Help me pick a cheap Bookshelf Speaker ~missing my 626rs~

Jamesta · « **on:** 15 Nov 2004, 07:41 pm »

Okay, I desperately need some help with choosing a pair of bookshelf speakers. I'm posting here because the last "real" pair of speakers I had were Vmps 626rs, which I regrettably sold due to finance issues. Anyways, after over a year of not enjoying the music, I've finally alotted $500 bucks to spend on a decent pair of speakers. However, I've been out of the market for so long, I really don't know where to start looking.

I listened to some speakers at my local tweeter store over the weekend, which were all either too bright or too muddy. The Polk Ls series (7 and 9) sounded nice but for a little more money, I could have a pair of 626rs again.

Obviously I don't expect to get the holy grail of speakers for 500 bucks but I would like to get something that is neutral and detailed (not bright). Slight warmth is also not a problem as long as the speaker is not shrill. Something like the 626rs.. for about a third the price.. sigh..

A couple of speakers that I have thought about but havnt had the opportunity to listen to are NHT Sub3s, paradigm studio 20s and psbs.

The speakers will be driven by a NAD C370 and Denon 2200 dvd player. Also, my musical tastes are mostly rock, some pop and classical.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

-James

vpolineni · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 07:45 pm »

i've heard the odyssey epiphony speakers and they compelled me to buy the loreleis.. they're very musical and just suck you in..... i don't think you could go wrong with them.

gongos · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 08:12 pm »

I've heard good things about the Odyssey Epiphony and Meadowlark Swallow. They're both in the $500 range.

Jamesta · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 08:41 pm »

Thanks guys. The Odysseys look very appealing and the drivers appear to be of high quality. How would you compare the Epiphonys to the Ascend Acoustics CB-170? What about the NHT SB3s? Have either of you compared these speakers?

Thanks again!

gongos · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 08:45 pm »

I haven't compared any of these. The info's based purely on word of mouth on forums and talking to people. I will tell you I've never heard anyone say anything negative about the Meadowlark's or Odyssey's, considering the price.

DeadFish · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 10:07 pm »

Jamesta,
I own some Odyssey Epiphony speakers.
Retail is $595.
Love them for the price/size/sound.
Brother Scott F. has had his over a year, where I first heard them.
He still likes his.
Very rare to find used.

I almost suggested them when I first saw your post.
I haven't heard anything I liked better in that size and price.
Suggest you read Scott F.'s review on TNT
http://www.tnt-audio.com/casse/epiphony_e.html
You can backtrack there and see the other speakers in his 'shootout' comparison reviewed, as well.
Like him, I liked the Epiphony best of the bunch we listened to at his place.
YMMV though...

Good luck!

Regards,
DeadFish

pjchappy · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 10:11 pm »

oops

p

Wayne1 · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 10:39 pm »

The QSO 626 ( shown in the picture on the right) uses 2) 6.5" polypropylene/butyl surround woofers It has a 2.5 kHz 1st order crossover to a SEAS softdome tweeter through an adjustable level control.

Retail is $698.00 a pair but you may be able to get a discount through your local dealer

This would be about the closest thing you can get to the 626Rs anywhere near your target price.

Going up to the 626SE gives you 2) 6.5" Woven Carbon Fiber woofers (same one used in the 626R) and a FOCAL inverted metal oxide harddome tweeter for $1198.00 retail.

Woodsea · « **Reply #8 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 02:47 am »

I have the 626r's and the AscendAcoustics. I heard the oddysey speaks when they first came out 2 yrs ago. For the money the trio's are best buys. For under $400 the AA's are the bomb. For under $600 the Oddysey's really surprised me. For under $2000 the 626rs I could not live without.

pjchappy · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 02:49 am »

Sorry about my post. . .for some reason I thought I was reading this in the GAS forum. . .

p

Dunedain · « **Reply #10 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 07:16 pm »

I would go with the VMPS QSO 626 speakers.

As Wayne pointed out, a VMPS dealer can make you a deal
that will put them within reach. I don't think anything else for the money will get you closer to the 626R's
you like so much than that.

Jamesta · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 Nov 2004, 03:31 am »

Thanks for all the feedback guys. After doing a lot of research, I've decided to give the Odyssey Epiphanys a shot. I just placed an order with Klauss and should take receipt of the Epiphanys on Friday.

Wayne, I'll give you a call in year or so when I'm ready to get a pair of 626rs or possibly Rm30s.

Thanks again!