What are the best bookshelf speakers for under 1K?

Question

I have a pair of Athena AS-B1.2 and they are phenomenal, they cost just over $100/pair. Flat response across the board, but lacking a bit in the bass department. Any recommendations on upgrades? I've heard the AV123 and Ascend brand speakers are unmatched. I'm driving this with a Zhaolu D/A and a Trends Audio low power amp, this will primarily be for music. Thanks!

Answer 1

i can't say what is the best but i will give you recommendations i have heard just about all of these speakers, i love speakers from Brittan and England they have a very neutral sound and flat frequency response, Which in my opinion is the best sound there is. but anyways here are some recommendations i have for you.



http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1065&sc=hf


Wharfedale Evolution 2 10

http://www.wildwestelectronics.net/wharfedale-evo2-10-bookshelf.html

KEF XQ1

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/548999335

Bowers & Wilkins CM1 Bookshelf

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1065&sc=hf

i own a pair of KEF Bookshelf speakers and there Phenomenal so i would recomend KEF to you.



also these speakers dont fit in the neutral sound category, but i listened to them before buying my speakers, And i must say there a really nice sounding speaker.



Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 450

http://www.abtelectronics.com/product/14354.html

Answer 2

Hi Dave.
Choosing loudspeakers is one of the most difficult tasks to do .There are so many things to look for and to avoid.The interrelationship of speakers and amplifiers has to be looked at also.Then there is the suitability of speaker cables to be considered.It is no wonder the average buyer becomes confused on what to get..

Ok,the first most important requirement is what type of speaker "sound" do you like.As you know there is no such thing as the " perfect speaker".Every speaker has its own sonic signature.Even the most expensive ones ever made.There is no way in the world to guess what a particular speaker will sound like.Even if it had a ruler flat response,high power handling ,perfect amplifier matching and no discernible distortion. It may still sound dull and uninteresting to you but someone else might think it is a gift from heaven.!

Do you still want to stick to the sound you are comfortable with or are you after another brand of speaker to give you a different sound ?

Answer 3

Remove the word best on your question...I can tell you some decent speakers for that price range...

think JBL...

I have heard the JBL L820. Those are decent

think Tannoy... Tannoy Eyris DC1 (hehehe I don't remember if this is 1K each...)

For the cheaper but decent speakers...

Speakercraft Aim Monitor Three or The Aim Monitor One

PSB Image B25, Image B15 even the PSB Alpha B1 (sounds good for $250 CND)

Maybe you should also add a small sub to your system....it will do good specially if you picked a sub that has speaker level in. Such as the PSB Subsonic 5i or even the Subsonic Zero i...

Answer 4

Audioengine 5 (A5) Premium Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Award-winning sound and the Perfect Audio Upgrade! Real speakers for all your music. Audioengine 5 is wireless-ready and works with all your music.

Answer 5

for under a 1K you might be able to find some Polk Audio LSi9 bookshelf speakers they sound really good and have a good low end as well. if not definitive technology has some studio monitor 450s with built in subs

Answer 6

BBC LS3/5a are considered by many the best monitor ever made. They are manufactured by different manufacturers, including Rogers, Sterling and others.
Google LS3/5a for more info.