Speaker recommendation thread (Organised by tiers of price)


The aim of this thread is to create a list of speakers that people enjoy and recommend and to organise the speakers into a list based on their MSRP. Please recommend speakers that you have personally heard or own and enjoy. I will add the names of the users who recommend a speaker next to the speaker name (and if someone already recommended the speaker you had in mind please feel free to recommend it again because I will add your name as well).

Please feel free to include gear that was used to listen to your recommendation and some impressions (although you do not have to).

This list may be useful to new buyers to get a general sense of popular models to help guide what to audition during the purchase process.

[Under $1000]

[$1000-$5000]

[$5001-$10,000]

[$10,001-$20,000]

[$20,001-$30,000]
Pardigm Persona 9H @smodtactical

[$30,001-$50,000]

[$50,001-$70,000]
Magico M2 @smodtactical

[$70,001-$100,000]

[$100,001-$200,000]

[Over $200,000]
smodtactical
My favorite for overall best speaker for the money is a used pair of Avantgarde Trios.  Average price used in mint condition is around $20K.  There is a reason this speaker has been around relatively unchanged for the past 25 years.  Most speakers on this list are in a perpetual state of upgrades and if they had gotten it right the first time around they would not be on the upgrade up-sell Merry-go-round. 

Also, folks who favor a particular speaker should comment on why the speaker stands above the rest.  Briefly, what makes the Trios stand out (IMO) is:  large wave launch so you do not need to play them at high volumes to get the dynamics right, super easy to drive with relatively inexpensive electronics thanks to 110 db efficiency and lastly they do not need to be in a big room (despite their relatively large size) to sound good because near-field listening is excellent.  I'll leave it at that for now, but the magic is in how they seem get everything right and how, after 10 years of ownership I have no desire to part with them.
Not sure what the point of this thread is. In theory, every speaker that is sold on Audiogon could be recommended by an owner.


USD $10,000 - 20,000
Lenehand Audio ML5,
with full Duelund capacitors, Pathaudio resistors, Seas (with modified 4mm polished solid copper baffle) exotic tweeters, and proprietary sprung feet. 4mm sprung steel lined enclousure with 2" thick acoustic foam baffle. Hand made in Australia, and weigh nearly 180Lbs each.

If you have Bose speakers, do not watch the following:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0axyHJYobk
Hitler loses his Lenehan speakers. {for those with a sense of humor, at least as good as your hearing ;-)



Haven't read every post, but seems no mention of Monitor 
Audio. I got the PL100II (list 5750) for half price here. Sound superb, and better than others I auditioned at full price at the time. Heard Paradigm 3h recently--that's a damn good speaker as well. 
The other ones I quite liked when searching around as the Aerial 5t: bright, clear responsive. Outperfomred Kef one and totem element fire--to my ears, at least. 
I have one of the audioengine desktop/computer sets--that's very good for just over 500. I had the Focal set and found it way overpriced--which I found with their bigger speakers as well. 
To each his/her own. 
For $1000 each I nominate Revel Concerta2 F36.... the top floor stander in there Concerta2 series.

I also have a 3rd bedroom converted with couch for a listening room i'm doing on a low cost budget for fun.. I just picked up JBL LSR308P which is there pro audio powered studio monitors 8" woofer and Wave Guide tweeter. OMG these are incredible even if they cost 2-3x's the price
While it's absolutely correct that we all hear differently, perhaps the best reason for this post is to make people aware of speaker brands that they were not familiar with previously. After all, how can you consider a speaker purchase if you're not aware they exist?
@Iradder well said

[Under $1000]
Dali Oberon series: @audiotroy
Kef Q 550: @audiotroy
Kef Q 750: @audiotroy
Quad S1: @audiotroy
Audioengine 2: @kacomess
Buchart S400: @mrdon
Mark Audio Sota CestiB: @dseltz
Wharfedale diamond 225: @audioguy85
Omega Super 3i Monitors: @melvinjames
Large advents: @helomech
Magnepan MMGi: @2psyop
ADS L810 L730 1290: @bstbomber
JBL 4311 L36 L100: @bstbomber
JBL LSR308: @mdrums

[$1000-$5000]
Tekton Pendragons: @technick
Quad S4: @audiotroy
Quad S5: @audiotroy
Quad Z3: @audiotroy
Quad Z4: @audiotroy
Kef R 5: @audiotroy
Kef R 7: @audiotroy
Revel F208: @hemi04
Dynaudio Special 40: @bwaterme, @manorsessions
Harbeth C7es3: @biscorbit
Magnepan LRS: @kacomess
Vandersteen 2C: @kacomess
Emerald physiscs KCII: @tweak1
Paradigm Prestige 15B, 75F, 85F, 95F: @mtdining
Revel Performa 3 M106: @plinytheelder
Revel Concerta2 F36: @mdrums
Watkins Stereo Generation 4: @lightin
Zu Audio Omen Dirty Weekend: @jmarini2
Sonus Faber Sonetto V: @lradder7
Usher Dancer Mini Two: @Shakira
Kef LS50: @cheche9


[$5001-$10,000]
Golden Ear Tritron 1R: @audiotroy
Dali Rubicon 6: @audiotroy
Dali Rubicon 8: @audiotroy
Legacy Signatures: @audiotroy
Paradigm Persona 3F: @audiotroy
Kef Ref 1: @audiotroy
ATC SCM 19: @audiotroy
SCM 40: @audiotroy
Dynaudio C1 Confidence Platinum: @manorsessions
Harbeth super HL5: @cheche9
Monitor audio PL100II: @rsgottlieb


[$10,001-$20,000]
Pardigm Persona 5F: @audiotroy
Kef Reference 3: @audiotroy
Kef Reference 5: @audiotroy
Dali Epicon 8: @audiotroy
Wilson Sabrina: @mtdining
Kaya 45: @mtdining
Wilson Yvette: @audiotroy, @mtdining
Rethm Saadhana: @dseltz
Dynaudio C4 Confidence Platinum: @manorsessions
Dynaudio Contour 60: @wanderingmoo
Lenehand Audio ML5: @rixthetrick

[$20,001-$30,000]
Legacy Aeris: @audiotroy
Kef Blades: @audiotroy
Sonus Faber Amati: @pfank12
Avantgarde Trios: @lubachl

[$30,001-$50,000]
Pardigm Persona 9H: @smodtactical, @audiotroy
Vimberg (model?): @audiotroy
Wilson DAW: @audiotroy, @mtdining
Egglestonworks Vigniti: @liamowen

[$50,001-$70,000]
Magico M2: @smodtactical
Dynaudio Evidence Platinum: @manorsessions
Wilson Alexxia 2: @mtdining

[$70,001-$100,000]

[$100,001-$200,000]
Wilson Alexia: @audiotroy, @mtdining

[Over $200,000]
Kharma (which model?): @audiotroy
Wilson WAMM: @mtdining


I love my Maggie 1.7i for $2100. Add the Maggie bass panel - DWM- for $800 more and they are amazing. Please note you need plenty of power to drive these speakers. 
Since everyones taste is different this list will keep expanding until it encompasses most every speaker of reasonable performance made.
Not sure how useful this will be to anyone(?).
Tom8999- I could not agree more. Amazing sound for the money, if they match your taste in music and you have good quality power.
Post removed 
Wilson MAXX II speakers in my system which includes Audio Research Ref 6 pre, Audio Research 610T amp, Bergmen Turntable, Audio Research Phono pre, Morrow Elite interconnects, MIT speaker cables.

Sound is a rich experience every time I light it up.  So much thought went into the design of the Wilsons to reveal the quality of every other piece in the audio chain.
@Smod:

The list is growing rapidly as predicted by a few posters.  As it does its value may be waning, since if it only takes one mention to make the list.

Perhaps there should be a similar list that includes only those speakers mentioned (or confirmed) by a certain number of members... maybe 5 or 10.

Multiple lists could be maintained (I'm generous with your time, aren't I?), but they would carry different weights.

Just a thought, because I do think there's a valuable purpose here.
@keegiam yup I am happy to do multiple lists. I don't see this list growing as making it more useless... its simply initial data collection. Eventually what will emerge are more popular options where some speakers have several votes and emerge as favorites. Again this doesn't mean they are 'better' simply that they may be worth listening to yourself.

Perhaps as you say we can do a list in the future of the speakers with most recommendations per category. 

[Under $1000]
Dali Oberon series: @audiotroy
Kef Q 550: @audiotroy
Kef Q 750: @audiotroy
Quad S1: @audiotroy
Audioengine 2: @kacomess
Buchart S400: @mrdon
Mark Audio Sota CestiB: @dseltz
Wharfedale diamond 225: @audioguy85
Omega Super 3i Monitors: @melvinjames
Large advents: @helomech
Magnepan MMGi: @2psyop
ADS L810 L730 1290: @bstbomber
JBL 4311 L36 L100: @bstbomber
JBL LSR308: @mdrums

[$1000-$5000]
Tekton Pendragons: @technick
Quad S4: @audiotroy
Quad S5: @audiotroy
Quad Z3: @audiotroy
Quad Z4: @audiotroy
Kef R 5: @audiotroy
Kef R 7: @audiotroy
Revel F208: @hemi04
Dynaudio Special 40: @bwaterme, @manorsessions
Harbeth C7es3: @biscorbit
Magnepan LRS: @kacomess
Vandersteen 2C: @kacomess
Emerald physiscs KCII: @tweak1
Paradigm Prestige 15B, 75F, 85F, 95F: @mtdining
Revel Performa 3 M106: @plinytheelder
Revel Concerta2 F36: @mdrums
Watkins Stereo Generation 4: @lightin
Zu Audio Omen Dirty Weekend: @jmarini2
Sonus Faber Sonetto V: @lradder7
Usher Dancer Mini Two: @Shakira
Kef LS50: @cheche9
Magnepan 1.7i: @tom8999
ATC SCM 19: @audiotroy


[$5001-$10,000]
Golden Ear Tritron 1R: @audiotroy
Dali Rubicon 6: @audiotroy
Dali Rubicon 8: @audiotroy
Legacy Signatures: @audiotroy
Paradigm Persona 3F: @audiotroy
Kef Ref 1: @audiotroy
SCM 40: @audiotroy
Dynaudio C1 Confidence Platinum: @manorsessions
Harbeth super HL5: @cheche9
Monitor audio PL100II: @rsgottlieb


[$10,001-$20,000]
Pardigm Persona 5F: @audiotroy
Kef Reference 3: @audiotroy
Kef Reference 5: @audiotroy
Dali Epicon 8: @audiotroy
Wilson Sabrina: @mtdining
Kaya 45: @mtdining
Wilson Yvette: @audiotroy, @mtdining
Rethm Saadhana: @dseltz
Dynaudio C4 Confidence Platinum: @manorsessions
Dynaudio Contour 60: @wanderingmoo
Lenehand Audio ML5: @rixthetrick

[$20,001-$30,000]
Legacy Aeris: @audiotroy
Kef Blades: @audiotroy
Sonus Faber Amati: @pfank12
Avantgarde Trios: @lubachl

[$30,001-$50,000]
Pardigm Persona 9H: @smodtactical, @audiotroy
Vimberg (model?): @audiotroy
Wilson DAW: @audiotroy, @mtdining
Egglestonworks Vigniti: @liamowen
Wilson Max II: @larryh111

[$50,001-$70,000]
Magico M2: @smodtactical
Dynaudio Evidence Platinum: @manorsessions
Wilson Alexxia 2: @mtdining

[$70,001-$100,000]

[$100,001-$200,000]
Wilson Alexia: @audiotroy, @mtdining

[Over $200,000]
Kharma (which model?): @audiotroy
Wilson WAMM: @mtdining
In the $10K range:   Bryston Model T signature; simply outstanding if you have a larger space to place them in.

For a similar sound profile, but with less dynamic output and half the price: Axiom LFR1100.   They look almost identical to the Bryston's as Axiom builds the Bryston's for them, but they are using smaller woofer drivers and are better suited for smaller spaces.   


For the under $5K category and a steal at these price points:

1. Tannoy Revolution XT8F
(On sale now damaged / factory boxes, White Gloss only $1699 @ Upscale Audio) Reg. $2699 and a steal at that price point)

2. Focal Aria 926 (with Faux Walnut Wrap) $2350. These are $3300 speakers with black gloss and real walnut, but some places you can find the faux walnut wrap and they still look good and you save $1K.

I have both these speakers in different rooms. Love them both for different reasons. The Tannoys go louder and have deeper bass an slightly better imaging, one could say the Focals are a tad more refined. Both are musical and non fatiguing. 

The Tannoys for $1699 are an unbelievable value, the fit and finish look like $10K speakers. You would not be disapointed with either speaker.

[$5001-$10,000]

Pure Audio Design Trio 15 Voxativ

A speaker that has achieved the distinction of being my search ender. 

Associated ancillaries

Bakoon DAC 21

Antipodes DX3

Bakoon Amp 13R or Bakoon Amp 12R (both amps special qualities are marvelously revealed by this special pair of speakers) 

This system as constituted feels like a great achievement in sonic excellance. 
 
Should add Spatial Audio M4 Triode Masters to the $1K - $5K bracket. Many aspects of their sound wouldn’t be out of place in the $5K - $10K bracket. 
$10k. Focal Electra 1038 BE2s. Never should have been discontinued.  Now discounted to close to dealer cost.  Excellent bargain.
Thanks guys, keep it going:

[Under $1000]
Dali Oberon series: @audiotroy
Kef Q 550: @audiotroy
Kef Q 750: @audiotroy
Quad S1: @audiotroy
Audioengine 2: @kacomess
Buchart S400: @mrdon
Mark Audio Sota CestiB: @dseltz
Wharfedale diamond 225: @audioguy85
Omega Super 3i Monitors: @melvinjames
Large advents: @helomech
Magnepan MMGi: @2psyop
ADS L810 L730 1290: @bstbomber
JBL 4311 L36 L100: @bstbomber
JBL LSR308: @mdrums

[$1000-$5000]
Tekton Pendragons: @technick
Quad S4: @audiotroy
Quad S5: @audiotroy
Quad Z3: @audiotroy
Quad Z4: @audiotroy
Kef R 5: @audiotroy
Kef R 7: @audiotroy
Revel F208: @hemi04
Dynaudio Special 40: @bwaterme, @manorsessions
Harbeth C7es3: @biscorbit
Magnepan LRS: @kacomess
Vandersteen 2C: @kacomess
Emerald physiscs KCII: @tweak1
Paradigm Prestige 15B, 75F, 85F, 95F: @mtdining
Revel Performa 3 M106: @plinytheelder
Revel Concerta2 F36: @mdrums
Watkins Stereo Generation 4: @lightin
Zu Audio Omen Dirty Weekend: @jmarini2
Sonus Faber Sonetto V: @lradder7
Usher Dancer Mini Two: @Shakira
Kef LS50: @cheche9
Magnepan 1.7i: @tom8999
ATC SCM 19: @audiotroy
Axiom LFR1100: @slimpikins5
Tannoy Revolution XT8F: @msa426
Focal Aria 926: @msa426
Spatial Audio M4 Triode Masters: @Helomech

[$5001-$10,000]
Golden Ear Tritron 1R: @audiotroy
Dali Rubicon 6: @audiotroy
Dali Rubicon 8: @audiotroy
Legacy Signatures: @audiotroy
Paradigm Persona 3F: @audiotroy
Kef Ref 1: @audiotroy
SCM 40: @audiotroy
Dynaudio C1 Confidence Platinum: @manorsessions
Harbeth super HL5: @cheche9
Monitor audio PL100II: @rsgottlieb
Bryston Model T: @slimpikins5
Pure Audio Design Trio 15 Voxativ: @stoney40

[$10,001-$20,000]
Pardigm Persona 5F: @audiotroy
Kef Reference 3: @audiotroy
Kef Reference 5: @audiotroy
Dali Epicon 8: @audiotroy
Wilson Sabrina: @mtdining
Kaya 45: @mtdining
Wilson Yvette: @audiotroy, @mtdining
Rethm Saadhana: @dseltz
Dynaudio C4 Confidence Platinum: @manorsessions
Dynaudio Contour 60: @wanderingmoo
Lenehand Audio ML5: @rixthetrick
Focal Electra 1038 BE2: @janmnov

[$20,001-$30,000]
Legacy Aeris: @audiotroy
Kef Blades: @audiotroy
Sonus Faber Amati: @pfank12
Avantgarde Trios: @lubachl

[$30,001-$50,000]
Pardigm Persona 9H: @smodtactical, @audiotroy
Vimberg (model?): @audiotroy
Wilson DAW: @audiotroy, @mtdining
Egglestonworks Vigniti: @liamowen
Wilson Max II: @larryh111
Focal Scala Utopia V2: @janmnov

[$50,001-$70,000]
Magico M2: @smodtactical
Dynaudio Evidence Platinum: @manorsessions
Wilson Alexxia 2: @mtdining[$70,001-$100,000][$100,001-$200,000]Wilson Alexia: @audiotroy, @mtdining[Over $200,000]Kharma (which model?): @audiotroyWilson WAMM: @mtdining
Aerial 7T , I think they’re just over 10K now. They have grown with me over the 5 years I’ve had them, revealing new information every time I upgrade something in the system. No need/urge to upgrade.
5-10 K - Joseph Audio Pulsar2 Graphene; 10-20 K - Joseph Audio Perspective2 Graphene; 30-50K - Joseph Audio Pearl3


Best, Jim Smith