Bookshelf Speakers

[allstar780]

The basic purpose of this thread is to discuss the reasons one might consider bookshelf speakers in his setup, as well as to provide helpful tips for making the most of the speakers. Any additional input is appreciated and links/tips/tricks will be added (with due credit) to the first post, to make it easier for forum members to find the info they are looking for.




A lot of audio enthusiasts use bookshelf speakers, be it in a surround sound or stereo setup, rather than floorstanding speakers, and for a number of reasons.

1) Size: A bookshelf speaker can be easily moved/placed just about anywhere when compared to a floorstanding speaker, thus making them a good choice for someone who is limited on floor space or just doesn't like the look of a big boxy speaker in the middle of the room.

2) Affordability: Although some bookshelf speakers run in prices that would make floorstander owners shudder, for the most part they are some of the more affordable speaker options.

3) Versatility: Bookshelf speakers can be mounted on the wall, placed on stands, set inside cabinets, or even placed on shelves on the wall. This is another of those things that benefits the more cosmetic-minded speaker lover.

4) Your reason here


[Recommended Bookshelf Speakers]
The following list of recommendations will be built by you and your fellow forum members, and will list speakers in their respective price categories (based on USD MSRP), but most of these speakers will be available through various online retailers for well below MSRP. Speaker names will provide links to the manufacturer's website, and it will be up to you to find them online or in your area (as online prices change frequently and it would be impossible for me to keep on top of the best price of every model)

[$0-$99 per pair]
Insignia Bookshelf Speakers
Infinity P142

[$100-$199 per pair]
HSU HB-1

[$200-$299 per pair]
Klipsch RB-10

[$300-$499 per pair]
Def Tech ProMonitors
Jamo C 803
Klipsch B-3
Klipsch RB-61
[$500-$999 per pair]
Def Tech Studio Monitors
Totem Mite
B&W 685
Klipsch WB-14
[$1000+ per pair]
B&W 805S
B&W 705
Klipsch P-17B

[Making The Most Of Your Bookshelf Speakers]

So you have bookshelf speakers, or are on your way to purchasing some, and would like to know how to make the most of them... this will list recommendations, tips, tricks, etc. for getting the best performance out of every bookshelf speaker.


1) Placement: The most important part of setup of any speaker system is placement.

In 2 channel setup, at listening distance, the audio should appear to be coming from the empty space between the speakers, and not the speakers themselves. The easiest way to achieve this effect is with a song you know well, a good ear, and a lot of patience.
The odds of getting placement perfect at all, let alone on the first attempt, are very slim; but that's why you brought your patience with you.
Even if the 2 channel setup is for movies, I have found that music is the simplest way (aside from specific test tracks) to find proper speaker placement. You'll want to put on that song you know so well, assume listening position, and listen to hear if the sound seems to be coming from either of the 2 speakers, both, or right in the center. If, for example, the audio from the left speaker is quite obviously coming from the speaker itself, try angling the speaker a bit, either more towards you, or more away, and keep trying until it is right. Obviously it will take some time to do this, but be patient and take your time, this is typically a one-time thing, and you'll be glad you did it. After making any adjustments to the positioning, be sure to return to your listening position to make any further observations.


2) Placement part 2: Though not necessarily in the same category as placement as described above, this is equally important.

This is one of the first decisions you will make with your new bookshelf speakers; what they will be placed on.
As bookshelf speakers do not go on the floor, you must place them on stands, shelves, cabinetry, etc. I personally use stands to allow for ease of positioning, placement anywhere in the room, etc.


3) Isolation: Any surface you place the speaker on (short of solid rock) will run the risk of vibration causing a coloration of the sound from the speaker.

If you place your hand on the surface the speaker rests on, while the speaker is in use at your regular listening volume, you should not feel any vibration whatsoever. If you feel vibrations, then there will be some kind of coloring of the sound. Coloring of the sound is a bad thing and we want to prevent it if possible.
One solution that seems popular is to place a generous layer of Blu-Tak under the entire base of the speaker, as it provides sufficient dampening. Another, somewhat more expensive, more attractive option, is vibration isolation pads such as the rather affordable Vibrapod.


[Sites to Shop for Bookshelf Speakers]

Amazon
Audiogon
Canuck Audio Mart
Crutchfield
eBay
Parts Express
Vanns


[Other Brands You May Be Interested In]

As I can't list every single speaker made by every single company (ideally we will have 5-10 speakers in each of the price ranges as recommendations) I will provide here, a list of brands whose bookshelf speakers may be of interest to you.

Axiom
Boston Acoustics
Bowers & Wilkins
Definitive Technology
Dynaudio
elementalDesigns
Energy
Home Theatre Direct
HSU
Infinity
Jamo
JBL
Klipsch
Mirage
Paradigm
Polk Audio
Totem



THIS THREAD IS INCOMPLETE AND NEEDS YOUR HELP!! THANKS IN ADVANCE TO ANYONE WHO ADDS TO THIS!!!

Thanks to: Big Daddy, John72953, Driver King, DBlackGT, Brett Day, JasonR, YOUR NAME HERE