Bang for the buck


Hi all, I'm looking to get some feedback on great value/sound used speakers for a 14x11.5' room in an apartment. Are there any suggestions from audiosciencereview or your own experience that mate great sound with excellent value on the used market? I recently found a pair of Salk speakers at a good price, but their frequency response is the only measurement graph I can find. Plus, I wonder if a large part of that speaker price is due to the cost of the cabinet and its elaborate finish. I'm looking to put my money towards the music more than the cabinet jewelry finishes. (I'm on a budget <$2k). Thanks for any recommendations 

128x128labguy

Showing 3 responses by james633

ASR is a good source and a lot can be learned from understanding measurements but not all that is important is measured. How do you measure bass texture and detail? How do you say which kids are more natural if they are both flat because there is a big difference. I think good measurements are just the start of being able to play ball. Now they need to bring all the other stuff too.

I own the JBL 4367 and Revel 228be both of which have been measured on a Klippel and posted to ASR. Both are flat on axis and have even drop off as they widen but they could not sound more different. The JBL is so much more dynamic and detailed top to bottom. There is almost no comparison to be made and that is in the same room/system on a popper amp.

For you speaker question I would maybe try JBL 580s. They will be way under you price when on sale. JBL sells them direct at 50% off a lot of times and they have a 60 day trial period. They measure very well and perform above their price range. They lack some detail and dynamics in absolute terms.

i have not heard it personally but arendal speakers are getting good reviews and are “lower” cost they might have something in your price range

 

All those speakers mentioned are fine. But truly best bang for the buck is JBL. The JBL 580 is a $1600 speaker on sale for $600. Free shipping free return 60 day trial. They are great speakes and play well out of their price range. They don’t go real  deep but probably a good think in an apartment.

https://www.jbl.com/STUDIO+580BK.html?dwvar_STUDIO%20580BK_color=Black-USA-Current

The 580 don’t reach too low in the bass and should be fine just a 1’ or 2 off the wall. They are a good balanced speaker and really special for the money. I would want to run subs with them. This cheap JBL subs kind of suck but they are super cheap lol. 
 

the only think with the 580s is the center is total junk and way too small. If you are going to use a AT screen I would buy 3 580s. 
 

the new line is the 6 series and looks much nicer and has a much better center.

 

https://youtu.be/P9mCCW5Xq-A