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Best speakers for $500 or less

I have a friend who wants to get a good pair of speakers for $500 or less, and was looking at Bose. I cringed. Though Bose does make some OK speakers for a very small size, I thought there is probably something better out there and I would turn to all the good Audiogoner's to help! My friend listens to a mix of 2-channel and TV/movies, and is looking to get two speakers now and expand later. What would you suggest???
linesplice
siliab
362 posts
 
Purchased a pair of Vandersteen 1Bs for my son last year for $200. Obscenely good for the money, even with an inexpensive integrated amp and run of the mill CD player. Natural and unforced presentation with great frequency extension and smoothness. Efficient and an easy load, play quite loudly when necessary. Beguiling with voices in particular.
inna
7,296 posts
 
New-the best B&W he is prepaired to pay for within the $500 limit; used-so many choices,probably hundreds of them. Steer clear from cheap Canadian speakers, not worth it.Your friend may also want to audition some Polk and Cambridge Sound Works speakers, they can be good value.
newbie13
242 posts
 
API has replaced the Sound Dynamics line with the Athena line.
wdrazek
100 posts
 
As long as size is not important, I highly recommend Sound Dynamics 300ti if used, and recommend Paradigm Monitor 5 if new. The SD are very very good and warrant using really nice gear (ARC, CJ, Anthem, etc) but also are OK with mass market. The Paradigms are not as transparent but work well with good (and probably low end) gear. I have owned both and recommend them above baby Maggies (high power requirements) and Cambridge sub/sat (pretty papery sounding and really not significant upgrade from Bose).

If size and aesthetics really matter, Bose is a serious contender because they truly disappear in a room. Just don't expect audiophile sound. Yes, I've owned and recommended them, too.
Wayne
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