Bookshelf speakers around $3500

[johnwmclean]

I’ve just finished building an EUVL F5X amp and now I’m after a decent set of speakers for $3500 which is pretty much my limit.

The amp is rated around 50 watt stereo in 8 ohms.

Short listed these after a couple of days searching and racking my brain...

 

Reference 3A MM De Capo BE

Proac Response 2

Usher Tiny Dancer BE 718

 

I owned a pair of Reference 3A royal master controls around 16 years ago, I loved them with a SET 300b amp at the time.

Proac and Usher I have no experience, just read some favourable reviews.

Maybe the Usher is a bit power hungry.. I dunno.

 

Any help appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

[Grahame]

Actives and sell the amp?

[Nebby]

The F5X is way too nice to sell

[Grahame]

Harbeth's then?

[skullguise]

I used to own the Ref 3A Royal Masters as well, they did very well with some Wright 2A3 mono's I used to own.

 

I'd also recommend looking at Silverlines.  The newest version of the SR-17 is much higher than you're looking to spend, but the previous rev's can be had for that amount or less, if you can find them used.....

Edited January 27, 2014 by skullguise

[johnwmclean]

Thanks guys, have added the Silverlines and Harbeths into the mix.

 

Another interesting possibility is the PMC 22 from what I’ve read so far.

[Rotijon]

Sonus Faber electra Armarto's?

Not sure if 50 watts can drive it, but the design... Drool.

[Hopstretch]

I've got some Harbeth P3ESRs in a box under my desk and I don't really know what to do with them. Nudge nudge wink wink etc.

[RudeWolf]

If possible, be sure to audition the Kef LS50's. They do some things very very right. That is if you're looking for standmounts.

[Voltron]

I've got some Harbeth P3ESRs in a box under my desk and I don't really know what to do with them. Nudge nudge wink wink etc.

 

If you're not going to bring them back to their homeland, then sending them to their homeland's former penal colony has some appeal.

[Grahame]

^As opposed to their homelands former separatist terrorist colony

[postjack]

I've got some Harbeth P3ESRs in a box under my desk and I don't really know what to do with them. Nudge nudge wink wink etc.

Kind sir I offer you five hundred american dollars.

[n_maher]

Five hundred american plus a cookie.  Beat that!

[grawk]

$500 and a South African showerhead to take with you to London for protection

[tom_hankins]

PSB Imagine T2. Get to hear them quite a bit at local shop with everything from entry level NAD to top Ayre and ARC, really nice speakers. I've heard nothing I think are better any where near there $$$.

[tom_hankins]

To clarify, although not bookshelf. Go hear these. I've had many bookshelf speakers and have always found them lacking. These take up equal or less space than monitors with stands.

[The Monkey]

Harbeths.  

[dimitris]

Another vote for Harbeth. I have a pair of Sonus Fabers which I love. You might want to check their line for bookshelves.

[Augsburger]

PBN Montana Monitors-

 

http://www.pbnaudio.com/speakers/montana-speakers/monitor-m2

 

I have them   foobar>PS Audio Digital Link II (modded)>Ice Amp> PBN Montana Monitors 

playing in my office and they produce great detail and a ralistic 3D soundstage. 

[johnwmclean]

Just put down some loot on a pair of PMC twenty 22s, got em secondhand, slightly used off ebay.

Plain Jane in looks, hopefully big in sound, many rave reviews, who knows...

 

Thanks all, I’ll let you know how I get on.

[wink]

Should have held out for a pair of VAF DCX gen IV.....

[johnwmclean]

Should have, could have, would have 

 

 

Come on over and get your ear PMC massaged, I want to wipe off your smug face.

[wink]