Bookshelf Speakers (similar to Wharfedale Diamond 9.0) BOUGHT

rockadanny · « **on:** 21 Feb 2011, 12:56 pm »

NO LONGER Looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers which meet these requirements:
1. Front ported, or not ported at all
2. Height 11.25" or smaller
3. Width 7.25" or smaller
4. Rated into the 50's Hz at least (might consider into the 60s)
5. Shielded
6. Can be driven well by 50 watts
7. Budget max $200
I will likely purchase Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 new ($140 + ship) if I am unable to find anything else.

alphaiii · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Feb 2011, 05:43 pm »

The Diamond 9.0 is rated -6dB at 60Hz (as opposed to -3dB which many manufacturers use), which I think is optimistic (I owned a pair at one time).

Given you're requirements (size and price), I think it's going to be tough to find something that can legitimately playing down to 60Hz.

Is the no rear port restriction b/c they will be placed close to a wall? I have a pair of PSB Image B4's I'd sell, but they're rear ported.

rockadanny · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Feb 2011, 06:54 pm »

I drew in speakers where they would go in cabinet above TV.
On shelves which are sort of like tunnels: 11.25"h x 7.25"w x 20"d.
Tunnels are open in back with 1.5" space between end of tunnels and back of cabinet - so sound from rear port would dump into back of cabinet.

Would rear ported speakers work OK in this type of environment?

alphaiii · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Feb 2011, 07:03 pm »

Hmmm... in that placement... front ported or sealed is probably the best bet.

The Image B4 doesn't put out alot of bass... so it might work out ok... but I'd think sealed/front ported is the better route.

You could look for a used pair of NHT Absolute Zero's... that'd be a good pick for your situation, and you might be able to get them around $200ish used if you find a good deal.

Phil A · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Feb 2011, 07:13 pm »

With the budget and placement there are options and if you could stretch a couple of more dollars (less than $50) it opens more options

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFC1BLK/KEF/C1-Two-Way-4-Bookshelf-Speakers-Pair-Black/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFIQ10BLA/KEF/Iq10-5-1/4-Bookshelf-Speakers-2-way-black-pair/1.html

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=AUENAP4

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CAS30

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MRM1

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MOCAR2

alphaiii · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Feb 2011, 07:22 pm »

The Monitor Audio M1 and Cambridge S30 are both rear ported.

If you are interested in the Audioengine P4.... check with One Call... they have an open box pair ($200 shipped), or may knock a little off the price for a new pair.
http://www.onecall.com/product/Audioengine/AP4B-Black-Pr/Speaker/_/R-100251

Just to give a little input on a few I've owned...
I found the Audioengine P4 to be a little bright for my tastes... but overall still a solid speaker. I was using them for nearfield music, so I liked the more laid back sound of the Image B4 in that setting.

For TV use though, the more forward sound of the Audioengine P4 might give an overall sense of greater clarity compared to the Image B4.

The Absolute Zero, which I'm still demoing... seems to hit a balance between the two... not bright or laid back, just neutral (which the measurements in the Sound & Vision and Home Theater Mag reviews show).
http://www.hometheater.com/content/nht-absolute-zero-speaker-system-ht-labs-measures
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/content/nht-absolute-51t-speaker-system-1

Haven't heard the others Phil A suggested.... but some good options there too.

soundbitten1 · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 Feb 2011, 07:39 pm »

There are a pair of used Paradigm Atoms going for around $100 at the local resale store.

rockadanny · « **Reply #7 on:** 21 Feb 2011, 07:53 pm »

Thanks for the input thus far.
Looks like a race between Audioengine P4 and Kef C1.

Soundbitten - what local retail store?

rockadanny · « **Reply #8 on:** 23 Feb 2011, 04:01 am »

Due to financial restrictions I ended up getting a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 off of ebay ($139.99). I also ordered a cheap Dayton amp (75 wcp; class A/B; ss) to drive them which also has outputs I can use to hook up my powered sub for LF support.

eclein · « **Reply #9 on:** 23 Feb 2011, 10:37 am »

Danny- Congrats!!! I think you'll be fine with the new stuff....I'd like to know how the little Dayton amp works out, Audioengine has a little amp also that is getting high praise. I forget the price but remember thinking I could pull it off. So it can't be too much if the Dayton does not work out.
Ed

rockadanny · « **Reply #10 on:** 23 Feb 2011, 12:31 pm »

Ed - Thanks! Will let you know how it works out.

I considered the Audioengine amp but IIRC it might be 20 wpc. I've got a big room so thought that might not have been enough, which is why I went with the Dayton at 75 wpc. Will whip up a pair of the "white lightening" speaker cables (WalMart Woods white extension cord; 14 ga; black and green wire combined for the "-" posts). Did a pair for the barn system and seem to work fine. Not that it is a 'phile approved system anyway.

rockadanny · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Mar 2011, 03:37 am »

Dayton amp and Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 speakers working out very well for TV. Even movies, which is a big surprise to me!

I was a little disappointed when I unboxed them - they are smaller than expected - so pondered how I was going to force one of my subs into double duty (2-channel and now TV). But after firing them up (no sub) they sounded bigger than they looked. I watched "2 Fast 2 Furious" and never felt they lacked bass, both for sound effects and music. Granted, I am not a bass freak but do appreciate the bottom end. I am very satisfied with these little beauts.

Auricle Audio Kaptons for ICs (connected to Comcast Cable box) and "white lightening" for SCs.