UB52 owner here, mainly based on your review. Love 'em: every time I listen to them I can't believe how good they sound for the $$$. Also I was a "break-in denier" until I got these speakers. they sounded really mediocre when I set them up, I was pretty disappointed, but after a week they became magical.
I bought my DBR 62 speakers on your recommendation almost 2 years ago. I've never looked back. The only speaker I want now ( because it pairs well with the Cambridge CXA-81) is the Monitor Audio Silver 100 g. Even if I purchase tge Monitors, the Elacs will always be a permanent resident here. Thanks for the recommendation, Randy.
CerwinVega! SL12 under $800 for the pair with 12” woofers. They are very unique for their price point and something so different than all these bookshelf speakers. Please review them so I can quit asking lol!
Think about it 12” woofer! It will make for a popular video. I promise. The SL15 with a 15” woofer can be had for $1000. Even better yet! 15” woofer! 🔈
Thank you as always for your grounded perspectives and guidance. My SVS Ultras are still doing your suggestion and advice proud in my house! May consider the Debut v3 sometime, but no time soon. I am also loving my RSL10E. What an amazing filling sound to my setup. All the best to you ,Sir.
Mangnepan LRS with a good sub. Tons of great $500-$1000 speaker options to be had new and pre-owned. You can get Monitor Audio GX50, or GX100 for $1000. Some great options on the pre-owned market for $1000...
I am still enjoying my Celestion 1 speakers lol just goes to show when you find a sound you enjoy why change! If it ain't broken don't try and fix it right! Enjoyable video!
Great list Randy. I would just add the Axiom Audio M'3 bookies. They should go on sale black friday to 599.00. Titanium tweeter and a 5.25 in alum woofer that is easy to drive and can be great small room L&R or rear surrounds,
Have you had the chance to listen to Denton 85? It has the same look as 80 but apparently a much better sound. I’m wondering how they compare to Elac DB63
I was looking at something in that range, and I even considered springing for the Klipsch Forte 4s, but then I came across a used pair of my holy grail speaker, the Dahlquist DQ-10. Pristine condition, $800, and I couldn’t be happier with the sound!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you mention Paradigm speakers on your channel. Is there a particular reason why? They were really well regarded when I was into audio back in the day, and they’re still making the higher end models in Canada!
FYI on your recommendation I just ordered the Elac Debut Reference pair. B&H photo has them for $400 a pair right now. This will be paired with wiim ultra to fosi zd3 and a pair of za3 in mono running sparkos. I cant wait to hear them! Thanks for all the nuts and bolts videos!
Good pick Randy. Damn I hesitated and cheaped out a few years ago on the Denton 80 wich costed in Europe 400 euros and chose the Diamonds 12.2. I regret that decision because those Diamons are good only for slow and bass heavy music. Now I have a pair of Elac Uni fi UBR62 and they sound great, neutral but punchy. Those Dentons 80... 😭
The way you described the sound of Emotiva Xt1 is just what I'm looking for. However, I don't want any more towers. My listening room is just a little too small for that. Is there anything else that has the sound that you described? I was going to buy a set of Lintons to try and they're on sale for $1,499, but I don't think they'll have the sound I'm looking for.
I have a pair of Dali Spektor 2 bookshelf speakers at home. Be intersting to gauge your thoughts on it. With some tweaking on the Bass/Treble/Loudness, I get a decent amount of low bass sound out of it without the need of a sub-woofer, although it can be a little bright in the upper.
I now have my Emotiva preamp and A2 amp. I was thinking about either Emotiva XT3 or Wharfedale Lintons???? I like a lot of bass along with strong mids and highs
Yes - you've missed a couple : DALI Oberons ( several models for that $$ ). Martin Logans ( a couple of models ) - super nice speakers for THAT money. Argon ( active ) - very well sounding stuff. Davis Acoustics have affordable, but very good things...... Ye - there are a few more to choose from, BUT we do respect - this are YOUR choices, and they are GOOD !
Forgive me if this has been asked, but have you considered reviewing any Monitor Audio speakers? I have some Bronze 2's I really like and would be interested in hearing what you think of their newer models.
Haven't gone to the of the vid' yet , was trying to find the Heco Aurora 300 here in Western Australia ,no joy anyway , I'd still like to hear 'em but !?.
@@cheapaudioman so is it better than the db62? I think you need a video comparing it t the Unifi 5.2 and to the db62, and why not the emotivas bookshelf speaker also...de new elac debut 3.0 deserve another video
Q Acoustics has been selling vinyl wrapped fuglies for solid-wood-cabinet prices for a while now and I kinda don't get why that doesn't hurt them any more than it does. I was in a shop in Bangkok that had them and a couple of other brands and I literally refused to listen to the Q's because there was no way I was going to have them in my house.
Randy, I recently moved. My old listening room for 27 years was 13x13 and my current room is 20x33. NO more boom. I just bought a 77 inch TV. You look great!
I think, even for the price they start with, a great choice is the Elac Debut 3, especially when you spend the saved extra money on further improvements... Also: The Debut F5.2 floorstanders go for 140 bucks a piece over here, which is an absolutely insane bargain!! Don't know about other areas, but since the Debut 3 is released, the 2nd gen is getting cheaper 🤙🏽
@@proverbialmind_spread9421 Oh? They are here in Australia, but with the exchange rate and also comparatively higher pricing I assumed they would come in at under $1k over there. Fair enough.
@@proverbialmind_spread9421 I'm in Australia, I thought with the exchange rate they would be cheaper there, but not that much I guess. Still love them ;)
Id like to see this as well. The review i saw was glowing. I have dayton air bookshelfs in my garage. They sound pretty good out there. I have never even listened to them in my den. May have to give them a shot.
What are the chances that there will be Emotivas in this list? Pretty high, I bet! Watching it now. Shame that Emotivas are pretty hard to get here in Europe.
The first half of the list was pretty predictable, but I did discover new stuff in the second half. Especially those active Q Acoustics are interesting!
Great video! :) We really do live in amazing times, with so much great audio equipment available at such affordable prices. Have you considered expanding a bit beyond your usual comparisons and reviews of hi-fi separates? Even dedicated hi-fi enthusiasts often have other systems for different rooms, camping trips, or the car. It would be interesting to see you branch out and do the occasional video on all-in-one systems from brands like Cambridge Audio or Ruark, explore high-quality Bluetooth speakers, or even dive into car stereos from the perspective of someone who is used to hi-fi sound.
A pile of aging speakers, rather than new speakers that sound way better than them. Specifically, the new KEF Concerto Meta, and the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 v2.
Bro, a thousand bucks is super reasonable for cheaper speakers considering the range of prices in this hobby. Sony makes an inexpensive pair of speakers a lot of people like. Think they’re on sale for $149 sometimes. Personally, I’d rather listen to a cats in heat but that’s me. Q acoustic makes some good speakers in their 3000 series. They make a cheap sub that I really like…it’s got two 6.5 woofers. Small, but very musical for $219. Goes great with the 3030/3020. Good luck!
Yeah he should do another 100 videos about the sony SSCS5 and some random class D amps just so that people don't get mad because the "cheap" in his name. The story of actual *cheap* audio equipment is told relatively quickly and it has been told a lot of times already. Also a speaker between 500 and 1000 dollars is spot on for "quality budget audio". You get what you pay for.
UB52 owner here, mainly based on your review. Love 'em: every time I listen to them I can't believe how good they sound for the $$$. Also I was a "break-in denier" until I got these speakers. they sounded really mediocre when I set them up, I was pretty disappointed, but after a week they became magical.
I bought my DBR 62 speakers on your recommendation almost 2 years ago. I've never looked back. The only speaker I want now ( because it pairs well with the Cambridge CXA-81) is the Monitor Audio Silver 100 g. Even if I purchase tge Monitors, the Elacs will always be a permanent resident here. Thanks for the recommendation, Randy.
@@JimmShaffer-vr9wu yeah I also went for dbr 62 on his recommendation and now going for silver 100 7g for the bedroom+projector room.
Please do a review on the Magnepan LRS+ Speakers, They don’t have a housing so they fill the room with sound and create a very unique soundstage
I have the Polk R200s. I really love the sound. Possibly the best sounding speakers I own (to my ear). They love plenty of juice.
What amp?
@is3commander Yamaha A-S801
CerwinVega! SL12 under $800 for the pair with 12” woofers. They are very unique for their price point and something so different than all these bookshelf speakers. Please review them so I can quit asking lol!
Think about it 12” woofer! It will make for a popular video. I promise. The SL15 with a 15” woofer can be had for $1000. Even better yet! 15” woofer! 🔈
They sound crap though for people that only care about crappy loud bass
@ I feel like you haven’t herd them
@@JR-ho5qm is the woofer full range?
Two thumbs up on the Denton's I didn’t see that one coming.
Thank you as always for your grounded perspectives and guidance. My SVS Ultras are still doing your suggestion and advice proud in my house! May consider the Debut v3 sometime, but no time soon. I am also loving my RSL10E. What an amazing filling sound to my setup. All the best to you ,Sir.
Mangnepan LRS with a good sub. Tons of great $500-$1000 speaker options to be had new and pre-owned.
You can get Monitor Audio GX50, or GX100 for $1000. Some great options on the pre-owned market for $1000...
Cerwin-Vega LA165, Heco Aurora 300, Revel Concerta2 M16, Dali Oberon 3, Cabasse Antigua MC170, Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE, Adam Audio T8V could be potential options as well.
Very nice addition to this list.
I wish there was a place near me that I could go listen to these speakers. I feel that is the real way to decide what you like.
I am looking forward to hearing a ribbon tweeter. I have never heard one yet.
Great reviews of the speakers Randy. Keep up with the great "work" you do for our great "hobby".
Usher s520, the best deal in audio. A front ported copy of the ProAc Response One SC
KEF Q150 and 350 are on sale / closeout for $250 and $500.
Hey Randy, since you got us interested now you should recommend us budget AVs or integrated amps for these speakers, something music oriented
He just made a video on integrated AMPs under $600 a couple days ago
I am still enjoying my Celestion 1 speakers lol just goes to show when you find a sound you enjoy why change! If it ain't broken don't try and fix it right! Enjoyable video!
Very nice list of beautiful speakers.
No list like this can be taken seriously without the Klipsch RP-600m mkii.
Very true Plus emotiva just got their bookshelves back in stock as well😢
Well, I bought mine for €399,-.
I was surprised the new Elac DB63's were not on the list.
Under $500 at ~$450.
@@perlman-t2g Close enough ;)
Great list Randy. I would just add the Axiom Audio M'3 bookies. They should go on sale black friday to 599.00. Titanium tweeter and a 5.25 in alum woofer that is easy to drive and can be great small room L&R or rear surrounds,
Have you had the chance to listen to Denton 85? It has the same look as 80 but apparently a much better sound. I’m wondering how they compare to Elac DB63
Owned all 3 speakers: Denton 80s sounded best to my ears. Most musical and fun all around.
I was looking at something in that range, and I even considered springing for the Klipsch Forte 4s, but then I came across a used pair of my holy grail speaker, the Dahlquist DQ-10. Pristine condition, $800, and I couldn’t be happier with the sound!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you mention Paradigm speakers on your channel. Is there a particular reason why? They were really well regarded when I was into audio back in the day, and they’re still making the higher end models in Canada!
FYI on your recommendation I just ordered the Elac Debut Reference pair. B&H photo has them for $400 a pair right now. This will be paired with wiim ultra to fosi zd3 and a pair of za3 in mono running sparkos. I cant wait to hear them! Thanks for all the nuts and bolts videos!
Got my ELAC DBR62s for $525 last November, best speaker I've ever heard at this price.
Good pick Randy.
Damn I hesitated and cheaped out a few years ago on the Denton 80 wich costed in Europe 400 euros and chose the Diamonds 12.2. I regret that decision because those Diamons are good only for slow and bass heavy music.
Now I have a pair of Elac Uni fi UBR62 and they sound great, neutral but punchy.
Those Dentons 80... 😭
The way you described the sound of Emotiva Xt1 is just what I'm looking for. However, I don't want any more towers. My listening room is just a little too small for that. Is there anything else that has the sound that you described? I was going to buy a set of Lintons to try and they're on sale for $1,499, but I don't think they'll have the sound I'm looking for.
Kef has some really good close out sales happening right now as well.
Great video. Thx!
The Philharmonics with the 5" woofer are the Ceramic Minis. $850/pair, so right in line with this price bracket.
I have a pair of Dali Spektor 2 bookshelf speakers at home. Be intersting to gauge your thoughts on it. With some tweaking on the Bass/Treble/Loudness, I get a decent amount of low bass sound out of it without the need of a sub-woofer, although it can be a little bright in the upper.
WOW the Klipsch The Fives! You really missed!
I think this is an active speaker, what is proposed here seems to me to be passive.
Grtz Phil
I don't see myself replacing my Monitor audio silver 100 in the near future. I already have in my room Another set of Qacustics 3050 Tower.
I use Elac Karinas for in room music and as desktop speakers.
I have those too. The Carinas are insane. I'm running mine on an Audiolab 6000A and they are insane. Pretty sensitive to the amp choice
The best deal in this price range is the Elac Carina BS243.4-SB on sale now for $699.
Can confirm.
I saw the JBL 260F in Best Buy last weekend. It's a really good looking speaker.
I now have my Emotiva preamp and A2 amp. I was thinking about either Emotiva XT3 or Wharfedale Lintons???? I like a lot of bass along with strong mids and highs
Got Roku tv Samsung neo5 and iPhone 12s mini playing love this guys views
Yes - you've missed a couple : DALI Oberons ( several models for that $$ ). Martin Logans ( a couple of models ) - super nice speakers for THAT money. Argon ( active ) - very well sounding stuff. Davis Acoustics have affordable, but very good things...... Ye - there are a few more to choose from, BUT we do respect - this are YOUR choices, and they are GOOD !
What's your thoughts on MartinLogan bookshelf speakers? I'd love to see you review their new Motion Foundation B2.
Are the Emotiva's really that good ? I've been looking at them...
Scooped in the mids
Good highs
Good bass
Forgive me if this has been asked, but have you considered reviewing any Monitor Audio speakers? I have some Bronze 2's I really like and would be interested in hearing what you think of their newer models.
Do you ever review powered speakers for a PC? If not would love you to.
To be honest, how many people listen to music sitting at a desk other than reviewers. Headphones make much more sense.
I’m lucky enough to be able to listen at my desk just about all day every day, I do use headphones some of the time tho if the office gets too noisy.
….for you. And that’s okay! We all listen our own way. May I recommend some @goldenaudio?
Haven't gone to the of the vid' yet , was trying to find the Heco Aurora 300
here in Western Australia ,no joy anyway , I'd still like to hear 'em but !?.
So the Elac debut 3 db63 are missing but the db62 are included? The db63 is better in each factor/way? This doesn’t make sense?
@@KillerSneak debut 3 is less than $500. That speaker will get its own video category
@ ahh in USD it’s less than 500 alright 👍 should still had a honourable mention 🤣
@@cheapaudioman so is it better than the db62? I think you need a video comparing it t the Unifi 5.2 and to the db62, and why not the emotivas bookshelf speaker also...de new elac debut 3.0 deserve another video
Great review of affordable speakers 👍🏼 maybe best subs under $1k is next 🤔
Hey! Technically they're more thank 1k when not on sale, but they're on sale right now on Amazon. Thoughts on the ELAC Debut 2.0 F6.2 Floorstanding?
Q Acoustics has been selling vinyl wrapped fuglies for solid-wood-cabinet prices for a while now and I kinda don't get why that doesn't hurt them any more than it does. I was in a shop in Bangkok that had them and a couple of other brands and I literally refused to listen to the Q's because there was no way I was going to have them in my house.
Randy, I recently moved. My old listening room for 27 years was 13x13 and my current room is 20x33. NO more boom. I just bought a 77 inch TV. You look great!
How does the Debut reference compare to the Debut 3.0?
I think, even for the price they start with, a great choice is the Elac Debut 3, especially when you spend the saved extra money on further improvements...
Also: The Debut F5.2 floorstanders go for 140 bucks a piece over here, which is an absolutely insane bargain!!
Don't know about other areas, but since the Debut 3 is released, the 2nd gen is getting cheaper 🤙🏽
No B&W's? I really love my 606 S3's.
They're over $1k
@@proverbialmind_spread9421 Oh? They are here in Australia, but with the exchange rate and also comparatively higher pricing I assumed they would come in at under $1k over there. Fair enough.
@@proverbialmind_spread9421 I'm in Australia, I thought with the exchange rate they would be cheaper there, but not that much I guess. Still love them ;)
Such an amazing review 👏 your content is really impressive but if you don't mind can I ask you one thing??
Feel the Cheap…Love the Cheap…Live the Cheap!
Any chance you’ll review the Dayton Audio OPAL1? I’ve heard great things, but not from anyone I trust.
Id like to see this as well. The review i saw was glowing. I have dayton air bookshelfs in my garage. They sound pretty good out there. I have never even listened to them in my den. May have to give them a shot.
I've seen 2 or 3 fantastic reviews on these. I was going to make the same comment but instead I will reply. Please review these.
I paid $350 for a new pair of Elac Debut Reference (Europe, last year).
Actually i use wharfedale evo 4.1 and love them
for 1k a got Elac Carina FS
What are the chances that there will be Emotivas in this list?
Pretty high, I bet!
Watching it now. Shame that Emotivas are pretty hard to get here in Europe.
The first half of the list was pretty predictable, but I did discover new stuff in the second half. Especially those active Q Acoustics are interesting!
Let’s go!
Forget the klipsch, Kef q1 meta.
Great video! :) We really do live in amazing times, with so much great audio equipment available at such affordable prices.
Have you considered expanding a bit beyond your usual comparisons and reviews of hi-fi separates? Even dedicated hi-fi enthusiasts often have other systems for different rooms, camping trips, or the car. It would be interesting to see you branch out and do the occasional video on all-in-one systems from brands like Cambridge Audio or Ruark, explore high-quality Bluetooth speakers, or even dive into car stereos from the perspective of someone who is used to hi-fi sound.
‘Sup, Randy?
Paradigm?
"Real wood veneer?"
Its actually a thing now you have finishes designed to look like veneer.
My UB52's kick azz! Best used purchase I've ever made!!! Great Video Randy! 👍👍👍
One of these videos based on local second hand availability would be a fun segment
A pile of aging speakers, rather than new speakers that sound way better than them. Specifically, the new KEF Concerto Meta, and the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 v2.
Ohhh no cup of coffee....whats happen?
Cool thanks Randy!
Btw Q acoustics, if your powered speakers had hdmi I’d already own a pair, or 2…
You stop it right now mister!😉😂
You’d love them, almost as pretty as u😊
@@Brian_Romska I approve this message.
Why don't you open them all and see all the crap parts they use, put a magnet to the binding posts all magnetic, horrible bracing etc....
Again...this is "Cheap" $900 teeny weeny speakers...
Haven't watched a video in a while. Looks like you lost some weight.
LOL! $1000 is now "cheap" ? You're way out of touch with average working people who want quality budget audio
Bro, a thousand bucks is super reasonable for cheaper speakers considering the range of prices in this hobby. Sony makes an inexpensive pair of speakers a lot of people like. Think they’re on sale for $149 sometimes. Personally, I’d rather listen to a cats in heat but that’s me. Q acoustic makes some good speakers in their 3000 series. They make a cheap sub that I really like…it’s got two 6.5 woofers. Small, but very musical for
$219. Goes great with the 3030/3020. Good luck!
It is cheap when you consider there are Focals that are $280,000 a pair.
Yeah he should do another 100 videos about the sony SSCS5 and some random class D amps just so that people don't get mad because the "cheap" in his name. The story of actual *cheap* audio equipment is told relatively quickly and it has been told a lot of times already. Also a speaker between 500 and 1000 dollars is spot on for "quality budget audio". You get what you pay for.
@ mic drop!
I was so expecting, "Sit down, Grab a cup of coffee." 🫠