New or used?
A 6 inch woofer isn't really small. Lots of good little speakers with 4-5 inch woofers.
Cabinet size? i.e., no bigger than, e.g., 14 by 6 by 8? Smaller? |
Since you define "small" as having up to a 6" mid-woofer, I'll assume you will consider small monitors. I recommend you look at the Krix Equinox. It's reasonably small (front dimension is about 7" x 11"), but is an outstanding little monitor. I have been using a pair in my office for about 6 months, and I think they are terrific! They sell new for $600, but I bought mine used on Audiogon for $300. |
Maybe the B&W Leisure Monitors. Under $350, and they are versatile and stylish. Although limited in the bass, they can begin as a main speaker, be used as a rear surround later, and end up in a bedroom or porch even later. Has a built in stand and wall mounting system. Mine are being used as rear surrounds now, and have that classic B&W sound. Maybe not the "best", but one of the better brands. |
Check out a pair of used Linn Tukans. They are about as good as it gets for their size. |
Happnick, www.goodsound.com has a list of affordable speakers in the size you mention (Paradigms, PSB. B&W, NHT). If space is a consideration then audition the PSBs as they're designed to be placed near walls, something apartment dwellers like me have to deal with. Happy hunting. |
You might want to give the Boston Acoustics line a listen. The CR series might work for you, and they're about as small as it gets (short of the Bose cubes, but they do sound a whole lot better!) And the Paradigm Atoms are pretty decent for their size, as well.
chas |
Look at the Dynaudio Audience 40s now being sold for less than $500 new because they've been replaced by the 42s. |
You want small? You want low cost? They're oldies but goodies...Spica TC50's. Good luck. |
I love this speaker. I bought mine from Alan at www.audioshopper.com/audiowaves. I think he will give you a 30 day return policy too. Try them and Love them!!!!
Tom |
Can hardly go wrong with any of the above. I've heard Spicas, Paradigm, PSB and NHT. All sound fine. |
You want inexpensive? Try the Sound Dynamics RTS-3. Audio Advisor is closing out the rosewood versions of these for something like $190 per pair. I believe that there is a link the the RTS-3 review from The Abso!ute Sound on the Sound Dynamics website. You really can't go wrong with these speakers. Especially for the price. |
Awesome value for the money. They sound much better than the Paradigms I had. |
Try PSB Alpha Mini's for around $200 |
Check out www.yawaonline.com We carry many speakers at prices that will fit your needs. Also many other equipments too. Check out our weekly special. Thank you.
Bill |
A lot of good suggestions flying blind. As far as the immediately preceding, at least he didnt leave a link. (I hesitated to mention my Harbeth HL-P3's which you might be able to talk me out of for something more than your budget if I decide to get larger speakers for that room. They're small, and my favorites in the mini-size).
Problem is if you dont specify new or used, then there are about 100 different choices. A new speaker under $500 list may not satisfy you where a $1200 speaker selling for $500 would.
All of the above are good suggestions, the Krix and the Linn I think are the best (IMO).
A couple of other suggestions: (1) a used or demo pair of Totem Mites, amazing tiny speakers with high end sound, something I wouldnt say about the PSB's and NHT's Ive heard, and (2) if you want new, see if you can audition some of the $300 list 5 inch woofer speakers like KEF Cresta 2's, Monitor Audio Bronze 2's, Tannoy MX2's, and my favorite among these, the Acoustic Energy Aegis One's. I think you'll be surprised by the quality of the sound from these very inexpensive speakers. |
Mission made some nice speakers in that price range, especially the 750 (if you can find some). I haven't actually heard these, but the nOrh speakers make me curious (www.nOrh.com). I've read that they're great at higher volumes, but not that good for low volume listening. |
It's difficult to get any smaller than the Gallo speakers. They're about the size of a softball. |
I can wholeheartedly recommend the mission 780. It was named "What HiFI" magazines's speaker of the year, and actually delivers on that reputation. The imaging is amazing, with great detail, and a wide, deep soundstage. They are small, about the size of Paradigm Atoms, but have a choice of real wood veneers, which look awesome. I am convinced these can compete very favourably with the B&W CDM1, at a much lower price. |
I own the JPW 310 ($250 pair) in my second system and they are quite nice. |
Agree that Sound Dynamics RTS-3 is a great speaker, see current review of this speaker in Positive Feedback. Also Audio Advisor is a good company to do business with and will give you a 30 day tryout. I am driving these speakers with the Magnum Dynalab 208 or the Audion Sterling 12 watt tube amp. Don't know which is best yet. Highly recommended speaker. |
