Neumi Silk 4 amzn.to/3ttUzRB Heco Aurora 300 bit.ly/3RzdEvB Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 howl.me/cleGi4urX7S Q Acoustics 5020 (Crutchfield) howl.me/cjzqxCAznJU Klipsch The Nines howl.me/cjEvUGnU51u Arendal Monitor S bit.ly/3RIouii PMC Prodigy 1 bit.ly/3uKkO6N check out my other channel www.youtube.com/@cheapwatchman_official Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com Support the Channel! Shop on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON www.rofjdjk3ns.com/33G977/2CTPL/ Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 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
It seems like the big story in audio for the end of 2023 (and the beginning of 2024?) is the powered speaker! I used to be into stereo, but then in my late 40s I just didn't have the time anymore. Now in my early 60s, I decided to get back into the hobby. But when I looked at the world around me, I realized just how much the audio world has changed. For at least the last decade, I haven't been dipping into my CD collection, and I've mostly been "listening" to music videos and streaming. And I've been doing what everyone else has been doing and spending more time on headphones than speakers. But it was by listening to your channel that I decided to start upgrading. I just received a FOSI amp, that I use with my Computer and a pair of old Dennon speakers. And I'm testing it with a new DAC. Eventually, replace this with maybe a SWAN D300e (I WANT the ribbon tweeter) or something similar. I never had a stereo system in the bedroom, but I now have a SWAN 10S. In a small room, they sound pretty good... and quite loud! I THINK powered speakers will be the big thing in 2024 because so many young audiophiles grew up with mobile music and headphones. They seem to want tech that is great, but also simple. That gives the advantage to powered speakers, rather than playing around with amps, DACs, speakers, and whatnot to get the perfect sound. Younger preferences are... make it perfect the first time, and ship it to me by 9am tomorrow morning! Now, it's time to replace my wiring. Thanks again!
Just got the Heco Aurora 300 after a long journey of research, comparison and watching your channel. My wife wanted something smaller than my self-built floor-standing beasts, i wanted something with a bit more clarity in the top end (the "Viech" is a 1-way folded horn speaker), but not compromising too much on the bass. When you reviewed the Heco, it seemed like an instant fit. Plus it's a German company, so I could support a local brand. I can't wait to set them up in the living room.
I know at some point we have to move on, but i still cannot get past my JBL 530's. Have bought and returned so many bookshelf speakers since the 530's i just gave up. The Triangle BR02 probably came the closest, though a very different sound Happy New Year everyone!
Randy, just wanted to let you know, you are doing a great job! It's so important to have entusiastic and credible reviews also in the hifi entry end, like you are doing - only 'high end' reviews are not enough, because where does that leave the incoming feeding chain to the fantastic world of hifi? You can easily buy some crap equipment for too much money and get lost in poor 'low-fi', if you don't know what you are dealing with - guys (especially) like you are hindering that with your reviews. Hifi does not have to be expensive 🙌
Great year end summary and equipment list. Thank you so much for your time and effort compiling this and sharing it with us all. Greatly appreciated. Stay well, Sir.
I know speakers that you heard this year but perhaps comparing them to some other past speakers in sound quality would be nice. I have the Emotiva t1+ so selfishly, I wonder how they compare to some of these options. Cheers!
For those on a tight budget, stick to speakers under $200 and add a Subwoofer. I am listening to Sony > $110 SSCS5 + > $80 used HSU STF-2 Subwoofer from Craigslist, Crossover set at 70Hz + > $45 Fosi Audio Tube-P1 preamp to tone down Treble + > $70 Aiyima A07 with $10 OPA2134 Opamp pair. Amazing dynamics and Huge sound for a system under $350. People, Randy is helping those of us who use only EARS for music and not the eyes or brain. The Sony's have replaced good condition B&W DM602 ($250) and Monitor Audio Silver RS-2 ($500) !!! If you careless about the looks, $500 can get you a killer system from Randy's recommendations. Thank you, Randy! Merry Christmas to your family.
For me it is the same as 2022. Passives it’s Neumi. Powered it’s JBL Professional 305P MkII I bought the original Neumi,s when they came out for $89! Merry Christmas Randy! Best to you and your family!
This speaker surprised me and, based on this channel, I bought a pair for around that price. I compared them to the Klipsch RP-600m, which I also bought based on Randy's recommendation. The SSCS5's actually beat out the RP-600m in the midrange. As most people know that have the RP-600m's, there is a VERY noticeable scoop out in the mids. I had learned that there is a fix for this though, because when it comes to the bass, that is where the RP-600m wins. The Sony SSCS5 is a bit thin in that area, but for mids and highs it is a very hard to beat speaker, especially in that price range.
Don’t overlook Elac Debut Reference on sale at Crutchfield for $524.00. Probably on sale elsewhere too. I got them last time they were on sale. They also have a Polk anniversary limited edition speaker on sale that probably is very good but around $800.00.
It would be interesting to have a run-off of top speakers (and other items) from the Best of ... and see if speaker tech is getting any better or have we plateaued.
Dont be misled, speakers are never cheaper in the UK. When you convert the exchange rate it's more expensive. If you keep the numbers as is but consider the average salary and disposable income, it is more expensive.
I’m 40 and am still in the 90’s. What happened to the 12” floor standing speakers? Fuck it, I’m gonna order some 12” cerwin vega’s sl12’s. Hell yeah, kicking it old school.
The Heco's look like a worthy speaker to check out as well given their higher sensitivity. Might be good for tube amps. I had watched this up to the Wharfedales and I have to say for a tower speaker with the Wharfedale heritage behind it, $750 is a good deal for the pair. Under $1000 for tower Wharfedale's? You will not get an argument from me there. Everything passed that point was irrelevant, for me, as that is out of my price range.
Hey Randy, I have an idea for a video you can make in the future. So many people bought the Sony SSCS5 speakers you recommended, including myself. My suggestion is to make a video on what would be a notable step up from that speaker? What about 2 steps up in sounds quality? And so on from there… Some of us are wondering what would be the logical big jump from the Sony’s. I’ve been thinking of upgrading to an emotiva B1+ or the kef 150 as a significant upgrade. I wanted to hear your opinion on this topic. And I’m sure a lot of your viewers would appreciate a video like that too.
@@jeffreylehman1159 Thanks for your reply Jeff. I am leaning toward emotiva and wasn’t aware of their new product line coming soon. I’ll keep an eye out for it. Thanks!
Dovresti aggiornare questo video, agli ascolti fatti fino ad oggi. Poi un video che non include solo le nuove uscite ( i nuovi prodotti) ma che nella lista delle preferenze (per quel prezzo) entrino anche i prodotti usciti nel passato o nei precedenti anni. Per esempio io sono ancora innamorato delle Tannoy XT8F, come si piazzano tra quei prodotti di circa 2000 euro? c'è di meglio? P.s. Io preferisco gli altoparlanti Floorstanding se il prezzo dei bookshelf compreso gli stand va a superare il prezzo dei diffusori da pavimento (e tra l'altro messi su stand occupano lo stesso spazio in ambiente).
Randy, maybe you’ve discussed this before, so pardonez-moi if you have! But most loudspeaker manufacturers - Klipsch, Fluance, etc - say to spend several hours breaking them in, keeping level down to loosen them up so you can enjoy them long term at their full potential. So what’s your procedure for taste-testing the skads of speakers you run through your laboratory? I’m sure you don’t play Metallica at 11 right out of the gate!
Thank you for your insights. There is a speaker that I would love to hear your views on the Zu DWX, if you can get uour hands on them. They start at $1,400.
I don't know that I would spend $1,700 on the small PMC 2 way speaker. I can't help but think there are studio monitors as good, or better for far less money. But everything else was pretty cool. However, I am of the mind thinking once you start getting over $1,000 checking out what pro eqpt is out there would be a good idea.
Curious, how many peeps start with under 500, then get the itch to upgrade and spend a grand, and so on. Then I also wonder how many people just make the purchase, then move onto other things. Audio land so dangerous where amazed by a level of performance then start chasing. While I do a lot of diy, I felt bad when listened to a friends 'upgraded' klipsch rm600's (?) and was not impressed, lot of resonance issues.
great speakers allround i love the boombox beaters and the smaller tweeters but pairing is still the way to go the best jbl paired with the best sony paired please compare eco systems
So @cheapaudioman, are you still blown away and loving these or was it recency bias? What do you think after a few months of living with them? I haven't seen them on screen or heard you mention them in any of your other gear reviews since this one. Will they blow away my current RP-600M gen 1 as L & R? Considering to replace those with a pair of 1723 S in my 5.2.4 setup that is 35% music / 65% tv and movies.
these went on to the next reviewer unfortunately. they are a superb neutral speaker with huge soundstage. I don't think you can go wrong with them. very different sound than the Klipsch though.
@@cheapaudioman so in the review video or best of video (I don’t recall which) you said you liked them so much that you asked Arendal if you could buy them. Why mention that and thereby imply that you bought them if you didn’t? It’s a slippery slope. And if you had to ship them off to another reviewer why not just buy your own pair direct? This reduces trust.
Would really appreciate it if you would project the name and model number of the product being mentioned. There are tons of people whose hearing if not super sharp, and English is not their primary tongue. Thank you. Sam Lee
Good evening. Can you share your thoughts on a wireless home Audio system? I was looking at Nakamihi and Enclave. I have Sonos at my home in Michigan. I just got a place in FLA and need to add Music TV and easy to install. thank
I kept checking your channel hoping for a review of the Focal Theva range (specifically the No 3-D, the Center and the Surround). Never happened but the sake was ending and I had to make a decision. So I bought them all (2 black 3-D's [front channels] and 2 grey & "Wood" 3-D's [side channels], the center and a pair of the Surround for the rear) to go along with the Marantz SR8015 I bought at the same time.
@@Cheeba118 I haven't had them long enough to be able to say anything for certain. My sources likely aren't quality enough to know anything of any certainty. The boxes sat in my vacation house for nearly 2 months before I moved them to my daily home. Now I've had them with new 12 AWG wires running for a month or more but playing primarily in video surround sound. So insufficient for full burn-in. I can say that I'm not unhappy, just feeling as though something is lacking (but feel as though "Psych" Blue-Ray discs may be the cause). I do have a group of Martin Logan replacements in my cart online just in case... but I am a bit of a sucker for the sound of CJ's. I clearly need to run a sine sweep through all speakers/wires at the same time for 2-1/2 to 3 months continuously for a full burn-in and can then play quality source material to make assessments (but my brain always longs for CJ's sound). After burn-in I'll play 192khz 24bit FLAC of Beth Orton, Massive Attack, Young Dubliners, Tool/A Perfect Circle, Richard Thompson, Ray LaMontagne, Nina Simone, Mike Doughty, Martin Sexton, Keb' Mo', Janet Jackson, Gov't Mule, Gin Blossoms, Fugazi, Fleetwood Mac ETC. But clearly I should use a definitive source recorded with top quality equipment to a rock solid source. Me playing my trumpets into a Neumann by silver cable to my play of my Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII for the rest. I can then assess every single binary bit to ensure all is on the nose from a as close to perfect file then played through it all. I played it all so I then have memory of what it all sounds exactly like. If playback matches then I can know for absolute certain. Making the source material will likely provide me as close to a perfect source as possible for analysis/comparison. I'm thinking out loud here... 192khz 24bit FLAC sine sweep for a month in all channels is clearly where I need to start to ensure a full/absolute burn-in.
But which horn? Maybe all of them over many days? Play 1 stating which it is first until my lip blows out, wait until it recovers then play the next horn with identical play and statements etc. Too many variables make it a challenge so cover all bases, I guess? Better to ensure all possibilities are included than to leave anything not covered and have to wonder forever after as a result... My brain just won't break loose of my always longing for Conrad Johnson so that's my first obstacle...
@@Cheeba118 Just looked at your profile and it looks to be we both have children of the same first fairly unusual name. I wanted his name to be Emanuel but his mother made Xavier his first name. Xavier is not a common name.
@@monkeymanstones1 He had a friend when he was younger also named Xavier, but those are the only times that I have really met someone with the same name. I am German Catholic, so we typically pick biblical names and I wanted something less common but was a good strong name.
Merry Christmas, from Greece! Nice video, as usual! I was wondering whether you could get your hands more often on "professional" equipment - especially Studio Monitors. I believe there are many good, affordable options out there, which could suit many audiophiles on a budget. Well...yes, apart from their looks...
@cheapaudioman I'm in the market for desktop speakers that prioritize mid-range clarity, especially for vocals and string instruments, as I'm passionate about enjoying music to its fullest-especially classical pieces from Beethoven to Bach, and even holiday classics (vocals).Maintaining the richness of these compositions is crucial, so while I don't want the bass to dominate, I do need it to have a punch whenever the music calls for it. Kindly note that, while my desktop-setup currently lack room for an extra amplifier, I plan to add one later, along with a DAC. Could you recommend a model within the $600 USD range? Thanks!
Buenas, tengo dos DACs muy parecidos a este, son las mersiones intermedias entre el que nos muestras y el actual, el Modi 3+ y Modi 3e y como dices, su mayor pega es que no tenga interruptor de encendido. Por ello lo tengo siempre conectado. Lo uso unido a un lector de CD que uso como transporte y estoy encantado. Mi pregunta es si puede haber algún problema por tenerlo encendido todo el rato, aunque tenga el reproductor de CD apagado. Hay algún tipo de desgaste? Me ha gustado tu video, un saludo!
I have jbl stage 130 and want to upgrade to floorstanding speaker for fuller sound for music listening under budget of 500 ,what u suggest ? On my mind its t50,mission lx 4,yamaha nsf160,polk s or es series
Thanks for your year end video. Will echo my comments on the Arendals from your recent review. If you can afford them. Pick what you want - big monitors or towers and the S or the big brother/sister 1723 and buy and try for 60 days in the US. If you don’t like them you can return for free. Great customer service. 10 year warranty. Tried both towers and went with the 1723 towers. I don’t like monitors or bookshelves. Why pay for stands when you can get the tower. Highly recommended.
Great video, thank you for making it. Can you do a video for the best speaker to listen to, mainly, metal music. One that can be as great to listening to Dead Can Dance, Man O War, Rob Zombie, Prodigy, Fields of the Nephilim, Covenant, Nick Cave and Johnny Cash > these are just examples to give an idea of the broad spectrum of music that I am trying to cover (in and outside metal). I tried a few different types of speakers (nothing too fancy) but I can not find one that I like the sound. Maybe, is because I am looking for more Bass rich than the ones I have tried can deliver. If you can give some suggestions, it would be great. To reduce the universe, I am thinking in bookshelf type of speakers. In the meantime, I may try to buy the Q Acoustics 5020 that you have mentioned in this video to see if they do the trick. But it would be great if you could share your thoughts on this subject. Thank you.
I am having great luck with JBL Studio 590's and Klipsch RP-8000f II fed by a Sansui 4000 and listening to Rob Zombie My extended listening level is usually under 70db tho. My system will do lots more but I am not there constantly
@@brunofatela9093 The JBL Studio 590's do occasionally go on a pretty big sale. I got mine last February. I would say I like the Klipsch RP8000f and the JBL 590 equally but prefer the wider stage of the 590. Stage is up and back behind the wall they stand in front of. Klipsch are out in front of the speakers.
If I may say so, any "well-engineered" speaker is likely to cover the whole spectrum of music. That said, to me, a good all-rounder is a neutral-sounding one. Certainly, there are limitations at any price point - mainly in size. However, I would strongly suggest adding at least one subwoofer to any audio system out there, regardless of the the music that is reproduced. Subs, are essential to the overall performance of any system and allow the speakers truly sing, once exempt from lower frequency reproduction. Perhaps you could try adding one to your system, first.
Great video. Yep. Q acoustic has some gems, and I agree, they’re just fun. For me, it’s the 3030i’s. The Lintons are always in my top speakers. Except when I play the interstellar soundtrack. That just eats speakers/subs.
Hey so I just moved into a house with a big living room with a high ceiling, and u have a pioneer SA7700 as an Amp. I'm looking for a good set of floor speakers that will be a good match for the Amp to play mostly extreme metal music of all sorts as well as rap and hip hop.. any suggestions?
Advance Paris MyConnect 150, connected with the Diamond 12.1, were far from neutral... :/ The tonality was off, like always and even after a kinda late break-in, which opened up the whole sound by a lot, they never sounded as you would expect your known music to sound like... 🤷🏻♂️ So anyone trying to pair the Diamond 12 line with Advance Paris: Don't...
Sure, but that has to transmit to powered speakers, yes? For me it would, not wired. And if powered, then I want WiFi, not bluetooth. What am I missing?@@rootedrotor525
Ya to bad Randy wouldn’t review them😞. Generation behind hifi contacted CV and they sent him out the towers in the LA Series so I’m looking forward to that review. I think they will be pretty good for there price
@JR-ho5qm I ordered a pair of the LA165 bookshelf speakers in black...and an animated a07 max amp to drive them...can compare them directly to my ELAC carina and TEAC ap505 amp....in their price range gonna be very hard to beat I believe...I'll be reviewing them as soon as they get in.
I just picked up a set of HTD level 3 book shelve speakers and the matching centre. I used your review to decide if I wanted them or not. They were still in the original boxes and I can tell they are brand new just by looking at the dust covers. I’m powering them with a Yamaha RX-V6A and my sub is 12” Klipsch, my rears are Klipsch B-100.
@@eddents good so far. I usually only by paradigm speakers so the HTD’s are different. I have my old speakers (monitor 5.2) hooked up in another room with a Yamaha RX V4A and they still sound great.
Have had the HTD Level 3 LCR in my HT room for 3 years. Awesome. Love the AMT Tweeter. Very under-rated speaker and under- reviewed because it's sold direct like Tekton Design. I drive them with an Outlaw 975 Pre-Pro and matching 5 channel power amp.
@@amazoidal yes I love them. My paradigm stuff was from the early 2000’s and they still sounded great but the HTD’s are much cleaner. The highs sound so much better with the ribbon tweeter. Movies are where I noticed the biggest change and all for the better.
Neumi Silk 4 amzn.to/3ttUzRB
Heco Aurora 300 bit.ly/3RzdEvB
Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 howl.me/cleGi4urX7S
Q Acoustics 5020 (Crutchfield) howl.me/cjzqxCAznJU
Klipsch The Nines howl.me/cjEvUGnU51u
Arendal Monitor S bit.ly/3RIouii
PMC Prodigy 1 bit.ly/3uKkO6N
check out my other channel www.youtube.com/@cheapwatchman_official
Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com
Support the Channel! Shop on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK
Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman
TRY ROON www.rofjdjk3ns.com/33G977/2CTPL/
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
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
I love how you poke fun at all the "best of" speakers videos on CZcams as well as yourself. 🙂. Thanks for your work.
It seems like the big story in audio for the end of 2023 (and the beginning of 2024?) is the powered speaker! I used to be into stereo, but then in my late 40s I just didn't have the time anymore. Now in my early 60s, I decided to get back into the hobby. But when I looked at the world around me, I realized just how much the audio world has changed. For at least the last decade, I haven't been dipping into my CD collection, and I've mostly been "listening" to music videos and streaming. And I've been doing what everyone else has been doing and spending more time on headphones than speakers. But it was by listening to your channel that I decided to start upgrading.
I just received a FOSI amp, that I use with my Computer and a pair of old Dennon speakers. And I'm testing it with a new DAC. Eventually, replace this with maybe a SWAN D300e (I WANT the ribbon tweeter) or something similar. I never had a stereo system in the bedroom, but I now have a SWAN 10S. In a small room, they sound pretty good... and quite loud!
I THINK powered speakers will be the big thing in 2024 because so many young audiophiles grew up with mobile music and headphones. They seem to want tech that is great, but also simple. That gives the advantage to powered speakers, rather than playing around with amps, DACs, speakers, and whatnot to get the perfect sound. Younger preferences are... make it perfect the first time, and ship it to me by 9am tomorrow morning! Now, it's time to replace my wiring. Thanks again!
Just got the Heco Aurora 300 after a long journey of research, comparison and watching your channel. My wife wanted something smaller than my self-built floor-standing beasts, i wanted something with a bit more clarity in the top end (the "Viech" is a 1-way folded horn speaker), but not compromising too much on the bass. When you reviewed the Heco, it seemed like an instant fit. Plus it's a German company, so I could support a local brand. I can't wait to set them up in the living room.
i have them around 3 months or so with a fosi bt20 pro and they sound just great. just look for a good, solid stand.
Well… what do you think?
Agreed on The Nines, I absolutely LOVE them!!
You are my favorite audiophile. A brother from another mother! Keep doing what you do!
I know at some point we have to move on, but i still cannot get past my JBL 530's. Have bought and returned so many bookshelf speakers since the 530's i just gave up. The Triangle BR02 probably came the closest, though a very different sound
Happy New Year everyone!
Randy, just wanted to let you know, you are doing a great job! It's so important to have entusiastic and credible reviews also in the hifi entry end, like you are doing - only 'high end' reviews are not enough, because where does that leave the incoming feeding chain to the fantastic world of hifi?
You can easily buy some crap equipment for too much money and get lost in poor 'low-fi', if you don't know what you are dealing with - guys (especially) like you are hindering that with your reviews. Hifi does not have to be expensive 🙌
Great year end summary and equipment list. Thank you so much for your time and effort compiling this and sharing it with us all. Greatly appreciated. Stay well, Sir.
I have the Q-Acoustics concept 500 towers and love them.
I know speakers that you heard this year but perhaps comparing them to some other past speakers in sound quality would be nice. I have the Emotiva t1+ so selfishly, I wonder how they compare to some of these options. Cheers!
Same here. I have this model too
The new GOLD Standard for Speakers
All new NODE HYLIXA Signature Speakers 😇
For those on a tight budget, stick to speakers under $200 and add a Subwoofer.
I am listening to Sony
> $110 SSCS5 +
> $80 used HSU STF-2 Subwoofer from Craigslist, Crossover set at 70Hz +
> $45 Fosi Audio Tube-P1 preamp to tone down Treble +
> $70 Aiyima A07 with $10 OPA2134 Opamp pair.
Amazing dynamics and Huge sound for a system under $350.
People, Randy is helping those of us who use only EARS for music and not the eyes or brain.
The Sony's have replaced good condition B&W DM602 ($250) and Monitor Audio Silver RS-2 ($500) !!!
If you careless about the looks, $500 can get you a killer system from Randy's recommendations.
Thank you, Randy! Merry Christmas to your family.
For me it is the same as 2022.
Passives it’s Neumi. Powered it’s JBL Professional 305P MkII
I bought the original Neumi,s when they came out for $89!
Merry Christmas Randy! Best to you and your family!
I have had the Arendal 1723 Towers for a few weeks now and I’m blown away!! Amazing sound quality and build quality second to none
Were the Ascend Acoustics CBM 170SE get considered for under $500 since you gave them such a good review.
For the price, I'm still not finding anything that beats the Sony SSCS5 (now $123/pair at Amazon).
Yes!!!!
This speaker surprised me and, based on this channel, I bought a pair for around that price. I compared them to the Klipsch RP-600m, which I also bought based on Randy's recommendation. The SSCS5's actually beat out the RP-600m in the midrange. As most people know that have the RP-600m's, there is a VERY noticeable scoop out in the mids. I had learned that there is a fix for this though, because when it comes to the bass, that is where the RP-600m wins. The Sony SSCS5 is a bit thin in that area, but for mids and highs it is a very hard to beat speaker, especially in that price range.
Damn, £239 on Amazon here in Scotland. 😒
@@jukingeo paired with a sub their awesome 👍
I don't get the Sony love. Greatly prefer the Neumi bs5 for sound and definitely appearance!
Don’t overlook Elac Debut Reference on sale at Crutchfield for $524.00. Probably on sale elsewhere too. I got them last time they were on sale. They also have a Polk anniversary limited edition speaker on sale that probably is very good but around $800.00.
I was in love with the Elac days!!! 😃 Love you bro!!
It would be interesting to have a run-off of top speakers (and other items) from the Best of ... and see if speaker tech is getting any better or have we plateaued.
Life is good at your house wow. Congrats!
Dont be misled, speakers are never cheaper in the UK. When you convert the exchange rate it's more expensive. If you keep the numbers as is but consider the average salary and disposable income, it is more expensive.
The PMC Prodigy 1 are much cheaper in the UK - I got them at sevenoaks in store for £1170
Jamo Klipsch C 9 SUR II vs Jamo C 91 ii? Which one?
I think you would love ATC. Their monitors are amazing. You do need some power as they are 85db/watt.
I’m 40 and am still in the 90’s. What happened to the 12” floor standing speakers?
Fuck it, I’m gonna order some 12” cerwin vega’s sl12’s.
Hell yeah, kicking it old school.
The Heco's look like a worthy speaker to check out as well given their higher sensitivity. Might be good for tube amps. I had watched this up to the Wharfedales and I have to say for a tower speaker with the Wharfedale heritage behind it, $750 is a good deal for the pair. Under $1000 for tower Wharfedale's? You will not get an argument from me there. Everything passed that point was irrelevant, for me, as that is out of my price range.
Great video and I am like-minded with your choices! Love your channel!
Hey Randy, I have an idea for a video you can make in the future. So many people bought the Sony SSCS5 speakers you recommended, including myself. My suggestion is to make a video on what would be a notable step up from that speaker? What about 2 steps up in sounds quality? And so on from there… Some of us are wondering what would be the logical big jump from the Sony’s. I’ve been thinking of upgrading to an emotiva B1+ or the kef 150 as a significant upgrade. I wanted to hear your opinion on this topic. And I’m sure a lot of your viewers would appreciate a video like that too.
Any of the Emotiva speakers is a major upgrade. Can’t wait to hear the new ones, if and when
@@jeffreylehman1159
Thanks for your reply Jeff. I am leaning toward emotiva and wasn’t aware of their new product line coming soon. I’ll keep an eye out for it. Thanks!
@@qrsthatsme4030 I bought the T1+ towers, they are on sale now for $499, an INSANE deal.
Scored The Nines second-hand for $750. Couldn't be happier.
Dovresti aggiornare questo video, agli ascolti fatti fino ad oggi. Poi un video che non include solo le nuove uscite ( i nuovi prodotti) ma che nella lista delle preferenze (per quel prezzo) entrino anche i prodotti usciti nel passato o nei precedenti anni. Per esempio io sono ancora innamorato delle Tannoy XT8F, come si piazzano tra quei prodotti di circa 2000 euro? c'è di meglio? P.s. Io preferisco gli altoparlanti Floorstanding se il prezzo dei bookshelf compreso gli stand va a superare il prezzo dei diffusori da pavimento (e tra l'altro messi su stand occupano lo stesso spazio in ambiente).
Thanks for your work.
Awesome videos listening from Manchester UK.........I have a kef r700 setup I love it I would love to hear the arendals
Wharfedale must be planning the replacements for the Diamond 12s with such a deep price cuts.
I like your list .. PMS, Arendal, are my favs. =)
How about non-powered speakers below 1500? Q Acoustics 5040’s?
Randy, maybe you’ve discussed this before, so pardonez-moi if you have! But most loudspeaker manufacturers - Klipsch, Fluance, etc - say to spend several hours breaking them in, keeping level down to loosen them up so you can enjoy them long term at their full potential.
So what’s your procedure for taste-testing the skads of speakers you run through your laboratory? I’m sure you don’t play Metallica at 11 right out of the gate!
Thank you for your insights. There is a speaker that I would love to hear your views on the Zu DWX, if you can get uour hands on them. They start at $1,400.
Great speaker a few YT picked them as speaker of the year on there YT channel. Love Zu audio!
HECO Aurora 300 vs KEF Q150 or other?
Hi! I would like to know what do you think between Wharfedale denton 85th and the Polk r200 for hifi and movie? I have a Marantz nr1200
I don't know that I would spend $1,700 on the small PMC 2 way speaker. I can't help but think there are studio monitors as good, or better for far less money. But everything else was pretty cool. However, I am of the mind thinking once you start getting over $1,000 checking out what pro eqpt is out there would be a good idea.
WOW, what the heck man,, RSL should have been in at the below 500 range and should have won
You absolutely right on that one. They should have definitely been included. I dropped the ball on that one. Thanks for the backup
This seems more of a best speaker introduced in 2023 or speaker that you reviewed rather than best speaker on the market 2023.
Thanks for a year of entertaining and informative reviews, Randy!
Curious, how many peeps start with under 500, then get the itch to upgrade and spend a grand, and so on. Then I also wonder how many people just make the purchase, then move onto other things. Audio land so dangerous where amazed by a level of performance then start chasing. While I do a lot of diy, I felt bad when listened to a friends 'upgraded' klipsch rm600's (?) and was not impressed, lot of resonance issues.
great speakers allround i love the boombox beaters and the smaller tweeters but pairing is still the way to go the best jbl paired with the best sony paired please compare eco systems
Think I'll stick with my Q Acoustic 3030i . The longer I've had them the better they sound. $549 on Amazon
I wonder how the Arendals compare to the CSS criton. I’ve had my eye on the CSS but do you think the Arendals are better?
jh is better to my ears, even premier pro is
its not that they worse, its just that their 'specials' dont really matter at topend cashburn area
So @cheapaudioman, are you still blown away and loving these or was it recency bias? What do you think after a few months of living with them? I haven't seen them on screen or heard you mention them in any of your other gear reviews since this one. Will they blow away my current RP-600M gen 1 as L & R? Considering to replace those with a pair of 1723 S in my 5.2.4 setup that is 35% music / 65% tv and movies.
these went on to the next reviewer unfortunately. they are a superb neutral speaker with huge soundstage. I don't think you can go wrong with them. very different sound than the Klipsch though.
@@cheapaudioman so in the review video or best of video (I don’t recall which) you said you liked them so much that you asked Arendal if you could buy them. Why mention that and thereby imply that you bought them if you didn’t? It’s a slippery slope. And if you had to ship them off to another reviewer why not just buy your own pair direct? This reduces trust.
Thanks! Where would you place the mofi source point 10 along this list? (Not cheap, but you had them in.)
Merry Christmas!!!!!
Love the channel! Might be a dumb question but would the speakers you review in general do well in a home theater or just music?
Great video. Love the cheap first mentality, but glad you don't limit yourself. You've been such a help to me.
"A lot of times they're on sale," --> yep! Unless you are in Australia where all the stores keep their prices the same. 😏
Would really appreciate it if you would project the name and model number of the product being mentioned. There are tons of people whose hearing if not super sharp, and English is not their primary tongue. Thank you. Sam Lee
Nice sum up for a year. @cheapaudioman, can you please do a review of Martin Logan XT B100?
Hey man can you review the Tannoy Gold 8? And the Kali Audio IN-8 2nd Wave?
Thanks and happy holidays!
As your price range creaps up, please please please take a listen to some Dynaudio products. Also I’d love to see some Focal products get reviewed.
Good evening. Can you share your thoughts on a wireless home Audio system? I was looking at Nakamihi and Enclave. I have Sonos at my home in Michigan. I just got a place in FLA and need to add Music TV and easy to install. thank
I kept checking your channel hoping for a review of the Focal Theva range (specifically the No 3-D, the Center and the Surround). Never happened but the sake was ending and I had to make a decision. So I bought them all (2 black 3-D's [front channels] and 2 grey & "Wood" 3-D's [side channels], the center and a pair of the Surround for the rear) to go along with the Marantz SR8015 I bought at the same time.
What do you think of them?
@@Cheeba118 I haven't had them long enough to be able to say anything for certain. My sources likely aren't quality enough to know anything of any certainty. The boxes sat in my vacation house for nearly 2 months before I moved them to my daily home. Now I've had them with new 12 AWG wires running for a month or more but playing primarily in video surround sound. So insufficient for full burn-in.
I can say that I'm not unhappy, just feeling as though something is lacking (but feel as though "Psych" Blue-Ray discs may be the cause). I do have a group of Martin Logan replacements in my cart online just in case... but I am a bit of a sucker for the sound of CJ's. I clearly need to run a sine sweep through all speakers/wires at the same time for 2-1/2 to 3 months continuously for a full burn-in and can then play quality source material to make assessments (but my brain always longs for CJ's sound). After burn-in I'll play 192khz 24bit FLAC of Beth Orton, Massive Attack, Young Dubliners, Tool/A Perfect Circle, Richard Thompson, Ray LaMontagne, Nina Simone, Mike Doughty, Martin Sexton, Keb' Mo', Janet Jackson, Gov't Mule, Gin Blossoms, Fugazi, Fleetwood Mac ETC. But clearly I should use a definitive source recorded with top quality equipment to a rock solid source. Me playing my trumpets into a Neumann by silver cable to my play of my Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII for the rest. I can then assess every single binary bit to ensure all is on the nose from a as close to perfect file then played through it all. I played it all so I then have memory of what it all sounds exactly like. If playback matches then I can know for absolute certain.
Making the source material will likely provide me as close to a perfect source as possible for analysis/comparison.
I'm thinking out loud here... 192khz 24bit FLAC sine sweep for a month in all channels is clearly where I need to start to ensure a full/absolute burn-in.
But which horn? Maybe all of them over many days? Play 1 stating which it is first until my lip blows out, wait until it recovers then play the next horn with identical play and statements etc.
Too many variables make it a challenge so cover all bases, I guess? Better to ensure all possibilities are included than to leave anything not covered and have to wonder forever after as a result...
My brain just won't break loose of my always longing for Conrad Johnson so that's my first obstacle...
@@Cheeba118 Just looked at your profile and it looks to be we both have children of the same first fairly unusual name. I wanted his name to be Emanuel but his mother made Xavier his first name. Xavier is not a common name.
@@monkeymanstones1 He had a friend when he was younger also named Xavier, but those are the only times that I have really met someone with the same name. I am German Catholic, so we typically pick biblical names and I wanted something less common but was a good strong name.
HI Randy, in short which to go for please? - neumi or sony cs 5.. thanks.
Out of curiosity, what watch you are wearing and what you wear (collection)? :)
The Heco Auroro 700s would have won the $1000 and under speaker.
Thx 'midpricedaudioman'!
Merry Christmas, from Greece!
Nice video, as usual!
I was wondering whether you could get your hands more often on "professional" equipment - especially Studio Monitors. I believe there are many good, affordable options out there, which could suit many audiophiles on a budget.
Well...yes, apart from their looks...
@cheapaudioman
I'm in the market for desktop speakers that prioritize mid-range clarity, especially for vocals and string instruments, as I'm passionate about enjoying music to its fullest-especially classical pieces from Beethoven to Bach, and even holiday classics (vocals).Maintaining the richness of these compositions is crucial, so while I don't want the bass to dominate, I do need it to have a punch whenever the music calls for it. Kindly note that, while my desktop-setup currently lack room for an extra amplifier, I plan to add one later, along with a DAC. Could you recommend a model within the $600 USD range? Thanks!
Please head to head with kef r3 meta that be a killer 🎉 please
Did you ever listen to Indiana Line? Or Canton?
Subwoofer of 2023: RSL Speedwoofer. Hands down one of the finest offerings of 2023. The first "new" subwoofer tech in 20 years? 30 years?
I understand comments help promote your channel in the algorithm.
🤪
Buenas, tengo dos DACs muy parecidos a este, son las mersiones intermedias entre el que nos muestras y el actual, el Modi 3+ y Modi 3e y como dices, su mayor pega es que no tenga interruptor de encendido. Por ello lo tengo siempre conectado. Lo uso unido a un lector de CD que uso como transporte y estoy encantado. Mi pregunta es si puede haber algún problema por tenerlo encendido todo el rato, aunque tenga el reproductor de CD apagado. Hay algún tipo de desgaste?
Me ha gustado tu video, un saludo!
What about the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1? Decent speaker for $300!
Well, you obviously didn’t get to hear the Maggie LRS plus
So many speakers in the marketplace to choose from. Grateful for your efforts throughout the year to put a lot of them on our radar!
11:54 Randy, not many reviews out there on these, but I'd like your opinion on the Wharfedale Aura 2
I’ll have to check them out
Do you know where the HECO Aurora 300 can be purchased? I'm having a difficult time finding them. Thanks!
I have jbl stage 130 and want to upgrade to floorstanding speaker for fuller sound for music listening under budget of 500 ,what u suggest ? On my mind its t50,mission lx 4,yamaha nsf160,polk s or es series
Thanks for your year end video. Will echo my comments on the Arendals from your recent review. If you can afford them. Pick what you want - big monitors or towers and the S or the big brother/sister 1723 and buy and try for 60 days in the US. If you don’t like them you can return for free. Great customer service. 10 year warranty. Tried both towers and went with the 1723 towers. I don’t like monitors or bookshelves. Why pay for stands when you can get the tower. Highly recommended.
Great speaker takes. So much to like. Thanks Randy for always delivering the content.
I need to know what you think about the JBL 306p MKII
Great video, thank you for making it.
Can you do a video for the best speaker to listen to, mainly, metal music. One that can be as great to listening to Dead Can Dance, Man O War, Rob Zombie, Prodigy, Fields of the Nephilim, Covenant, Nick Cave and Johnny Cash > these are just examples to give an idea of the broad spectrum of music that I am trying to cover (in and outside metal).
I tried a few different types of speakers (nothing too fancy) but I can not find one that I like the sound. Maybe, is because I am looking for more Bass rich than the ones I have tried can deliver. If you can give some suggestions, it would be great.
To reduce the universe, I am thinking in bookshelf type of speakers. In the meantime, I may try to buy the Q Acoustics 5020 that you have mentioned in this video to see if they do the trick. But it would be great if you could share your thoughts on this subject.
Thank you.
I am having great luck with JBL Studio 590's and Klipsch RP-8000f II fed by a Sansui 4000 and listening to Rob Zombie My extended listening level is usually under 70db tho. My system will do lots more but I am not there constantly
Thanks, I will check those.
@@brunofatela9093 The JBL Studio 590's do occasionally go on a pretty big sale. I got mine last February.
I would say I like the Klipsch RP8000f and the JBL 590 equally but prefer the wider stage of the 590. Stage is up and back behind the wall they stand in front of. Klipsch are out in front of the speakers.
If I may say so, any "well-engineered" speaker is likely to cover the whole spectrum of music. That said, to me, a good all-rounder is a neutral-sounding one.
Certainly, there are limitations at any price point - mainly in size.
However, I would strongly suggest adding at least one subwoofer to any audio system out there, regardless of the the music that is reproduced. Subs, are essential to the overall performance of any system and allow the speakers truly sing, once exempt from lower frequency reproduction.
Perhaps you could try adding one to your system, first.
Yes! My favorite end of year list!
Nice!
I watched your review on the 5020 and it seemed like you really weren't impressed. What changed?
Great video. Yep. Q acoustic has some gems, and I agree, they’re just fun. For me, it’s the 3030i’s. The Lintons are always in my top speakers. Except when I play the interstellar soundtrack. That just eats speakers/subs.
I don't do Powered speakers.. I had BAD experiences
Best speakers overall irrespective of price?
Hey so I just moved into a house with a big living room with a high ceiling, and u have a pioneer SA7700 as an Amp. I'm looking for a good set of floor speakers that will be a good match for the Amp to play mostly extreme metal music of all sorts as well as rap and hip hop.. any suggestions?
"And I have a"*
Sale price included under 200. Wharfdale 12.0 199.99!
Suprised not seeing 5040s on the list, but i guess you think they are close
of course there are always USED speakers! Wondering how sonus Faber concertino, for under a grand compares to some of these. Anyone?
Will you ever review Ohm Walsh 1000?
I have the Heco aroras paired with an SMSL AO300. Also had it on my Anthem Mca 225 Gen2. They are great!
Edefier s3000pro
Advance Paris MyConnect 150, connected with the Diamond 12.1, were far from neutral... :/
The tonality was off, like always and even after a kinda late break-in, which opened up the whole sound by a lot, they never sounded as you would expect your known music to sound like... 🤷🏻♂️
So anyone trying to pair the Diamond 12 line with Advance Paris: Don't...
Heard the 7 > 9. Plus no Wifi, just bluetooth means a no go for me
Just get a Wiim mini-pro, no?
Sure, but that has to transmit to powered speakers, yes? For me it would, not wired. And if powered, then I want WiFi, not bluetooth. What am I missing?@@rootedrotor525
The new Cerwin-Vega LA series gonna dominate 2024 budget options.
Ya to bad Randy wouldn’t review them😞. Generation behind hifi contacted CV and they sent him out the towers in the LA Series so I’m looking forward to that review. I think they will be pretty good for there price
@JR-ho5qm I ordered a pair of the LA165 bookshelf speakers in black...and an animated a07 max amp to drive them...can compare them directly to my ELAC carina and TEAC ap505 amp....in their price range gonna be very hard to beat I believe...I'll be reviewing them as soon as they get in.
@@StrangeBrewReviews I subscribed to your channel,looking forward to the review. You should do a box opening video on them
Hi Randy, what do you think of the Sonus Fabre Lumina II vs. the PMC Prodigy?
I had listened to both lumina 2 for sure.
I just picked up a set of HTD level 3 book shelve speakers and the matching centre. I used your review to decide if I wanted them or not. They were still in the original boxes and I can tell they are brand new just by looking at the dust covers. I’m powering them with a Yamaha RX-V6A and my sub is 12” Klipsch, my rears are Klipsch B-100.
How does it sound for you?
@@eddents good so far. I usually only by paradigm speakers so the HTD’s are different. I have my old speakers (monitor 5.2) hooked up in another room with a Yamaha RX V4A and they still sound great.
Have had the HTD Level 3 LCR in my HT room for 3 years. Awesome. Love the AMT Tweeter. Very under-rated speaker and under- reviewed because it's sold direct like Tekton Design. I drive them with an Outlaw 975 Pre-Pro and matching 5 channel power amp.
@@amazoidal yes I love them. My paradigm stuff was from the early 2000’s and they still sounded great but the HTD’s are much cleaner. The highs sound so much better with the ribbon tweeter. Movies are where I noticed the biggest change and all for the better.
Nice SOTY which covers $200 on up. Excellent work on this video.
Dear Cheapaudioman, why don't you try Indiana Line speakers?!!!