skysaberx8xThe Sony SSCS5 passive bookshelf speakers... superb clarity, excellent center-imaging (great with vocal tracks), and a balanced sound rarely found in the sub-$150 price range. They were on sale last week for $108/pair, but appears that most vendors are running out of stock and/or raising their price.
WasThatDaveI really have no business having an input, but you can't go wrong with the Sony SSCS5, any Klipsch, the Polk TS whatevers, or that pair of $120 Pioneers out there. They are all around the same price, but it is a personal preference. Not everyone will have the same opinion on what they like in a speaker, so just go with what you like for the price you like. If you like a certain look, or a certain brand, just choose the best pair in your budget, and double check the review on some trusted site before putting down that chunk of change. But really, I think you will just be happy with whatever you buy, as long as it isn't some no-name company that has no reviews.
skysaberx8xI haven't tried the Sony SSCS5's on a desk yet, but I think they'd sound best in medium-size rooms and/or from a medium distance. They have an upper-mid-centric sound signature that some might find too forward or fatiguing if listened to at close-range - or for longer periods - in a small room. Though, I would certainly not call them bright speakers.
For use on a desk, I recommend the Polk's new 'Signature' line - specifically the S15's, which are currently on sale for $195 (15% off). Compared to the Sony's, the Polk's have a deeper, wider sound-stage and less upper-mids.
Neblin7Yes! I almost bought those a few weeks ago, but I really wanted something that was a bit bigger, so when I saw the r15m's out there for half off, I bought a pair. Hopefully I can be just as happy.
skysaberx8xThose speakers (Ascend Sierra-2) are now 15% off on the manufacturer's website. Which might bring them close to Mass Drop range. And you get a better warranty if ordering through the manufacturer.
skysaberx8xso what kind of speakers are in the photo? I have a pair of chane a1rxc's that are great with my old carver amp, wonder what they would sound like with a little less power?
jungvonas @blahhh mentioned (thanx btw), they're the Ascend Sierra-2 and with cybermonday/blackfriday sales on their site, they cost whopping 1200$!!!!
skysaberx8xThere's always the Sierra-1s (which I have - with the NrT tweeters - and are still excellent) that are also on sale right now starting from $750/pair. They have the same layered bamboo cabinets as the Sierra-2s. But of course, without the custom RAAL ribbon tweeter and SEAS Curv woofer (which is why the Sierra-2s are so pricey). The components in the Sierra-1, especially with the NrT tweeter, are no slouch. Yes, these are a bit pricey, but it's pretty much a "you get what you pay for" deal.
blahhhHmmm, interesting. I don't have any pair of "audiophile" speakers because I'm very conflicted on what buy :( I've always been into headphones. I really want to buy speakers because I oftenly read that speakers offer much superior sounstage than headphones, oh well.
WasThatDaveBest you can do would be for around $200 you can find a pair of JBL LSR305 which are fantastic active speakers (no amp needed). For passive, perhaps the ELAC B4 which is available discounted at a few places would be your best option. Or look for local used deals. The JBL pair are true high quality speakers, most below $300 or so are usually compromised in some way due to budget constraints.
skysaberx8xI've heard good things of the Diamond 225. The ELAC-UB5 can be had in Walnut from Music Direct, but they're slightly less attractive than those options. The Buchardt S200 may be another option to look at. My favorites are a bit outdated in GR-Research N2X and Gedlee Abbeys, Speakers from production companies have gotten really good, even the new Klipsch models. You could get the 160M and pair with a really good low wattage amp. It's a good time to be an audiophile.
Cujobobthank you for you replies. I'll probably get the 225s . But I would like to ask something I didn't find a straight for. Do I need to treat my room for desktop use only ? Hope It isn't a silly question.
skysaberx8xIt's not a silly question, if you're near field then the room should have little interaction before the sound reaches you. Be careful not to place them too close to boundaries as a rear port will need room to breathe.
skysaberx8xMy advice is to go for the Sony SSCS5's instead. They'll likely run circles around the 225's for vocal presence, clarity, and center imaging. There's one pair left on ebay for ~$110.
WasThatDaveare you referring to the JBL pair? Those are the best measuring speakers you'll find anywhere near that price, plus no need to purchase an amp, and you can fine tune them some too on the back. They can be had for around $200 for a pair right now because of a rebate JBL is offering on them. There's also a couple of other colors available besides black. The next best deal in speakers would likely be the Elac Debut speakers, but i would count on making a few modifications to get them to sound better. For the price, all very good.