The one question raised for me about speakers like the ELAC B 6.2 is whether they'd be much of an improvement over my old Pinnacle PN5+. Indeed, reading about them makes me wonder whether I've been wasting everyone's time here -- don't flame me for saying that!
http://www.audioreview.com/product/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/pinnacle/pn5.html
It's just that they're so old and perhaps mid-fi that I was thinking that maybe big advances had happened since, well, 1988, and I could easily best these things with even something well under $500.
However, if you were to say to me -- "Dude, you've got no reason to be unhappy with those speakers" -- I would slink away and just move on! So...anyone care to shame me? I can take it! |
Assuming you are not looking for powered speakers such as AUDIOENGINE,
the ELAC B 6.2 currently at $244 /pr. is pretty hard to beat.
I just jumped on these yesterday on Music Direct, matter of fact. I had been looking at B stock units on Elac America for $209 but got sidelined by a small flooding issue here in mid-Michigan last week. When I got back around to pulling the trigger on them this week, they were sold out. A-stock was $349, then yesterday every carrier of the brand seemed to drop the price to $244. So I pulled. Looking forward to putting them in the office next week. |
I also recommend Audioengine 2+ speakers for true desktop use. Really nice performance for an inexpensive price. Heck, I even got out of my "speakers should be heard and not seen" mode and bought the red ones (really attractive!) |
Audioengine A5 + Audioengine S8 subwoofer......used.....
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Thanks for the many additional ideas. I like the idea of a very efficient speaker, if only because I’d be curious to try driving it with a small tube amp someday rather than my Adcom. I agree about the Atoms. Dull. The JBL and that Vanatoos still sound interesting. There really is too much out there!
These are too much, but the seem like a good, more expensive desktop option— Decware Trapeziums |
Another vote for Vanatoo Transparent Zero, incredible speakers from a very responsive company. You must use their interconnect between speakers, it is NOT a regular ethernet cable. Excellent sound from a tiny set of speakers. |
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+1 For Audioengine A2+ with their DAC. That is my office system. |
I've chased this for years. I decided internal amplification for computer/desktop was the way to go, then improve the source: high res music files, good soundcard or DAC, Amarra, etc. I started early with new Altec Lansing ACS48s - loved them. Then B&W MM-1: excellent and fun but, like Audioengine and my Adam Artist 5s, all sounded accurate but slightly processed to these ears. A pair of used Swan M200 Mk II arrived with damaged internal amps but sound terrific with external amplification. I love our sublime Totem Arros and other small Totem designs have that magic but I'm not tempted by the sound of the self-powered Kin Play. My keepers: 1) Decware DM944s (now DM945) - I used then nearfield for awhile but they deserve more room – and tubes. This brings me to 2) Vanatoo Transparent Ones - the knock-out punch. Music leaps and thunders out of them. Jaw-dropping yet very musical. Miraculous. The Zeros are smaller, and perhaps cooler design-wise, and equally astonishing for their size - I've heard them at length and in conversation with one of the owners. For context, I always buy used; myroom-sized systems have included Klipsch Quartets and Klipschorns; Merlin, Mirage, Allison, Canton. Omega 7 XRS Alnico, Tekton OB4.5. My keepers are all full-throated, balanced, transparent and tonally rich to my ears: Klipsch Epic CF-3, Decware DM944s, Totem Arros – and for desktop use, the Vanatoo Transparent Ones.
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My two cents and ears, for budget choices:
First choices:
Triangle Zetas for 200 on Amazon...detailed, a bit forward, musical...I have these. Someone once stated they sounded similar too his Spendors.Cambridge SX50 (200) or Minx XL (300) more laid back, "soothing" in the words of one reviewer.
Second choices:Others Infinity R152 (200), Dali Spektor 2 (now over 300). R152 sounds similar to Kef Q100s and I liked them better, a bit more detailed than Zetas but more clinical IMO.
All should be easy for any amp from a cheaper class d, ab, etc to more expensive options which bring out the best in them.
Would not recommend Paradigm Atoms kind of dull and awful for in room stereo, Ascend (too homogenized, everything sounds same), Polk or Klipsch (cheaper models are banchees).
If size doesn’t matter and used OK...there’s a diversity from which to choose.
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Very tempting! Have to think on it, b limo! |
"Sony bluetooth? Sound good?" They include DAC (USB input) and really more than good headphone amplifier. They do sound quite good for size and that is why I recommended them. I assume you want to have more than speakers on the desk. Some of the recommended ones must be better, but seem bulky. Of course, it depends on the size of your desk. |
AudioEngine A5 has 5” mid with soft dome tweeter... |
Fyi, they are 10x7x11. Same as the Paradigm Atoms but 2” deeper |
@hilde, I’ll sell you my Rosenut Kef R100’s for $500... I’ll even let you take them home and demo them. If you love them, shoot me the $ via friends and family pay pal. If you don’t love them, which you probably will, just ship them back to me. I had decided that I was going to hang on to them for awhile because they sound fantastic but the stars aligned and I’m buying some Carreras. I have the original boxes and screens.
What do you guys think? Kef R100’s with Adcom 535, Adcom Pre, Choice of Audio Engine Dac or Peachtree Dac...
I’ll even throw in some $300 Signal Cable Silver Resolution cables (one side has bananas, Other end is bare) to sweeten the deal... |
Adam and Eve, eh? What -- no Noah or Job or Methuselah speakers? |
Eve Audio SC203 are on my wish list, very well reviewed and small footprint. Come with stands. Just seem a bit overpriced in the US. |
You might like Adam Audio active studio monitors. |
Johnblue sounds intriguing |
JohnBlue jb3 - Nice sounding single driver speaker designed for desktop, or standmount, listening. Great for nearfield listening. I used to see them mentioned here occasionally, but haven't in a while. I don't know if they have any US dealers. I bought mine several years ago directly from JohnBlue in Taiwan. I just clicked on the "Contact us" button on their website. |
I don't see LS50 for less than 700 dollars...will look at Monitor. |
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I’m running the kef ls50s off Class D near field in the room below where the Vanatoo are and agree 100%. Listening as I type. |
I’ve been very happy with a PSB Alpha PS1 speaker system. I have the option small matching sub and as a whole it’s surprisingly good with great dispersion. Nicely made small and very good sound. Speakers are list $299 usd. SubSeries 100 matching sub is $249. I’ve used them with out the sub and they are very nice too
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I’ve owned and used Vanatoos and kef ls-50’s as desktop speakers, and both are great, but I think the Kefs sound incredible nearfield. Especially powered with class d. |
+1 for the. Vanatoo. Everything you need save a source device in a compact great sounding package that is loaded with technology. The tone controls alone will come in very handy. |
That's why the self powered bi amped Vanatoos look like fitting the bill.
I have an Ascend Sierra for a center in my surround sys. Love it. Blends well with the ML Motion 2 AMT rears and front ESLs. |
Thanks so much. I'm not ambitious to build for desktop. I am open to de-cluttering. The idea of a bi-amped speaker for desktop was something I would have thought overly- fancy for that application, but there you go! |
I have 2 pair of Realistic (Radio Shack) Minimus 7s, they're OK. I used one set for surround
rears
for years on the shelf behind the couch. I seriously upgraded them to Martin Logan Motion 2s (with AMT) These will work on a desktop 110-25000 Hz. Put a $40 CyberAcoustics under the desk to fill in lower freqs. They are worth the $240/pr while they last. Call Safe and Sound and ask if they have any refurbs ($150) laying around.
The holy grail of desktop speakers are the Monsoon Planar 9s. They are like mini Magnapans. The catch is that the controller connects to the amp\sub via a 9 pin mini din and they are All broken. If you can microsolder an old Mac printer cable would work. I have the pin assignments. Otherwise you can jury rig them to another amp/sub (like I did for my TV) but the SQ will probably be inferior to OEM.
If you are ambitious, Madisound is the winner. I love the pair I built
from scratch 25 years ago before they marketed cabinet kits. Probably
cost prohibitive by the time you match an amp to them.
Unless you are dead set on your own amp I recommend powered speakers for better SQ and less clutter. Review the rec's above. Even though I have not heard the Vanatoos I'll wager that they sound the best due to bi-amping (matched to the drivers.)and radiators. Only a direct showdown could prove me wrong.
If you want to max out your $500 my vote is for Vanatoo Transparent One Encore B-Stock. You'll probably have to make a request to reserve a pair.
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The Triangle Borea BR02 is $450... they are getting great reviews. Check them out too. |
Clairaudients are awful...well, that might explain why they can be found for $450 or $550 online.
Would love to find Rogers, Spendor, Harbeth in this price range...a bit of a challenge! And KLH, too!
So, let me let one small confession slip... I presently have some small Pinnacle PN5+ speakers which are a good size and sound ok. I just figured these are pretty mediocre compared to what folks are saying here. And...the company is out of business, too. But maybe there’s a tweak there or I just have something better than I think I do. They were never expensive speakers but... |
Hold out for a used pair of Silverline Minuets — you wont be sorry. And I’d cross the Clairaudient speakers off your list. They’re awful. I had the 1+1 on demo and were the worst speakers I’ve ever heard. Took them to a buddy’s house to hear them in his system and he laughed at how bad they were. Rolled-off, muddy highs, hollow- sounding mids, and no dynamics whatsoever. IMO someone at TAS got paid for a positive review because these things are awful. Did I mention they’re awful? Anyway, hope this helps, and best of luck in your search.
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From what I understand, upgrading the crossover makes a marked difference to their sound quality? Yes- replacing the non-polar electrolytic in the crossover with a film cap, which is easy to do. The Optimus Pro LX-4 looks interesting too. I'll look at how to mod them.
See if you can find the Pro LX-5- its a better speaker in nearly every way. The only problem you run into with them is that there is rear-firing information coming from the tweeters, so the speakers have to be a bit away from the wall behind them for best results. But they are fast and quite smooth, although at this point the woofers will have to be either replaced (replacements are easy to find) or the foam surrounds on the woofers replaced (foam surround kits are easy to find too). Type of music preferred, classical, jazz, but rock too. I.e., varied. Speakers don't have taste in music and no-one has found a way to make a speaker better for a certain genre, so this is no worries. Now the Rogers LS35/a and all the recent variants (Spendor, Harbeth, etc.) should not be ignored! This speaker is very musical and designed for nearfield listening. Another vintage speaker that is a lot of fun is the KLH Model Nineteen. This is the smallest KLH of the original series designed by Henry Kloss and has the distinction of being one of the few he did that is not a sealed cabinet. Finding a set in good shape is hard, but this speaker is very fast and cohesive, as it has no crossover and relies on a pair of full-range high efficiency 4" drivers. None of the speakers I've mentioned so far need any serious power- 5 to 10 watts is plenty! |
Another +1 for AudioEngine. |
Zdac, still not sold. Looks like a lifestyle product with voice command. My 15 year old nephew who is Apple and Alexa fan boy would buy it.
For $400 if I was looking for something like that, I’d buy a Peachtree Deepblue.
Have you heard a Deepblue? |
I’ve heard Vanatoos multiple times and was impressed every time. Every one who heard them at the shows were really impressed too. They do sound good, have ridiculous bass and play loud. The vanatoo would also smash A2+’s.
Remember, I bought the B2 so I’m not trying to say they are crap, they just aren’t in ghe same league at all
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Zdac,
I have heard the LS50w’s properly set-up and they are downright amazing. They compete with many of the dozens of high end speakers I have owned. I’ve owned LS50w’s.
I have never once heard, or heard about the speakers that you mentioned. I find it strange though that you only have 2 posts... do you work for the company or you are just a satisfied customer wanting to share your experience? I will look into them a bit more. I do hate when someone makes remarks about something they haven’t heard, and thrn I go and do it 🤷🏼 |
Lots more good suggestions. No one has tried the Ascend speakers? Hmmm.
One thing is certain — I really am hoping for a real speaker, not just a "computer speaker." It seems that's possible, but there are a number of computer speakers thrown into the mix here, so I'm not sure where the line is for people between "real" and "computer." Perhaps that's too subjective to even wonder about.
The Peachtree interest me -- however, I do I have a (somewhat older, but still $500 new) peachtree DAC.
As much as the Totem Rainmakers appeal, I did find that 14" height is just a bit big for 2-3 ft. nearfield.
The pressure is mounting for the Vanatoos; might be coming in for a serious look.
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@b_limo
Just wondering, have you heard the Max paired in stereo mode? You'll be surprised.
My reference to the LS50W with regards to its pricing/value. If the Max didn't exist at its price point then there is no argument.
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I have both Vanatoo Zeros and One Encores. Excellent self powered speakers with built in DACs. The One Encores work on a desk or stands. The Zeros are especially good for Desks. Very adjustable and sound excellent when you turn off the compressors that are on when sent out from the factory to keep people from overloading them with bass heavy music at a dance party. Easy to turn off. I met the company owners at Florida Audio Expo a year ago and their demo was pretty amazing for the price of this product. Highly recommended for your desk! |
Google "Arche Audio FR2" speakers ($300 delivered) and you will find positive online reviews.
DeKay |
All the love for RS Minimi should make us recall that they were introduced as "everyman's" knockoffs of Visonik's David and the a/d/s/ L200. You can disagree, but IMO the a/d/s/ L300 series (C,CC,e) were the best expression of the concept...5" 2-way with their "sticky" fabric dome and in the "e" model, a polymer dome. I have a pair of the "e"s and consider them perfect for desktop use...coherent, not over-bright, nice punchy bottom, great compact size. The C & CC versions have a bit more "zing" on the top end, which some may prefer. You can often find any of these on ebay. |
cornwall IV
damn the torpedos |
I own some of the aforementioned gear and have used several setups, including the Audioengine A2+ - and while they may be very sexy to look at, to my ears they were too small to satisfy without a sub (as hickamore is using them, yes, I am sure then it's a different story!), so they are now in my kitchen instead. My current desktop setup is Mac- SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII - Emotiva A-100 BasX - Totem Rainmakers. Having said this, I also, like several commenters above, have heard the Vanatoo speakers at an Audio Show in NYC last year and was blown away by how big they sounded. It seemed unfathomable that all that room filling sound came out of them, and I am still trying to find an excuse to buy them to experience them at home… This may not apply to you, but certainly anyone starting from scratch without an amp they want to use, I would recommend checking out those Vanatoos - and I don’t even own them, just can’t get that experience out of my head. I recall youtube reviewer Joshua Valour going into more detail why those speakers are his personal favorites for desktop use.
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@zdac... 1 post? I’m lol at a “home max” speaker ever making anyone feel foolish about an LS50w purchase...
I almost fell out my chair I was laughing so hard. Oh man. Thanks for that! That was a good one 😂 |
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If you aren’t rocking the office walls down, the A2+ should work just fine. They are tiny little guys so the size may be appealing and the red ones are pretty neat looking. Theyhave a nice tone but are rolled off on the highs.
The Adam T5V is twice the speaker, but twice the price! You could buy either new and if you don’t like them return them! The adams are much larger.
Adam T5V
11x7x11
45hz-25khz
5”woofer
Audioengine A2+
4x6x5.2
65hz-22khz
2.75” woofer
You’ll want the angles stands for the A2+ and those are around $35 so take that into consideration!
Think of the A2 as a pretty good sounding computer speaker. Like those plasticky altec lansing or cambridge audio computer speakers that you would see pretty much anywhere. Like the ones you see on craigslist for $10. The A2+ competes with those but the A2+ is prettier and has more solid bass and better tone.
The Adam T5V is a speaker that someone would use next to a computer for music production. The Adam T5V is going to have a much more extended low end and and high end and the AMT tweeter is going to offer much more detail. The Adams are real speakers.
I’m not bashing the A2+; I have the B2 which is a pair of A2+’s connected together without the dac. I paid $125 for one from Audioengine and it was refurbished.
If I were to buy the A2+ And the stands that would be $300 ish. Since the Adam T5V is $400 and within your budget, I’d go for the T5V for sure. The T5V will walk all over the A2+ soundwise.
The A2+ has a dac you won’t use, a conventional crossover and a single A/b amp outputting 30watts per channel.
The Adam T5V doesn’t have a dac, it’s crossover is handled via dsp (done in the digital domain) and uses 2 class D amps per speaker For a total of 4 amplifiers outputting 50 watts to the woofer and 20 watts to the AMT tweeter; 70 watts per channel.
The A2 is a cute lifestyle product that sounds decent. The Adam A5V is a decent looking speaker that sounds really good.
You’ve got to weigh which is more important for you in your application! 100% looks with 50% sound or 100% sound with 50% looks 😁 |
You can easily build "the best small speaker I've ever heard" according to one Stereophile reviewer. It uses the SEAS tiny
L12RE-XFC co-ax driver.
I built the cabinet recommended by SEAS and put the speaker into it. The speaker itself was $165 or so each. I bought four. I used a sealed cabinet made of counter top material for one pair and the recommended cabinet design for the other pair. Not much difference in sound. The sealed cabinet is very easy to build; use the same outer dimensions as the recommended cabinet. I've used engineered quartz (recommended) and granite (it can crumble in your hands and is NOT air tight) for cabinets.
Madisound sells the speaker and M'sounds own fancy crossover (mount externally). Broken counter top material is cheap and the shop will cut it for you. The cabinet will be acoustically inert. Make the front piece from some nice wood and glue it on with the speaker mounted on it. MDF on the rear, cut to fit flush with the counter top sides and bottom. You're out for less than $600 per pair with nice terminals. A subwoofer never hurts, but they will surprise you running "barefoot."
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Get a pair of Google Home Max speakers. They can be paired wirelessly and they sound awesome. You can disable the mic for the Google assistant and can cast music directly or use it as a Roon endpoint. Aux in is available as well.
One thing these have is the ability to tune themselves depending on the environment they are placed. All for about about $400 a pair!
I use a pair of these on my desk everyday and I am constantly reminded of foolish my decision was on getting the LS50W.
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