Some may scoff, but my NHT SuperTwos have more than held their own among Spendors, Maggies, B&Ws, PSBs and others costing quite a bit more. They've been out of production for a number of years, but each time I try to find a clearly superior speaker for a reasonable price, I find I can't do it (of course, I haven't tried EVERYthing). The SuperTwos do so many things well--including all the things you mentioned--and so few things, if any, poorly that they have stood the test of time extremely well. Just my opinion.
-Bob |
I have been comparing my JBL L150A's and Bose 901 series 6's and the Bose sounds best to me.....I'm shocked!.... The JBL's was the best that I had ever heard! Long live the new king! |
I have a pair of Polk SDA IIs that I have enjoyed since the '80s. Good imaging, soundstage, transparency and bass response. As I've made upgrades to the system over the years, these speakers seem to have "stepped up" at each step along the way to let me hear the improvements. |
Unsound
Ya...I agree. The "best bargain" part for sure. He did say "for less money than today's top models prices"...I ran with that part.
Best bargain only...I'd have went with the Maggie MMG's...around $350 used.
Dave |
For classical music: BW 801 S3, for example. |
Sogood51, I see your point, but, I read the title "Best bargain for speaker that can offer top sound" as being the priority. There does seem to be some contradiction. |
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Using your criterion, and IMHO, the Thiel 3.5's by a long shot, followed by Vandersteen 2's. |
Just so happens my previous speakers were Quad L22. Very, very nice.
In direct comparison (using an Arcam A-85 integrated I had at the time on both the Quad and Polk:
Quad L22:
Softer, more ''romantic'' I guess, forgiving of harsh cd's, it's as if there is this ''warm blanket'' that wraps around every sound Quad makes. A very relaxed midrange. Great finish and attention to detail. Very nice. Cons: Not the most dynamic, sounds congested at medium to high volume levels. Some box colorations that are audible. Will not fill a larger romm with authority the way a Polk Lsi 15 can.
Polk LSi 15
''Huge sound'' with wide and deep soundstage - maybe a function of the high position and quality of the tweeter. Impression that the sound is exceptionnaly fast, quick. Wide dynamics, sounds ''loud'' even at low volumes. Some midrange colorations, but quickly forgotten given the other qualities. Lots of detail. Smart lookers with the glossy black and real wood cherry sides. Looks way more expensive that it is. Nice tall and slim. Speaker grilles are el-cheapo's (don't use them) looks better without anyways.
Note on the amp: The Arcam a-85 was a good match with the quad, and an exceptionnal one with the Polk. The way this amp can trim some frequencies, combined with the lively nature of the Polk made them a perfect pair.
It's definitely a budget combination that will satisfy beyond expectations. Invite your friends an watch their reaction....
B-T-W, Also great results with the Cayin A 88-T, (THE tube amp in this price range) balsy bass came as a surprise with this combination.
Hope this helps. |
Soniqmike: Thanks for reminding us about Polk LSi 15. We would all do well to remember that our quest is good sound, not snobbery. Well, for many of us at least that's the case, can't speak for everybody. :-)
I would like to know which speakers have you had a chance to compare the LSi 15 with? Woud they be at par with Quad's L line? (Seem to be similarly priced.) With the likes of Salk Veracity HT2, Zu Druid, and similarly priced floorstanders from Tyler, Silverline, GMA? Proacs, Dynaudios?
There is so much overpriced junk out there that and any decent speaker would be better than "many costing a lot more". Such statements ring empty. It would be good to have a concrete reference.
As I said, forget the snob appeal of names, let's just talk sound. |
Cheap speaker with HUGE sound, very seriously, Polk LSi 15, with the unbelievable Ring Radiator tweeter. Much discussions to be found in the Audiogon forums on this unit. If you can stand the Polk badge staring at you (and why not?) there are the BEST speakers for around 1K (probably even less) you can find. Real wood, classy looks, great sound, what's not to like for so little money?
Laughed at by snobby hi-fi shops, (would make more expensive speakers a tougher sell), too expensive at their retail price point for Circuit City shoppers, they are a beautifull oddball that are worth seeking out.
Check them out, they put many more expensive speakers to shame.
I once owned (no kidding) some VERY expensive speakers. We are talking the price a new car here. Are the Polks in the same league? Of course not. But up to $ 4,000.00, they ARE in the running, and this is no joke.
Good luck!
Mike |
Some top yesteryear speaker models are still made today. If the same speaker has been in production for more than a decade...then go for a second hand model of that (it will be old, relatively cheap, tried and true)!
As for speaker designs that constantly change, one can only wonder why they keep getting it wrong or if design changes are driven by marketing hype rather than top sound. |
I have an early merlin vsm gen. III and they compete well against what is out there. |
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I third the Magnepan line of speakers (had the 1.6 and now have the 3.6r). The one problem (if it is a problem) with them is that the money you save in buying the speakers is needed on upstream components because of how revealing the speakers are. |
01-16-07: Brauser
"D-U-N-L-A-V-Y"
.....Ya, thats what I thought he was talking about.
Dave |
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I must have read the question wrong...I thought he said:
"today's top models"....ie, top of the line type stuff, not bang for buck.
Dave |
Infinity RS1B or the Kappa 9 series blows them all away for the price.
Happy Listening |
I have to agree with Eldart on this one... I have a pair of Maggie 1.6's in my second system and have been tempted to sell them and get something else (they aren't too abtrusive, but in my living room a nice set of pretty floorstanders might be better looking)...
Anyway, everytime I get the itch I realize it would probably take 3K (used) to get what the Maggies are giving me for about $1700 new... They do very well in HT duty as well.
CHris |
The original Quad 57 ESL. |
Yes, I'm second to Spica TC-50 even I've Maggies MG-10QR and Silverline Audio still come back and listen to them in my son's room, not a total lost :-) |
Klipsch Heritage speakers, specifically the Khorns, LaScallas, Belle Klipsch, and Cornwalls...as long as you mate them with complimentary amplification.
Marco |
At any price level, Magneplanar speakers excel in value (quality per $). If their size and shape is acceptable they are the best. (IMHO of course). |
Apogee, Grand, fullrange, Scintilla, Diva can compete at any price level. You will need a large dedicated room to set them up properly, or don't bother.
Dave |
A set of Spica TC-50s w/ subwoofer. |
