Vintage speaker choice: Canton Karat 300, Ohm FRS-7, Dahlquist DQM-9 Compact, Altec Lansing 305

[jgduck]

I’m auditioning these 4 speakers: Canton Karat 300, Ohm FRS-7, Dahlquist DQM-9 Compact, Altec Lansing 305.

I’m curious if one of the 4 really stand out and if you had to choose one (all in good condition) which would you pick?

Sound + looks is important for me since these will be next to my McIntosh setup and my wife is a stickler for appearances in our living room.

Also, from a value stand point is one more valuable than the others? These are from a friend so pricing is going to be similar across the board. I just tend to enjoy speakers for 5 or so years and then end up selling them to try something new so I’d like a pair that will hold or increase in value.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Sound + looks is important for me since these will be next to my McIntosh setup and my wife is a stickler for appearances in our living room.

Based on this you need to listen to them, I'd discount the Ohm as it was a good third cheaper than the others in the 90s, and let your wife see what the look like. Our opinion of them might not be enough to get past you preferring a different speaker and you wife only letting a specific speaker into her house.

The house sound of each company should come through in all those speakers. Give em a listen.

 

[jgduck]

Based on this you need to listen to them, I'd discount the Ohm as it was a good third cheaper than the others in the 90s, and let your wife see what the look like. Our opinion of them might not be enough to get past you preferring a different speaker and you wife only letting a specific speaker into her house.

The house sound of each company should come through in all those speakers. Give em a listen.

That’s the conclusion I’m coming to terms with in my head. Ohms sounded nice but for my room I felt the mids were pretty light. I feel like I’ll go with the Dahlquist or the cantons based off their specs and the reviews I’ve seen but we shall see. I’m excited for the next chapter in my speaker journey regardless!

 

[Roadrash]

If the Altec 305s are the A version they would get my vote, and if they're the S version(ported) I would pass. I've owned a pair of 315s which are a slightly upgraded version of the 305A since they were new, and they're a very good and highly underrated speaker. They tend to get dismissed because of the Sparkomatic ownership as not being 'real' Altecs.

Are they audiophile grade speakers? No. Will they increase in value? Highly doubtful. Do they sound way better than their reputation would lead you to believe they would? Most definitely.

Since you said the speakers are coming from a friend, maybe you can see if he'll let you try the DQM-9s and the 305s in your room and see which you like best. The Altecs sound their best at least 10 inches off the floor FWIW.

As always just my .02

 

[jgduck]

If the Altec 305s are the A version they would get my vote, and if they're the S version(ported) I would pass. I've owned a pair of 315s which are a slightly upgraded version of the 305A since they were new, and they're a very good and highly underrated speaker. They tend to get dismissed because of the Sparkomatic ownership as not being 'real' Altecs.

Are they audiophile grade speakers? No. Will they increase in value? Highly doubtful. Do they sound way better than their reputation would lead you to believe they would? Most definitely.

Since you said the speakers are coming from a friend, maybe you can see if he'll let you try the DQM-9s and the 305s in your room and see which you like best. The Altecs sound their best at least 10 inches off the floor FWIW.

As always just my .02

Thanks for your reply! I admittedly am not very familiar with Altec so I really appreciate some back history on them. Not entirely sure if they’re the A version but I’ll check on that when he brings them over.