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Best Cheap Speakers - New or Old

Sure if money is no object there are many speakers that we all "drool for". But having said that, there something to be said for a good "cheap" (less than $500 a pair MSRP) speakers. Granted they're not going to be in anybody's main system (probably they'll be found in somebody's bedroom, office, garage system, usually with some older vintage components driving them). But nevertheless, they deliver decent performance at a resonable price and they're honest in what they do. Not "state of the art" by a large margin, but still good "musical" friends. My choice is an old pair of Boston Acoustics A-60s, that I bought back in the late '80s for probably $200 a pair. Granted there are tons of better speakers out there, but for what they do, and age they are, and the money I paid, they still deliver some pretty damn good sound and performance. Anyway, curious on what others may think and what "cheap" speakers have held a "soft spot" in their "sonic" hearts?
cleaneduphippy
larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7
137 posts
 
I agree about the spica tc 50. They image as well as anything out there anyway near their price
regalma1
72 posts
 
I have to agree about the Dynaco A25s. I had them throughout college and I never got tired of them. Wish I had kept them just see what I think of them today.

Give PSB a try. Amazing sound for the money.
artizen65's avatar
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artizen65
273 posts
 
Ok I feel that this thread has gotten off track. So I will put in my 2 cents.

Radio shack minimus 7's at a whopping $50.00 a pair back in 86. Rebuild the crossovers for $25 and you are good to go.

Ok anyother low bidders.
rgs92
974 posts
 
Good to hear someone else thought highly of the Dynacos. Dynaco called them "natural sound" speakers. I wish some of the big speaker designers could hear what such a minimalist box could accomplish. Regalma1: What PSB's did you like?
rackon
301 posts
 
I love my small speakers - Nola Minis. They used to retail for street [price of $595 but can be had in the $350 a pair range here at A-gon. The previous incarnation, Alon Lil rascals can be found occassionaly for $300.

These are just terrific sounding, unboxy, expansive speakers with a huge stage, a lovely midrange, refined highs and surprising bass heft for their size. The are also extremely dynamic - they remain transparent and uncongested whether pumping out The Rolling Stones or Ralph Vaughn-Williams.

I couldn't say the same of the vintage Spica TC60s. These are imaging champs fersher, as in...holographic, 3-D musicians in the room with you. But they spit the bits when it comes to large scale, complex music. Great for chamber and small jazz ensembles. Look elsewhere if you rock or orchestral music is what floats your boat.
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