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Best sounding vintage speakers under $500

My first thought was AR2ax or JBL L110. Either could be usually had for under $500 refurbished. Both are well above average The obvious East coast vs. West coast sound comparison and only you will know which you prefer.
 
BMWCCA said:
If you go by Ebay "completed" results, maybe, but the worst part if 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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I just said a pair of those could go overbudget because there was (very) recently a pair of L7's advertised locally on CL for $750.00,so that was my primary reference point as it's the most recent set I've seen for sale,and they indeed sold very quickly at that (asking) price (< 2 days).

That example right there should be a good lesson for the OP,he should be be ready to strike right away or whatever speakers he's considering may be gone by the time he makes up his mind if he's interested or not.

A pr. of nice L80t for $250.00 may not be around all that long either.

Sure deals are out there,but they dont wait around forever,and sure certain items sometimes seem to languish for a good long time waiting to find a new owner (for whatever reasons),but often as soon as one fella shows interest in that item,w/o doubt that's the moment some other guy swoops in and snakes that deal away.

Not everyone has luck on their side and has stuff fall in their laps for pennies on the dollar,some guys have to work real hard for every deal they find,and some actually have to pay good $$$$ to get what they want just because they dont have the time to scour the earth for those sorta scores.

Me,I have to find deals on any gear I grab up,otherwise I just have to pass,but the OP may be in an entirely different position,I dunno really ?

FWIW

Bret P.
 
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Lots of good suggestions here. FWIW I bought a pair of almost perfect ADS L1590s in rosewood no less, and didn't pay what you have in your budget. Definitely take time to test drive any speakers you consider. Buying locally makes sense for that reason as well as the possible bargains on speakers too big to ship as already mentioned (worked for me). :biggrin: If you hear something you like that isn't for sale in your neighborhood, post a WTB here. AKers have some amazing things stashed away.

Happy hunting!
 
Crafton said:
Looking to pick up a pair of vintage speakers - any suggestions on whats the best sounding speakers for money? Would like to keep it under $500
Click to expand...

How can a question like that be answered?

I wanna buy a car. What's the best one for the money? I want to keep it under 50 grand
 
jhoyt said:
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.
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Agreed...
 
MJB1959 said:
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.
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Agreed...I like JBL, ADS, and Polk....with a quality amp / reciever
 
Here's what I've found and all were below 250 and many were dirt cheap.

It all depends what you like in a speaker

Starting with the best.

Canton Karat 300's
Time Window 1A's
Dahlquist DQ-12's
Altec Boleros C's
Kef XQ-10.
 
This would be better asked if it was phrased "What is the best vintage speaker you have found for under $500.00"
 
I picked up a mint pair of AR 98LS for $350 to listen to while I restore my AR LST2s. I’ll be surprised if LST2s can push the 98LSs out of the way. Anyway, I think $500 can buy some really nice sounds.
 
I wonder if the OP has found his speakers.

The OP has not been here since three years after his post and 5 years ago.

But for 500 bucks, hell get something good like Dahlquist DQ-10s or a sweet price on some Magneplanar MG-IIIs.
I got less than 5 each in those as well as DCM Time Windows and others.
 
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