Spec me: Bookshelf speakers

Yaayuh!

Yaayuh!

Yaayuh!

Soldato
Joined
5 Nov 2010
Posts
24,599
Location
Hertfordshire
-- Bookshelf/Stand mounted (Not tall floor standing basically)
-- Will be powered by a Marantz PM6010OSE.
-- Budget £200~£250
-- Will definitely consider used, though a bit sketchy on "Vintage" due to aesthetics and possible repairs required.
-- Size not a problem, but would prefer larger drivers to avoid the need for a sub (40hz~ capable would be nice).
-- Preferably front ported as they'll be close the wall.
-- I listen to many different genres, but mainly Rock and Post-Rock.

I will hopefully be able to take my Marantz into a store to demo some speakers at some point (before Christmas) so can try out suggestions (if stocked).

TIA guys :)
 
Getting an F3 of ~40Hz out of a modern bookshelf speaker is going to be no mean feat primarily because cabinet volumes are too low and the cone area is too small. You can get to around 50Hz or so quite easily. Most that quote responses down to 45Hz are quoting at -6dB not the old standard of -3dB. (F3)

How big are you happy to go?
 
Kei said:
Getting an F3 of ~40Hz out of a modern bookshelf speaker is going to be no mean feat primarily because cabinet volumes are too low and the cone area is too small. You can get to around 50Hz or so quite easily. Most that quote responses down to 45Hz are quoting at -6dB not the old standard of -3dB. (F3)

How big are you happy to go?
Click to expand...

I say 40Hz, that would be very nice but i would settle for 45-50Hz easily. But there are some albums that i would be missing a lot from otherwise. e.g. Ágætis byrjun by Sigur Rós
You raise a good point in db rating though, most do rate at -6db.
Cone size ideally would be 8"+ to achieve such frequencies.

How big? Well 50cm tall x 30cm wide x 25cm deep at an absolute maximum.
 
That size you've quoted is pretty decent but you are unlikely to find anything modern that is anywhere near that & anything that uses woofers larger than 6.5" (165mm)

I like the look of the celestion ditton 15XR/UL8 which is 8" woofer + bass radiator with a HD1000 tweeter. Supposed to be 90dB/W efficient and 30Hz-28KHz response. (although this is not quoted to the norm of -3dB so i expect this is actually around -6)
Size: 235 x 242mm x 535mm (slightly tall vs your maximum though)

This a 15XR. (not my own image)
ditton.jpg


First off i'd get a listen to some modern kit and see how you like them. Best one in your budget looks like the monitor audio Bronze BX2. Then see if you can find some vintage offerings that you can have a listen to. Vintage speakers have much softer treble compared to today's offerings. (by design it seems, nowadays people seem to like things rather bright) There was a member on here with 15XR's but i cannot remember their username. (guitar something or other) Had them under a desk IIRC.
 
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Thanks for your input Kei. Just thought i'd give them a google and they do seem to be quite a fantastic set of speakers. Not only that, look what i found: http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/b...xr-classic-speakers-great-condition/111423581

As for Tannoy mercury, Wharfedale diamonds, they've been at the top of my list and i've heard the 10.1 and 9.1 Diamonds and they're good for their size, but not enough low down. I feel i can find something a lot better given the budget.
 
Coming with the original boxes is rather rare. Provided they are in good working condition, they'd make a pretty decent buy. Definitely give them a listen though as the vintage sound isn't everyone's cup of tea. (too laid back for some)


To cover all aspects, the only thing you will have to do eventually with older speakers is replace the crossover capacitors as they will dry out with age and this will change the way they sound. It's a very simple job provided you are able to solder. The drivers shouldn't be a problem as they don't age much. (unlike those with foam surrounds that disintegrate after about 10 years)

I did my Ditton 25's back during the summer. (these were 1975 vintage) I used solen MKP film caps that won't suffer with age. (Costs a fair bit more, but it means i shouldn't have to do the job again)
Ditton25-Xover.jpg

D25_NewCaps2.jpg


There are some details about restoration here, including a picture of the crossover itself. (Just a single 4.7uF capacitor that would end up being replaced)
 
I was going to say the 602 but the specs say they don't go that low, however having heard them a lot I would not have questioned their bass response.
 
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