Front ported bookshelves around $500

[Shadowfax]

Looking to spend $500 +/- $100 on a small set of quality bookshelves for a new bedroom setup. I will probably drive them with a small Onkyo 8050 or it's counterpart, Integra 40.4, If I can find any real differences to spend the extra money on the Integra unit. 80wpc at 8ohms but unit can be set for 6 or 4ohm.

Anyway, looking at Usher S-520s. I see Audio Engine has a front slot port speaker, AP4 but I have no experience or know anyone with a pair.

Any other suggestions? Usage will be both music and TV sound for movies / concerts. I do have an old sub I can integrate for deep bass if needed but looking for clear sounding detailed speakers.

I have a pair of Dynaudio 42s which kick butt with my Stratos amp but not sure they will perform properly with the Onkyo/Integra driving them. They are also rear ported so I cannot push them back to the wall which I want to do.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Petro85]

Not sure about front firing in that pricerange, but I was helping a friend move some furniture a few months ago and he had a little setup on his bedroom dresser, it was a little Art audio tube integrated and older shandling CD player and a pair of infinity primus monitors. They were front firing and sounded really nice and were only like $150 for the pair. I didn't really listen as we were in and out of the room moving furniture. But from what I heard was an great little bedroom setup.

 

[Shadowfax]

Not sure about front firing in that pricerange, but I was helping a friend move some furniture a few months ago and he had a little setup on his bedroom dresser, it was a little Art audio tube integrated and older shandling CD player and a pair of infinity primus monitors. They were front firing and sounded really nice and were only like $150 for the pair. I didn't really listen as we were in and out of the room moving furniture. But from what I heard was an great little bedroom setup.

Thanks Steve. I was unsure of the Infinitiy models in that price range. I know that Polk has a couple to consider but I have never loved them too much. Maybe in the range I am looking they would be decent.

 

[Face]

Definitively check out the KEF Q100.

 

[Shadowfax]

I see some nice 700 series Focals on sale at Music Direct. I have an older pair of JM Labs I like so these may be in the running.

 

[Petro85]

I see some nice 700 series Focals on sale at Music Direct. I have an older pair of JM Labs I like so these may be in the running.

I've heard those focals, they are really nice speakers. Never knew the price, if they are in your pricerange I'd jump on em.
Also the kefs mentioned above should be in the mix for you , I had xq20's awhile ago that were out of your budget but great speakers.

 

[Shadowfax]

I've heard those focals, they are really nice speakers. Never knew the price, if they are in your pricerange I'd jump on em.
Also the kefs mentioned above should be in the mix for you , I had xq20's awhile ago that were out of your budget but great speakers.

The 705s are $350 and the 706s are $450, both with free shipping from Music Direct right now. Having older JM Labs, I would probably like these a lot.

 

[Glareskin]

I have a pair of Focal CMS 50 in my kitchen. Frontport, front on/off switch, active, lot's of filtering options. And they sound sweet... Solid bass that is very remarkable for the size. Very nice soundstage and beautiful mid/high. In Europe around 500 EUR.