My Top Ten Speakers Regardless of Price

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Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Unifi 2.0 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cfZDwzoSnay
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F
Polk R100 shop-links.co/cfZDxJezkCF
SVS Ultra bit.ly/3neJL49
Emotiva T1+ emotiva.com?aff=9
Klipsch RP6000F shop-links.co/cfZDiieBHzW
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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
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
Ifi Zen DAC amzn.to/2T3wuyY
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

Опубликовано:

4 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 810

@cheapaudioman 2 года назад

@lexicon612 2 года назад

What of the 2 kit speakers you absolutely raved about...where would they fall on this list? Wondering why you didn't include them? "Best midrange you had ever heard in any speaker"...if I remember correctly. You're thoughts Randy. They, no longer your Favorite?

@lexicon612 2 года назад

Asked and partially answered later in the comments...In what position might they fall on your list...The Top, middle or bottom of this list, would be my question. I'm also a bang for the buck guy (when it comes to audio) jsyk I landed a pair of EPOS epic 2s...new in the box pair called music direct a few years ago and offered them 350.00 for a pair...to my surprise he said, "I think we can do that"...then found a Wadia 151 Power DAC Mini for 350 also. Hi Fi shark. 700.00+ Wiring. Let's just say I haven't heard anything better yet and am excited to try one of the kits you reviewed...probably the CSS, as I'm a Dj here in Tampa and lean towards music with impact.

@trexypoo5360 2 года назад

What do you think of the audioengine A5+ ?

@mnfv77 2 года назад

@@lexicon612 trust your ears only

@johnjeffery6638 2 года назад

Cheap audio man I feel betrayed you left out the kef Q350's that you raved about to no end just last year- what up with that?! Change of heart? I wanna know cause they werent even mentioned!!😒

@WeeWeeJumbo 2 года назад

Randy’s out here doing the Lord’s work. A sound enthusiast with advice for the 99%. I respect your devotion to real life budget concerns, man

@hifiman4562 2 года назад

But where are the Lords chips? Did he not tell them they are the Lords chips?

@stephens3845 2 года назад

The chip reference doesn’t make any sense. If you’re gonna go for funny… Anyway, Randy is indeed busting his hump, and his audio chops are like a souped up sleeper. You don’t know what he’s got until he punches it.

@cheapaudioman 2 года назад

Thank you gentlemen

@cheapaudioman 2 года назад

@@rc6717 I hope you are joking. Let me know if you’re not though.

@brochg 2 года назад

@@rc6717 All hail the dark master!

@JimboJason 2 года назад

Your $300 speaker shootout pushed me into the Emotiva B1+ and I'm super glad you did. It is such an amazing sounding speaker for $250. Thanks for the reviews. The audiophile journey can get pretty expensive, and I'm glad there is someone that leans towards the high value side of this hobby.

@cheapaudioman 2 года назад

Thanks, Jimbo! Loves those B1’s!

@suprgx472 2 года назад

Emotiva is great sound for the $$$.

@chrisy4011 2 года назад

Are they good for mains for watching movies?

@carlosoruna7174 2 года назад

Ya know speakers are like real estate...? Location.

@Stan_the_Belgian 2 года назад

They are 450 euro in europe🥺

@shamptown 2 года назад

I was originally intending to hold out for a good deal on the uni-fi 2.0 but decided to grab the c933ii while they were on sale recently based mostly on your glowing reviews and I am very impressed with how they sound. Thanks for putting a spotlight on them because I didn't want to deal with burning in the elacs

@jim010109 2 года назад

It's nice to hear Polk is getting noticed again. I haven't heard any of the Legend or Reserve series, but they seem to get good reviews. Keep up the good work.

@cobhcnyc1375 2 года назад

Just got some Polk S20s as secondary speakers...running a vintage Marantz amp with some Cerwin Vegas 15"..the Polks are a perfect fit for the back of the room..

@choronzo202 2 года назад

I always get the urge for a cup of coffee when good old audioman releases a video. And that’s a nice thing. His videos and my coffee pair well

@mementos24 2 года назад

Watching while enjoying a good Colombian Gesha, perfect start to a good week-end.

@jetfansuperd 2 года назад

The sponsors!!

@lexicon612 2 года назад

Chock full of nuts...all the way. Its 8 o'clock brand sold as Chock full of nuts...did blind taste test...unable to distinguish between. 60 to 70% what 8 o'clock costs. My 2 cents.

@Feliciano12v 2 года назад

Proud owner of the Elac UB52’s. I’m so glad I came across your channel and purchased them per your recommendation. My friends and I enjoyed them very much! Great review as always.

@DougMen1 2 года назад

They're on sale for $450 right now, which is a steal of a deal!

@Pro-kesh Месяц назад

What center do you have?

@Feliciano12v Месяц назад

@@Pro-kesh no Center speaker, it's a stereo system.

@rfreidel 2 года назад

I have the Emotiva T1+, on some music with lots of acoustic instruments and vocals they are ideal, Jazz piano like Thelonious Monk is so good you can hear him touch the keys, Symphonic Metal such as Within Temptation sounds great, with poorly mixed/produced rock they seem to show and perhaps enhance noise and distortion. Am very pleased with them for the price. Kick drums and bass are right as they should be, I don't need a sub with these. If I had a larger listening area I probably would have gone for the T2+.

@jetfansuperd 2 года назад

This is an excellent idea. From time to time a list like this helps us sort it out. You are the chief and the cheap audio man

@FlyGuy457 2 года назад

Spot on. Between my son and myself, we have all of these but the Polk and the Jamo. Really good stuff.

@BonGrips 2 года назад

Always nice seeing your speakers mentioned in someone’s recommendations

@aussiegeniusaffiliate 8 месяцев назад

WOW! I’m in Australia and new to your channel. I’ve kinda been binge watching a bit in the last few days. Some bloody good old honest down to earth advice Randy. Cheers mate! Gary

@ginom407 2 года назад

Thanks Randy! I'm keeping my eye open for my next set of buttery speakers. Great Video 👍

@buffal0bilious 2 года назад

My buddy got RP-6000Fs, and I got T1+s, so I've listened to both a lot. I think, subjectively, Klipsch wins on looks by a solid margin, but Emotiva wins on sonic performance by a modest but not negligible margin, which is something considering the T1s are several hundred less. I like both a lot, but I also don't regret my choice.

@DrDryce 2 года назад

Moved from the B&W 606 S2 to the Elac Debut Reference mostly based on your reviews and could have not been happier. The sound and soundstage of these speakers, my goodness. It will be my end speaker until I’ll go into the area of 2k+ speakers, and not sure if I ever will do that.

@crk140 2 года назад

Ascend acoustics makes some amazing speakers under 2 grand

@albertloan396 2 года назад

How are they different from the B&Ws? What is it in particular that makes you glad you switched?

@alm5693 2 года назад

Glad to see that the Debut Refs are still a favorite of yours. The list price has gone up $100 but they're on sale a lot more than they were before the price increase. My only personal gripe about the Elacs is that they like to play loud a lot better than they like to play at low volumes.

@veroman007 2 года назад

i own the towers. they play well at low volumes but yes they like to play loud

@twooger 2 года назад

It seems like just Andrew Robinson and I got pair of DBR62 that are boring and not detailed. 🤷 They can definitely sound nice at higher volumes with some powerful amp. But at lower volumes and with cheap amps they are just some dead rocks that produce sounds. I've compared them in my room with Klipsch RP-600M and difference it really night and day. On klipsch you can really hear all the dialogue in movies and all the details in the songs, which are just missing with DBR62.

@robertb.4202 2 года назад

Burn-in is very much a thing. My Klipsch R-41PM speakers did not sound good until I put in the time to break them in. Now, they sound incredible!

@Z3NSEI 2 года назад

You're absolutely right about the Elac Unifi 2.0; listening to them near field I kept asking out loud, "How!? How the hell did Andrew Jones make this sound so damn good!?". Now they're in my living room on top of Emotiva SE8 Flex subs. The whole setup is worth every penny. Thank you for leading me in the right direction!

@iakobkv271 2 года назад

Did you need sub with ub52?

@Z3NSEI 2 года назад

@@iakobkv271 , I find that a sub is needed with these. However, the bass is good for casual listening. It’s not going to energize a large room, and near field in a small space is the same result. I’m still breaking them in, but I don’t think I’m going to get much more bass output. Using Crown xls 1002 and Behringer a 800.

@CultureWars_ 2 года назад

Where is Fluance? Wow! Your review quite a few months ago on speakers had Flance beating out some you mentioned today. I then ordered some and fell in love with them. Thanks for that review!

@staceycooper3550 2 года назад

A lot of good speakers. In that price range the NHT C3 speakers are hard to beat. 3 way with aluminum midrange and tweeter. Great clarity.

@philm6674 2 года назад

I just picked up the Sony speakers and I have to say, they’re absolutely lovely sounding speakers. For exactly the reasons that you said.

@davehill9951 2 года назад

All that matters is what Your ears are happy with. Been using Mission m74i's for the last 20 years. Still makes me smile! I upgraded my avr to a Yamaha Aventage rx a2a last week and the speakers came to life again from what i was using before.

@tdalton854 2 года назад

Thanks for this as it came from nowhere into my RU-vid suggestions when I needed it. went with the jamo c93II you suggested to replace some psb towers. new house smaller room , very happy . works with my old ears. like your understandable style. thanks again.

@jimbrunsman1011 2 года назад

I appreciate these videos because there's lots of sensible real world advice. Man knows what he's talking about...

@robertallen8841 2 года назад

Really enjoy your love of older still viable speakers. As part of the house setup (Belkin Airplay thank you) I have my original Bose 301’s sitting above the kitchen cabinets open soffits. When it combines with the den’s (also old) Infinity’s it’s hauntingly wonderful.

@GSP-76 2 года назад

Before watching the video, I had picked several speakers myself and surprisingly picked many that you did...great video!

@Braedon2011. 2 года назад

Loving the content. Could you do a video about best small room (10x10-15x15 ft) speakers? I have a small bedroom in an NYC apartment and I’d love to get a vinyl setup going.

@69Muscle 2 года назад

Great list! I’ve owned Wharfedales, great speaker. My favorite speaker is my current towers, Focal 726’s. To me, the sound perfect, no sub required. I bought them 3 years ago, they just sound better and better as time goes by.

@iannoel3263 Год назад

I just ordered the Polk R100, thanks to your reviews, including the comparison with the R200. I'm super excited. I also ordered the R350 center speaker. I'd love a review on that one, as it also gets suggested as an optional low profile surround speaker, mounted to the wall.

@josexavierjr.5633 2 года назад

Good video, Randy. Glad you included the Wharfedales in the list.......I still love mine. When you get a chance, check out the Lonpoo LP12 speakers; they're a small bookshelf model that have an exceptional tweeter. Got them for $56/pair on Amazon. They'll need a sub, or tweak your EQ. If you don't like them, send them back!

@willjam465 Год назад

This was in my recommendations, so I decided to watch. My favorites have long been Paradigm. Bought a pair of 3Se back in ‘91. Still listening to them today. Sound just as beautiful as new. Also have the 9Se with 300CC in a different room. Have never been compelled to replace. Well, thought about some new ones, but why? My 30 year old speakers still sound amazing. I highly recommend Paradigm.

@peterfernandezjr5914 2 года назад

Thanks so much, this video could have not come at a better time for me. Looking to upgrade in time for Black Friday

@mfkhometheater7742 Год назад

Yeah AMT's are amazing! I've been using the Dayton AMT-Pro4 in my 2-ch system since around 2014 and of course I have a bunch of them in the big CBT line arrays for my home theater. With fourteen AMT's in each line array the detail really is incredible. I'm totally sold on AMT's!

@chrisb5986 Год назад

This is a great video, Randy. They should all have this much information for the viewer.

@mkshffr4936 2 года назад

Back in my solid state days I lusted after AR-1s and Carver Amazings. Now days I would just as soon DYI.

@skeen267 2 года назад

Very informative video. I recently purchased a pair of Klipsch R620F's. I love the sound, excellent bass for 6.5" woofers. Great mids and highs as well. Combined with a Hsu VTF2 Mk5 sub and Schiit Saga S and Vidar, I think the sound is spectacular - especially for the money. Good sound doesn't have to be 5 figures, and your list could probably keep it to less than 4 figures. Great job looking out for the working class audiophiles.

@Tearial311 2 года назад

I use the Klipsch R26F for my surround speakers. I also have the same Hsu sub. LOL… they were my front speakers but got moved to surrounds to make room for my Arendal 1723 THX and also upgraded to Monolith 15s but I have used the “MiniDSP” to run all three subs together.

@adrewtube1 2 года назад

Randy, awesome stuff as always. If this were top 11, would evo 4.1’s be a contender?

@electricroo 2 года назад

One of the points many people miss is finding a speaker that works best with your particular gear. Im an old rock & rolI guy. I build my own vacuum tube gear. One day I came across an old pair of Bowers & Wilkins DM602 S2 speakers. Have you ever sat and listen to some Rush? The detail of things that I never heard before in their music seems to pop out! The 602's seem to be matched well with my equipment. Now the 602's don't sound that well on a 100w / channel solid state amp that I built using vintage output transistors, but believe it or not, pairing an old set of Radio Shack Mach 2's really makes the solid state amp shine.

@slumking112 Год назад

Just found your channel...couldn't b more amazed when you listed the klipsh 6000 i actually have them and they knock the building down as well as handle power without distortion that graphene driver delivers and actually helps in midrange reproduction the top end is definitely there but combine very well to the heart pounding woofers....they will always wow your company

@sum2automation Год назад

Yup! All day long....Klipsch speakers are truly concert like speakers and that's why they sound so real... just like a live concert, truly. Most people just don't understand or have ever been to one or more truly live preforming band's. They've never heard real music 🎶.... and concert use Klipsch speakers type systems even in today preforming

@alecblume4969 2 года назад

I have both the Wharfedale diamond 11.4s and the Sony sscs5 based on your recommendations. I have the diamonds hooked up to a Marantz NR1200 in my living room and they sound great. I’m putting the sscs5 in my bedroom, but don’t have them hooked up to anything yet. Is there a dac/amp that you enjoy paired with them?

@noylj1 Год назад

My selections: Benesch Precision: Fantastic musical towers, but position is critical to get money's worth Watt/Puppy: Perhaps the best sounding--very musical and best simulated sound stage K-Horn: I love these. If you have the right room, they'll fill it up with music without taxing your amp. Some complain about horn honk, but I have no idea what they mean. Quad ESL: fantastic electrostatic. Don't know how loud you can play the new ones, but they were always loud enough for me. Exceptional musicality, if that's a word. You can sit back and listen for hours). Heresy: These are still the very best "book shelf" speakers I've ever heard. Add a high-end sub-woofer for decades of enjoyment Boise 901: These should be complete crap, yet I loved them when I first heard them. Two issues are that you need a really clean and powerful amp (at least 150w/ch or more) and the sound stage, when you get one is huge (a solo singer can sound like their head is 7 feet in diameter.

@jefflock7635 Год назад

I know this is an old thread, but it's great for someone like me who is just getting back into this again. Thanks to you, Cheapaudioman, I am currently auditioning the ES-15 (and the ES-35), SSCS5, Uni-Fi 2.0 UB5.2, and the SVS satellites (because why not). I am still waiting on the B1+ to arrive. I got everything on sale. Thanks for what you do and all your help! So far, I am the most impressed by the SSCS5's. I get it now. GREAT value! These are keepers. I'll find somewhere to use them . So far the ES-15's are at the bottom of the list and are most likely going back. I experienced some odd bass resonances (chuffing?). I wanted these to work because I am sticking with the ES-35 center channel because of space restrictions and cost. Now I will not have matching fronts and center. I'm wondering if I should try the ES-20's...decisions, decisions. The ELAC's are nice (really good imaging and staging), but I'm still breaking them in. Can't wait to A/B them with the Sony's and Emotiva's. Thanks again!

@mikebyrd4186 2 года назад

I bought the Polk 100 after your first review and love them

@JC-bl9bo 2 года назад

Great video, and you definitely make me laugh, good sense of humor. I'm surprised the JBL Studio 530 didn't make it in here. I recently got the 570s and they are excellent.

@JackAldrich 2 года назад

I also have the JBL Studio 530s in my studio for near-field use and 570s in our tiny living room matched with the JBL Studio sub. Purchased all when on sale for over 50% off with free shipping. The 570s are surprisingly good for such a small floorstander. I found that using really thick straps vs. bi - wiring improved the output of both sets. One can configure an excellent systems with consumer audio gear if you take the time to determine the proper size, wattage specs., cables, etc. for your particular needs. All my receivers are DENONs .

@AllboroLCD 2 года назад

Your accumulating quite the hoard of fun speakers, im starting to get a little jelly! Those are good picks for us common audio folk! Now can we see some Cerwin Vega reviews? They still make speakers ya know ; )

@hendrikkotze438 2 года назад

Randy I recently bought myself a pair of B&W 606 s2. I am currently pairing them with an old pioneer vsx 517. They sounded horrible in the 1st day of playing but after a week it came to life. I am loving the sound coming from these speakers. Have you listened to them?

@Rowebot15 Год назад

I have a nice old pair of Teledyne Acoustic Research AR28s. Nice blend of sound from the early 80s.

@DougMen1 2 года назад

The Monitor Audio Bronze 50 and 100 are on sale for $440 and $540, and the Silver 50 and 100 are $675 (normally $975) and $775 (normally $1150), and the KEF R3 are down to $1700, normally $2200

@drewpknutz1410 2 года назад

I've had the Klipsch rp-6000s for a couple years now and they are nice. When I first got them I had them paired with a Denon Pma800 and they did sound scooped out, but then I got the Emotiva Ta100 and they sound excellent! It's also crazy how low and punchy they are for just a couple 6" woofers, they are actually punchier than my old Cerwin Vega E-712, and those are 12". My real only beef is how deep the enclosure is, makes them hard to position correctly in smaller rooms.

@kohnfutner9637 2 года назад

My Klipsch 280f sounded bad with Denon. But they sound nearly flawless with my Yamaha aventage receiver. I had to use the Denon mic to get the sound just right. The Denon mic seems to pick up a range the Yamaha mic missed. Maybe I just got lucky.

@DearSX 2 года назад

I like that you this sorta stuff while still being cheap. Hope you review the higher end DACs also like Denefrips Pontus. I'm still cheap, but now I saved up some cash 😁

@bshah4831 2 года назад

Like the way you express your perceptions when listening to music .

@joeg7843 Год назад

Great stuff; I especially like the balance of objective and subjective content. Also, your vids are really, really not boring. Cheers.

@TZKBeats 2 года назад

Hi, Randy! Great videos, thank you! I have a question to ask it would be great if I can hear your opinion. I have ordered the Kef Q150 to upgrade my old Wharfedale Diamond 10.1. I have auditioned the Q350 abd found them a bit bright but I read here and there that the Q150 are better... Anyways.. Since I tend to like warm speakers have I made a huge mistake ordering the Kef's? The good thing is they offer 30 day returns so... No biggie.. But still...

@gabrielgodwin9953 2 года назад

There's two I'd throw in the ring as contenders but, I have to mention that they are both near field reference monitors meant for studio recording/mixing/mastering and many people may be underwhelmed by them until they're nice and broken in and your used to that flat style response. Others may never like a really flat reference monitor. Both I would be perfectly fine with running in my home theater system. The old Mackie HR624's are self powered, THX certified, and very transparent. The response does fall off pretty steeply under 60hz but any decent sub can pick up the slack. They were around 1 grand back in 2005 so you could probably find a nice used pair for a decent price. I have had to replace the standby circuit capacitors on these though. That's my only warning/complaint. The other would be the classic Yamaha NS-10'S. Their long history and reputation is well known so I don't really need to say much other than that updated more modern versions are still readily available. Having the larger low end driver of these two, many might not even feel the need for a sub... but it couldn't hurt if you enjoy loud action movies with giant explosions and such. Reasonably priced as well. Both are solid choices that don't command a lot of space and pack impressive volume and clarity.

@54tristin 2 года назад

I have always found the Yamaha unlistenable They are not designed for home audio, they were designed for studio work, for mixing, The idea being if the music sound good on NS 10s then it will sound good on anything . In my opinion a very flawed speaker!

@bryanwilliams3665 Год назад

@@54tristinYes.. The Yamaha's are used in Studios because they highlight the 'Problems' in ones mix. The last set of speakers one wants to use in a studio environment is one that makes everything sound 'nice'

@JoeJ-8282 2 года назад

I guess I'm what one could call a "NO budget" audiophile, because even though I definitely have an ear for, and the utmost appreciation for/of extremely high-end equipment and speakers, with my extremely limited income, (which is just barely enough to cover my rent and utility bills each month, much less have any money left over to spend on anything else), I actually have to shop for audio equipment and speakers at thriftstores and yard sales, etc., or else I simply cannot afford it... Anything over $1/inch of woofer diameter is too expensive for me!... However, even at that price point, and always only in the used/second hand market, I have found a few extremely good sounding speakers over the years, with probably one of the best deals I've found being a still perfect condition pair of Polk Audio Monitor 10 speakers from the 80's for $20/pair! I still use those in my main LR system today and they sound great! Polk Audio has always made very good sounding, very good value speakers, with higher than average build, driver, and parts quality, so it's not surprising that at least one Polk model made it onto this list here in this video.

@thomosburn8740 2 года назад

I've bought several pair of JBL and Polk bookshelf speakers at Goodwill, I have a pair of Klipsch R-41M's I found mint-in-box for $70 in a thrift store. Word of mouth and the occasional estate sale have yielded surprises: my 2nd McIntosh system was $200 (albeit needing repair) at a yard sale.

@L-Noble.YT_Hi.Res-Soundminds 2 года назад

You can change the way a speaker sounds by tuning and adjusting the signal. I have Klipsch heritage and I enjoy them very much. Very happy.

@louiesipes2257 2 года назад

I still switch up between the Uni 2.5 and Debut Reference but if I had to choose one or the other it would be the Debut reference. Great imaging and soundstage, warmer midrange sounds better with more of my music🤷🏻‍♂️. Bought Mark the Sony’s for Christmas. Suggestion, Ascend Acoustics CBM170’s . No bass below 79 Hz and they are up front about it. But everything above❤️

@HollywoodNobody Год назад

Great call on the Warfdale Diamonds. I run a pair with my Rega and Creek 4140 amp.

@maximilianseiser1018 2 года назад

Love your channel, Randy. Ty for the nice reviews! I am missing the Q Acoustics 3030i here though. Also you NEED to review a nice full tube preamp from a brand called DYNAVOX. Amp's name is TPR-1. It's 100 times better than the Chinese devices and is only like $250. Worth a try for sure. Keep up the good work man! Cheers!

@gicosk 2 года назад

I'm always interested in your reviews and arguments, so i would really like to know your reason for not picking some KEF (q150/q350). Thank you.

@stimpacat 2 года назад

I get the shoot out. The funniest thing to me is my dad built his Harman Karon Citation Amp and pre Amp, with Ar-XA and Harkness C-40's. That was 1963 and it was near the best, even today is top 3. Now I had Pioneer sx-750 and 1050 with B&W 640s and Linn lp12(SoundSmith), And that is Awesome and 750 has such lows it incredible,I also use this now. Well I think I am good. But if you need speakers these are some interesting choices. I am at this time having the amp upgraded to Jim MacShane kits. Great Stuff.

@stereo8893 2 года назад

Thank you for this best 10 - have you listened to the Klipsch RP 8000 f ? - BOOM I have them and they deserve a listen ! 🎶

@RobertSpiller 10 месяцев назад

Randy I have 2 of the Sony SSCS plus a Sony Sub in a near field set up...I can lean forward from my couch and touch them....and they sound awesome. And this is my first hifi system.

@Ryu288288 2 года назад

Thanks for the excellent video Randy. Just wondering, did you just leave out the DIY speakers because they are DIY, or that just aren't good enough to make the cut?

@cheapaudioman 2 года назад

I just left them out because they were DIY. They’re both amazing but those projects are only for a small part of the community because of the challenges around building them.

@JoeSee 7 месяцев назад

Thank you for the video. I ended up picking up a pair of the SSCS5's after watching one of your videos for $75 last year during one of Best Buy's sales.. loved them so much, I went and picked up another pair. I spent a few hours sitting in front of them and my jaw dropped. The sound that comes out of these things for the price is ridiculous. I'm about ready to take the next step and venture into some KEF's or Missions, or go all out and pick up a pair of Martin Logan ESL's.. but these Sony's are a perfect speaker to dip your toe in for some seriously good quality sound!

@BrettinLux 2 года назад

I absolutely love my RP-6000’s.I was in a smaller place when I bought them but they still rock my bigger living room.Not sure if you’ve had the chance to listen to the Klipsch RF-7 III.They blew me away and will be my next speaker purchase.

@redred-redred 2 года назад

Hi Brett, with wich amp do you drive your RP 6000. Greetings from Germany, Manfred 🖖

@BrettinLux 2 года назад

@@redred-redred Hi….using a Yamaha A-S801 amp at the moment.

@sum2automation Год назад

Yup! Klipsch all day long and years to come.

@eyeshezzy 2 года назад

Nice work. Would like to see you review the Monolithic Encore's and see how they match up to the Emotiva T1+

@joewestern6387 Год назад

I have a pair of the Wharfdale Diamond 12.2 that I listen to when I don’t want to listen to my JBL 4312Gs. Best of both worlds. Good speakers for casual listening, and great speakers for serious listening.

@insomnia9999 2 года назад

The first video I’ve seen with kef not on the list. Thanks for sharing!

@ericmayle8510 Год назад

I have the Sony SSCS5 speakers and love them. If I had the space I would get the speakers my dad had in his system, the Sansui SF2 omnidirectional speakers. Not only did they sound phenomenal, but they were also a piece of art.

@joeljimenez3521 Год назад

Did u buy just the pair or did u get them with a sub

@jodaboda1 2 года назад

love to hear your thoughts and review on Magnepan. Those things blow one's mind for under $1000 (cheap amp included)

@jamotter8967 2 года назад

I own a stereo in a near-field setup that sounds magnificent. I regularly watch Paul McGowen's PS Audio videos, which are excellent and highly edifying. I also watch everything Steve Guttenberg produces and appreciate his insights and common sense perspectives on things. Andrew Robinson is also very credible, though a tad limited in the topics he covers. "Thomas & Stereo" is also very well-researched and useful. All that said, Randy, the cheapaudioman has been the most helpful in selecting my components. This includes my Elac Uni-fi UB5s, my SMSL DA-9 integrated amp, my SMSL M500 II DAC/headphone amp and my very affordable, but adequate Yamaha NS-SW200 sub. Randy may not be as broadly edifying as Paul McGowen, but in the matter of identifying suberb value in audio equipment he is "best-in-class".

@socksumi 2 года назад

Paul McGowan is honest but Steve Guttenberg and Andrew Robinson shamelessly pander to certain players the industry. It's bandwagon reviewing endorsing the latest trendy and aggressively marketed products for reasons not hard to imagine... ahem. Steve is known for endorsing products from companies who's designer or owner is familiar to him. Funny that.

@donaldspaulding6973 Год назад

I love your name! I just found this channel, and as a pro audio engineer I'm baffled how much folks will pay for 2 drivers in a box.

@brianpayne 2 года назад

Wonderfully, endearingly, honestly, subversively, humorously, alternatively, critically, reliably, knowledgeably cheap ... without the cheapness. One of the few reviewers I respect and chuckle at.

@petrolfever 2 года назад

Just curious, I have a pair of RP8000F, which I love. I have friends with smaller rooms and smaller budgets that are looking for recommendations. Have you heard both? Thoughts?

@rajakumarparuchuri327 2 года назад

Wow.. good video.. really liked your taste.. you almost covered all the price ranges...

@solomonstewart1025 2 года назад

Great work Randy!

@lescobrandon8045 2 года назад

I like your attitude about how you critique speakers. You sir are not a audio snob. I have 2 Kali LPs near field, and if you're sitting in their zone, they sound crystal clear. I think they were $299. each at Sweetwater, but it was well worth it to make my synths sound like electric warm sweet butter.

@aegisofhonor 2 года назад

I don't get to listen to too many newer speakers, but I have listened to many different speakers and have to say probably still the best speaker I have ever heard was the original KLH Model Five. It just seemed to punch in all the right ways and at the time wasn't so old they were cracked and falling apart (most Model Fives today, unless they have been significantly refurbished to their original specs don't sound nearly that good anymore due to it's acoustic suspension being heavily compromised due to wear and age of the cabinet, drivers, surrounds, and crossover).

@rickyshoard 2 года назад

Love your reviews man. Hopefully you will review the klipsch rp8000f.

@Shaken_AND_Stirred 2 года назад

Glad to know that Salazar’s must have carried over as the sponsor today as well. You should do an entire review with the Salazar’s mask on!

@johnkuykendall467 2 года назад

I just bought the Sony SSCS5 for $88 on sale. They don't have any right to sound that good. I've been modding a pare of cheap Pioneer speakers (CS-G403 with new mids, horn tweeters and reworked crossovers) from the early 90s and these little Sonys blow them away in every aspect but LOW bass. I ran my favorite bass test (Techmaster PEB Bassgasm) and was seriously impressed at what the Sony speakers are capable of for their size. There are some low notes in that song they just flat out can't do but I also wouldn't expect them to go that low. They are less fatiguing and more balanced than my Klipsh R-820F towers as well. I know there is better stuff out there, but for $88 I'm freakin blown away.

@joeljimenez3521 Год назад

Hey did u buy a sub to go with them or are they good on their own

@johnkuykendall467 Год назад

@@joeljimenez3521 I don't run them with a sub, and it is fine for what I use them for. They are literally on a bookshelf, with their receiver, and provide a nice small system for my home office. If they were in a bigger room, they'd probably need a sub more. In my small room, they are fine.

@oldestpunkinargentina7766 2 года назад

I've owned a paif Klipsch F2 floorstanders since 2007 and never felt the urge to upgrade. Paired to my vintage Pioneer receiver, they sound awesome. Basically the same as the RF6000, only front-ported and way cheaper being the Synergy Line. I've heard the Reference, and while better, they are not worth the difference to my ears (money-wise, that is) Couldn't afford them anyway, but they would not be my choice if I suddenly hit the jackpot. Fortes OTOH, maybe !

@andrewholloway5473 2 года назад

I picked up the Elac UniFi 5.2 and love them. I see people in forums bashing them based on computer programs showing less than perfect results. I don’t know, they sound great me!

@bsg273 2 года назад

Great vid. Really loving the channel in general. If I may pick your brain on this matter, money aside, what would a couple of your top choices be for someone that wants speakers for both music and home theater in their small-ish apartment living room but wants a wide enough dispersion that it still sounds decent all the way over in the kitchen (assuming open layout living/dining/kitchen areas here)? Bonus points for punchy bass for electronic music but not totally necessary as a sub will definitely be added regardless. Thanks!

@robligeti8353 2 года назад

This was great, thank you! What sub would you pair with the Sony sscs5 for a bargain man cave audio + sometimes movies 2.1 setup? Probably gonna use a Fosi BT 2.1 class D. Thanks!

@trallfraz Год назад

I had a pair of POLK AUDIO SDA SIGNATURE REFERENCE speakers (excellent sound), until I went to an audition room in Upland Ca. in the early '90's. Now I only use Polks in my car (best car speakers I've found - @Crutchfield). I took my LP of Stanley Black conducting the LSO on "Three Blind Mice", and my early '60's RCA pressing of Al Hirt Honey in the Horn "I Can't Get Started". The 2 Lp's knocked the salemen on their butts and we auditiond about 25 pair of speakers (up to $23,000/pair), one CD player (I liked my LP's better), and a few mono-block amps (I really love the sound of tubes). I forget what turntable they had, but I ended up buying the Canadian PSB Stratus Gold (which I discovered got an excellent write-up in Stereophile) and were only $2,000 at that time.

@makuba2 2 года назад

If these speakers had the same price, which one would be your first, second, third and fourth choice? (if we leave out towerspeakers)

@judithhume9047 2 года назад

Nice one!! First time I've come across your good self and will treat myself to a subscription to your channel....thanks. David

@myturkishlife1777 2 года назад

Gotta love a top ten 👍 Great work 👍👍

@ufarkingicehole 2 года назад

Nice list. I have a few of these and they do sound fantastic. Have you had the chance to hear polk LSIM series? The price on them have dropped considerably and so far my LSIM 705 with Aperion super tweeters are really exceptional. I can't remember if you have reviewed the LSIM 703s or not. I am hoping to hear the Wharfedale 4. Anything and svs ultra line. I'm also curious to hear triangle bro 3s.

@sleptboomer2470 2 года назад

Can't impress upon you strongly enough the degree to which I love my Emotiva speakers. My office is set up with lots of sound deadening features and when I put my head in the sweet spot it surly is sweet.

@DougMen1 2 года назад

If you think the Polk R100 is good, just wait until you hear the R200. They make the 100s sound seriously flawed in comparison. They're that good. The best speaker under $2k that I've heard

@MuscleMindConnect 2 года назад

Love the review/recommendations!

@jvburnes Год назад

You should audition an Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2EX. They are probably the best damn speakers that you can find at around $1500 / pair. Special SEAS long-throw woofers perfectly matched with RAAL tweeters. Musical as hell, fantastic imaging and pacing.

@tritiumglo4699 2 года назад

Good list. I have a couple from PSB and Dynaudio that would fit in well.

@raj6338 2 года назад

Randy, thank you for the great videos. You keep it real in the reviews, None of that leathery butter bs. I have a pair of polk rtia7s what amp would you recommend for 2 channel listening?

@KissAnalog 2 года назад

Thanks Randy!

@martinley1641 2 года назад

I really enjoy your videos. I'm looking to upgrade. Could you give some hints what speakers play best in both worlds (listening music AND home-cinema)?

@peterhormann2265 2 года назад

Hy Randy, witch speaker would you reconnmend for electronic music, hiphop etc. thinking about the emotiva b1+? Btw. great chanel! All best from Austria Peter