Best sounding vintage speakers under $500
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jhoyt
Incomprehensible space llama
Unfortunately, that's a very difficult question to answer, as there are SO many variables. Additionally, in the used market pricing can be a big variable. So my recommendation is to look at what is available locally to you on Craigslist and similar. But also educate yourself! Nothing can tilt the balance in your favor like knowledge.
As been said by the previous poster you will need to educate yourself for the most part. You can always ask questions here but this is what I would do. Keep an eye on CL and when you see a speaker in your price range just google it and look for links where it has been discussed here on AudioKarma. Most likely if it hasn't been discussed here it probably isn't worth pursuing, at least that's what I have found. And as a last step you'll need to go listen for yourself and bring your own music, something that you are familiar with.
For what it's worth the speakers I have owned in that price range were ADS 910's, Dahlquist DQ-10's and Magnepans.
For what it's worth the speakers I have owned in that price range were ADS 910's, Dahlquist DQ-10's and Magnepans.
PeerlessK
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately but also fortunately the answer is yours ears. If you have hifi shops near you they are a nice way of listening , most carry a range of budget speakers . If you do what I did . Be prepared to search and search and search for the right sound with searching there is money involved sometimes a lot! I won't recommend a speaker because we all have our own different taste . Mine would be the Yamaha NS series after listening and searching for my sound I've spent a lot of money all in while I have walk right passed the NS line with my nose in the air because of recommendations of staying away from the Yamaha line of speakers . Just my 2 cents
^^ The answer is your ears! Both of those are great speakers. Maybe you can buy them both and sell the pair you like less!
Check this out. http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/just-picked-up-these-jbl-l80t-speakers.492785/ Also don't be turned off if someone else paid $150 for a $500 speaker. If $500 is the market price and if you like it I'd buy it. It's not about a score it's about enjoying what you bought. We all like a score but if you hold out for one you may be waiting a very long time.
BMWCCA
Addicted Member
I have two pair of L80Ts converted with T3 crossovers, the port mod, and the extra insulation in the top as per Gordon. It still only gets them a so-so rating compared to many other JBLs I own. If you're looking for the best buy, find a good deal locally on the L5 (or, if you're lucky—L7). They're a bear to ship so most won't, making them a cheap local purchase. The L5 does everything well and the L7 is incredible if you have enough power and enough room for them. Getting into more money but often found in your price range would be the L96, L112, or 4410 or 4412 models. There's always a discussion comparing the 10-inch three-ways to the 12-inch three-ways. They're all fine speakers.
If you want to be a trend-setter, try the self-powered JBL LSR305 or LSR308. They'll fit your price range, new, won't need an amp, and image like nothing you've ever heard. I can't stop listening to my 305s and I can't image what the 308s must sound like!
If you want to be a trend-setter, try the self-powered JBL LSR305 or LSR308. They'll fit your price range, new, won't need an amp, and image like nothing you've ever heard. I can't stop listening to my 305s and I can't image what the 308s must sound like!
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xero-D-hero
Super Member
A pair of JBL L7 could easily go "overbudget",but no doubt a great speaker that would be worth a bit more.
I personally would'nt write off the L80T's w/o listening to them first,I say that as I like most all of the JBL speakers I've heard so far,even a few of the "lesser" JBL's like the LX-22,the LX-44 -or- the j325 I presently own.
So yeah I'd consider most any JBL speakers myself,so a set of LX-44 -or- LX-55 would be in consideration as well,as I really enjoy my LX-22's & LX-44's.
Yep,,,consider me a JBL fan...
Bret P.
I personally would'nt write off the L80T's w/o listening to them first,I say that as I like most all of the JBL speakers I've heard so far,even a few of the "lesser" JBL's like the LX-22,the LX-44 -or- the j325 I presently own.
So yeah I'd consider most any JBL speakers myself,so a set of LX-44 -or- LX-55 would be in consideration as well,as I really enjoy my LX-22's & LX-44's.
Yep,,,consider me a JBL fan...
Bret P.
Any of the early Snell's, if you can find them in good condition. Just be careful on people replacing the speakers with non original replacements. I own 3 sets now and I love all of them. Also, if you like a nice vintage "warm" speaker, the old Wharfedales are really nice. I just sold a pair of W90E's. They were amazing on Jazz.
michiganpat
Super Member
watch for some AR91's or AR11's....if you're patient you can find them....
as far as newer speakers, the late 90's AR312HO and their successors (the AR Hi Res) are excellent speakers
as far as newer speakers, the late 90's AR312HO and their successors (the AR Hi Res) are excellent speakers
BMWCCA
Addicted Member
If you go by Ebay "completed" results, maybe, but the worst part is they're worth far more parted out. But local sales can be found within the budget. I'm not bragging but as a point of reference, I got my first pair three houses down the street from me for $200 and the next just 100-miles away for the same. Both were openly advertised on Craig's List and the owners knew what they had and didn't want to ship them. WAF also helps keeps the prices low. The L5s will fit in nearly any car trunk but are still a pain to ship. I drove mine back from Boston and then saw another pair there and told my brother-in-law to pick them up for me. That was a few years ago and he still won't let me have them!
Datapoints: The last pair of L7s on Ebay no-saled at a BIN price of $750 (local pickup only). The last pair of L5s sold went for $250! (local pickup only) That's a great deal.
Yeah, it sure helps if we know where you are!
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dr*audio
Fish fingers and custard!
It would help if you told us what kind of music you like, and if you want a natural sound or accentuated bass and / or treble.
If you want a natural sound, good for a wide variety of music, like Classical, Jazz, Folk, and Rock, I can recommend:
DCM TF-700 or TF1000
Polk Monitor 10
any Vandersteen
any KEF
any ADS
AR2, AR2a, AR3, AR3a
Dynaco A25
B&W
If you want a natural sound, good for a wide variety of music, like Classical, Jazz, Folk, and Rock, I can recommend:
DCM TF-700 or TF1000
Polk Monitor 10
any Vandersteen
any KEF
any ADS
AR2, AR2a, AR3, AR3a
Dynaco A25
B&W
MJB1959
Super Member
500.00 is an excellent budget for some quality vintage speakers, especially if you get lucky and are patient enough for the right one to come along, examine your personal musical tastes as certain speaker makers enhance certain genres of music differently, IE JBL and ADS, both are highly regarded for different things.
