What do you recommend these days?

[TKoP]

Word has gotten out with people I know that I know something about audio. This will sometimes result in me getting asked "what to buy". After giving my "audition" speech and my "acoustic treatment" speech, I then ask how much they're willing to pay. Usually the price is woefully low -- which I understand, but... however, if I get a price range around ~$500, I knee jerk to a Usher S-520's. I haven't even heard them, but I like the driver's in my homemade User speakers and they got a great recommendation from the salesperson in the audio shop that used to sell them. His comment was something to the effect of "you can't come close to anything in the $500 area". I also think they got a great bang for the buck ratio in Flint's speaker rating post.

When it gets to the ~$1000 mark, I will steer them towards the Paradigms since I like mine.

More than that, I'll steer them to Dynaudios.

I'll throw out some other brands as well, but those are my "go to's".

What do you folks recommend in these three general price ranges?

I haven't gone out and listened to anything new for a while now, so I'm worried my recommendations are getting a little stale.

 

[MatthewB]

500 dollar range buy used or DIY.

 

[jomari]

2 channel, 5.1?

if ever, based on my history, i prefer horns, so definitely some klipsch for a starting point. if a bit harsh go for some energy speakers.

step up, possibly 2 channel priority, id consider golden ear technology.

another step up, some dynaudios, but i like the bookshelves more.

other than that, i dont have defaults anymore. im too cheap and outdated already that soundbars and anything that can recieve them 128 bitrate mp3s via bluetooth are 'THE' in thing.

even bose products are being boasted nowadays.

 

[Zing]

< $1000
I almost always recommend the ID brands.


> $1000
Sadly, I don't know anyone in real life (who isn't part of this forum) that would spend that much (or more) on speakers. Most people around here buy Kenwood HTiBs from Walmart. :doh:

 

[topper]

`
Speakers around $1,000 ---- Since they've hit the market I've read/heard good things about the Goldenear towers.

Recently read a review of their Triton Seven model. Nothing but praise for them, and they sell for $1,400

 

[jomari]

> $1000
Sadly, I don't know anyone in real life (who isn't part of this forum) that would spend that much (or more) on speakers. Most people around here buy Kenwood HTiBs from Walmart. :doh:

well said. in the same light its a matter of aesthetics and good looks first before function or performance. *sigh* the story of our lives. in fact, soundbars have been also accepted to a certain point to 'replace' a good 5.1 system. "they really work" he said.

`
Recently read a review of their Triton Seven model. Nothing but praise for them, and they sell for $1,400

its the price point that catches people, and sometimes, a tad more of the hype. i was surprised when i auditioned a pair about two or three years ago, and man, i wish i had the cash to do the upgrade. at $2500 a pair you are buying into a very affordable and outstanding 2 channel system. but then id have to change my center, and of course my matching sofa set. :happy-smileygiantred:

 

[TKoP]

I'll have to see if I can find a GoldenEar dealer -- I'd never heard of them before.

Zing wrote:
>$1000
Sadly, I don't know anyone in real life (who isn't part of this forum) that would spend that much (or more) on speakers. Most people around here buy Kenwood HTiBs from Walmart. :doh:

It doesn't happen very often, but being in Silicon Valley, I do have a few acquantances that will fork out that kind of dough. E.g., a friend of mine bought the Paradigm 100's and associated speakers for a 5.1 setup.

And for clarification on my prices, I was thinking more of a pair of front l/r speakers.

Thanks guys.

 

[MatthewB]

Jacen, Goldenear is the third company that has Sandy Gross at its helm. Sandy was the chief engineer for Polk Audio in the 70's-80's then left to form Definitive Technology. Then a few years back he left Def Tech to form Goldenear. He left over creative differences but there are very similar designs between Def Techs ST series and Goldenear speakers ( using racetrack passive radiators with powered woofers in their towers).

As a fan of DefTech (much to Flints chagrin) I love the older BP series that Sandy designed. I have not heard the Goldenear speakers but I have read from the fans of the BP series that they love the more forward sounding Goldenear especially now that Goldenear uses the ribbon tweeters where DefTech still uses the standard tweeters. I also like the fact the Goldenears bookshelves were heavily influenced by the shape of the Wilson Watt upper cabinet design.

If you can find a dealer (good luck cause Goldenear is mostly Internet based) it may be worth a listen.

 

[jomari]

I'll have to see if I can find a GoldenEar dealer -- I'd never heard of them before.

The one closest to me was this one,

http://www.goldenear.com/dealerlocator? ... om_locator

its right next to an REI store we frequent. Not bad prices, and also the first place i auditioned integras. man if i wasnt so broke.

It doesn't happen very often, but being in Silicon Valley, I do have a few acquantances that will fork out that kind of dough. E.g., a friend of mine bought the Paradigm 100's and associated speakers for a 5.1 setup.

And for clarification on my prices, I was thinking more of a pair of front l/r speakers.

Thanks guys.

Ive seen some old schoolers rocking klispchorns and some heresies, but what shocked me was that one person actually took up my advice on golden ears. He liked them but uses them primarily as two channel. Didnt want to fork up the cost for a center at that price range. Wierd how people are.