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looking for a good bookshelf moniter

I am looking for the best bookshelf i can get with a budget of no more than $300. I want to look at used so i can get the best value. I am also not worried about extended bass because i will be matching it up with a sub. i would like something is good at detail resolution, soundstaging, imaging and extended high freq as well as being a close to flat response. I have heard the new Totem Mite, PSB Image B25 and an older Kef Cresta 2. I really liked the PSB although it had more bass than i needed and cost more than i would like to spend. I would like to hear its little brother the B15. let me know what you have heard and your experiences in this price range. what would you recommend that i listen to before i make my decision.

thanks jared
jrod_215
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
spica tc50
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Jaybo, I'm sorry but that's a useless answer. The spicas are great, but they are very limited. They have limited HF response (nothing above 15 kHz), very limited dynamics and SPL handling, and do not image unless placed very carefully, well away from the side and rear walls.

Used within their limits they're a great speaker, but recommendations without these caveats are likely to lead to great disappointment.
tarsando
578 posts
 
In this price range, the omission of "caveats" regarding Spica's is not a problem at all--the limitations on ANY speakers in the price range is going to be great and the compromises many compared to expensive hi end speakers. Doesn't mean he can't find some good sounding speakers, and certainly doesn't mean that Spica's might be just the ticket.
markphd
667 posts
 
I agree with the posters above that making a sideways move is expensive. It's better to save a bit until you can move up. And when you do move up, you should move up big time rather than a nibbly little bit because small upgrades are expensive too. When you do move up, I would suggest you look to the $800-$1000 used price point as the next worthwhile upgrade. (Boy it's fun spending other peoples' money!)

However, having said that, if you want a change and want to do it cheap, one of the best audio bargains is the PSB Alpha. It's cheaper than the model you're looking at and with a sub it would be a great bookshelf monitor until you're ready to move up.
montytx
136 posts
 
Another vote for PSB. I've had a number of monitor speakers over the years and think Barton offers the single best value in High End audio. A very affordable, forgiving speaker that "plays well with others." You can mate the PSB monitors with just about anything and get great results.
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