Thanks for recommending the KEF and Maggie speakers again. I've had the LS50s and LRS with REL subs in each system for a while now partly because of your reviews. They both suit my taste in their respective rooms. I'm well equipped to discover new music every day! Thanks Steve 🎵🎶😊🎶🎵
Focal speakers are awesome. Their inverted dome tweeters are truly magical. Their least expensive passive speaker, the Chora 806, which is normally $999, is on sale right now for $799 a pair. You should also hear the RP500M II, which is even more well balanced than the RP600M II. Even the original RP500M was their best balanced bookshelf design. And, the Metas are now up to $1599
I have the Genelec 8030C (same as Genelec G3 but with balanced inputs). Your original review helped with my decision to buy. I love them. I use them with a REL T5i sub.
Steve, there is a $999 item that will drive the Maggie LRS no problem.....you even gave it a rave review. Remember??The Outlaw Audio RR2150....now there is the RR2260 ii. Also...you mention hooking up the REL sub to an amp....you specificly mention class Ab. They can hook up to class d no problem also. I've got 2 rigs with class d integrateds and I'm using the speakon cable.
Steve, I always enjoy watching your informative videos. Now that you are reviewing speakers, I have to ask, have you had your hearing checked. If you are a Costco member, they offer free hearing test. This is a good way to relieve self doubt. You also get a graph of your hearing test results.
Top speaker picks... the latest models from aggressively marketed companies that are given away as free sample to reviewers who give them great reviews. I guarantee you'll find plenty of those in any short list of reviewer recommended speakers.
Steve I’m loving my LSA signature 50’s.. You’re not kidding about powerful BASS .. Very deep.. And at low level listening they sound amazing too.. I still have another 40hrs. break in before I upload a music demo video on my YT channel.. Then others will hear “somewhat” how they sound IF they use headphones to avoid my room reflections👍 I’ve got them hooked to a Unison Research UNICO Primo.. Next they’ll be on a Tuber❤️ They are heavy & built solid like a tank 4sure.. Give them a rap & you may hurt your knuckles 😂 They are one of the best bargain buys of the year! Thanks again Steve for the recommendation…
My( office system) RP-600M’s sound fantastic with a vintage amp and this silly LOUDNESS button on! They don’t need a subwoofer and just do everything fro well. Fun speaker!
Magnepan LRS+ is also a extra ordinary ribbon speaker option for $995/pair but you need a good powerful amplifier. You just have to wait longer for the built. Good reviews onlne..
Hej Steve, nice video as always . Would you consider mentioning how a speaker preforms on low volume. Maybe the most important thing for me. Some speakers just die when the volume turns down. All the best!
Good question. Maybe look for hi sensitive speakers? My own experience is limited... but I can say that Triangle Borea BR03 works well on every volume. Probably goes for the entire Borea series. Paper woofers usually means agile and quick starting speakers. Triangle Esprit series is even better with it´s titanium horn loaded tweeter and paper mid range. Wharfedale Dimond 225 for sure. Q Acustics 3050i - not so much, they need to be cranked up to get going. From what I´ve heard Buchardts need volume to get going. I have some vintage speakers from the 70´s and they sound sweet at low and moderat volumes. They have mostly sealed box and paper cones.
Hi Steve. I appreciate the love for the LRS+, but they aren't even shipping yet. They were not actual production models, but prototypes. I am very excited for them as well, but I want to temper my expectations. I look forward to your follow up review. Best wishes.
When I went to Audio Advice near Charlotte, NC to hear the Magnepan LRS because you raved about it, I was very disappointed. They said it was powered by an Anthem amp. It sounded terrible. Tinny piano, harsh sibilants. Not until I heard the GoldenEar Triton One was I impressed, and I bought a pair. The salesman didn't say why The LRS sounded bad, except agreed with you that maybe the amp was wrong for it. What do you think?
I’m not sure, the LR S need a long break in, space around them, not squeezed into a row of speakers, 3 feet from the wall behind them, and careful toe in.
I agree with your list. Wish it also included the Zhu Audio DW. I bought these based on Steve’s review. Excellent sound and build quality is exceptional plus handmade in Utah. Lastly about $1,100 shipped.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac It’s discontinued??? Argh! I was thinking about buying another pair. Keep up the great work. Subscriber when you were under 1,000.
The Klipsch RP600M beat out a well liked single driver speaker for me. Beautiful midrange, decent bass and more extended highs. I'm done with my speaker search for now with the Klipsch Heresy IV. They are ideal with my 2A3 amp. Thanks for discussing great gear Steve!
A Pioneer PS 1000 Humm 🤔 I do need to try a different turn table, So I am going to see if I can find A PS 1000 right now! I Love all the awesome & cool information both you masters of equipment have given here and on all your videos! I look forward to listening to you as often as I can. Thank you for keeping it factual & real 🇺🇸☮️ ♥️🇨🇦
in the real world even used decent stereo is not affordable DIY stereo can be affordable, if you do not not count the hours required for DIY. for my bathroom system I settled on a very affordable DYI heavy modded VPI Mk III, a radioshack phono stage, a 500watt carver amp, i saved with16 guage zip cord, and used Klipsh Cornwall. Made the stands myself! Thinking of upgrading ASAP.
I have the original LS50. I love them and enjoy listening through them very much. Is the difference between the original and the Meta so large that I should sell my speakers and get the Meta’s instead? What are your thoughts? Thanks, Larry.
Larry, I don’t think so. I think there are significant differences between original and meta, but if you really love the sound now, stick with them. Maybe get a better amp or DAC.
Having owned the old ls50 and new ls50 meta I like them both alot, fot their size their really good and musical, but not the go to for alot of bass, I've found I like the Q350 quite a bit better than the ls50 in about every way, much more low end and no port noise at higher levels, and not as analytical, alot of midrange magic and top end is detailed but not bright, I prefer those over the ls50 myself, by a pretty big margin.
Hound 4 Sound The LS50s are far better speakers than the Q-series (although very good speakers as well) and can deliver an unbelievable (for their size) amount of tight and accurate bass. You just need to hook them to a very competent amp that can handle the 3 (ish) ohm dip and 85db sensitivity. I have several high current 150 watt/ch amps and they can't properly control the bass drivers (at least not in a big room) on the LS50s if you even remotely push them. Everything radiates from that 5 1/4" driver, so if the bass gets sloppy, everything gets distorted. My JC1 mono blocks have no problem controlling the LS50s in the bass. I must have fed them at least 150 watts and they sounded tight AF and were kicking serious bass for such a small speaker in a big room. I have the Q 100s, LS50s, R 900s and several other speakers. The LS50s are better in everyway compared to the small Q series. The LS50s are neutral (flat is not "bright"). Your amp or other gear is bright. The Q series are great speakers for their price, but the LS50s can play waaaaaay above their price point accordingly to the quality of the front end. The LS 50s dip into the low 3 ohms, which means if you play at 100watts 8ohm, the LS50s will be sucking close to 250 watts for the bass frequencies that dip very low in impedance.
I’m concerned about the inflation factor. In 1983 I paid $420 for a new pair of speakers. Today, if made today, they would cost $1200 a pair. Now, personally, I really don’t think those speakers I bought in 1983 are anything to write home about. They ok but not great. Getting back to the inflation factor, I wonder how much I would to spend today just to get better sounding speakers that would rival the sound of those I bought in 1983? I hate to think about it.
There have been a LOT of advancements in speaker design in those 40 years, and, without saying what those speakers you owned were, they might have been dogs. As with now, there are some great sounding $400 speakers, and some not so great ones. However, there are lots of really really good sounding speakers available today from many well known companies in the $400-800 range. There's also personal preferences. Some people like warmer sounding speakers, which some might call dull, muffled, and veiled. Others might like bright and lively speakers, which some might find thin, shrill, and harsh. Maybe you just had the wrong speakers for your taste.
Have you done a $10,000 or more audio system. If so, please share the link. Also, I'm considering upgrading my speakers, looking at $5,000 a pair. Do you have a current or pass review in that price range? I currently have the Focal Chorus V model 816v.
I have and love the Kef LS50 metas , but it needs a good DAC and amp pairing to maximize its potential. I pair it with a Denafrips Pontus 2 and Willsenton R800i 50w class A SET tube amp. It sounds magnificent , don’t need a sub. It just gets better and better. Was using a Matrix Mini I pro 3 and SimAudio Moon I5 previously. It was ok but the new pairing really brought a lot more of everything to the table. So clean , detailed , transparent , resolute and fun. Maybe a Rel or Kef KC62 down the road but I don’t find the bass lacking. Very enjoyable spkr.
I like the Maggies, too. They're made not far from where I live in Minnesota. If I didn't own JBL L112s (I'll soon upgrade the networks with a kit from Jantzen - about $500. They were refurbished a few years back by Midwest Speaker - also not far from where I live.) and a B460 sub - and was in the market - they're probably what I'd get to hook up to my Outlaw RR2160. (Steve's rave review of the Outlaw was what got me to replace my old Carver MXR-130 with it. The Carver needed a lot of refurbishing, and I decided I'd be better off going with the brand-spanking-new Outlaw with all of its nifty, modern features. Its built-in x-over [for the B460] feeds a bridged Crown XLi 800 amp. I had to use an Ebtech HumX for that amp, BTW. Well, Steve was right. The Outlaw has given me no cause for regretting my decision.) I'd be really interested to know what Steve thinks of the LSA Signature 80. When I retire the wife and I will likely move into a condo and I'll need a smaller system.
Not relevant to your review today, but I really love your taxi/auto themed SHIRT today. I never thought of you as a car guy but you said the nicest thing about my yellow T-bird on Facebook recently, & I really appreciated it. I do love the speaker list & comparison reviews though. I have 14 pr of speakers in my own collection. Vienna Acoustic, Klipsch, Vandersteen, Magnepan, Ohm Walsh, Boston Acoustics, Polk, and a huge old set of 5-way Sansui's.
I am curious about a speaker company that created the Synergistic line of speakers. I have two sets of these speakers that I found at thrift stores, the larger set: S-41 and the smaller pair: S-22B. Please tell me something about these speakers because I have so fallen in love with their reproduction of sound. I will admit to having The Decware Zen Triode amp, which I am sure helps, but tell me if you have any information on these speakers. I know they are around thirty or forty years old but they sound so beautiful.
hi steve!, i was looking your videos...., i bought reciently a pair of speakers kef q350..., im a big kef fan..., what amplificator and cd player you recomend me in the same line of price of the speakers...., i have also a pair of iq7 with a nad ampli and cd player and works and sound amazing...., i want to change for dont have the same again..., what you think will make agood sound marriage...? thanks in atvance!
Hi Steve, what's your opinion on Paradigm Founder Series 40, and which amp do you recommend for them? I appreciate your opinion or if any other friend has an experience with them I would love to listen : )
That viewer system of the day is way cool. The room is totally LA no color. The entire area called LA Basin is basically afraid of color in their homes. Look at Architectural Digest.
Steve, have you ever reviewed the Mark Seaton sub woofers? They are dual powered 15's that are balanced well enough to place a nickel standing up and play them at reference volume without the nickle rolling or falling off. It's more powerful than the B&W db1 with similar low distortion, and it's so much fun! Made by a very small company and great bang for the $. Also, I know you are a music guy, but Please please do just one review of your favorite speakers for movies and/or for 50/50 music/movie listening.
Hi i am living in Mexico. We don't have a wide choice about a loudspeakers and amplis. However, I have a choice between a complete Cambridge audio furniture (ampli SX81 & loudspeakers SX80) or the Genelec G Three. The prices for Cambridge is around 3000 euros and the Genelec G three is for 2000. I got a topping e30 as a DAC. from your point of view what is the best configuration between the two, i like clarity of the sound, i don't appreciate too much heavy bass and my room is 40 m2. thanks for any advice. JP
Late but anyway - I've upgraded ( or at least changed ) my hi fi in last couple years - now KEF Meta 50 spks, + sub I had , Outlaw receiver > both highly rated on this site. thorens 103 full auto turntable, my mid 1970's Pioneer still working good, but just changed for no reason.....
I wonder why you didn't include the elac unifi ub52 2.0s that you referenced as a great 3 way, opposed to the kliptch 600 and to my ears gives me all around better dynamics..
I’ve owned Focal 726 Towers for 5 years. They put a smile on my face every time I listen to them. I’ll never part with them. I have their Clear HP’s too. Simply sublime.
I owned a set of Electa Amator II's and as soon as I saw those things that is what I thought they were a copy of. Big shoes to fill if they want to sound like them. Wish I never sold them.
I dig this Morning’s Shirt. Excellent speaker list but I’m sure there will be viewers wondering why “their” favorite speakers didn’t make the list. 🤷🏻♂️
Hi Steve, I see we share a taste for Magneplanar. I have just been offered a nice pair of MG12/qr, at a very attractive price. Do you have any experience with them? I would then add a REL T Zero, as suggested in this video. Thanks a lot
I looked for Genelec speakers after your earlier review. Seems their distribution in the US is quite limited in in Los Angeles to mainly Guitar Center.
Marantz Model 40N + Magnat Transpuls 1500.. would it be a right combination? Or, will I have to add a power amplifier? If yes, please suggest one which is most suitable. Please give your precious advice.
Great breakdown on affordable speakers. I have an opportunity to get a pair Martin logan ESL for $1250a pair. In your opinion how do they compare with a Magnepan’s at $999 a pair?
advice please: planning to upgrade from plasma to a 4k tv. i have an old yamaha rxv675 that works perfectly. do you think the klipsch 600m 2 will be enough, or do i definitely need a center channel, subwoofer, and/or satellite speakers. i live in a small one bedroom apartment so i can't really fully max out the sound as i will disturb my neighbors. thank you!
Speaking of value, I would like to alert your viewers to a great deal in a well regarded studio monitor setup: the JBL 308P MkII Studio Monitors (Pair) + LSR310S subwoofer bundle are going for $662.15 at the JBL store. These monitors measured very well in a couple reviews I have seen. I haven't heard them myself, but I trust these reviewers. I am VERY happy with my KEF LS50 Metas driven by an NAD 720BEE - the most natural sounding speakers I think I have ever heard (but without truly accurate dynamic range). A classic PSB sub delivers a nice, tight bottom.
I've owned dozens and dozens of loudspeakers... I currently have several sets, this JBL-308p is one spectacular value. I perform countless experiments in our primary listening room. Currently, I've got the little JBLs sitting atop my $3k, 2400w double 15" subs... all pulled 7 feet out into the room. At a modest $200 apiece, high passed and sub supported, they perform. It's astonishing really... but it's not surprising considering decades of JBL research, poured into a little offshore built, active, dsp 2-way... yields a killer product. Yes, a $200 two-way, matched with the $3k subwoofers, may be a big mismatch price wise... but offload the LF duty to the subs, reveals solid performance for $200, it's remarkable! I can't speak to the JBL sub you mentioned, but those 308p represent so much value.
Looking forward to that English speaker review, as i'm here /or there. I consider myself inbetween speakers now since my fave' (at all-genres) 15" vintage Tannoys D.C.s had a cone die & my Celestion 3000's brought out of stash, are just o.k., if only the bsss was much more articate & deeper, they'd do & my stashed e/stats are not all-genre satisfying. (wife likes the Celest' 3000's because they're pushed up against the rear wall to aid bass & my now repaired (driver/amps of) Accustat model X's cannot be, nor easily moved too & fro, & are far too big for her anway, my best e/stat (for bass & dynamics) but she hates their size with a psssion, they've been banned on a "i'm not having those ugly monsters in here" basis, so back up into the spare room they went with the others non contenders (i'll eBay em) Our only other spare room is tiny for anything except maybe those baby Genelecs which i was just working out the size of, based on the 3/4'th inch tweeter & man, they are so tiny!!
Steve, I have some Wharfdale Evo 4.4s. They sound great but when driven above 75% preamp volume from a 4V RMS balanced DAC, they start to sound soft-distorted. I'm using a SET Tube amp but I feel like the distortion is coming from the speakers. It effects all frequency ranges and sounds very muffled, almost like you're at a concert and the sound is beginning to surpass your ears' ability to resolve details so it distorts. Do you think this is the speakers distorting or the tube amp? Thank you!
Genelec also has their higher end line of monitors, that have dual woofers, a coincident midrange/tweeter, and advanced DSP, but they are very expensive, from $5000 a pair for the small 8331 to $10,000 a pair for the 8361.
Compared to a lot of the Speakers with ,,High End,, Marketing Genelecs are pretty fair priced. 8341 with two subs or one step higher Double Bass Array, Room Treatment and i dont see anything what beat that in terms of precision & overall quality. I heard all ,,The Ones,, in one room and even the smallest one are so good.
