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Favorite 8" 2 or 3 way bookshelf speakers?

Sansui Louie

Sansui Louie

Curmudgeon
I'm shopping for some no-larger-than 8" 2 ways or possibly 3 ways. Vintage or new, but in the under $150 range.

I like things a little bass-heavy, particularly in an 8" system which, by nature, would be a little light on bass. What are your recommendations for full-sounding, natural, realistic low-end bookshelfs?
 
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EPI / Genesis are very nice. KLH, Dynaco, Wharfedale, Polk, there are a lot of choices there.
 
These are very difficult to find, but the American Monitor 8s are the best I've ever heard in this class. Here are mine.

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Original smaller Advents have the 70's sound as much as any I've heard.
For their size you get really good bass reproduction and the highs are easy to take but still quick.
 
Tangent RS2

Very rare now

Bextrene cone Audax 8" and KEF T27 (extra grill over the T27 in the photo, similar to the LS3/5a tweeter grill)

In fact these speakers sound like LS3/5a with better bass, of course they are much bigger than LS3/5a.
 
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I've heard very good things about the Sony SS-m3 (I have the next step up, M7). They might be in your price range because they're looked down upon because of the Sony brand name on them.

http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/sony/floorstanding-speakers/ss-m3/PRD_126709_1594crx.aspx

In regards to the Epi/Genesis, I had both the Genesis 10 and a similar sized Epicure that was nearly identical...they were basically the Genesis 1 and Epicure 100 in slightly larger cabinets that I felt offered more of a kick in the bass department.
 
I have not heard as many different speakers as most here at AK, but I can say that AR 4x is a good choice. The cabinets are reasonably small to boot.
 
Bstable said:
I have not heard as many different speakers as most here at AK, but I can say that AR 4x is a good choice. The cabinets are reasonably small to boot.
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I would NOT be surprised if the AR-4x is the single biggest selling 8" two way system of all times.

A modern version of that design is still available at a company founded by Henry Kloss:

Modern 8" Acoustic Suspension Two-Way

It further fits within your budget.

Regards,
Jerry
 
I'll throw a couple out there ..
First, KEF 103.2 .. not bass heavy but what is there is very natural sounding.
When I first started listening to these I had to keep checking to see if I had Another set of speakers on too.
Not sure of the going rate on the KEFs these days

Second, Polk RT7 .. another well balanced sounding Speaker.
Sweet Speaker and cheaper than the KEFs were last I checked.

You did say bookshelf speakers or the choice would have to be one of the Genesis / EPI 200 types with the passive radiator.
I have the EPI 200c and they've got BASS!
It would be a bitch getting them on a bookshelf though.:D

Steve
 
The little HUMAN Model 81 (8" woof + 1" tweet...get it? :)) is my favorite and is a descendant of the EPI/Genesis lineage.
42 to 26k Hz +/-2dB and around 89dB sensitivity. What's not to like?

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Don't forget Kef bookshelf systems using the 8" B200 - like the Correlli, Coda, 102, 302.

If you don't mind a dip in the midrange, get some Celestion DL8's. Best bass I've heard from an 8", but the mid didn't impress me.
 
Two speakers that come to mind, JBL L19 and the EPI 100. Both sound great and have different sound qualities.
 
For under $150.? ADS L-420 or if possible, the ADS L-780 is very nice.....Polk 7b's have nice bass response for a bass reflex system.
 
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