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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
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
According to your system page you already own Kef Cresta 2s, which cost you $250.

In my opinion spending $300 for an upgrade will not be worthwhile. Every time you trade gear you lose money, so it makes sense to make bigger steps up the hifi ladder. To upgrade from a $250 speaker I'd be looking at a budget of $500+, as it will cost you less in the long run if you buy something that you can live wit hfor 10 years or more.

Also soundstaging and imaging are extremely dependant on placement, and usually require the speakers to be well away from walls (both side and rear). Even expensive monitors, when placed close to the rear and/or side walls, can fail to do any imaging.
s7horton
1,065 posts
 
I tend to agree with Seandtaylor99. If you already have a 250 dollar pair, wait until you can afford something a little better. You'll be glad you did.

Paradigm Studio 20's or the B&W 601 are two that I would consider looking at on the used market.
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.
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