My brother just moved and needs some speakers.

He's not really deep into audio, but does like to listen to music.

Budget is around 500

I heard the A5 at last year's RMAF - it's a decent speaker, I don't see how one could go wrong with it for the price. There are lots of bookshelf/mini-monitor speakers in that price range though. I've read good things about Energy, Epos, and Monitor Audio to start with.

Do they have to be self powered like the A5's? If so, I think Asr's suggestions might be for naught. =/

I think NHT has a self powered bookshelf speaker, the M-00?

If they have to be self-powered monitors, I've read good things about M-Audio's speakers.

blessingx has had my M-Audio Bx5a speakers for awhile and then bought Audioengine 5s with a deal code from Macworld. He thought that they had a more balanced sound with better low end over the M-Audio. He thought the M-Audio *might* image better but the a5s were good at that too. The additional features with iPod integration, USB, AC plug and so forth also add value to the a5.

You can get Quad actives on the grey market here within that price range. Don't know if that is also true in Europe. The 11Ls would probably boot the A5s sound wise, but are also a lot more fiddly/tweaky for good or ill.

Quad 12LA is a great powered monitor, popular around these parts.

The 12s are damn huge compared to the A5s, though. Only a few complete nuts would consider them suitable for a desktop rig.

Genelec makes great stuff -- no doubt. If he can use them effectively at work, I'd say go that route. They are professional gear, true, but for a long time the only use for small, nearfield monitors was in a professional setting. Nothing wrong with hearing a recording the way it was mastered

Mackie HR624/824 are great powered monitors. Sounds less like a pro audio monitor and more like an audiophile speaker. LFF has a pair iirc.

and the Audioengine 5s are great speakers for the price. I definitely recommend them over the M-Audio bx5a that I had before.

The 12s are damn huge compared to the A5s, though. Only a few complete nuts would consider them suitable for a desktop rig.

Thats why you get a 37" monitor

And a desk the size of a pool table.

Hrmmm I might be in the market for something... my M-Audio LX4 2.1s are crapping out after two years on the job

I love them for the money and convenience, but I need something built to last a little longer.

The 12s are damn huge compared to the A5s, though. Only a few complete nuts would consider them suitable for a desktop rig.

Whut? I think they're quite reasonable, but then again, I'm only using a 22" monitor.

Oh, and get something with ribbons. Ribbons rule. Or perhaps the new mini-Magnepans.

Oh shit mini magnepans? fuck i gotta check that out even if they are passive

MMG W Planar - Magnetic 100-16 kHz 88 dB 5 Ohm 10 x 38 x 1

Maybe... bass cut off is a little bit vicious but...

Oh never mind it's these huh: http://www.soundstage2.com/lasvegas2009/df_jan11mm.html

Yeah when those come out I'll get them if they aren't insane pricey.

Thanks for all the replies.

They don't have to be powered speakers, but I guess that in the price range it will be hard to find a combo of speakers and amp that beats a pair of powered speakers.

These will be used in the living room, probably for one or two years until he can afford a better setup (then yes, separate amplifier and speakers, probably floor mounts with a nice amp.) then they'll move to the office or bedroom.

I'll check those brands you recomend and also used gear in Lisbon. Might find a good deal.

I also saw these: Vifa Speaker Kit at 59$ for the kit it looks like a killer deal.

I have woodshop at home so I have tools and enough knowledge to build these.

Paired with a gainclone could be a great budget speaker.

Must check into that as well.

can anyone describe how quad 11la sound?

is it lush? and immerse one into the music?

how does it compare to its passive sibling with an adequate amping?

Also don't count out the Dyn BM5A.

I currently use the Audioengine A5's in my work setup. I originally bought them as a stop-gap until I get something better. As it is they will be staying until I get the baby Harbeths and an amp worthy of them.