Compact Bookshelf speakers that don't look ugly

[preload]

Can anyone recommend a pair of bookshelf speakers (active or passive) that are about the size of the KEF LSX (4-5" midwoofer), but don't look ugly?

Edit: must have a grill that protects the tweeter

Unfortunately, this means no Genelecs, due to aesthetic requirement.

Would appreciate assistance from the experts here.

 

[Vini darko]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Surely good measurments are all the beauty a ASR member needs

 

[sweetchaos]

IK Multimedia iLoud MTM

 

[HiFidFan]

Define "ugly"

 

[Vini darko]

Here's the results from an advanced search. Reccomend by amir and over 5.5 preference score. Compact speakers are thin on the ground here.

 

[RMW_NJ]

Ascend Acoustics recently announced a new version of the Sierra Luna and shared a very nice looking spin for it. They are diminutive, well built, and IMO attractive.

edit, spin: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-mini-monitor-review.17181/page-7#post-898086

 

[DVDdoug]

Most "studio monitors" don't have grill cloth and if that's a problem you should probably look for passive stereo or home theater speakers (and an amplifier or receiver).

 

[preload]

Define "ugly"

aesthetic preference score less than 6

 

[preload]

Here's the results from an advanced search. Reccomend by amir and over 5.5 preference score. Compact speakers are thin on the ground here.
View attachment 153219View attachment 153220

Thanks and which ones look good?

 

[preload]

Ascend Acoustics recently announced a new version of the Sierra Luna and shared a very nice looking spin for it. They are diminutive, well built, and IMO attractive.

edit, spin: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-mini-monitor-review.17181/page-7#post-898086

Not bad thanks!

 

[HiFidFan]

aesthetic preference score less than 6

And there's the problem

 

[HiFidFan]

Ascend Acoustics recently announced a new version of the Sierra Luna and shared a very nice looking spin for it. They are diminutive, well built, and IMO attractive.

edit, spin: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-mini-monitor-review.17181/page-7#post-898086

Though ugly as sin. That tweeter is an aesthetic disaster

 

[RMW_NJ]

Though ugly as sin. That tweeter is an aesthetic disaster

it appears the OP will be using the magnetic grills. Bamboo is beautiful IMO. American made enclosure is another plus.

 

[richard12511]

Salk have some very nice looking bookshelves, as do Sonus Faber and B&W. What is your budget?

 

[HiFidFan]

it appears the OP will be using the magnetic grills. Bamboo is beautiful IMO. American made enclosure is another plus.

View attachment 153242

Ahhhh, much better!

 

[bunnyfuzz]

Genelec 8030’s on Genelec 8000-323B Stands

 

[Doctors11]

Paradigm MilleniaOne.

https://www.paradigm.com/en/passive/milleniaone-10

Monitor Audio Apex A10

https://www.monitoraudio.com/en/product-ranges/apex/apex-a10/

 

[maverickronin]

Can anyone recommend a pair of bookshelf speakers (active or passive) that are about the size of the KEF LSX (4-5" midwoofer), but don't look ugly?

Edit: must have a grill that protects the tweeter

Unfortunately, this means no Genelecs, due to aesthetic requirement.

Would appreciate assistance from the experts here.

This really needs more qualification of your aesthetic preferences. Personally I think Genelecs are some of the best looking speakers on the market but OFC I'm not going to insist that you share my opinion. Are you looking for wood grain, high gloss paint, or something else in particular?

There also the consideration that many traditional audiophile/hifi passives have full front grills and once those are attached to meet your requirements they all end up looking pretty similar.

 

[VintageFlanker]

Magnat Quantum Eldenstein with 4.33" and outstanding industrial design (glass, lacquer and aluminium)

IK Multimedia iLoud MTM

OP said "that doesn't look ugly".

 

[tecnogadget]

I wish there were some Magnat measured here. They seem to be quite known by mature members in Europe but not in the US. Not much objetive data on them, but good reviews by users.

Very interesting brand given the fact the high depreciation they have on second market, meaning there may be some raw diamonds out there and nobody notices.