large advents, epi 100's, dynaco a25's, jbl 4312's or century 100's, snell j's, allison 4's o 7's |
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Great Post. Back in the 70's those of us w/ no $ had Dynaudio A-25's. Also have to agree w/ the Maggie smga & the Klipsch Heresys. But now, the cheappie's that I hold onto are Wharfedale's Emerald E97. Can sometimes be had for $350-400 |
I agree with my friend John(and others).The Spicas are an excellent used value.My friend Bob has several pair(both 50's and 60's).We compared them to his Thiel 2.3 and they were very close in overall performance and better in some areas.The Quad 11-L are the best small speakers I have owned(they would be a good value at twice the price).The Wharfedale's are also excellent value for the money.They are made in the same factory and use many of the same components as the Quads.The Diamond Anniversary (updated 7.2 with real wood veneer) from a few years ago originally sold for $599 and by the end of their run were down to $299 with a street price under $100.They are outstanding!!! Michael at TSOT has great deals on the Wharfedales and Missions.He sells a pair of small Floorstanders from the Wharfedale Crystal Line(like the Diamond 7 series with lighter cabinetry)for $109 NIB!They sound really nice! I've recommended them to a couple of the young guys who work for me and they have been very happy.I've also been impressed with the small AAD's and Ushers that I've heard at Quest For Sound.I believe they are under $500.
Larry |
DCM Time Windows can be had for a cheap price and really very good speakers, old Vandersteens probably always a nice bet, anybody still have the "Black Bag" speaker? |
Klipsch Heresys ...
I regret ever selling mine .. you can drive them on an old receiver or a set of Levinson monoblocks and they kick serious tail either way. Play em soft or loud enough to make your ears bleed.
Run them on a small tube amp in a medium sized sound room and you will get one heck of an enjoyable system. The Steely Dan horn section has never quite sounded the same since!
As for MSRP they run a little high but isnt that why we all shop on this site? You can pick up a used pair for $350-500.
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look at the eposm5 or quad11L can be found under your budget used |
I've got two pair of Boston A-70s in my bedroom sysytem. They're statcked with the top pair upside down to keep the tweeters close. They sound great and the cost of both pair plus some refurbishing, new foam all around, i've got less than $500 in them. I added a HSU sub and well, I like it. |
Usher S520's. Picked mine up in Taiwan for under US$120 and sound great in a tube based second system. |
Since the Spica TC-50 and TC-60 are both over the $500 MSRP limit, I'll also cheat a bit and throw in the Quad 11-L.
Perfect little office speakers, IMHO.
If you insist on being a stickler with the <$500 MSRP, then I'll offer up the Wharfedale Diamond 7.2's.
John |
The Spica TC-60's are in your price range and even better than the TC-50's (more bass). A small speaker that sounds big.
Any of the Paradigm Mini Monitors are a great choice, too. The Paradigms have incredible bang for the buck -- great resolution.
Epos are another good choice -- amazingly lifelike sound and imaging. |
Canton Fonum 601's in the mid 90s were great speakers.
They listed for 1000 and probably will go for 400 used today. |
Energy Pro 22 - probably available second hand for about $150. |
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I'll second the Spica TC-50's (good call), and would add Klipsch Heresy's (originals), and Klipsch Forte II's to the list.
If you were sticking to new speakers with a $500 cap, I'd look at Era Design 4's.
Marco |
Magnepan SMGa and MG2b (used) MMG (new) |
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