Who is happy with just 'bookshelf' loudspeakers?

That's all I have is bookshelf speakers. 99% of my listening is done on headphones though.

 

I'm with you on this. I do have bookshelf speakers in my main system at the moment (Reference 3A de Capo i) and they get down to 42 hz, but that bottom octave of the Vandersteen 2Cs in the living room system is most certainly meaningful. Then again they have the space there to actually do their job properly and in my 12 x 12 listening room they would not.

 

The original post says that the person is using bookshelfs that are rated to 60 Hz, and asks if anyone else is happy with bookshelf loudspeakers on their systems. Then, someone responds that they are happy with the sound from a pair of standmounted Focal Elektras and a Paradigm subwoofer. I mean, of course they're happy - and that combination probably sounds good in most large living rooms. I guess that answers the original question, but I wonder whether the more interesting question might be whether a pair of bookshelf speakers offer better audio performance over similarly priced floorstanders and if so, why. But maybe that's a topic for another thread.

 

yes thats a completely different question

 

I briefly tried out a pair of those, and found the mids and bass to be very rich and full, but the treble was rather cloudy.

 

A simple pair of studio monitors is fine for me. Big boxes sound like just that to my increasingly deaf ears.

 

Now that would be an interesting thread I would certainly read with interest.

I've read elsewhere that bookshelves have better imaging because of reduced baffle area - but I'd be curious to read opposing informed experiences.

 

Key word, opinion. Anymore your not suppose to have one t seems

 

Undefined: what is a "bookshelf speaker"?

To many, that implies everything from tiny Bose satellites, Paradigm Atoms, etc. to big "monkey coffins" like Large Advents, Splendor SP100s, et al., or indeed any speaker which you wouldn't place on the floor.

IMO the upper size limit under discussion should be approx. that of LS3/5as or Rega RS1s ...say, 12" tall.

Edit: I see drbryant has addressed this as well ...

 

According to my Encyclopedia Missanica, bookshelf speakers shall be under 10liters inner volume.

 

How many liters in an LS3/5a?

 

I'll fill mine with water when I get home. Until then, mine are stand-mounted.

 

Well if it´s more than 10L we change in the Encylopedia.

 

Problem is, once someone is accustomed to good 35 Hz bass, taking it away, makes a major compromise.

To many losing that 25-50hz range, is not "Hi-Fidelity", it all depends on what compromises one accepts or does not accept.

I find the DIY community is able to make a great sounding 2 way bookshelf for far far less than a retail bought speaker of the same sound quality.
Coupled with even a moderate to decent small sub you have the best of both and still can come out far under $1,500 total for all.

Almost no compromise.

 

Almost no compromise for $1,500. Sign me up, but I expect my Focals to be beaten all-around.

 

Wikipedia says approx. 5 liters. Looks like the bare box is approx. 7.5 liters internal.

jeff

 

They sound great. Unfortunately they ceased production in early 2013. I believe they quit making several Itailian lines in favor of the Made In China Models (Venere Line) which have gotten great reviews...just don't look as pretty.

 

I really don't like the term "bookshelf speaker", in nearly any situation the worst place to have speakers is on a bookshelf!

I'm happy with my mini monitor standmounts, Frequency response: 45 - 25Khz +/- 1.5db (in room)....two way with a 5.5 inch Nomex midbass drivers

 

In my small listening room I only have room for bookshelf speakers. I have found these British made AVI Neutron IV speakers the best for my room.



- they are rear ported and stand on thick bookshelves either side of a chimney breast but the bass does not chuff at all. These are the most neutral speakers I have ever tried.

 

I think it's fair to say 'bookshelf loudspeaker' has quite a different meaning today compared to say the 70s

Yes you have to account for the crossover larger than the average power amplifier!

 

I remember attending a Consumer Electronics Show when it was held in Chicago. ProAc was displaying in a room inside one of the downtown hotels. I had not heard of ProAc before that show. As I walked past the ProAc room I heard this amazing sound. I stopped and walked in. The Tablette was playing and the sound was glorious, full with amazing well-controlled bass. I've been to a lot of shows and heard a lot of speakers but this was one of the few small 'bookshelf' speakers that I remember with amazement.

 

The more options and opinions that are shared, the more that is learned. I've learned a lot on these forums.

 

A chart here http://www.independentrecording.net/irn/resources/freqchart/main_display.htm shows the frequency response of stuff, if anyone is curious.

There is not a lot that is below 40hz, but yeah....if someone wants chest thumping bass a stand-mount alone probably won't suit. for a lot of recordings they can be just fine.

 

G'day mate, thanks for that. For what it's worth, there isn't too much above 16 KHz or so either, which is 'interesting'! Regards, Felix.