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Best Cheap Speakers - New or Old

Sure if money is no object there are many speakers that we all "drool for". But having said that, there something to be said for a good "cheap" (less than $500 a pair MSRP) speakers. Granted they're not going to be in anybody's main system (probably they'll be found in somebody's bedroom, office, garage system, usually with some older vintage components driving them). But nevertheless, they deliver decent performance at a resonable price and they're honest in what they do. Not "state of the art" by a large margin, but still good "musical" friends. My choice is an old pair of Boston Acoustics A-60s, that I bought back in the late '80s for probably $200 a pair. Granted there are tons of better speakers out there, but for what they do, and age they are, and the money I paid, they still deliver some pretty damn good sound and performance. Anyway, curious on what others may think and what "cheap" speakers have held a "soft spot" in their "sonic" hearts?
cleaneduphippy
regalma1
72 posts
 
Rgs2 I don't know the model number. I just sort stumbled on the dealer and gave them a listen. The setup was far from ideal, yet they came through quite well. They listed for about $500/pair and were floor standers.
Anyone have opinions on Aperions? Just read a review in Stereophile. If it can be trusted they sound like quite the bargain.
dcow4747
2 posts
 
I've got a pair of Bozak 401s in my office, circa 1975. I'm very fond of them, though some of this could be that they were my very first hi-fi purchase, back in the day when they cost a month of my take-home pay.
leedistad
104 posts
 
04-02-07: Regalma1

Give PSB a try. Amazing sound for the money.

Eleven years ago, I paid $30 for my PSB Alphas that are now hooked up to a Denon integrated in my downstairs office. I have definetely gotten my money's worth!

About 15 years ago, I got a pair of PSB 500's from a store I worked at for $150. I gave those away to a friend about three or four years ago. Those were great little speakers.
scramman
43 posts
 
Great thread ... I am in the vintage category so here goes:

- Magnepan SMG any model, there are a few here on Agon.

- Dahlquist DQ-10 with mirror image and cap mods, there are
2 pair on CL in the Chicago area.

- DCM Time Windows (not Time Frame), 2 pair here on Agon.

The DQ-10s eat amps for lunch. SMG's are a bit better. Not sure on the DCM's look like they are pretty efficient from what I have read. I have had DQ-10s, sorry I sold them, now have SMG's and hope to own the DCM's soon.
veroman's avatar
veroman
298 posts
 
as for vintage, my ole' 2 way jbl's from college. 10" woofer and 1" soft tweeter. front ported. forgot the model but paid $400 in early 80's. the old polks were good too.

the little nht's from a few yrs back. sealed design. they rocked for leas than $350. both were very musical albeit not hi'end.
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