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Bookshelf Speakers For 350 Or Less?? new & used

Hi,

A female friend asked me to recommend some bookshelf speakers for $350 or less, but I'm not too familiar with many of those models (I've heard the Mission 731i at $200-ish, but not much else). Which used or new (perhaps manufacturer direct?) models would you folks recommend in that price range?

Her receiver / CD combo is Sony / JVC mass market stuff. She listens to a lot of classical and some acoustic-based rock/pop. Most of her listening is probably background while she's cooking or roaming the house, but she is a musician and she does *listen*.

Any info would be appreciated, including recommendations that cost less than $350.

Thanks,

Phil
phild
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muzikat
887 posts
 
I own Paradigm Titans. Used them in office system with NAD reciever, for the money can't be beat. About $225 brand new for the pair.
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,927 posts
 
You might find a pair of Vandersteen 1B's for that price. They are excellent, but perhaps too large to strictly be considered "bookshelf."

Certainly the sound of the 1B is excellent, as are many of the above suggestions.
blkadr
731 posts
 
I would look for (used) Triangle Titus xs or Dynaudio 40. Or get her to pony up a little more cash for pretty little Silverline SR 12s. She might develope an affection for one of these nice sounding AND attractive speakers, sparking a new love affair with all things audio.
joe_b
421 posts
 
I recently needed to pick up some cheap speakers for both a home theater and 2nd system and would suggest the following:
1. B&W DM302 or 303
2. B&W DM601 or 602 (these would have to be used to work within your budget)
3. Paradigm Titan. However, be careful here. These sounded great in the store, but would not work in my room. They have a rear port and need plenty of room or they boom.
4. If you really want to go cheap, try Cambridge Soundworks small Ensemble system. Very forgiving (but also not revealing) of cheap electronics.
rbirke
144 posts
 
I had little Paradigm's and I heard several other speakers. I ended up with Soliloquy Sat-5's in my office. They are in a beautiful maple, and have the same drivers as their larger (and more costly) 5.0. Also, the speaker is a sealed box, so you can put it quite close to the rear wall.

They are about 500 or more new, but used, or b-stock (from Underwoodwally) you can get them for less.

These are one of the great buys I've found.
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