Are there any good bookshelf speakers?

[@tonywilkins1684]

Thanks heaps Paul, after hearing your thoughts I went and bought the harbeth bookshelf speakers. Could not be happier listening to them in my office. I drive them with a valve amp, a Primaluna 200 integrated, and it’s just fun to listen to… provides a lovely compliment to my highly resolving main system based on B&W 802 D3 speakers.
Again, thanks,
Tony

[@ViperDFS]

You can make practically any bookshelf speaker sound great if:
- It is sealed (or port plugged),
- Adequate amplification,
- Paired with a subwoofer or two,
- All controlled with something that can PROPERLY EQ to optimize the in-room frequency response. For this i recommend the MiniDSP 2x4HD, or DDRC-24.
Using lower cost components with this method has the potential to greatly exceed the sound quality achieved by spending big bucks on speakers alone.

[@cromagnon305]

You shouldn't put bookshelf speakers on bookshelfs because it will erase the data in your books

[@justbecause8085]

I think you are watching your view finder in your camera. If you look at the camera lense your videos will have a much more personal and professional feel.

[@PanAmStyle]

Just Because The only proper camera has no mirror and the imaged is viewed upside down and laterally reversed. LOL

[@dwdrummer0]

Yep

[@davesbrewing]

thats where my copy of Fahrenheit 451 went.

[@psych0mik062]

@@davesbrewing Doesn't that burn you up?

[@matthewj.hullbasbmf5001]

I had a set of Mordaunt Short MS10 on an old Dynaco ST120 and PAT4 preamp with a small Eminence subwoofer and plate amp that assembled and made enclosure for myself that sounded amazing. It had such a small footprint, too. They were truly bookshelf speakers on bookshelves. I had best results SQ wise having them on top of each bookshelf and properly place in each corner for imaging. Outstanding SQ that rivaled systems 5 times the price I paid for everything.

[@DC-js4gk]

I remember them they sounded great a little light on the bass though. Another forgotten brand

[@markholder6851]

Hay Paul. Just watched this video and saw you recommended Harbeth loudspeakers. They are designed by Alan Shaw, an ex-bbc engineer!

[@markward4532]

Not sure Alan is ex BBC, but the founder of Harbeth was.

[@panoskonstantinidis1950]

"...the perfect chef"! We need chefs, not fast food in sound.

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

Soundbars!

[@luminositymusicbrianpricka6357]

Panos Konstantinidis here hear

[@matekochkoch]

Reminds me of Gordon Ramay praising the taste of a good hamburger.

[@MotoTrooper]

well said

[@andya2665]

Picked up a pair of Jamo E825s at a thrift store for $20. They are in like new condition. I was extremely surprised at how well they sound even at low levels, very smooth and yet exciting, and detailed. Wow!

[@alanbrown8476]

The British have always built very good small bookshelf speakers, those that have ever had a pair of LS3/5A will testify to that. A brilliant little speaker that I rate over the PS3ESR is the ProAc Tablette 10 which is non ported like the old LS3/5A.

[@justinmorris2740]

Dynaudio Special 40's. I've got them in my office and they are amazing. The trick is to get a decent subwoofer to accompany your bookshelf speakers, nothing massive but then you'll have bookshelf speakers that can sound like large floor standing speakers.

[@nico3641]

Justin Morris do you have in a bookshelf, desk, or stands? How far away from the back wall?

[@mike_lowndes]

@@nico3641 you'd need bloody big and deep bookshelves for Special 40s. They are a foot deep.

[@bobc3895]

I just picked up a pair of used Pioneer BS21 speakers for $30 and i was astounded at the quality of the sound from those little boxes. Great drivers and a nicely done enclosure with curved side panels. The aren't going to fill a large room but for a second system you can't go wrong, add a sub and you will have full range sound for very little money.

[@gbmwaz]

The BS41 are a huge step up

[@timwilson3435]

I have KEF Q100's which were the smallest speakers in KEF's entry level Q series. I believe they have been replaced by the KEF Q150's which are virtually identical in size but have the port relocated to the back of the speaker from the front. I'm not sure if one of these is what Paul was referring to but I would not recommend either for placing on a bookshelf. For one they are not very small and would not fit on any of my bookshelves. More importantly I found mine sounded much better when placed more than the 9" minimum distance from the rear wall recommended by the manual. If I were the fellow asking this question I would look for something with a front port or sealed that is smaller and cheaper than what Paul has recommended because I think putting a nice speaker on a bookshelf would be a waste.

[@HumbleTrader001]

Or, if cost is a concern, just get a pair of Sony SS-CS5 speakers when they're selling for $120 or less per pair. The weakest link isn't the speakers themselves. It's your hearing, especially if approaching retirement age.

[@mikedinno8413]

I love my NHT SuperOne 2.1 for bookshelves in my other system and the SuperZero for surrounds. Solid all around speakers and you can find great deals on them on E-Bay/ I have the NHT SuperTwo's for my floor standings in my main home theater. I have absolutely no plans of ever getting rid of them.

[@edwyrd4227]

Funny thing, but back in the 70s, what we called bookshelf speakers would never have fit on a bookshelf. They were often bigger than today's floor standers.

[@johnholmes912]

they were and are called stand-mounts

[@edwyrd4227]

@@johnholmes912 Maybe so, but I never heard them called that back then.

[@materialsguy2002]

Paul I am really enjoying all these short videos. There is always something you say that really gets my attention or that I had not thought about. Thanks!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Hi Shaun :^)

[@materialsguy2002]

Hey Paul, fancy meeting you here!! Paul McGowan's videos are excellent.

[@ivayloipetkov]

Shaun Merrigan i thought so too but then i heard bookshelf speakers that sound really good and that have low end as well. Combine this with lack of space and you get your answer. We all want dedecated audio rooms both at the office and at home but :) alas for most its not achievable

[@randywagner5493]

I am very happy with my SVS Ultra's. I went into Listen Up and listened to Bowers & Wilkins and Focal and I felt they didn't sound much better than the SVS Primes (they didn't have the Ultra) and Prime's were a lot less money. Based on that experience and the unbeatable SVS warranty and 45 day in home trial I went all in on the Ultra's. No way I'm returning these baby's (I ended up with 4, the center, and a PC-13 Ultra sub). Brings a smile every time I turn my system on.

[@thegoat164]

I also have the SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers, recently added a Rotel CD11 Tribute that sounds fantastic with the Ultras.

[@mrpositronia]

I have the Kef LS50. They really need about 12" space behind them to operate near to optimum. They're also quite deep with a rear facing bass port. Otherwise, amazing for a small to mid sized room.

[@edthefirst2859]

mrpositronia $1500? No thanks

[@jonathanreich6360]

For a small, inexpensive, bookshelf speaker, I would also suggest Paradigm Atoms. After looking a while, I see someone else mentioned them below.

[@michaelmcintyre9179]

Our friends at GR Research were sent a pair of baby Harbeths', they had a smooth response , here's why, the circuit board inside was completely filled with components of the cheesiest kind , for a speaer at this price point , the only way to improve would require an out board crossover since there was no room left. hence not worth doing

[@toddharper4327]

I have the B&W CM6 S2's in Rosenut...2k for the pair. Absolutely gorgeous, well built speakers and so delightful to listen to...very smooth. Bryston power amp.

[@boriss.861]

The Harbarth P3ESR goes right back to the BBC Rogers LS3 5A of the early 1970's ( they made a Sub to go with them too) I have 009 and 010 off the production line.

[@Geoff0711]

'Harbeth' has its origins from a BBC engineer 'Dudley Harwood', who's wife was called Beth hence 'Har-beth'. He was instrumental in the creation of the LS3/5a. All Harbeth speakes are made to a similar exacting standard and as such are superb - I wish I could afford some!! They have gone on to make newer equivalents to the LS3/5a as we see here. Another engineer who worked at the BBC was 'Spencer Hughes', who's wife was Doreen (Spen-dor), You will find Spendor speakers are also amazing!

[@RichardGjerdin]

Amazing info!

[@DougMen1]

You're right Paul- the high end British mini monitors, like those Harbeth P3ESRs, the Falcon LS3/5A, and the little Spendor and ProAc ones, are unsurpassed, but, as you also said, they are very pricey, in the $2-3k range. For a similarly refined and balanced sound at a much lower cost, the best bets are probably the KEFs and Wharfedales, and perhaps Elac

[@heinzguderian2521]

I'm still using Linn Majik 109 book shelf speakers (along with a Naim Uniti Atom) and they could be mistaken for floor speakers. They're about $1,200 and I find their clarity through all ranges is excellent.

[@robertvandeneijk1284]

Best is to go listen for yourself multiple times over multiple weeks. Don't listen different speakers with AB switch. The second one you listen will always sound off. The speakers you choose are the speakers YOU choose, no matter what others say. So much depends on your age, lifestyle, musical taste, sound taste, etc. It could well be that you like 300 USD speakers better than 3000. But it can also be the other way around. Also, ask if you can try them out at home. Acoustics is a very big factor.

[@zelmoziggy]

The problem is that there are very few listening rooms around nowadays.

[@IsaacKDick]

Harbeth's P3ESR are calibrated with the goal of perfect human voice reproduction.
I've never heard another speaker so accurate in this domain (even other Harbeths).
With good tube preamp you got the holographic impression you can move around the singer, it's very strange and thrilling to have Leonard Cohen in your room.

[@mrboat580]

If space is at a premium, it better just to stow the speakers on a shelf, and bring them out when wanting to listen. I used to have to stow mine in a closet and set it up each time and I got used to that for years. When we were kids, all our bedroom music sources were stowable ones. When I lived in an apt, I used to break out my speakers and set them on a table top or on the workbench in the garage and listen out there sitting on a tall, 3 legged stool quite in between them. I still listen that way. Another place I lived, I used to set them on the coffee table or on folding stands and stashed the speakers behind the sofa when not in use, mostly so they didn't get knocked over in such a tight space.
These days, I would likely opt for active monitors because of all the DSP options that can help with challenging spaces.

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Another excellent presentation, lecture on small, or what is referred to as bookshelf speakers, Paul. I have a pair of Klipsch R-51 speakers connected to a vintage 1980s harman kardon 490i Receiver, and hk TD212 Cassette Deck. Even at only 30Watts per channel, whereby amplification of receiver is high current, my second hi fi system sounds very good; I believe, anyway. I'm recently going to add a used, odd Rega Planar 3 with Linn Basik Plus tonearm, and AT95E phono cartridge; got to get a dust cover, too.

[@BradMaestas]

I love British speakers. My studio system has ATC SCM10 monitors and my main playback system features Harbeth M40.1.

[@bwzes03]

Going for very reasonably priced speakers, The Wharfedale Diamond bookshelfs are very good.
at around 200 dollars a pair they're really good value.
I personally have the Diamond 9.1 speakers on my PC and I love them.
The current Diamond 11 series are a little more 'box' shaped then the 9 series, which have curved side walls.

[@Roof_Pizza]

I believe that those need some room so perhaps not a bookie as requested.

[@robertm2000]

My final (literally! I'm long retired) system consists of a pair of powered monitors from M-Audio and a volume pot in a metal box, with two phono jacks each in and out. I can manually plug in a CD player, a tuner, or occasionally a cassette player (I used to have a reel to reel player). The response graphs of these speakers are nearly flat, and since they are built to be monitor speakers they are quite directional so they aren't all that influenced by the environment. I have recorded orchestral music, and played organ and harpsichord for over 50 years so I know the sound of live music. And to me those speakers sound as close to live music as anything else electronic that I have heard.

[@kevinwinstonshen]

I like my Linn Kan Mk. 2 speakers very much. They are based on the BBC LS3/5a and are in many ways similar. I am using a Rega Brio Integrated Amp to run my Kan's. The Linn Kan Mk. 1 and Mk. 2 are both great choices for bookshelf speakers.

[@michaeldavidson8971]

Celestion 3 or Celestion 5. They are true bookshelf speakers, designed to be placed just a few inches from the back wall. Problem is they are kind of old now, the Celestion 3 and 5 came out in the mid- late1980's and were sold until sometime in the early 90's. Check ebay for a nice used pair. Another inexpensive option is powered bookshelf speakers like the SWAN M200MKIII speakers. They won a CES award, are made very well and sound really good. They have a built in 120 watt amp (60 watts/channel) and can play quite loud for their small size. I picked up a pair for $288 on Amazon.

[@sujitbose7411]

I have a penchant for acoustic music, and I crave a sonic experience that faithfully reproduces the instrumentation with utmost precision. I desire to discern each instrument - be it the violin's soaring highs, the drum's dynamic attack, the flute's airy subtleties, or the guitar's rich timbre - with crystal clarity and definition. a sound signature that is unfatigueing and suitable for extended listening , very easy to ears , an all day speaker .Furthermore, I seek vocals that are layered, lively, and nuanced, with a sense of depth and dimensionality. Finally, I require a bass response that is taut, nuanced, and capable of conveying the subtlest textural details, thereby immersing me in a truly captivating sonic landscape.
Sir, please suggest me a under 500 dollar speaker best suited for my requirements and preference.🙏

[@alext2933]

Better still are the KEF LS50 wireless. This is active and has some room correction. This could really help with integrating them in an awkward space like a bookshelf. Also you would only need a preamp with them, so less system space required too. Bass is so much better than the standard LS50.

[@DC-js4gk]

Hmmm two opposing views here. I have heard that the wirelesses are abs amazing. Ppl forget an amplifier is just that, it makes sound louder nothing more. Kef are on a winner here. But they costa molto

[@TPOrchestra]

I use a pair of Paradigm Atom speakers for computer playback and they sound great. And they're not expensive. I have heard good things about their MilleniaOne, but it's designed to be used with a subwoofer. All Paradigm speakers are highly reviewed.

[@andrewcarpenter3991]

Love my Paradigms. I have a pair of the mini monitor series six, great sound, easy to drive and I only paid $300.oo a pair Canadian. These are very attractive (mine are a rosewood colour) and one of the best entry level speakers i have owned. I have never heard the atoms but they get excellent reviews. I have been looking for a pair of the Studio V5 and hope to find a pair at the right price because to me they are the most beautiful and best sounding speaker I have ever seen or heard. I do love several Canadian brand speakers

[@josephah2000]

I'm running Bowers & Wilkins CM-5s2 bookshelf speakers in main setup with a Rel-s3 sub, Bowers & Wilkin CM-5s with a Bowers & Wilkins ASW-8 in the master bedroom and KEF Q150s with a 10"JL Audio 10w3 in my man cave garage. All setups sound musically balanced and like big speakers.

[@kendoglarson5419]

Paradigm Atoms, PSB Alpha Mites, and Cambridge, And Triangle. The hyped Sony SS-CS5.

[@hamidnia7242]

I’m actually fan of bookshelf plus sub
I have from low end to very high end
I have fluance Ai40, Dynaudio Emit M40 as well Focal Diablo Utopia.
They all sound good without rumbling the small - moderate space.
Having sub paired with them gives me the agility of turn on and off the bass, when I feel like it and not boxed to a set cross over of a large speakers

[@hapexamendar1093]

Devialet's Phantom is my favorite bookshelf speaker. It's ability to play the entire frequency range and play louder than all but the most deaf rock drummer wants is nearly unbelievable. You will not get comparable bass with any other bookshelf speaker. The new entry ones with the dialog box(needed to make two or more work) sounds high at $3700, but is actually quite the bargain as it's the whole system(amp, dac, wifi, speaker). All you need is your phone to stream music. You get a true high end sound, can rock your socks off and they fit almost anywhere.

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

I don't care what you guys say, my hobo Boston acoustic CR65's are beast, love them. $20 at a pawn shop lmao!

[@andrewcarpenter3991]

I have gone through a lot of speakers in my 62 years of life but my very favorite that I owned are the Energy Veritas v-5.1 book shelf speaker. Although they cost me $1400.00 a pair Canadian, these are so sweet sounding and in the rosewood finish they are one of the most beautiful speakers. All around detailed with near perfect highs, mids and lower base and are surprisingly sensitive so you don't need mega watts to drive them. For a more budget speaker Energy has the RC-10 bookshelf speaker. Absolutely a bargain at around $500.00 dollars a pair, although if low base is important you might need to match it with a sub. Also a speaker very easy to drive but you should match it to a decent amp. I have owned a couple of the Kef bookshelves with the uni-q design great sound but I found them less detailed and you need substantial power to make them shine. my very favorite bookshelf are the paradigm studio V5. They come in 3 gloss wood veneer finish or gloss piano black, they are so dam gorgeous and the sound is breath taking. These are an older model so you might get them used for under $1200.00 a pair. I hope you find the perfect fit and sound, just remember that what sounds good to you is all important.

[@Eron55555]

I have the RC-70s and RC-10s for my surrounds.. Love it.

[@gotham61]

Just filling in a few details. The Harbeths shown are the P3ESR. The designer is Alan Shaw. The name Harbeth comes from the company founders Dudley HARwood and his wife BETH. I think the KEFs you might be thinking of are the LS50s. They actually are a two way, with the tweeter mounted in the center of the woofer. Lots of other great bookshelf capable speakers, the Falcon LS3/5As, and Elac Uni-Fi B5 come to mind.

[@shiitakestick]

the JR-149 ‘s ..

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I have a 35 year old pair of AR-18b 8" 2-way acoustic suspension bookshelf/monitors, refoamed and re-capped. I might have $100 in them total and I plan on keeping them until they die. Paired with a small sub, they are tight, detailed, and have great imaging. Perfect for my small 12'x15' listening room.

[@TheFibtastic]

Alan Shaw at Harbeth knows what he's doing. I have had (and still have) dozens of speakers, high end, low end, vintage, new. My reference speakers are Harbeth SHL-5s. They just sound right.

[@RWong-wn3pv]

“Sound stage” etc., suffers from placing “book shelf” speakers “in” book shelves. IF that, etc. doesn’t matter, there are way too many to present a current comprehensive list. Suffice to say there are speakers for every listening preference, specification/s and dollar budget.

[@user-xv4hh2ck9v]

I could recommend Proac Signature 10 Speakers are an ls/53 design with no rear port.. I have a pair in a medium sized room and sound lovely.

[@richlandzee8686]

I heard Elac UB5 are great speakers for $500/pair. Can be as low as $350. 3 way bookshelf speakers with concentric design.

[@MrJason9142002]

I returned them

[@skylordsrebornpvpreplays5795]

@@MrJason9142002 You returned them

[@user-zm5sw3xu1w]

The Edifier 1280DBS is the better speaker if you prefer neutral sound with no over emphasis towards a particular frequency. It's the best budget audiophile speakers for a balanced sound, well worth the price range, especially if you using to connect to a turntable for Vinyl listening...

[@scottking2821]

I have a pair of VAF i90’s, made in Australia. They are a brilliant bookshelf speaker. Also not cheap, but totally worth it. Pair them with a sub, or even better, a spaced pair, and they’ll fill any room.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

This is your suggestion? One pair of speakers?

[@grandiebob2500]

I’ve been through the same exercise of downsizing my home. I now use Linn LK109’s which can be upgraded as funds allow to fully active (super hi/hi/bass drivers). I’ve done this. They also have a forward facing port so can be placed close to a rear wall. Used in conjunction with Linn’s proprietary sound optimisation they provide a detailed and rhythmic sound. They may be a little too clinical sounding for some. I have hearing issues so tte more detail I’m presented with the better. I’ve been following this channel for a while and following the recommendations have decided to add a small footprint REL subwoofer just to warm up and extend the bottom end. Currently on order.

[@tingokuman]

Paul I have the ultimate respect for you and what you do. I have learned so much watching your channel. When I start building my high end system all my components will be PS Audio. There is no pseudo science and dreamlike descriptions of your product line just good engineering.

[@leviwrigley5260]

I have a pair of old Kef Caras and ive replaced the tweeters because they were shot and when i EQ'ed the flat they sound great!

[@rustymixer2886]

Whats the brand behind him...Haymarket? Can't hear

[@AnthonyvanHamond]

I have Totem dreamcatchers... for "high end" they are really affordable but sound amazing. Paired with a good amp you can't go wrong with them. I listened to some Totem Signature One's on a NAIM amp.. it gave me goosebumps..... and i wanted to cry because they where way out of my budget.

[@andrewcarpenter3991]

Love totems, great Canadian brand, I found them a bit costly, but I have seen the Kin Play powered speakers on sale for $1000.00 Canadian, I would like to check these out.

[@brucerussell1355]

Yes, Reference One, by Infinity. I have 4 of them. They blow away everything(not counting bass of course). Arnie made a magic little speaker when he made this one. I have put them up against everything including much bigger speakers. They even blew away my Infinity RS6 speakers that had the Emit tweeters. The last thing I tested them against was a set of vintage 5 way Sansui monsters. I placed the two little ones on top. I hooked up one Infinity and one Sansui and cranked it up. People couldn't tell which ones were playing. They all thought it was the big ones playing. They were amazed when I said, "nope, one big and one small". The only speaker that has come close is the Boston A60. Which I also kept 4 of. The A40 is also close. I have sold all my other bookshelf speakers, since they can't hold a candle to the Reference One. I discovered all of this, over the years, while trying to find a pair that would match the pair I already had. I would buy them, test them against the R1, then sell them after they failed the test. I finally found another set. New in the box from the eighties lol. Mission, Klipsch, B&W, Bose, Kef, Sansui, JBL L20T, Boston towers, Sony, Polk towers, Polk bookshelf, JBL towers, Infinity Infinitesimal, Infinity RS6, Infinity Reference 2000.1 2000.3 2000.5 (these particular Infinity speakers are horrible! The gray ones). Huge vintage Kenwood, Sansui, and Pioneers too . Just to name a few. I am running a Carver MXR-2000 'The Receiver' with an ADC Sound Shaper 3 parametric equalizer and Yamaha CD-C600 cd usb player. Infinity Reference One Frequency Response 55Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) Crossover Frequency(ies) 4000Hz Sensitivity 90dB (1 watt/1 meter) 6 Ohm. 6 1/2" IMG cone made of a mixture of polypropylene and graphite. 3/4" Polycell tweeter. 10 to 75 watts. Sealed cabinet.
Get some.

[@johnvalatos4073]

The Totem Dreamcatcher speakers would be a good pair to look at, read some reviews.

[@nicksundby]

I heard the Harbeth P3ESR at a show recently, I effin wept they were so good

[@moriart13]

and you will need an amp that cost more than they do

[@johnsimun6533]

If a bookshelf speaker takes the whole shelf. Let’s say that the cabinet has five shelves, is the speaker placed in the middle with books, or if a speaker and shelf matched, where no space is left open. Is there a difference, which is preferable. What shelf, or how high or low would be ideal. I know every setup is going to be slightly different. But roughly, what is average for factoring choices.

[@maryelms5948]

In my honest opinion...if you want to put your speakers on a bookshelf or bookcase, they should be front-ported. A rear-ported design may make the speaker too bass heavy or boomy. A front-ported design lets the bass enter the room. I really like the Mordaunt-Short Carnival 2, Wharfedale Diamond 9.2. Nice affordable speakers.

[@danielsommerfeld5492]

Sonab OD-11, a cube speaker made in Sweden and developed by the now late Stig Carlsson in the 70s. Can be placed on the floor or on a shelf.

[@davidtomsett]

Paul, the name of the man that took over Harbeth is Alan Shaw. Like you he is a high end audio legend in the industry.

[@applechili2848]

I don’t typically find Paul’s sessions off, but to suggest a $2,500.00 pair of bookshelf speakers, not to include amp, source, etc. Just get the KEF wireless & listen in future bliss.

[@hushpuppykl]

Apple Chili ... I’ve owned the Harbeth P3ESR, they are worth their price. It’s very natural.

[@ramenlife6323]

If you don't mind buying used you can get a Rega Brio and a pair of Harbeth P3ESR's for about $1500. You'll be hard pressed to improve that setup within its cost and footprint.

[@SilentHillFetishist]

I have a cheap Fisher pair and compared it to Elac BS 243.3 using a Marantz 4270 needing professional care. With the cheap pair it sounds boring, but equal, on the Elac pair right sounds audiophile, left is broken because the 4270. That Elac pair does a good job in low and high, also the hall of the instruments on records can be heard like it should (right side on my 4270).

[@slotslidershoslotcars]

ELAC B6 in Walnut $249.00
Astonishingly good. Better than others I have / had cost two or even four times as much.

[@gbmwaz]

6.2 even better

[@ericnortan9012]

could you use bookshelf speakers in a china cabinet?

[@ericnortan9012]

@@pkdude5334 😶😁😂😅🤣😭

[@paulmlemay]

Wonderful videos, I watch every one of them.

[@Ogsonofgroo]

I playing with some old Profile 2.1's, made in Canada joy, put 'em on a bookshelf on some rubber pads, hook up a decent 20-50 watt amp, haz music, still find 'em in good shape for around 100$~ cannot go wrong imho. Maybe not high-end, but more quality than most new speakers at 10X the cost. So many have copied these very basic small-ish designs, efficient, relatively small, and can pump out the sound when needed.
Don't disregard some of the old school stuff, you might be surprised.

[@josephfranceski1041]

I agree that the KEF LS 50 wireless at about $2K would be a great choice for actual on shelf bookshelf speakers. The gentleman who runs Harbeth is Alan Shaw, and yes he is meticulous about his speakers including the little ones. ELAC also makes some very nice speakers for a very low price. By the way, I don't think the original questioner was asking for the "cheapest" bookshelf speakers, but the best for actual on-shelf utilization. The KEF LS 50 wireless is the best answer.

[@95Sn95]

I love how JBL called the L100 century a "bookshelf" speaker... One hell of a big shelf, plus theres stands for them are you supposed to use the stand on the shelf too?? 😆

[@D1N02]

The key of placing speakers on the bookshelf is the placement of the bookshelf. Place your bookshelves at least two feet from the walls and corners. Preferably without any actual books on them en just enough shelf space for your speaker. Some people call those speaker stands.

[@volt7cooltangs701]

Make: Monitor Audio
Model: Monitor 2
was a lovely little pair. Released in 1997 cost then was £400.

[@keithheaton6788]

Watkins Loudspeakers Kingsport TN builds excellent bookshelf speakers. Some of the highest quality made.

[@papawd3991]

Agree Keith, the Generation 4 - is an exceptional speaker! Detailed reproduction of musical recordings with ability to manage any high end system.
All available at Watkins Stereo in Kingsport

[@freepress8451]

Good point with the books as they have been used in home studios for quite a while

[@Fat-totoro-cat]

Alan Shaw is the designers name - you probably wouldnt like his opinions on amps ;)

[@janman55]

For my two cents worth, you will get a better sound stage (depth of sound) by locating the speakers away from a back wall, similar to those shown in the video. You may lose some bass, but a subwoofer can help with that.

[@nicktaylor7680]

I know you hate B&W sound but there 686 and 685 S2 speakers are fantastic value and work well on bookshelves being front ported. Yes they do have detailed (uncoloured) sound and don't pair well with bright equipment and cables but with the right synergy they are can be had for about $500 a pair if you shop around.

[@raydm4015]

I had those, but I found them to be harsh to the ears.

[@LarsonChristopher]

I know this vid is old.. but you guys need to hear the KEF LS50 meta bookshelf speakers!!!! A+

[@cardtrix1970]

I know that speakers are...very personal(as are most components), but I own a pair of Pioneer HPM150s, totally mint, original and all intact & working as they should. I've tried other speakers over the years. What are your thoughts-if any-on these gorgeous retro soeakers? Have you never owned/listened to a pair? I believe-for retro speakers-they sound brilliant.

[@GiantTurkS]

Nht superzero are tiny bookshelves in every sense of the word but discontinued for the time being. in nht speak that means their making tweaks and will return soon

[@GiantTurkS]

U have more speakers than I have jeans. All sealed boxes?

[@harryt988]

A good subject to discuss Paul - thank you

[@SpencersStuffTV]

Have some klipsch rp 160ms. Theyre stellar

[@cmkilcullen8176]

They may not actually fit on a book shelf, but they do sound amazing.
Book shelf used to mean fitting such, but now its a general descriptive term.

[@ericnortan9012]

I have some polk t15s in my bedroom. Good enough for sleep background music. The next thing I have you may call a bookshelf are my Cerwin-Vega VS 100. Not really "audiophile", not sure if they qualify as bookshelves, but awesome little speakers. GO BLUE! I'm from Alpena.

[@john335i]

KEF LS50s really good.

[@hushpuppykl]

John McCulloch ... can’t place those on a bookshelf ... the rear ports will give you interesting bass when placed in a tight space

[@CameronArnott]

Yes that's right; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also in the UK...

[@ToSanJa]

Any Rogers will do,Kef 101 reference as well,small Mission 731i,...

[@theredon2]

I think they are great book shelf speaker I have two pairs of B&W towers speakers and I used a pair of ICON Lumen bookshelf speakers that sound amazing no mater where I place them (but not on a bookself :)) the sound stage is wide and really musical.

[@janinapalmer8368]

I have built my own super bookshelves .. I bought a set of Dynaudio drivers and built the enclosure using LMS /LEAP measuring hardware and software and used this too for XO design... the end result would blow your mind .. they make the Harbeths sound like public address speakers in a toilet !

[@SJMessinwithBoats]

@Janina Palmer, not the PA speakers in toilet mode! It's me your troll Brian!

[@daddychany6493]

Tetra Manhattan 120 - one of the most “live” sounding speakers I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning. The Tetra 222 would be another solid option. Look them up. Musicians love them because they sound like live music.

[@dnd6379]

200-300 for JBL LSR305 or a bit more for LSR 308 if you want a bigger sub driver. Active and would be more than you asked for. Try em.

[@mikeinclownworld7395]

Bought a pair of Tannoy Mercury F1 Custom
£57 (Ebay) used, seem fine to me.

[@JukeboxAlley]

Best ones ive owned and heard yet pound for pound, kef ls50 and edifier s2000 pro powered, very close between the two, both are very very good.

[@paulp.4970]

Books have several usefull purposes, like reading them :-)
Also from the UK: Monitor Audio.
I have a pair of the smallest models in my study, computer, AQ Dragonfly Red DAC, cables, Arcam Solo Mini amp.
Small system, does not cost a fortune and I have Paul M. every day very much 'live' in my study!

[@jeffreyjoshuarollin9554]

Another recommendation for Monitor Audio. The Bronze 2's are amazing, and they're only the bottom-of-the-range MA bookshelves.

[@DueM]

q acoustics 3020s are great as well, i have a set running off a little denon 50w amp with a tannoy 10 inch m sub. sounds awesome. i heard a set of monitor audio gold bookshelfs back in the day they sounded amazing.

[@Zone1242]

Agreed - love my Bronze 2's

[@oblitafier]

My first decent speakers were Monitor Audio R352's and my last MA's were 703 PMC's... they were both great speakers for the price.

[@bumblerer]

I recentas bought a pair of these speakers expensive but excellent Thanks!!

[@arncj18]

Paul would you take separate amp with passive speakers over active speakers with phono option every day? what i am asking is: are active speakers a terrible choice for a turntable? i was considering a nice klipsch r-15

[@robertstephens5163]

Maybe the fellow wants speakers that are the same size as bookshelf cabinets. ~7 ft high, 10" deep and 2-3 feet wide each. This interpretation really opens his options for efficiency, bandwidth and performance!

[@Luxxer]

Have any good speakers at around 200$? Normal size, good looking and of course nice sounding. What do you recommend?

[@MichelLinschoten]

Tons of them out there that will sound good.

[@blech71]

But if I had the cash...... PMC advanced Transmission line Technology... they make a small T-Line the size of a bookie and it’s line length is right around 5.6’ (yeah! 5 and half feet of T-Line in a bookie!!!!) it’s called the Twenty5 21 and that one would be my one time dream buy and I would drive it with PS Audio Amps.
Paul, or any other employee actually read these.... I really want to know what Paul and you guys think of MQA? Have you guys got to play with it yet? What do you think of it?

[@DC-js4gk]

Uh ok. Transmission line bookshelfs? Everyone has really lost their mind

[@boriss.861]

Paul the Harberth PS3 ESR came from the BBC (Rogers) LS3 5A that the customer could buy a dedicated pair of Subs to go with them.