[illz]

Hello, new here obviously.


I've always been a downtown city dweller, so always condos with shared walls. Because of this I've never gone with high volume, high bass surround systems, etc, and thus am not well-researched on brands and the market in general.


I'm purchasing the Denon RCD-N7 bookshelf receiver. Most reviews say the suggested Denon speaker pair are not particularly nice, and fortunately are sold separately. It has 65w/channel output and I'm seeking a good bookshelf speaker pair in the $300 ballpark. My condo is higher end construction so on occasion I can enjoy some volume and bass, but recognize I'm better off adding a dedicated sub to fill the low end. System use covers classical, techno/dance, talk radio, sinatra/standards, top 40, etc. Broad range!


Any starting points or specific pair recommendations in that range would be greatly appreciated. I'm not inclined to pay in-store prices nor do I always feel the setups there are a fair comparison environment, so I'm looking to you experienced folks for solid advice.


Thanks!

-jeff

 

[sdurani]



Quote:
Originally Posted by illz /forum/post/20852005


It has 65w/channel output and I'm seeking a good bookshelf speaker pair in the $300 ballpark.

Try either Infinity Primus P163BK or Hsu Research HB-1mk2 . Both are around $300/pair (unless on sale), have good bass for a bookshelf speaker (below 50Hz), throw a wide soundstage with great imaging. Plus, they are sold individually, so if you want to get 3 of them for the front soundstage or buy 5 of them for consistency all around, then you don't have to break a pair.

 

[illz]

Thank you sir, just the type of info I was looking for as I was not familiar with either of those lines, or even the HSU brand.


To shout my ignorance to the hills:

If a speaker's maximum power handling (150w/250w Infinity/HSU) is significantly greater than the power provided (65w peak from the N7), will the closer in spec provide a better quality sound? - One closer to the manufacturer's design intention? Thus suggesting, all else equal, the Infinity might be a wiser choice?


I don't know the effects of underdriving a speaker; I do realize the horn tweeter/mid of the HSU is probably the most relevant difference of the two.

 

[sdurani]



Quote:
Originally Posted by illz /forum/post/20852048


If a speaker's maximum power handling (150w/250w Infinity/HSU) is significantly greater than the power provided (65w peak from the N7), will the closer in spec provide a better quality sound?

Won't make a difference. Both speakers a fairly efficient, so a few watts will drive either one to deafening levels. As for "sound quality", that will come down to personal preference. I think Best Buy carries Infinity speakers, so you can get a listen there. Hsu has a 30 day return window, making it easy to audition at home.

 

[illz]



Quote:
Originally Posted by sdurani /forum/post/20852094


Won't make a difference. Both speakers a fairly efficient, so a few watts will drive either one to deafening levels. As for "sound quality", that will come down to personal preference. I think Best Buy carries Infinity speakers, so you can get a listen there. Hsu has a 30 day return window, making it easy to audition at home.

Perfect. I'll wait a day for any other suggestions than buy em both and try them side by side.

 

[Kal Rubinson]



Quote:
Originally Posted by illz /forum/post/20852110


Perfect. I'll wait a day for any other suggestions than buy em both and try them side by side.

Take a listen to the smaller PSB speakers like the Alpha B1 and Image B5.

 

[callas01]

Id throw out the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s, I don't know how they would sound with Techno, but Im sure pretty good. I know that Stereophile did a nice write up on them not to long ago. Im not sure if Kal above has listened to them or not, but they would be worth a listen also. I think Music Direct sells them online.

 

[holt7153]

Also look at the Energy RC-10s on sale at Vann's for $299.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

 

[illz]

Awesome