Best bookshelf speakers for $150 or less?

[hans030390]

I figured I could get the most for my money if I did a DIY project, so I posted here. I think the title is pretty clear...I'm looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers to buy or build (used/new, whatever) for $150 OR LESS (which I want to include everything).

The reason I set my budget at $150 is because of the Dayton BR-1 kit. I wanted to see if there was something out there better for the same price (or less). Here is what I'm looking for:

1. Bookshelf, not too big (I'll be in a dorm)
2. Must be good for music, games, computer usage, movies, etc. (Mostly metal, btw)
3. Decent bass (in the event I can't fit a sub)
4. Best SQ for the $, though I prefer something that is easy on the ears, maybe a bit warmer, but with plenty of clarity (not too laid back) and such to bring out some more powerful elements in whatever I'm using them for

Remember, $150 or less. This can be a used speaker, new, DIY project, something someone put together and no longer needs, a commercial/pre-build speaker that sounds comparable, modified pre-build speaker...whatever. I'm just trying to see if there is something out there that beats the Dayton BR-1 kit for the money (even if it's a similar design that simply doesn't come in kit form). Any recommendations?

[sreten]

Hi,

Well the star budget designs are all a bit long in the tooth and suffer
from driver unvailability etc, but they are significantly better than the
BR-1. $150 a pair for everything though is impossible to match.

(perhaps it is if you make the cabinets for peanuts ...)

Pay more and get something better, or go with it. Modding cheap
speakers is a possibility, but needs far more experience than the
relatively idiot proof BR-1.

For real performance/$ a good pair of ears and a knowledge of
older designs on the secondhand market may be your best bet.

/sreten.

[Undefinition]

I posted this same reply over at HTGuide, but I can't resist a bit more self-promotion

http://undefinition.googlepages.com/diy-orientexpress

-Paul Carmody

[mikje]

Paul,
What are you using to push these? They really are interesting and tempting. They seem like they would be good for chipamps and tube amps. Thanks for sharing.
Mike

[Jim Shearer]

I know this is slightly over your target $$, but the AK design collaborative - Insignia class speaker is very close:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=160535

Cheers, Jim

[Undefinition]

Originally posted by mikje
Paul,
What are you using to push these? They really are interesting and tempting. They seem like they would be good for chipamps and tube amps. Thanks for sharing.
Mike

I've tried them through all sorts of amps. It doesn't take much of anything. I have no doubt a chip amp could do it. I am far from a tube amp expert, though, so I really can't comment. Have a look at the measured impedance.

[sreten]

Originally posted by Undefinition

Have a look at the measured impedance.

Hi,

That does not seem to follow the crossover schematic.
Around 5 ohms at 20Khz should not be possible .....

/sreten.