Another "Which Bookshelf Speakers to Get" Thread


Hey folks,

I realize these threads are pretty populous, but I also realize that y'all never seem to have a lack of opinions, so I'll give it a shot ;)

I'm building up a very simple, pure system for listening in my small Brooklyn apartment. It currently consists of:

• Marantz 2235B (35wpc)
• Technics SL-D3 (my Dad's, bought new the year I was born) running a Grado Black cartridge (new last year)

...aaand that's it. I may put an iPod dock into the mix, but for the time being I'm only going to be listening to vinyl and Red Sox games on the radio.

My speaker shortlist is:

• Rega R1
• KEF iQ3
• Paradigm Atom
• EPOS ELS-3
• Cambridge Soundworks Model 6 ($50 used...)

I'm interested to hear what you think, and also where I should look to buy (NYC local, or online)

My musical tastes trend towards the lo-fi (Pavement, Radiohead, Band of Horses), old country, and the occasional John Adams record.

My room is wood floors, fairly narrow (6') and the speakers would be backed up to a brick wall.

Budget gets painful anywhere north of $400, and I'm not shy about used.

And...GO! (thanks)
ryantomorrow
Hadn't ben aware of the Linn Kans before (novice, obvy) - they seem nice!

So hard to tell without being able to audition. The Axioms were also intriguing, but I'm wary about a lack of low end. I'm no bass fanatic, But I'd like to have a reasonably wide spectrum. I don't want to run a separate sub, and it seems like consensus that the Axioms are at their best with one and a little more power.
Energy RC-10...If I was forced to get rid of my Paradigm Signature S2s, I'd be very happy with the RC-10s!
Sound Dynamic 300ti, There is a pair on ebay right now, check em out! They need to be on stands about 12 to 18 inches high depending on how high your listening seat is.Plenty of bass, so no need for a sub.
Wow, you guys certainly aren't narrowing my field down! I'm tempted by the Energys, considering they're well reviewed, real wood veneer (I'm an aesthete, as well) and $290 shipped here on Audiogon.

Any other opinions on them?
I have seen Ruark Icons and Prologues on here and on eB** in the $200 range. Both are excellent bookshelves for that price.