5 Cheap Alternatives to Awesome Expensive Speakers and 2 Bonus Speakers
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2022
- Polk R200 (On Sale) howl.me/cf5QY9RrLK1
Emotiva B2+ bit.ly/3zNZltO
Wharfedale Lintonhowl.me/cgBC4uJR2iz
Elac BS41 amzn.to/3U1zEhw
SVS Ultra howl.me/cf7Rd25XaT6
Klipsch RP6000F amzn.to/3d3nnIE
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
amzn.to/3GkNaop
CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
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Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
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Recommended Streamer
WIIM Mini amzn.to/33CL99w
Bluesound Node shop-links.co/cgGiqJ2UFIO
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio.com/products.htm
Recommended DACs
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc - Zábava
Polk R200 (On Sale) howl.me/cf5QY9RrLK1
Wharfedale Lintonhowl.me/cgBC4uJR2iz
Elac BS41 amzn.to/3U1zEhw
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
amzn.to/3GkNaop
CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Those Elac BS41 looks like the only decent budget speaker at this time. I'd like to audition those at some time.
What is your opinion about the Mission LX3 mk2. When a review?
I like how Randy doesn't ran out of content AND always gives solid recommendations. 🙌🏼👏🏼
Did you mean sony recommendations?
I don't always agree with you although I rarely voice my opinion to you directly but I will say that you are doing the Hi-Fi community a service and keep it up sir
Thanks! Really appreciate that
It doesn’t last.
This praise and championing of budget gear.
The expensive stuff just sound better.
Steve Guttenberg used to do this.
Now this is in the spirit of what cheapaudioman is all about. Thanks!
Two years ago I sold my old B&W's for Meta's: mistake. Then got RP6000f's, had a lot of fun and challenged my eardrums daily for a year. Finally settled on Lintons. It's been emotional.
I am home now.
Thanks! I had same, now have Elac. Dont miss B&W price, but they are good. Decisions....
How you like your lintons
Which amp are you using with the Lintons?
@@MichaelHumbles Yamaha AS 1100. Very nice and sweet. Sometimes I go back to my vintage HarmanKardon PM650 for a while. It kicks a lot harder (something the Yamaha just politely refuses). Source is PC/streaming and Rotel CD-transport, both via Topping E50. All in all a neat little setup, IMO:)
@@Bob.martens beautiful amp, on my wishlist for sure. Thanks for sharing
Like my Cornwalls and luxman 507z
Consider buying used. If you look around, you can find the "old" model of a speaker on the used market at an affordable price. Is it a "new" speaker? No, but pre-loved speakers can be a way to hear high-end sound on a budget.
True and it is also less risky buying used speakers than used amps or other electronic components. Of course, that also depends on if one can check them in person or not.
I have two setups using SONY SSCS5...one hooked to a FOSI BT30D and Monoprice sub; the other hooked to my Denon Streamer and a huge Behringer sub. I love both setups. My mixing speakers are PreSonus Eris E5.
More audio awesomeness coming from the CheapAudioMan! Thank you!
Thanks for the video information
I really appreciate this speaker advice and also your speaker shootout comparisons! Very helpful! No one else is doing what you're doing.
I saw the Klipsch RP 600 M on Amazon for $349. a pair. If you think it's a good buy I might getnthem. Thanks for the video.
I love my KEF LS50's. Yes, I have it paired with a subwoofer.
@cheapaudioman, I remember this video and thought it was very useful. Since you've done higher priced speakers this past year, ('23-24) it might be great to compare the pricier speakers you've reviewed recently with their less expensive distant cousins. The delta between these speakers is diminishing, and this would be a good public service announcement. And of course, there are some speakers that can't be touched by anything cheap. At least it will give you a topic that marries 'cheap' with 'not.' Just a thought. 🙃
Great food for thought Randy!! 👍👍👍
Thanks 👍
The Wharfedale Dimiond 12.1 are excellent bookshelf speakers. Plus they are well made.
Interesting information on alternative speakers, just proves there's something out there for everyone to try.
I'm in England,from my experiences,the k.e.f. L.S.50 original was bought by the 000s,but, most were listened to and bought in the shop on a high quality source and amp,then used at home on a much lesser source/amp,hence why they end up on used market.
Another useful video and it will likely introduce new people to high end audio.
I have the Klipsh RP-8000F and love them. I DO wish I had a bigger room though.
I love this sort of topic!
This is what we need! In so many of life's buying decisions, I am always trying to maximize performance/cost ratio unless I really need something extremely specific. This is perfect for the 99.9999% of music listeners who don't have an extra $30k lying around to blow on a high-end audio system. You're filling a huge void in the "audiophile" world and giving people who love music the straight goods on where the extra $ really makes a difference, and what can only be detected with laboratory equipment. THANK YOU!!
Very good advice Randy. 👍👍
I have the Lintons and I LOVE THEM. This might be famous last words, but I honestly can't imagine ever wanting a further upgrade. To my ears they sound perfect for how I want to listen to music.
The ultimate stage ! Congrats.
Many thanks for taking the time to offer us these great alternatives. Great info.
Good job Randy! Any chance you could do a 5 Cheap Alternatives to Awesome Powered Speakers?
Great suggestion!
Another option people look over is vintage hi-fi speakers. Brands like: Acoustic Research (AR), Advent, and JBL. In reality, there hasn't been any significant improvement in speakers in 40yrs. Old speakers that sounded great, will still sound great. Re-foam them for $15. Call it a day.
Thanks for this! Comparison reviews are always nice. I have raw B-1s and three Pelonis fans because of your reviews. The Lentons are next on my list
Great content. I enjoyed the topical video.
I've been trying to get one of my coworkers into hi-fi lately, this is a great video to send him
Cervin Vega ! ! How about speakers under $ 200.00 Any good ones ? ?
Again great Cheap Audio, Man!
From a price point and esthetic I've been partial to the Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary. Sounds great and looks great.
You rock, Randy!!!
Here in chile I bought the lintons for 1000 $ with the stands!
Nice. Great deal
Great informative content. It comes while I am shopping for some really good bookshelf speakers for my living room with a vaulted ceiling and very open and a slightly echo. I won't be playing often at a high volume but I would like it to be able to fill the room. My wife hears better than I do so I will be rocking in my basement where she fears to tread. I am deciding between Emotiva B!, The Sony SSCS5, and the Elac BS41.
Larry, the Sony SSCS-5 are fantastic! They are airy, warm, and detailed without being fatiguing. They sound GREAT with everything I've thrown at them. I love them so much that I purchased a 2nd pair, just because. Haha!
great video, got me thinking if my triangle Borea BR03's were the right purchase.
I own the Klipsch Heresy, the ones made in the 1970s or 80's. I bought them for the pair at the local second hand store for 40$ the pair....fully functional, and to my old ears different but as good sounding, with a bit more bass, as my Kefs 104/2, that I bought for 400$ used, from a lady who divorced her hubby and wanted to get rid of his studio stuff....Bargain hunting is beautiful.
This is very useful, make another one of these when you find similar matches to compare.
Last year I swapped my JBL XTi 20 5.0 surround set for Klipsch speakers. 2x R50M, 2x R51M, 2x R620F plus a R-8SW sub. Not too expensive (Around 2000 Euro for all seven speakers). Usually these would be far above my budget. I'm happy with the sound for both movies and music.
You should do this for subs!
I've been thinking of pulling the trigger on the 10" fluance but I've held off mostly because you haven't talked about them...
I have always gotten my speakers at the thrift stores lol. The best I've found so far is a pair of klipsch epic cf-4. Just picked up a pair of phase technology 1.1. Nice little speakers for 15$
Great concept for $$$ vs $ value SQ comparisons. I recently purchased a pair of Klipsch RP 160-M bookshelf for 299/pr, new, with free shipping from Crutchfield. The 160's are filling my soul with happiness on the H.T. front and not too shabby on the live music. Overall, great value for the$.
I use RP160m's for surround speakers. Got them pretty cheap from Adorama a few years ago and they do a great job from what I can tell.
Wharfedales are really hard to beat in their respective price ranges. I went with the Wharfedale EVO 4.2's because there was nothing that I could find that would match their definition, clarity, and sound stage.
I have the wharfadale S 2s love them .Great work randy as always greetings from Scotland 👍🙂
I have the 225's...I like them.
Hey Randy great and fun video, good to know these alternatives that exist, whenever People ask me for what’s good reasonable speakers I refer over to this channel and the products you recommend! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🔥💥
what does "scooped out midrange" mean? You mean an absence of midrange?
I think I would love the SVS Ultra. I have their Mirco3000 sub paired with Klipsch The Fives for my turntable. Would love to experiment with other speakers.
Very, very good episode. Thank you so much. Spot on re the Klipsch models … super excellent comparison. Precisely (if that’s the word) my own experience.
Glad it was helpful!
I bought the kef Q350s at $500 and I think it's a more affordable alternative to the LS50 metas. And the Q350s to my ears have better bass response due to the 6 inch woofer as compared to 5in in the LS 50s.
Agreed. 100% facts, I like the q350 better
Rolk, I have a pair of KEF Q350s as well. Bought them per the various on Line reviews during COVID Hibernation. They weren't really achieving Randy's top honors in his comparison review in 2021. I have had them hooked to my Denon DRA-800H Receiver that they play with slight boominess at slightly higher volume. They sound better when hooked up to my Emotiva A300 Amp stacked with a IOTA PA3. To me, which in the past I didn't pay too much attention too (other than the total Watts per Channel), I have learned how the Amps have a bearing on the sound deliver in speakers.
I got my hersey for 2400 for the pair new
Cheap is a relative term, apparently. When I look at my bookshelf, I have a pair of the Sony SS-CSD-1 (at $60, second hand, EXC++) and another pair of Mourdant-Short MS20i's (EXC+) that I snagged at a Salvation Army shop for $39. The later was really an unplanned in-out visit where I quickly passed through the store, saw them...and then spent the rest of the time waiting at the cashier for the checkout.
Both had no issues and sound really nice...to me. I did spend a little more for after-market isolation feet/pegs.
Frankly, when buying speakers I tend to prefer buying locally...and buying used. Second hand speaker deals abound...but you need to inspect the merchandise first.
You have told us that there is a reason to avoid integrated amps!
I finally grabbed a cup of coffee ☺️
Hey, I heard the Klipsch 8000s a few weeks ago and thought “pretty dang good!” I have the cheap Reference R820F that I pump up with my modded Reisong A10 tube amp (thanks Randy). Sounds great enough. But the 8000s sound, um, a lot better. But… I also heard the Klipsch Cornwalls for the first time, and sorry I couldn’t throw down for new Klipsches unless I went into debt for those puppies. I’ll live with what I got, thank you.
I think you should try KEF LS50 Metas with KEF KC62 sub
I have some 70's speakers purchased at that time. Altec Valencia 15's with the large horns and Cerwin 212's connected to a Crest 3001 pro amp in parallel as well as JBL SR4725 and Wharfedale pros both 15 inch pro speakers in parallel to a Crest 4001 pro amp. The Altec combination is the best with deeper bass than the pro speakers and more natural sounding.
Hey CAM, I would love to hear your opinion on what expensive speaker is like Elac Reference Dbr62. Some B&W come to mind. Thoughts? Great video, thanks again.
A short cut to quality speakers is active near field monitors like Adam, Tannoy or focal - the prices are crazy low compared to 'hifi' equipment
Great video. I know this isn't related, but the review of the Geshelli headphone amp was cool. I'm getting close to pulling that trigger, the wooden cases are just kick ass, in my opinion anyway, lol.
Great vid . What about an alternative to the Jbl L100 . 4000 grand is up there .
Great video.
Sadly I need to find a cheapaudioman UK version.
Most of these (all?) are sadly either not available or just no where near the same price point.
Brow gd review. Easy on the coffee.
My cheap alternative to the KLH Model 5 is my Realistic (Radio Shack) Optimus 5b that I bought new, back in the late 70's (1976?) I feel that it was a direct copy (homage ?) to the Model 5 and still sounds great (looking forward to a crossover re-cap) cheers
I have a pair and love them.
Please listen to the studio ii or grande avantgarde from gershman acoustic 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I've been looking intently for end-game speakers in the $1200-$2000/pair range for months and I've changed my mind so many times it makes my head spin sometimes. It's a big decision and I don't want to experience regret. Anyway, in the meantime I decided to pull the trigger on a pair of Emotiva B2+ while they were still available for their $359 close-out price. I'm not quite certain if they're my end-game speakers but I gotta say I just love the clarity and detail in the mids and highs coming from these little guys...so much so that I've stopped looking so hard for my final pair of speakers. For $359 I consider the B2+ to be a flat-out steal. Four months ago I bought the Emo C1+ at it's close-out price and two months ago I bought their BasX A3 to power my front stage with authority. For the money I don't think I could've done much better.
Very good Randy the video, it helps a lot to have more options, unfortunately I live in Argentina and the truth is that the prices of speakers of more than US$1000 are unattainable. Greetings from Argentina.-
Hey, since you mentioned it, any suggestions for good used speaker resale sites?
Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 I can't get enough.
One of you'r top videos ever.Remember you'r room size and acoustics play a huge role on sound quality .Also experiment on speaker placement.Most reviewers have room treatments and measured room responses.Some can hear the grass grow.They know witch recordings sound best on there speakers when you audition them.I worked for a high end manufacturer for many years.
Would the Sonys be a good alternate to the Rolex Submariner?
4:10 Unfortunately, far too many CZcamsrs said "clips" when they speak very fast instead of "KlipSCH." (The capitalization is intentional.) Automatic closed caption got that right when you said "Klipsch" and also got that right when you said "clips" but perhaps not always. I have my hearing aids on due to my hearing disability and I am able to pick up the "sh" sound. Thank you for saying "Klipsch" instead of "clips."
Klipsch RP-8000 F' version is like 20 $ more why not that one?
4:30 this is y ive kept my studio lab (sl-550) i have 2 sets... i use them as my mains.. 2 boxs on the right & 2 boxs on the left with tweeters in the middle woofers on he outside... top of the line $1200 a set in the 80s.... you can still find them in Ontario.. but they are 800 - 4500 a set depending on condition... if you think you can get a broken set & fix them... good luck... parts are basically unobtainable..
Hi Folks ..latest garage sale score Sound Dynamics R818 $10.00cdn :).I have them hooked up to my H/K 730 they sound sweet .Keep up the great vids.
I may need to try that mod on the bs41s seeing that they are on sale for $98 right now and if you guys are buying remember to use the links.. Thanks Randy!
active bookshelf pc-speakers plus (ex bluetooth stripped down to lo-fi only) lo-fi bookshelf speaker plus guitar-pedal equalizer give an amazing result... )))))
and for a cd-mp3 player there are old active pc-speakers swapped into a wooden soundbar plus a cheap active automobile subwoofer...
Your definitely right on the Sony speakers they are cheap but god they are just so GOOD! Another CZcamsr did a review on them about two years ago Andrew Robinson he made them look the best speaker ever and I end up buying a pair and since them I haven’t bought nothing else I am one happy camper with my Sony speakers 😎👍🏼
Silence is Golden
I’d love to hear your opinion on the Klipsch R620F’s. Just picked up a pair on sale for $249/ea and I am very happy with them! Great content as always! Cheers!
hey Randy, I have the svs ultras and I bi-wired them and what a difference. There are those that say bi-wiring is snake oil. I can only speak for the svs and it makes a HUGE difference. I have the matched with the rel tx7 and what a dynamic sound. I do have limited experience but these with a tube amp with 4 gold lion tubes and a emotiva A4 amp I'm pretty happy with the sound I'm getting. 9?11/22 update: It's bi amping, not bi wiring.
No difference on my B&W if that helps.
@@peterbaugh51 I’ve done it in the past twice and couldn’t hear any difference personally.
@@peterbaugh51 I made a mistake, it's bi amping, not bi-wiring
I made a mistake, it's bi amping, not bi-wiring
Thanks Randy. Your video is replete (did you really use this word?) with great advice about saving money and still buying great gear. Neat feat to repeat replete.
I did. I learned it a couple of days ago and I've been dying to try it out, DD
The B-1 from Emotiva had a powered model, I had that for my computer set up. Oh, man, it was sweet. Lost them in a fire, and they had stopped making them. I believe they were dual Amp per speaker like the Vanatoo One.
Always enjoy your reviews and you give options for all price points. This allows a wide range of entries into this HiFi market.
I'm curious, what you think about buying used speakers? Anything to watch out for when buying used? (I also bought my stuff before watching your videos on cheaper speakers I CAN buy in Japan)
Backstory: I live in Japan so my options are different than in the States. Recently I purchased a pair of Elac CL301i Jet. They have to be like 10 to 15 years old and because of the smaller rooms here, the back ports are challenging. But they are amazing for the space I have.
THIS THIS THIS !!! Been watchin' since before 1000 subs and this channel just gets better and better. The content is so useful to so many. Great stuff. This though? This is awesome. The SVS call is "Chefs-kiss". And you can sit an Elac underneath a lot of great speakers and gape about the money. Speaking of: This channel is 'right on the money". I build much of my gear, make my own cables, etc: so this is just an engineer's opinion. Watching forever.
Just purchased the Wharfedale Lintons and run them with an Audiolab
6000A and Bluesound Node 2i. Just amazing!
Base is killer. And getting better every day.I have my Magnepans up for sale.
Thank you for your honest
review of them along with ,
Andrew & Kristi and Erin
Randy, I enjoyed the video. Hey, what do you think about reviewing some bookshelf speaker stands? Maybe it's not just me that needs a pair or two and wants to make an informed buying decision.
Great comparative review and recommendation video Randy! This will be helpful for many of your listeners. Re: the Heresy IVs, I had a similar experience as you to the point where buyer's remorse began to kick in because of the flat bass response. But, after listening for two weeks, the bass response developed big time post break-in to the point where I no longer felt a sub was necessary. Impressive speaker. I'm so glad I gave them a chance. In the end I did pair them with a Rel S/510 sub which was an excellent decision overall. Keep up the great work!
did you test the Polk ES20? im looking for good speakers for my mothers birthday present and wanna get her a nice amp and speaker set. as amp i think the yamaha s301 is my pick and now i need speakers under 300€ for this amp. under 200€ would be better but i wanna give her something really good ^^
I have to admit, I love my Sony SSCS5s. Not that much to look at, but they sound great so long as you don't drive them crazy hard. And I got my pair for $73. Randy, I would love for you to review the Micca OoO speakers. These are another cheap speaker that I fell in love with.
I hope he covers the Lintons, I really love mine.
I'd like yo see how a pair of CV xls 28s stack up in the cheap range.
What’s your opinion on Edifier speakers?
You mentioned an cross-over Inductor mod for the Elac speakers. Can you provided additional information? Thanks
Triangle Borea is maybe the best deal still. Wharfedale also make some very good speakers for the buck.
Why "Duluth" Randy?
This just feels pretty random. A larger list of “ sounds fantastic w/o bank breaking” is sufficient as there’s no correlation per example other than price point ?
Have the emotiva b2 bookshelf. Get great fantastic sound. How does it rate to more expensive?
Ok here it goes just discovered your channel great videos I have a pair of Bose 901s I bought brand new a couple years ago for $500 really have enjoyed them but I've decided to sell them for more then I paid hopefully and get a great pair of bookshelf speakers and put money back in my pocket so what amount do you think I should try to sell the Bose for ?And what are a couple sets of bookshelf could you recommend 🤔
Thanks for this video, actually I want to get Polk R200 but it seems more expensive, is Diamond 12.2 a good cheaper alternative?
The first time will buy a hi-fi speaker, hope my choice is correct or are there any more good alternatives, besides from Sony SSCS5 which is sadly not available here in my place.