2. speakers
  3. 1243014698

Best floorstanders under $600

I'm looking at Monitor Audio BR5's and Wharfedale 9.6's. I like Evo 30's but can't afford them. I know both of these are mid-fi speakers but all my budget will allow. Has anyone heard both? Can you pass on stregnths + weakness?
Are the BR5's worth $100 more?
If you know the Wharfedales, how do 9'5's compare to 9.6's?
I can't audition so I'm collecting as much info as possible.
I would also listen to any other brand suggestions for towers under $600.
I listen to mostly rock, some jazz and classical.
I have a sub but would like the towers to be able to stand alone. 60% music/30% movies/10% admiring.
Many thanks
griffinconst
griffinconst OP
61 posts
 
If anyone knows the Athena's, how do the two I mentioned compare?
Thanks again.
realhifi
159 posts
 
No contest. Magnepan MMG at $599. Ridiculous value, superb
midrange and later on if you want more bass simply add a small sub and you have an easy upgrade to a full range stunner!
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
If you want floorstanders that don't need help from a subwoofer and your upper budget is $600, you probably need to buy used, grey market, or closeout. These PSB Image T65's are evidently very lightly used with some original packing, and are nearly half off from a $1200/pair list.

You want something that will do "mostly rock, some classical and jazz" on their own? These will. They don't have the limitations of the Maggie MMGs or minimonitors in sensitivity, bass extension, or dynamic range. The PSB's are also some of the most linear speakers at any price from about 150 Hz up. Bass reaches effortlessly to the low 30's. They also do nuance, detail, and microdynamics well. Midrange and voices are transparent, "in the room" and dynamic, neither recessed or pushed forward.

The remaining consideration is whether your room is big enough to take them. They're only 8.5" w by 38" h, but they're 20 inches deep, which translates into more real bass power and extension while maintaining a petite baffle width for maximum dispersion and soundstaging.

Disclaimer: I have NO affiliation with the vendor of the linked listing. I am familiar with the T65s and helped a friend get some for his complete system makeover. He's very happy with them. The PSB T65 is a great value at retail, but at half off, it really gets you some decent champagne for beer money.
More to discover