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I'm looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers which will sound good when actually placed on a bookshelf, ie, fairly close to the back wall and with books and stuff nearby. I've currently got an old pair of KEF Crestas on stands which take up too much space and don't look wonderful. Most reviews and advice say to site speakers well out into the room. I know there are some v. expensive ones which are specifically designed for confined spaces, but I'm not willing to spend more than £100-£150 (new or possibly second-hand). Any recommendations?
Slightly over budget at £179 but these look rather tasty...
/www.whathifi.com/dali/spektor-2/review
Whats 'take too much space' though? these are W 170 x H 292 x D 238
Assuming you want passive speakers - active speakers I'd look at the Edifier range.
Yes, passive speakers. The Dalis are wee bit too big and a wee bit too spendy.
Whatever Q Acoustics fit the space and budget. 👍
Years ago somebody on here helpfully provided a link to placement of speakers and, as a result, I carried out an experiment. My ears certainly noticed that moving speakers out from the wall and, crucially, not placing them in a corner led to a much better listening experience with bookshelf speakers.
Will this just be for background music? Would adjustable height speakers not work?
These are a wee bit smaller and cheaper... come in black or white
https://www.whathifi.com/q-acoustics/3010i/review
I bought Wharfedale diamond 9.1s for my bookshelf. They might be old, but they fit in the gaps, sound good and weren't expensive.
I like the look of those Q Acoustics 3010, they (or the 3020) might be the ones.
I like the look of those Q Acoustics 3010, they (or the 3020) might be the ones.
I’ve got the 3020 and they’re great. Used for music and AV (as part of a 5.1 setup). I previously had a lovely set of floorstanding speakers that are currently in the lift due to lack of space, these are a great substitute.
Also, mine are mounted close to the wall - that was one of the plus points about these ones from memory. Crap photo but that’s the black thing to the right of the TV.
another +1 for the Q Acoustics 3020 ones. I've still got a pair I bought in 2018 connected to my Denon micro system and they sound lovely. I think they were £125 new from Richer Sounds.
I like the look of those Q Acoustics 3010, they (or the 3020) might be the ones.
I’ve got the 3020 and they’re great. Used for music and AV (as part of a 5.1 setup). I previously had a lovely set of floorstanding speakers that are currently in the lift due to lack of space, these are a great substitute.
Correction - mine are actually 3030i with the 6.5" drivers, bought a few years ago. I've since added the centre 3090Ci speaker for AV use which is lovely too.
I bought some second hand Diamond 9.1 to connect to a Denon Dm41 system principally for connecting to the TV. I have been very happy with the quality of sound but then my ears are not as discerning as they used to be.
Another for for Q Acoustics. I have the 3020is (I think) wall mounted. Had them in a bookshelf previously.
For the money and size they sound spot on. Easy to drive and a lovely clear sound, couldn't ask for much more.
Only slight complaint could be that the bass isn't huge, but given the cost and overall sound quality I'm more than happy with that tradeoff.