• 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

Pls help! Newbie speaker decision paralysis-- under $300 and 10" high???

R

rileykerne

New Member
I am just setting up my system. Ordered a U-turn Orbit Plus turntable. I bought a Pioneer SX-424 off ebay that hasn't arrived yet, so hopefully turns out okay. I got the built-in preamp for the turntable just in case. I am between powered and passive speakers. I would ideally like to get speakers with bluetooth so i can also play music from my phone as well, but it's not a dealbreaker. What IS a dealbreaker is having really large speakers right now, as I live in a studio apartment. I am interested in the Audioengine HD3s but they are a little over budget and I am worried they will be too small-- thoughts? I was looking at the Audioengine P4s but reviews sound bad. I love them aesthetically and the size is perfect-- is there something better that is close to those dimensions (9" H x 5.5" W x 6.5" D)? Also looked at the Cambridge SX-50 and could go this direction-- a little larger than I'd prefer but if this is going to be better I would consider. I'd really like to spend closer to $200 but $300 is fine (or $350 if those Audioengine HD3s sound like a good choice for me). I don't think I want to buy used just because I don't know what to look for and I don't want to have to fix anything.

TLDR: what are the best speakers I should get that are around 9" high, and $300 or less?
 
Register to hide this ad
Realistic minimus7's. They are pretty common and in most cases a pair of good condition used ones are usually under 20 bucks. These little buggers sound pretty damn good and are almost indestructible. Size is 7" tall, 4"wide, and 4 1/4" deep.
 
55Redneck said:
Realistic minimus7's. They are pretty common and in most cases a pair of good condition used ones are usually under 20 bucks. These little buggers sound pretty damn good and are almost indestructible. Size is 7" tall, 4"wide, and 4 1/4" deep.
Click to expand...

These look interesting. Looks like there are ones with wood cabinets and metal.
 
I'll second the ADS L300's. I haven't heard that particular model, but do have 2 pair of larger ADS and love them.

NHT Super Zero's are also well thought of. (The original, made in the USA, not the newer made in China.) I have a pair of Super One's that I like (though not as much as the ADS) but they're 11.5" high.

Good luck and happy hunting.
 
Normally I'd instantly agree on the ADS L200 & L300 variants,but in this case with that specific receiver I'd hafta hold that recommendation.
That's a low power receiver and the ADS are 4ohm speakers that would do better with a bit more power than that SX-424 has.

Normally I'd also throw out a recommendation for the Canton Plus S too,but those might tax that low wpc receiver a bit too hard as well.

The Minimus7 should be ok though,those are 8ohm and a bit less demanding as SOP.
Also conisder the Optimus Pro7 & Pro7av as they are basically the same speakers,so that should help the hunt for those some.
Then you may also want to keep an eye out for a pair of Optimus Pro LX-4 (or the Pro LX-5) with the Linaeum tweeters.
Those also sound really nice for a very compact speaker.

Just some more bits of info to ponder here...

Bret P.
 
How about a pair of Dayton Audio B652's for $45.00 paired with their 8" sub for $90.00. All in for under $150.00. I have that same 8" sub in my sons bedroom paired with EPI 100's and it's quite musical and pumps out great bass for it's size. More than enough for a small space.

Heck, toss in a pair of speaker stands for $56.00 and you're still just over $200.00 total.

https://www.parts-express.com/dayto...h-amt-tweeter-pair--300-651#lblProductDetails

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-800-8-80-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-627

https://www.parts-express.com/sanus-bf16b-foundations-16-speaker-stand-pair--240-764
 
I think the power rating for the Pioneer SX-424 is optimistic. And it doesn't take well to low bass load drain at all. It runs out of steam early when used with a thirsty speaker or a low ohm load. I'm not a fan of powered subs, but with the 424 I would consider it if you will be stuck with small size speakers.
What I'm saying is the 424 has a predisposed warm sound and needs an efficient speaker or the bottom will go fat and wooly in a hurry.
 
With only 15 watts out put on that SX-424, your going to need some speakers that have a sensitivity of 91db or better. Cerwin Vega has some AT-12 that have a twelve inch woofer at that rating and will be the cheapest purchase at that rating.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom