• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Any bargain speakers like the Insignias?

FauxHall

FauxHall

Super Member
There was a mild craze for the Insignia bookshelf speakers a couple of years ago. One could get a nice pair from Best Buy for $50. They sounded very nice for the $$ and had a coaxial tweeter/woofer which was great for close-in listening like for your computer.

I have a pair and they fit perfectly and sound very good. I'd like to find a similar bargain for near-field listening.

Any ideas or leads?
 
Register to hide this ad
Any good small 2 way should do it. At least around here you can find them EZ. I just picked up a pair of nice Pinnacle PN-60's for $10 at a local salvation army. (actually was half price day so $5.00 :>) Stuff like that seems to pop up a lot of you look. these sound much better than the set of Insignias i heard.
 
The Polk Monitor 40's are only like $149 shipped from Newegg. They seem fairly well liked from what I've read.
 
The significant design feature of the Insignias is the coaxial tweeter/woofer. This allows a closer listening position.

Where the two or more drivers are NOT coaxial, it takes time and hence distance (at the speed of sound) for the sound from the drivers to overlap. The cross-over design (order) is also important but I don't know the details as to whether first order crossovers require greater distances than third order, etc. The Pioneers are not coaxial from the photo nor are the Polks.
 
You can make a small 2-way with the same polar responses as a small coax (more or less - it might be tricky to match a specific design). You aren't likely to find these measurements taken on budget speakers, though.
 
+1 on the Polk TSi100, Monitor 40's might be a little too big for what he's looking for although they do sound good. I have heard alot of good things said about the BIC DV62si. Usually can get for Benjamin or less if on sale.:yes:
 
One could save money by choosing the Polk Monitor 30 over the TSi100, since from everything I've read, they are nearly identical other than appearance, but again, that's just what I've read.
 
Infinity Primus P150/152/153, all the same speaker with cosmetic changes for each model run. These speakers got great reviews, and can be routinely had for $100/pair new.
 
If you want coaxial and are willing to go used, the Fostex RM series of monitors have a coaxial ribbon tweeter, and are fantastic near-field (you can even adjust them for near or mid field/wall mount). They're older but you might be able to track down a pair. I love the pair I use on my desk at work.

The Pioneer speakers mentioned are nice for the price.
 
These little KEF Q-10's are also co-axial, great for nearfield.

100_4765.JPG
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom