What would everyone consider to be the best NEW speakers for $300 or less? I know the sub-$x question comes up a lot, but most of the recommendations are to search for something used or vintage. How about if I only want new? I'm looking for a pair of speakers on their own, or coupled with a sub. Thanks for the help.
Best New Speakers for $300 or Less
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Add the slightly smaller Primus 152 to this list as well. Very-well reviewed in Stereophile.
Gotta go with the Cambridge Soundworks model 6. These a are basically a re-creation of the well respected KLH's. Since Henry Kloss founded both company's, no wonder. Heard some of these when Best Buy used to carry the Cambridge line. Best sounding speakers in the room. All Cambridge speakers have a very accurate midrange. I've been running their Microwork's three piece PC set up for years, and it's not going anywhere. My dad has an older four piece set up of their's running two 8" flat cabinet woofer's and is very accurate.
Cogito
Well-Known Member
Two that I have personally listened to that impressed me are the Home Theater Direct (HTD) Level 3 bookshelf and the Polk Audio TSi200. Both sell for $300. I auditioned both using listening Dave Grusin's "Migration" and Roger Waters' "Amused to Death".
The HTD's build quality is amazing for the price (Perfect seams, inert knuckle rap test, good looking light cherry veneer). I did notice that's it's listening sweet spot is pretty narrow (Due to the ribbon tweeter's "wave guide/horn"? Male vocals are right are quite natural, but the overall sound is a little bit on the bright side. These speakers can rock.
The Polks build quality is also quite nice (Cherry veneer). A knuckle rap test sounds a little more resonant that the HTDs, but it never sounded boxey to me at all. They did have a surprising amount of bass, but they would really benefit from a sub as they are fairly easy to overload and the 5 1/4" mid/woofers start to sound muddy. Nice vocals, both male and female and a somewhat warm sound that appealed to me.
Hopefully, this was helpful
The HTD's build quality is amazing for the price (Perfect seams, inert knuckle rap test, good looking light cherry veneer). I did notice that's it's listening sweet spot is pretty narrow (Due to the ribbon tweeter's "wave guide/horn"? Male vocals are right are quite natural, but the overall sound is a little bit on the bright side. These speakers can rock.
The Polks build quality is also quite nice (Cherry veneer). A knuckle rap test sounds a little more resonant that the HTDs, but it never sounded boxey to me at all. They did have a surprising amount of bass, but they would really benefit from a sub as they are fairly easy to overload and the 5 1/4" mid/woofers start to sound muddy. Nice vocals, both male and female and a somewhat warm sound that appealed to me.
Hopefully, this was helpful
Brett a
~◦●○o0o○●◦~
I'll second Mortsnets mention of the Epos. I was amazed by the sound of the Epos els-3. (I've heard them in 2 different shops) I hope to buy a pair for my kitchen some day.
http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/104epos/
They are a Roy Hall (of Music Hall/Shanling and Goldring) offering. I tend to share his tastes.
http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/104epos/
They are a Roy Hall (of Music Hall/Shanling and Goldring) offering. I tend to share his tastes.
Not even close:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=237725
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=247274
********
$240 a pair in the JBL Pro Tent Sale:
http://www.jblpro.com/pub/recording/4400.pdf
http://www.jblproservice.com/pdf/Studio Monitor Series/4408ALR-1.pdf
All gone now (they sold out in one day), you'll have to buy used or build 'em yerself. Bigdignias, basically.... :thmbsp:
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Thanks for all of the suggestions. I've heard good things about the Model 6s, and might give those a try. A local stereo store, that is more high-end, suggested the Cambridge Audio S30s, but I can't find much info on them beyond one review (that was very good).
A friend in college had some hand-me-down B&Ws that were great, but I don't think I could get much there for $300.
A friend in college had some hand-me-down B&Ws that were great, but I don't think I could get much there for $300.
Look for some guys in a White Van
He jests.... and poorly at that!
Cut-Throat
Well-Known Member
Tekton Design 4.5. Bought from the guy that makes them. No Middle Man. Simply Lovely. They come in black for $300 a pair. I got mine in Gorgeous Bubinga Wood Burl for $500.
If you can stretch that $300 to $330 (and there will be no tax or shipping) take a look at the Axiom M3v2 http://www.axiomaudio.com/bookshelfspeakers.html. There are reviews on the product page. Axiom's site also has a forum section so you can check with other owners. The Axiom M22v2 are on top of my list for new speakers after Jan 1.
jackfish
Active Member
The PSB Image B25 is $319 in closeout right now.
http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1204psb/index.html
http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1204psb/index.html
ken kantor
Fowl Humor
Probably the first thing that manufacturers give up when making a really inexpensive speaker is consistency and quality control in the drivers.
So, if you want to buy very cheap speakers, be sure to audition the pair you are getting. Reading online reviews is probably not as useful as one thinks, since Model N at BuyMart could be made from different parts at different factories on two different months. In fact, I almost guarantee that cheap, popular products have multiple sources and varying design and construction.
-k
So, if you want to buy very cheap speakers, be sure to audition the pair you are getting. Reading online reviews is probably not as useful as one thinks, since Model N at BuyMart could be made from different parts at different factories on two different months. In fact, I almost guarantee that cheap, popular products have multiple sources and varying design and construction.
-k