Best Speaker Under $100 - They're good... really good
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- čas přidán 20. 11. 2020
- #speakerreview
Today I crown the best speaker under $100 and compare the Polk T15 vs Neumi BS5 vs Sony SSCS5 vs Micca MB42X vs Dayton Audio B652 Air.
Neumi BS5 - amzn.to/3lT3gMd
Sony SSCS5 - Out on Amazon - In the US Try Bestbuy
Polk T15 - amzn.to/339saQG
Micca MB42X - amzn.to/3pPjisW
Dayton Audio B652 Air (check for discount code on google) - www.parts-express.com/dayton-...
Enter the Klipsch R-51M Speaker Giveaway - • Klipsch R-51M Speaker ...
/ cheapaudioman
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial (For HD, Scroll to the bottom of the linked page and select “Try HD” amzn.to/3fiiMPC
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Prices have all gone up since the posting of this video$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Sony SSCS5 (this will go back down to $88 around holidays and throughout the year) amzn.to/3qLR3i3
----------------Neumi BS5 amzn.to/30ehgdF
------------------Micca MB42x amzn.to/3wF6auo
---------------------Polk XT15 (newer Rev - These will also probably go on sale) amzn.to/3wF5QvC
Hey, a friend recommended me your review on these speakers as I am completely new to any sort of audio upgrades. I have a cheap TCL TV with built-in speakers that I've been itching to upgrade the sound system for. I was looking at Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Computer speakers. I've heard recommendations for it because it includes a sub and frequently goes on sale for $80 for the set. However, with your review of the Sony SSCS5, I wonder if it wouldn't be the better option for about $150 once I purchase an amp, banana plugs, an RCA to Headphone adapter, and the speakers at the current $88 price. A thing to note is that these speakers would both be positioned on either side of the TV in a moderately sized room, and the only thing outputting audio as the TV does not support also using the built in speakers as a center channel of sorts.
Thanks, I appreciate any comments or suggestions, love the review!
@@aidanhengehold7326 hey. You may want to look at a DAC amp such as the aiyima d03. It’s about $130 and the Sony’s are sometimes around 90. Your TCL almost certainly has a optional digital out and you can run that into the DAC amp and hook up the speakers and be good to go. Will sound much better as the tv’s DAC will be bypassed.
Sounds good. Thanks coffee man! 🤓
I just got the Sony SSCS5 for $148.00 from Amazon. I haven't decided if I'm going to keep them. My Pioneer Bookshelf speakers that I got of Ebay used 3 or 4 years ago for $35.00 sound as good or even better.
Sony's are $199 now (2/27/23).
Thanks for the real life review by someone who clearly loves sound and helping others get value from their purchase.
One recommendation: If your camera setup allows it please change your ISO/exposure settings to manual.
That should fix the auto light-to-dark issue that is going on in this video.
I agree with the exposure comment, switch to manual ISO/exposure. Great review, and I like your choices and explanations. I recommend your videos to others looking for new equipment. Thank you!
Doesn't help with the backlight changing constantly either , I'm sure he'll learn from this experience.
I really enjoy your “no nonsense” approach to your reviews. You come across as genuine and sincere. Your humor is cool too. Keep doing your reviews the same way. Your approach separates you from the rest of the YT reviewers in this regard. Keep up the great work. Subbed.
Thanks so much.
I bought the Polk T15s two days before I came across your channel. I couldn't put my finger on what it was about the mids but you've nailed it. They sound like there's a sheet of paper in front of them. Now I'm thinking about the Sony's with the mod. Love your videos and how you present!
I went ahead and ordered the Sony towers based on your's and other's recommendation of the bookshelf model. I love your channel, keep up the good work!
I would really enjoy hearing your impression of them. I almost did the same but out the money towards Rothe KEF Q150
Just bought the Sony from Best Buy, wish I could have used your Amazon link. Had originally bought the Klipsch R-51m, but after watching your videos I switched. Thanks a ton for the reviews!
I did the same thing.
I am really feeling the aesthetics of the Neumi, glad they sound good too. I almost bought those Micca speakers, glad I saw this comparison.
I like the micca speakers with classical music.
Great video. I learned so much more than expected. I was hard set on the Polk for my man cave garage. After this video, the Polk is history. I just ordered two pairs of the Neumi's BS5. The price was 109.99 per pair, very reasonable for today's painful inflation.
How do you like them?
Do you also use a Sub?
Great Stuff. I subbed yesterday. Tip: lock the white balance and exposure on your camera. Keep up the good work.
I just discovered your site today and have been watching your videos for the past 2 hours. I’m hooked on your site. Thank you!
3 years later, the Sony is now going for 200.00.
Bastards
Did you find a good price cuz I’ve been searching couldn’t find one
@@omarnidal7486 there like 150 now for a pair
Great videos as always, man. Greetings from El Salvador.
I own the Neumi's and Sony's. Both beloved. The Sony's was just on sale again for $73 an Amazon so I bought 2 sets. Had the Neumi's for almost a year and use them at work with a cheap Rockviille sub, Topping PA3, micca Origen 2 pre-amp / headphone amp, and a Rolls SX45 crossover. It is a phenomenal setup for roughly $500 that sounds way better than it should. The Rolls made a huge difference (added it last)
Hey got a question...do you use a Sub with the Sony
Hi. I loved the video. One suggestion - try locking the exposure on the camera - it's gonna look great.
This video was extremely helpful, I'm in the process of buying my first turntable, so if course I needed some speakers. Didn't want to spend too much since it's my first setup and this video is just what I was looking for. Thank you so much!
I’m actually in the process of doing this now what pair did you end up choosing?
There are several speakers on Amazon that have very high ratings but are just terrible! The reality is, most people have never heard GOOD speakers, so they think any speaker that makes sound they can understand for a cheap price is amazing.
Regarding the Daytons...I forget who it was, but one of the audio guys took that speaker awhile back and added a crossover and a port. The results were pretty amazing! Of course, it's no longer a cheap speaker, but a fun project anyway.
absolutely love the no-bullcrap approach, all the best from Poland!
I really appreciate this speaker comparison. Very helpful. Awesome videos. Thanks!
This was super helpful and nice background content while I was working.
I feel you on the polks, Amazon ratings are so unreliable and make no sense half the time. Thanks for these great reviews, have been really helpful.
a lot of those Polk owners use as surrounds or with cheapass class D amps that are harsh
Facts! They have the number 1 rated subwoofer on there. The bass is so bloated. I had to return it.
@@YoYo-uh3xj What model sub/speaker did you take back?
Really like the reviews. Simple, straight to the point. New subscriber here.
I don't know if I have ever watched a more thorough, well thought out video review...Reminds me of how I have said for years, if people just knew what was out there they would know how much of a gift good audio is these days, and how it really is accessible to all economic positions because of the quality of design and engineering....
And yet, the sound back in the day (late 1970s into the 80s) was awesome. But you had to have the space for a 3-way unit with an 8” minimum woofer, and preferably 10” or 12”. And yes, accounting for inflation it was quite a bit more expensive. But I agree; a pair of small speakers plus a sub nowadays can light up a room or backyard.
I know this is one of your much older videos, but I discovered your channel this week. Glad I did!
I was originally considering the Daytons. However the Neumis never entered my consideration.
Given the high praise you sing of them, I'm probably going to grab them instead!
I really think the BIC Venturi dv62si would be another great addition in this catagory. Got mine for $99 awhile back and think they compare very well if not better than the sony's. Love your channel BTW.
This guy is great and he seems to have the same taste of music as I do. I hope he keeps doing what he's doing Randy you are the man. I enjoy listening to your shootouts. Do not have a lot of high-end stereo stores in Huntsville Alabama so it's good to know what I'm looking for in my price range you are the man
Where's the Andrew Jones Pioneer speakers.....that got rave reviews. You missed the boat on that. You will be forgiven if you keep drinking rootbeers (I prefer A@W's sweeter taste profile).
Ya know, two years in and you don't really don't look that much different! I appreciate your work!
very good new underrated channel. keep it up. you have consistently good content
thanks, water melon. Much appreciated
I saw your notification and grabbed a pair of the Sony for $88. I noticed that they had the matching 10" sub for $113, so I grabbed that too. Thats a 2.1 system for $201! I'm going to wait for the Sony STDRH190 receiver to go on sale and that will complete my budget system. Not a Sony loyalist, but they seem to have nailed entry level hi-fi. Thanks for the tip!
I really like the Sony STDRH190, I bought for 148.00 off of Amazon. My vintage 2220b Marantz cuts out on one channel sometimes when I play records or my reel to reel tape decks.
Glad I found your channel. Love your content!
Even know you shitted on my Polks😂 I’m still gonna subscribe!!!😎😎 Great review!!
Man, your presentation style, videos and video production quality have come a long way since the beginning. Can't believe it's probably been close to year since started listening to your channel. Thanks for all the high quality content, and expert advice. I have spent money wisely in this hobby thanks to you (but still more than i should have, lol)
I know how you feel....I did the same thing, but hey I'll recover. I bought The Sony's and a highly recommended Yamaha sub...now I'm waiting for it to come along with the cables so I can get this thing up and running...oh yes...I bought 2 Fosi's for the power amp and headphone amp.
Great review. A 'king wears no clothes' kind of review. Telling it like it is. It's much harder (as well as more fun) to pick out the standouts, the value in bargain priced material. This will make good quality audio accessible like nothing else can.
Yeah, had I not just scored some NM Minimus 7W's I know the guy, very good friend! excellent shape- Love them! I'll get the upgraded x overs and whatever they need soon, the 7W will get a light fine sanding and some oil and new lighter colour grills. I love my RS's if not for these? def. SONY's for me. New subber you seem cool! Also no BS I can respect that. Thanks man.
You’re a really cool guy and this video was incredibly helpful!! Thanks man!
Honestly this helped a lot haha but keep up the good reviews! But could i recommend not having the sun in the background but other than that the best comparison i’ve come across👍🏽
B&W's high end speakers have the tweeters in their own little enclosure on top of the cabinet to eliminate baffle reflections and other problems from being mounted in the front of the baffle above the woofer
This was an EXCELLENT and INFORMATIVE video, thank you. I'm looking at the Neumi BS5 over a year later than you posted and it's v hard to find as they currently ship a powered version, that I think I'll try it. Decent price on it.
Thanks for what you do man. I appreciate your work.
I thoroughly enjoyed your review. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve found the imaging on the polk to be actually pretty good. Listening to Yosi Horikawa’s “Letter” you can really tell the pen in the recording going from left to right smoothly, I was like what the heck, caught me off guard.
Keep it up one of the best channels out here
i have the daytons with a matching center channel running the b452 airs in rear fill and diy 12 inch sub using a dayton audio UM12-22 in a t-line box and i love them been debating on going 7.1 and adding in there t652 air towers thank you for your time
I wish I had seen this video before I bought the Polk T15 speakers. I had an extra yamaha RX-V1800 AV receiver lying around (long story) and was upgrading my computer sound. First I tried some cheap Amazon powered speakers using no amplifier. Sounded like crap. Then I got the receiver hooked up to the polks. Exactly as you described the sound was veiled. Got the Sonys at $73. I'm using a USB Audio connection into a DAC to pass through to the receiver's digital coax input and the sound is superb. I listen to mostly a flac catalog made up from my CD collection. Good news is Amazon's return policy for the Polks. Thanks so much for your reviews!
Hello friend, how are you doing? Excuse me, can you tell me where you bought the Sony SSCS5 for that price? Is the price for each one or for the pair? thank you
@@jromeroarenales1 that was the price on Amazon. I see they are back up to $148. You may have to wait a while but they do bounce up and down between those prices...
I started with the Dayton 650's in my system. Now I use them in the backyard. I run them on stands next to the privacy fence. I am amazed at how good they sound and at $55 I don't mind them getting beat up. On the average weekend I run them 10 to 15 hours and they seem to have broken in. I agree they could be better for a few more dollars
Love your channel!!! You keep it real!!!!
I bought the Sony sscs5 because of this video and I mannnnnnnn they are good. I was so shocked at what I was getting for such a low price. I was so lucky to find one on Amazon for $63. Ty so much for this because I was going to pay way more on some other speakers.
Great review! Love the shootouts! 👍👍👍
Thanks so much
The Neumi speakers are unbelievably good and a sub isn't necessary for my bedroom setup... Paired them with my 70's Harmon Kardon 330c and I couldn't be happier for only $100 bucks. Without your channel I wouldn't have considered speakers under $250. Thanks for your reviews dude!!
Thank god for this Chanel you helped me set up my first turntable setup I’m on a budget tho since I’m only 14 and can’t get a job but the NEUMI is the one I’m going with and am really exited to hear how it sounds
Welcome to the club, brother. Enjoy the ride. You can stay on it for your whole life. Check out yesterday’s video on the mouser speakers. Yeah they be one to consider
Great video been trying o find some cheap speakers for a min that were worth it
Ordered the Neumis today. Thank you for the very helpful videos. I am new to audio and trying to build a budget turntable setup. Adding these to a Crosley C6 through a Fosi bt20a for a sub $300 total system. Fingers crossed!
Neumis are really good. Like those little speakers
Come on folks! Let’s get this show up to 10k subs like... in a week. Even if your not into Audio, this is highly entertaining!
Great videos for the best deals so much detail in all your videos Happy Holidays to you and family
Just bought some today based off your review. Thanks
Since watching your channel, I have acquired both the Sony SSCS5 and the Neumi BS5 speakers. Prices have risen a bit since you posted the video, but they are both really good sounding speakers at a very reasonable price. I am impressed with the quality of the music you can get through these small speakers. I did use your link through to Amazon. Hope you are getting something back from Amazon or the speaker company for your recommendations.
What one would you recommend?
@@Orion-redx7 If you have the space get the larger Sony SSCS5.
Picked up a pair of the Sony speakers on your recommendation. They arrived today and I instantly bought three more pairs and I don’t have any use for them. Just going to shelf them because I have learned when something is this awesome buy extra while they are still in production
Love how the camera auto exposure is all over the place. A true professional.
How is the dispersion especially if used for sides wall mounted. My rears will me on stands or on a shelf
Hey Brother. I'm new to the channel, so I've just been bouncing around. I saw some of your more recent posts before landing on this one. Although I've enjoyed them all, and have learned from each of them, this is my favorite so far& its largely due to the "child interuptions". Its obvious that you're a fantastic father who loves his child/children(?) deeply. I can't think of a better measure of a man than that. Many years ago I went from being a Recon Marine, to a construction worker, to a stay at home father.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your opini-ive learned n quite a bt from you in a short amount of time. Thanks again,
Bill
PS-As my daughter is grown and living on her own across the country and since being permanently disabled, I've substituted my morning coffee for tequila and/or beer. Hope you don't mind. 😎😇😁
Loving your channel. I use these Miccas in a gaming PC 5.1 system, and for that use case they're quite good. I was not aware of the Neumis; their very middle-of-the-road sound should be ideal for rears in my secondary HT system. Not the Sonys for me--exciting is not what I'm after.
The Sony's just do sound well...very well
Great video! These are all the speakers im looking at. Aside from some active edifiers. Thank you
Great video deserved the sub, Keep it up👍
Not usually inclined to subscribe for reasons other than content but I subbed before you even asked. Good vibe, passionate about your field. Keep it up brotha much love
These videos are hard to watch now. I appreciate it, my friend
Hello from Western Australia. I've subscribed!
Man, I really enjoy your older content, the fricken humor is top shelf
Because of Randy, I now have three sets of SSCS5s. Loving them in my office, wife's office, and even as a secondary in our studio.
Great videos, man. Thanks!
I'm loving your reviews and subscribed. The child interruption had me grinning from ear to ear. My only question is what is going on with your lighting? It seems to cycle from way too dark, to brighter and back again - it's distracting me from an otherwise great review.
Willing to bet: Cloud passing + lots of black speakers in frame + auto adjust
Don't know how many of you out there have an idea of how much time it takes Randy to produce a video like this AND this one is for 5 speakers less than $100! He should have at least 100K subscribers! Keep up the good work Randy! I'm can't find my Lucky Charms! 🤔
He has 207K subs so...
I need help on what speakers I should get, my options are: Klipsch r15m, Fluance sx6 or Fluance signature 2 way 🤔
Hi,
Did you had the chance to try the "Moukey M20-3"?
I noticed it recently, and I was interested on how it would compare to your top pick.
I hooked a pair of T15s to an old Technics receiver with a class H Amp, and they were extremely loud. Clear highs but lacking in bass, but sounded OK.
fantastic, no- frills video! great stuff!
Ugh. I can’t even watch this video. My new stuff at least looks better. The content is still just mediocre.
Cheap audio man, love your channel. For a pair of budget bookshelf speakers, I am considering the Neumi for $109, the Jamo for $139, or the Sony for $148. What's the best value choice? Leaning towards the Neumi as a well-behaved, neutral front channel speakers in my surround that is rated at 145 watts per channel. I have two subs in the 5.2 setup. Thanks.
This guy got me so excited about speakers, definitely gonna get that Sony speaker for Xmas maybe even two for stereo
They come in pairs of two already🤯
Love the birds tweeting while you rank tweeters 😎
I have to put my bookshelf speakers on a wooden loft which is directly above (overhead) the couch where we sit. They will be about 6 feet apart. I know this isn't ideal, but until we move its what we are stuck with. SO which of these - The Dayton's the Sony's or the Neumi's - do you think is best for this overhead set up? I'm running them off a simple Sony STRDH190, and we like Classic rock, 80's rock, some grunge and some Dave Mathews (not sure where they fit in lol) by way of blue tooth mp3s off that Sony receiver. I like a warm smooth bass that doesn't distort and nice crisp highs to capture the high-hats cleanly. Any help is appreciated.
I’m late to the game but glad I found your channel. The Sony is available again on Amazon but at 168.. I’m assuming that’s with everything going on.. at that price point I need to watch more of your content to make sure it’s the best value. These are going on a shelf in a built-in entertainment center. Open front but enclosed in otherwise. Appreciate the honest reviews and look forward to hearing from you
You had me at “where’s my coffee”
Just fluked across your channel. Love it!! Have watched two already - signed - a new subscriber!!!!
Thanks, man. Those sucked back then. Watch some new ones. We have fancy sponsors and editing now.
@@cheapaudioman Hey! It was Nov. 21st. 2020!!!
We all need a Lucky Charms break now and then. hehe
Thanks for this comparison video, been looking for an inexpensive pair of speakers so definitely helpful.
Between the Sony and the Neumi, which do you recommend for a 2 channel receiver/record player set up?
Looking at upgrading my current front media speakers (currently just 2 front and 1 center speaker). I currently have the Yamaha NS-6490 3 way and have been looking at the Sony SS-SC5 but not sure if this would be an upgrade or not. My Yamaha speakers are current about 15 years old and are being driven by a Denon AVR-1100W. I could go as far as spending up $200-$250 on the speakers if the quality is worth it, any suggestions would be appreciated (bookshelf size only) Thanks!
A coworker was asking me about a system so he could listen to "vinyls" . I suggested the the Dayton audios because I have them and use them in the backyard in the summer. I'm happy with them for what they are and what they cost. After watching this review I suggested the the Sony speaker along with The Sony receiver that is stupid cheap. Anyway he loves them. Thanks
Hey Randy I like your videos. I'm a relative newbie to this kind of stuff. Not knowing too much a couple years ago I purchased a Yamaha Rx-V 385 receiver. They appear to be pretty common and are at a price point that seems appropriate for your channel but you don't have any mention of them. Are they bad or something?
The pulsating light effect keeps me engaged😵💫
Hey great review question for you. I’m looking to put one of these inexpensive speakers in each corner of my garage mountain about 10 feet in the air which one would you go with? Thanks
Just watched this today and went out and bought the Sony from Best Buy based on your vid. Loved the multiple “child interruption”. Great stuff. I wish I could have used a link for you. I bought them for my 34 year old son. He told me he wanted to follow me in my hifi hobby. Besides the Sony speakers, he’s gonna get a Nikko 35 watt receiver I kept from ‘76 and a Dual 1257 from same general period. Thanks for the fun informative video.
Great speakers. Still blown away as another viewer tore them open and they have a very well thought out and designed crossover.
@@cheapaudioman your subscriptions are really growing quickly. I see you’re over 3k. People are hungry for this stuff especially at lower prices. None of the other guys doing reviews are irreverent or interested in doing consumer stuff. Keep it up, man.
Congratulations for the suggestions. Really good work from you. You should have a few lessons about lighting in videos and auto iris settings. Will be very helpfull on the background lighting and colour of the scene. Conclusion : Add colour to the background and light in the front.
Newly Subbed
Have you done a Sub shoot out at the $100 range .mono price etc ?
Agreed 1000%! Neumi's are a sleeper speaker. I was floored when I heard them. And if you are considering getting the powered ones on the reputation of these, don't. They are not the same. The powered ones are fantastic for the price, don't get me wrong, but they are not built by the the same magical Elve's
What did you power them with?
First time watching listening seeing whatever. I enjoyed the way you did your reviews the no bullshit straight forward call it like you see it like it or not style. There was no sugarcoating in there except for the Lucky charms and that was cool too. If you said OK one more time I was gonna strangle myself but it’s all good I subscribed and I will continue watching your reviews. Thanks again.
I'm thinking about buy 4 pairs of the Neumi's to use as 7.2.4 ear height speakers (with one left over). something to think about.
Just bought the Sonys! It's bigger than I planned getting(was originally looking at the Miccas) because of limited desk space but I'm going to have to make due.
How do you like them so far?
Subscribed, my man!
Thanks!
@@cheapaudioman Just found your channel today and I love it! So, here goes:
I don’t know Jack shit about audio equipment and I don’t have a whole lot of money. Let’s say under $500.
WTF do I need? Speakers, receiver, DAC, I don’t know!
Small bedroom 12X12 Man cave. I have an old Technics turntable, that’s it. What do I do? Thanks.
Hi, thanks for the video. I have a "mini" Atmos system 5.1.2, a Bundle from Onkyo with enabled Atmos speakers and I'm interested in using height speakers for the Atmos, any of these could be used for that propose? If not what do you recommend for that price range?
I already have an old Yamaha SW-2 Subwoofer. Which of these speakers would work the best with it, in a great room (living-room/dining room) with high vaulted ceiling and nice corner locations?
I need FL and FR bookshelf speakers for my built-ins. How crucial is it that I get speakers with front-facing ports? I'd love to buy the Sonys, but the ports are rear-facing.
How do you think the daytons would work as four atmos height speakers when paired with Martin Logans??? Any other budget option???
I had a pair of t15 and paired with a pioneer subwoofer hooked up to a strdh190 and the sound was phenomenal. I was really happy with the sound quality and the overall bases. I would use Spotify with the audio quality turned up and with the eq adjust for the lows.
Me too I also had a pair of t15 hooked to a strdh190 with a pioneer sub. I was incredible happy with the sound. Going to buy the neumi bs5 and a Polk sub hopefully it’ll sound good
I wonder how would you like Herkules active monitors that go for around 80e in Europe. I find them sounding great and reqlly enjoyable to lessen for enjoyment