Best Cheap Speakers - New or Old

I agree with my friend John(and others).The Spicas are an excellent used value.My friend Bob has several pair(both 50's and 60's).We compared them to his Thiel 2.3 and they were very close in overall performance and better in some areas.The Quad 11-L are the best small speakers I have owned(they would be a good value at twice the price).The Wharfedale's are also excellent value for the money.They are made in the same factory and use many of the same components as the Quads.The Diamond Anniversary (updated 7.2 with real wood veneer) from a few years ago originally sold for $599 and by the end of their run were down to $299 with a street price under $100.They are outstanding!!! Michael at TSOT has great deals on the Wharfedales and Missions.He sells a pair of small Floorstanders from the Wharfedale Crystal Line(like the Diamond 7 series with lighter cabinetry)for $109 NIB!They sound really nice! I've recommended them to a couple of the young guys who work for me and they have been very happy.I've also been impressed with the small AAD's and Ushers that I've heard at Quest For Sound.I believe they are under $500.

Larry

Great Post. Back in the 70's those of us w/ no $ had Dynaudio A-25's. Also have to agree w/ the Maggie smga & the Klipsch Heresys. But now, the cheappie's that I hold onto are Wharfedale's Emerald E97. Can sometimes be had for $350-400

Polk Audio 7b

large advents, epi 100's, dynaco a25's, jbl 4312's or century 100's, snell j's, allison 4's o 7's

I have a pair of The Advent/1 that I just love. I got them off eBay about 3 years ago for $250. They have been restored. Their tone is just excellent (full and rich) and sounds better in some ways than my Apogees.

Here are pics of the Advents:
http://www.jasonphillips.org/offsite/advent1.jpg
http://www.jasonphillips.org/offsite/advent2.jpg
http://www.jasonphillips.org/offsite/advent3.jpg
http://www.jasonphillips.org/offsite/advent4.jpg