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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
mesch
3,509 posts
 
I 2nd the Sound Dynamics 300ti. A great speaker if one could find a pair. I regret selling mine.
jmbatkh
103 posts
 
Floorstanders: JBL L-100T or L-80T, ADS L710,L810, L1090 or L-1290. Best "big sound" for the $. Spica TC-50 or 60, Tyr Rauna or AAD Silver for standmounts.
speavler
32 posts
 
the pioneer BS22's and cambridge audio S30's (discontinued) are silly good for the money. both around $100 a pair or so
vonharaland's avatar
vonharaland
56 posts
 
I have two of them- 1981 ish Polk 10A I bought for 200$ in 2010, and 1998 Vandy 2CE for 600, with stands, in 2012. The Polks are used all-purpose, TV, Theatre, and 2/5.1 channel. Love the new 5.1 remixes of King Crimson played on a 99$ blu-ray.. But the Vandys are 2 channel only, in a 12x12 room, hooked up to a big parasound amp and a Rotel pre. Imaging and lushness for days, but some definite bass overloading. Saving for a bigger house, or a house with a yard big enough for me to build a listening room.
sthomas12321
408 posts
 
If you have a good ear and a prepro with a lot of eq band options. Cant beat Klipsch klf 30 with crites titanium tweeter upgrade for 800. Magnepan 1.6's might sound a bit better with a sub, but for full range, and all they do, cant beat them until you go up to 2k used range IMO. Sadly most wont be able to eq them to reach their potential(add weight to upper bass, lower mids). As a sound engineer it suprising so many dont understand eq is key to maximising your speakers tonal sound.
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