
I'd look at Crutchfield options, (the LX16s are excellent), as at $500/pair buying speakers from them is essentially you buy them you own them.

Canton makes excellent speakers but A4L's return policy is among the least "friendly" out there, (you pay full, not discounted, shipping cost both ways plus 10% restocking...on on a $500/pair of speakers that could run $200+ very easily).

Crutchfield is a flat $10/box return.

Good point. Nothing like auditioning to them in your own house/room.
Maybe that's because it goes without saying. ;)

Over the past few years I've communicated with Polk about what I should replace my Polk speakers (SDA-2B, Monitor 5 Jr) of 30 years with, should the end come. It hasn't. The LSiM line was the answer. FWIW I listen mostly to Classical and Jazz.

I'm surprised you haven't already purchased what was recommended. Anyway, good luck, have fun, with whatever you choose.:)


So many great/excellent choices out there, it's not an easy decision my friend.
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