What’s Your Favorite Speakers < $3,000?

[Fastnbulbous]

Last year I tried to poll what were people’s favorite high end speakers under $5K. There were some good comments, but not a lot of feedback, probably because most of us can’t afford that range. Even if I could find something used, they would likely need better power than my new HK AVR 645. If I upgrade in about a year, I’d be looking under the $3K range. I was encouraged when a local dealer had the Von Schweikert VR-2 for only $1,600. Wish I had the money now.

Tastes will vary here quite a bit, so it helps to know where you’re coming from – what music you like to listen to and how does the speaker complement it. For example, my current Regas were great for the space I have and value, but their crisp sound is better suited to jazz and acoustic music. When I upgrade I want something with <i>cajones</i> that can better handle low-end heavy reggae, hip hop and metal.

The poll only had the option of ten choices. If yours isn't on here, vote in the reply, and I'll add it to this post, and tally the votes manually.

The prices below are inconsistent – some are list, some are whatever I could find in a Google search.

B&W 703, $3,000 (http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.models/label/MODEL%20703) | Review (http://www.avguide.com/products/product-2901/?download=%2Ffile-download%3Freview%3D1473)
Wharfedale Opus 2, (http://www.wharfedale.co.uk/model.php?model_id=2) $3,000 (http://ayselectronics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1473)
Polk LSi25, $3,000 (http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/lsi25/)
Totem Forest, $2,990 (http://www.totemacoustic.com/english/products/floorStanding_forest.htm)
Revel Performa F32, $2,970 (http://www.revelspeakers.com/products/product-overview.asp?ID=14)
Usher CP-6371, $2,900 (http://www.usheraudio.com/speaker-CP-6371.html)
Onix Rocket RS1000 Signature, $2,800 (http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=46.1)
Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, $2,750 (http://www.sumikoaudio.net/va/prod_mozart.htm) | Review (http://www.avguide.com/products/product-3405/?download=%2Ffile-download%3Freview%3D1955)
Salk Phast ‘Est, $2,700 (http://www.salksound.com/phast.html)
Von Schweikert VR-2 (The Vigilance), $2,500 (http://www.vonschweikert.com/zvr2.htm)

Not listed in the poll above (I'll keep a tally on votes):
Definitive Technology BP7001SC, $2,650 (http://www.digitalcraze.com/Details.asp?ProductID=2172) (list price $3,500) 1 vote
AAD Silver-7, $? (http://www.aadsound.com/products/Loadspeaker/Silver/silver%20range.htm)
Devore Fidelity Gibbon 8, $? (http://www.devorefidelity.com/gibbons.html#...)

Salk Veracity QW, $2,999 (http://www.salksound.com/vqw.html)
Energy Veritas V2.3i, $2,800 (http://www.surroundcity.com/ENERGY-VERITAS-V23i-P1627C226.aspx) | Review (http://www.avguide.com/products/product-3315/?download=%2Ffile-download%3Freview%3D1862) 2 votes
Odyssey Lorelei, $2,700 (http://www.odysseyaudio.com/loudspeakers.html)
Focal-JM Labs Electra 926, $2,700 (http://www.focal-fr.com/home/en/)
Boston Acoustics VR-M90, $2,700 (http://www.bostonacoustics.com/home_product.aspx?category_id=2&product_id=188) |
[url=http://www.smr-home-theatre.org/Reviews/NHT2/index.html]NHT 2.9, $2,675 (]Review[/url)
KEF Reference 203, $2,600 (http://www.kef.com/products/reference/refmodel203.asp)
Gallo Acoustics Nucleus Reference 3.1, $2,600 (http://www.roundsound.com/reference-3-speakers.htm) | Review (http://www.avguide.com/products/product-3037/?download=%2Ffile-download%3Freview%3D1592) 1 vote
Joseph Audio RM22si Mk2, $2,499 (http://www.josephaudio.com/product.rm22simk2.html) 1 vote
Klipsch RF-83, $2,498 (http://http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/rf-83.aspx)
Rega R7, $2,495 (http://www.rega.co.uk/index2.htm)
Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Floorstanding Reference Monitor, $2,400 (http://www.tyleracoustics.com/linbrook.html)
Monitor Audio GS20, $2,400 (http://brandnamez.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=45223&lastcatid=157&step=4&AffNo=492452167) 1 vote
Paradigm Studio 100, $2,400 (http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RModels/StudioSeries/StudioSpecs.html) | Review (http://www.avguide.com/products/product-2315/?download=%2Ffile-download%3Freview%3D944) 1 vote
Revelation Audio Lyra 7, $2,200 (http://www.shows.soundstagelive.com/shows/avtour2003/mtl_dly_march29.shtml) 1 vote
PSB Stratus GT1, $2,000 (http://www.psbspeakers.com/product.php?pId=75&sId=2)
MB Quart QLS 1030, $1,999 (http://hificity.stores.yahoo.net/mbquartqls1030.html) 1 vote
Onix Strata Mini, $1,995 (http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1) 1 Vote
Vandersteen 2Ce Signature, $1,800 (http://www.vandersteen.com/pages/2Celit2.html)
Definitive Technology BP7002, $1,750 (http://www.digitalcraze.com/Details.asp?ProductID=1677)
Magnepan MG1.6/QR, $1,725 (http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/magnepan_mg16qr.htm)
Dali Ikon 6, $1,600 (http://www.dali-usa.com/us/page214.aspx?sub=213&prod=263) (Absolute Sound's 2006 Affordable Loudspeaker of the Year (http://www.avguide.com/products/product-3647/))
Axiom Millenia M80 v2, $1,300 (http://www.axiomaudio.com/m80ti_main.html)
Phase Technology PC-9.1, $1,300 (http://www.phasetech.com/products.html?product_id=PC-9.1)

Compact/Bookshelf:
Dali Helicon 300, $2,750 (http://www.dali.dk/us/page245.aspx?sub=213&prod=249)
B&W 805S, $2,500 (http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.models/Label/Model%20805S) 3 votes
Sonus Faber Concerto, $1,895 (http://www.sonusfaber.com/index.html) | Review (http://www.avguide.com/products/product-2007/?download=%2Ffile-download%3Freview%3D734)
Tyler Acoustics Taylo Reference Monitor, $1,825 (http://www.tyleracoustics.com/taylo.html) 2 votes
Energy Veritas V2.2i, $1,024 (http://www.surroundcity.com/ENERGY-VERITAS-V22i-P1628C226.aspx) 1 vote

[j_garcia]

JA RM22Si MkIIs, which are in your list, but missing from your poll.

[Pianoman84d]

On my dream list is the Onix Strata Mini. @ 1,995

Haven't heard it, but dying to do so.

[Sheep]

Energy Veritas V2.2i (http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=13)

Since I can't stand floor speakers, and M&K SP150s are $2100 each, this is my favorite for 3g.

SheepStar

[mike c]

wishlist
B&W 805S
Monitor Audio GS10/GS20

[emorphien]

This is tough, I've heard a lot of speakers in this range I might consider for music. Ultimately I've been really in love with the Totem's I've heard (including the Forest) for music so that would probably be my pick at this point.

[billy p]

staying close to home if money was no object then Energy veritas v2.4 or Psb platinum T6. At the moment both will have to wait:D.

[no. 5]

some of my "cheep" list
KEF iQ9
Sonus Faber Concerto Domus
Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand
B&W 703
Monitor Audio RS6


and some of the over $3,000 list
KEF Reference 203
B&W 703
Sonus Faber grand piano domus

[zumbo]

MB Quart QLS 1030. $1999.99 pr/retail (floorstanding)
B&W 805S. $2499.90 pr/retail (bookshelf)

[mkossler]

The rockets. Yeah, yeah, I know - but the detail is incredible, especially for SACD sources (try some Nora Jones), and as for HT, well, hold on to your hat. In the interests of full disclosure, I have heard them played for HT with an SVS SB12-Plus 2, which rounded things out nicely IMO.


They will be mine... oh, yes - they will be mine... :)

[zildjian]

I haven't looked at speakers @ $3000/pair recently, but when I bought the main L & R speakers for my HT several years ago (Definitive Technology BP2000's) they were what I thought was the best performance for the money at $3000 for the pair. DefTech doesn't make the BP2000 anymore, replaced it with the BP7001SC, but when I talked to Chet @ Definitive Tech, he said the BP7001SC's are essentially the same as the BP2000's other than the BP7001SC has a completely different built-in subwoofer system, little more $ though at $3500/pair.

[B5I8]

If I ever have that kind of money, I'll probably order some speakers from Tyler Acoustics. I just love those SEAS Excel drivers

[Rob Babcock]

The Phast 'Est is not a Salk speaker- it's by Selah Audio. Jim Salk did indeed build one pair of Phast 'Est's for a customer on a one-shot custom basis. He's also built 1801's when Dave Ellis was too backed up to ship in reasonable time.

Info on that particular speaker can be found at Rick Craig's Selah Audio site.

[Fastnbulbous]

Energy Veritas V2.2i (http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=13)

Since I can't stand floor speakers, and M&K SP150s are $2100 each, this is my favorite for 3g.


It didn't occur to me to include compact/bookshelf speakers. What do you dislike about floor speakers?

[Fastnbulbous]

Energy Veritas V2.4, Def Tech BP7001SC, PSB Platinum T6, and Tyler Acoustics are all beyond this price range. However, I listed the first two because I did find them for under $3k retail.

[Joe Schmoe]

I voted for the 703s because they are the only B&Ws on your list. I love my 705s. If I were to make that big of a jump in price, I would be more inclined to get the 805s than the 703s. I am satisfied enough with my 705s that I am not sure I could justify the cost of upgrading to either one, though.:cool:

[Fastnbulbous]

I do have 805S listed on the bottom, so I added your vote to the tally. Wouldn't we all like the 803, but on this threadwe can't afford more than $3k. So B&W has a strong lead. Any thoughts on what makes it more popular? How does it compare to others you've heard? Does their design add an advantage? I have no problem in admitting that some speakers don't excite me simply because they're not very pretty. Gotta make sure yer mate doesn't make you get rid of 'em when you move in together, heh.

It seems that nearly every comment/mini review I read about B&Ws stress how important it is that they're driven by very high-end electronics. Even flagship Denon/HK/Yamaha won't do justice to them. Why is that? Is it true for the other speakers too? It's also mentioned that they're extra-sensitive to the room, so if it has funky dimensions, forget about it.

I might consider augmenting my HK with something like a Rotel RB-1080 once I move into a bigger space. However, I wonder if B&W might be too fussy for me. A large part of my collection is 70s punk, post-punk and 80s indie rock (one of my favorites, Hüsker Dü, is typically badly recorded).

[Joe Schmoe]

I disagree that high end electronics are a requirement. My electronics are certainly nothing special (nowhere near the same price class as the speakers) and, as I said, I love the way my 705s sound. They do like a bit of volume to sound "full", but anything with 100 watts/ch will drive them quite nicely. As to why they sound good, I chalk it up to experience. B&W have been in the speaker business for a long time.

[Sheep]

It didn't occur to me to include compact/bookshelf speakers. What do you dislike about floor speakers?

I don't like how they blend with subwoofers. I also like how bookshelfs disapear.

SheepStar

[TjMV3]

I voted for the Wharfedale Opus 2, because I love them and I have them:D


I would also like to add that my next favorite speakers in that price range are Alain Courteau's Revelation Audio Lyra 7. Which I have on order for my home office.

The Dali Helicon 400 are third on my list of favorite speakers, but they're in the slightly over $4,000 range.

[abboudc]

For the poll, i voted Rocket, but if i had my pick, it'd be M&K S-150's.

[pearsall001]

AAD 2001 monitors. Another Phil Jones masterpiece. I loved them, I bought them!!!

[speakerman39]

If I ever have that kind of money, I'll probably order some speakers from Tyler Acoustics. I just love those SEAS Excel drivers
Would have to recommend Tyler Acoustics as well. More specifically, the Taylo Refernce Monitors are awesome. One of the best speakers I have ever heard. However, the Linbrook Signature Monitors are the ABSOLUTE best speakers I have heard to date. Nothing is even close. The Linbrooks are so open and airy yet smooth and refined. Not to mention that cabinets are beautiful to say the least. I live less than 30 miles from Ty's location and have been there to see it for myself. Ty himself is a class act and one thing is for sure-he is the real deal when it comes to buliding speakers that will make you say WOW!!!!!! I am still in awe as to how good the Linbrooks sound.

[Fastnbulbous]

The Phast 'Est is not a Salk speaker- it's by Selah Audio. Jim Salk did indeed build one pair of Phast 'Est's for a customer on a one-shot custom basis. He's also built 1801's when Dave Ellis was too backed up to ship in reasonable time.


Okay, but I found it on the Salk site here http://www.salksound.com/phast.html

[zumbo]

I voted for the 703s because they are the only B&Ws on your list. I love my 705s. If I were to make that big of a jump in price, I would be more inclined to get the 805s than the 703s. I am satisfied enough with my 705s that I am not sure I could justify the cost of upgrading to either one, though.:cool:

805S over 704S for shure. I havn't heard the 703S.

[ChrisJam]

AAD 2001 monitors. Another Phil Jones masterpiece. I loved them, I bought them!!!

They were high on my audition list, but I learned a few weeks ago that the whole AAD 2000 line is discontinued. :(

Chris

[indcrimdefense]

i have yet to hear a vienna accoustics speaker that i didn't like, still may get a pair for the office (maybe the bach or mozart grand). this weekend spend a lengthy demo session with the new paradigm reference 100 v.3 & was very impressed. demoed the 100 v.2 last year for use as a center & surrounds (i have S8 for fronts) & did not purchase as the signature & reference speakers had different tweeters & did not play well together. my dad then took the 100 v.2 to his house for a demo, & i was impressed by the sound once we bi-amped his 2805. WAF prevented him from buying. the 100 v.3 has the same tweeter as the old signature line, which now has new tweeters. system was all mcintosh, the 2 channel cd/sacd, a tube pre-amp, & the 250 watt stereo amp. have yet to hear the new signature line (arrival at dealer scheduled for feb. 07) & if the new signature 8 is not an improvement over mine, going to buy 2 pairs of the 100 v.3 for centers & surrounds. if the new S8 is an improvement, then will trade mine in or sell them

[Fastnbulbous]

I added some more to the list after reading an excellent thread (http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21651) from last year. AMG_Roadster was doing an impressively thorough job in listening to a lot of the speakers in this poll. Unfortunately he disappeared back in May without saying what he finally got. Perhaps his wife murdered him for dragging out the task for so long ;)

I had trouble finding pricing for the AAD and Devore models. Anyone got more info? Those who already voted who have heard and would recommend any of the ones below, please say so and I'll add to the tally. Interesting how severely B&W 703 is thrashing the competition popularity wise -- 15 votes so far, with Polk LSi25 and Revel Performa F32 tied for 2nd at 5 votes each.

AAD Silver-7, $? (http://www.aadsound.com/products/Loadspeaker/Silver/silver%20range.htm)
Devore Fidelity Gibbon 8, $? (http://www.devorefidelity.com/gibbons.html#...)
Focal-JM Labs Electra 926, $2,700 (http://www.focal-fr.com/home/en/)
KEF Reference 203, $2,600 (http://www.kef.com/products/reference/refmodel203.asp)
Gallo Nucleus Reference 3.1, $2,600 (http://www.roundsound.com/reference-3-speakers.htm)

[goodman]

I voted for the Gallos, because I liked the Reference 3.0s enough to buy them after listening to them at home. I've heard the Totems and the Vienna Mozarts and liked them, but I would need to either bring them home or bring my Gallos to the Totem and Vienna dealers for an audition.

[Fastnbulbous]

A loudspeaker poll haiku:

The winter air hums
And the choosiest ears choose
B&W

[Fastnbulbous]

The poll so far:

1 B&W 703 18 votes
2 Revel Performa F32 6 votes
3 Polk LSi25 5 votes
3 Onix Rocket RS1000 Signature 5 votes
3 Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand 5 votes
6 Von Schweikert VR-2 (The Vigilance) 3 votes
7 Energy Veritas V2.3i 2 votes
7 Totem Forest 2 votes
7 Wharfedale Opus 2 2 votes

[zumbo]

The poll so far:

1 B&W 703 18 votes
2 Revel Performa F32 6 votes
3 Polk LSi25 5 votes
3 Onix Rocket RS1000 Signature 5 votes
3 Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand 5 votes
6 Von Schweikert VR-2 (The Vigilance) 3 votes
7 Energy Veritas V2.3i 2 votes
7 Totem Forest 2 votes
7 Wharfedale Opus 2 2 votes

Or, you could just click "View Poll Results".:rolleyes:

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

I spent my money on PSB platinums.

My "cheap" HT speakers are Paradigm. (Atoms & cc170). Funny, I don't think all the loudspeakers my extended family has ever bought, combined equal the $200 MSRP of the Atoms :rolleyes:

wait.... no, my dad bought a Bose wave radio maybe 15 years ago.

[Fastnbulbous]

Or, you could just click "View Poll Results".:rolleyes:

Except the Energy Veritas were one of the "write in" votes.

[JoeE SP9]

None of the choices work for me.
Magneplanar 1.6QR's would leave some money for a killer Dayton 15" sealed box sub. I would still be somewhere close to the budget. I would take this rig over any of the listed selections.:D

[emorphien]

I'm surprised as the popularity of the B&W 703.

[Joe Schmoe]

I'm surprised as the popularity of the B&W 703.
What is surprising about it? They are great speakers.