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Speakers under $750.00...Preposterous Notion?

Sometimes an audiophile lives on a $100.00 a week salary (theater wages). When you try to get a serious answer from those who know, they say, "save and get such and such..." Well, my wife disagrees, and for good reason. One must "settle" for products which can be realistically obtained. I think, though that there will be some of you out there who are interested in helping others get truly affordable high-quality gear.
My theory is this: take two hypothetical speaker companies. One starts its entry level model at $1k and proceeds to a flagship going for $50k or more. The other speaker company produces only speakers costing less than $3k. Wouldn't the latter company invest more of its energy into producing true quality at the lower prices (provided it is a relatively good company)?
I'm looking for high-sensitivity (90db or more), wide dynamic range (@35hz-20khz or better), and strong, clear bass. Is all of this too much to ask? Well, here's another request: it would be nice if they're floorstanders since my listening room is about 16'x26'x11'.
I found some speakers @$600.00 in a discount magazine, Athena Technologies Audition AS-F2.2, wonder if they're any good....(must rely on forums...no car to audition speakers in the city with...need water...help....please....)
mr_stain
bigkidz
3,371 posts
 
Buy the Dahlquest 32i's that are for sale now on Agon for $750 obo or make an offer on the Alon Vs that are also for sale on Agon now. These will provide you with an open, dynamic sound that you would have to spend a ton more money on to get with other speakers.

Happy Listening.
dgaylin
255 posts
 
Not at all preposterous.

While I have a fairly pricey main system by most standards, I have set up a second system (bed room), third system (beach house) and fourth system (Dad) all for total budget of less than $2K -- in some cases less than $1500 -- that all are quite pleasing to the ear and the challenge was fun. The key is to buy used (at least for some of the system) here on Audiogon, and do your research carefully (start with professional reviews and questions about specific models here).

There are lots of speakers that I could be happy with in that price range (both used and new), in fact it is hard to choose, which is why I'm not offering specific suggestions. Based on availability, aesthetics, room, etc. I ended up with different speakers for each of the above mentioned system and they all sound nice.

Good luck.

--dan
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
Vintage Snell E-III's I believe are rated down to 39Hz +/- 1.5dB. 91dB 1w. 6 ohm. I own a mint pair and they are worth seeking out. Another great floorstanding spks. if you are able to find are Paradigm Phatom V4's. (Rated down to 47hz. I believe, but I think this number is very convervative.) They are being discontinued and replaced by the newer Monitor line. If you're able to find a dealer whom has remaining new stock, do not hesitate to buy a pair. ( I bought mine for around $480 New. Worth every penny.) Bill.
imin2u
392 posts
 
There are many great below a grand speakers. I know, I have soooo many great speakers sitting around in your range. I just gotta get off my butt (no time) and list here. Acoustat 3's, Dahlquist DQ-10's, Dq-28's, and on and on.

The Acoustat's are amazing for FULL reproduction of all frequencies at the right levels. The Dahlquist's have a much better soundstage though. And there's other's out there too.

If for nothing else, you're in the right place!
p.s. The Gon is VERY addicting.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
mr stain...there are a pair of large advents for sale on audiogon in near mint condition for $350. even today, they nail all the things that most music lovers and even jaded audiophiles covet. the best part is, that in 20 years this legendary speaker will still be prized. A big part of an entire generation found music through the large advent or the jbl century 100.....
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