Quality & Price?

[Darrenmc]

Which speaker company/companies do you feel offers the best quality at the fairest prices or phrased another way the most bang for your buck? It's like cars, some are cheap and you get what you pay for and then there are others that are expensive as hell, maybe beacuse of the name, are great quality but you can find other cars that offer similar quality at much lower prices. Your opinions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[billnchristy]

I would vote for my obvious favorite, AV123, but it could be said about a lot of ID companies.

They may have quality issues at times, but they will go out of their way to make sure you are happy...and the prices cannot be beat.

 

[ellover009]

Cambridge Soundworks.

 

[robot]

Things aren't quite as simple as that... it really depends on what your price range is and what your tastes are.

What are you looking for?

 

[Davemcc]

I really think my Era's were a bargain. They sounded much better than speakers that were only a little cheaper or even slightly higher price, not quite as good but at least held their own against much, much more expensive speakers. Overall, I'm very pleased with the price/pleasure ratio, which I think is what you're driving at?

 

[mazersteven]

I would have to say the Paradigm Studio line. And only the Studio line.

 

[Davemcc]

I would have to say the Paradigm Studio line. And only the Studio line.

My final decision was between the Studio 20's or the Era's for about the same price. If I could have taken the Paradigms home, maybe things would have been different because the Paradigm dealer's audition rooms absolutely sucked massively. I've often thought the Paradigms didn't get a fair shake because of this, but the dealer's policy was no home auditions - you buy them and no returns. No regrets with the outcome, however.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

What a crappy dealer. I am glad you didnt buy from him!

 

[Nick250]

The answer is audition every speaker in your price range that you can find and get back to us. It's really that much of a personal choice issue and without taking that first step you are flying blind.

Nick

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The answer is audition every speaker in your price range that you can find and get back to us. It's really that much of a personal choice issue and without taking that first step you are flying blind.

Nick

Looks like he already bought the ERAs.

 

[Darrenmc]

Things aren't quite as simple as that... it really depends on what your price range is and what your tastes are.

What are you looking for?

Not looking for anything, just curious as to what companies fellow audiophiles feel offer great quality for a reasonable price. I'm not talking super hi-end but rather if you were putting together a mid-level system. For instance the dealer I now go to carries Paradigm, JMlab Focal, Amphion, Monitor Audio, KEF, Acoustic Energy speakers but out of those i wouldn't really know who offers the best quality at reasonable prices? Paradigm always seems to be mentioned?

 

[no. 5]

For instance the dealer I now go to carries Paradigm, JMlab Focal, Amphion, Monitor Audio, KEF, Acoustic Energy speakers but out of those i wouldn't really know who offers the best quality at reasonable prices?

The correct answer is; the one that fits your budget, and sounds the best to you.

Canton, for instance, has a reputation for very good build quality, so they could be thought of as "the best quality" in that respect, but if you don't like how they sound, having "the best" would be an irritant rather then a pleasure and therefore a waste of money.

That being said, I wish I had a dealer in my area that carried those brands.

 

[Pit36]

Not looking for anything, just curious as to what companies fellow audiophiles feel offer great quality for a reasonable price. I'm not talking super hi-end but rather if you were putting together a mid-level system. For instance the dealer I now go to carries Paradigm, JMlab Focal, Amphion, Monitor Audio, KEF, Acoustic Energy speakers but out of those i wouldn't really know who offers the best quality at reasonable prices? Paradigm always seems to be mentioned?

Check out Paradigm, Monitor Audio and KEF IQ series for mid-level. I have the KEF's in 5.1 setup and I'm very pleased with them for HT, you will need a sub with them for sure. Audition as many as you can, but at least check out those three since you have a dealer near you.

 

[Ryan8886]

Athena and Energy are also solid brands at decent prices. Worth a listen. Check out Audioadvisor.com.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Probably the best performance/price ratio I have heard is the B&W 602s. I can't think of any speaker that sounds as good for $600/pr. or less, and it would take a big jump in price to improve on them.

 

[highfihoney]

Which speaker company/companies do you feel offers the best quality at the fairest prices or phrased another way the most bang for your buck? It's like cars, some are cheap and you get what you pay for and then there are others that are expensive as hell, maybe beacuse of the name, are great quality but you can find other cars that offer similar quality at much lower prices. Your opinions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

NONE zero,not a single company internet direct or otherwise,all decent speakers are extremely marked up for what they are.

Take the same dollar amount that you plan to spend on brand new speakers & use that cash to buy a used pair off audiogon,let the seller take the hit & you will walk away with speakers that cost 3 to 5 times what you planned on spending on new ones.

Use the search function & search by the 1st two numbers in your zip code to find gear in your area that you can see & hear in person & drive them home yourself,no MSRP mark up,no sales commision,no shipping costs,no shipping damage,no hype,try going & looking at a few pair of used high end speakers in person before you send cash off to brand new internet companies with little history behind them & little chance for a decent resale value 5 years from now.

 

[dave1490]

NONE zero,not a single company internet direct or otherwise,all decent speakers are extremely marked up for what they are.

Take the same dollar amount that you plan to spend on brand new speakers & use that cash to buy a used pair off audiogon,let the seller take the hit & you will walk away with speakers that cost 3 to 5 times what you planned on spending on new ones.

Use the search function & search by the 1st two numbers in your zip code to find gear in your area that you can see & hear in person & drive them home yourself,no MSRP mark up,no sales commision,no shipping costs,no shipping damage,no hype,try going & looking at a few pair of used high end speakers in person before you send cash off to brand new internet companies with little history behind them & little chance for a decent resale value 5 years from now.

you got my vote,but see the top 200,and try to listen to them before you buy.

http://www.audioreview.com/topcrx.aspx

 

[PatrickBateman]

Probably the best performance/price ratio I have heard is the B&W 602s. I can't think of any speaker that sounds as good for $600/pr. or less, and it would take a big jump in price to improve on them.

I have a heard a number of speakers, and the best under $600/pr to me are the Era Design 4's. They can be had for $500 or so new, and I haven't heard anything near them in quality.

 

[dennisharmon]

Athena and Energy are also solid brands at decent prices. Worth a listen. Check out Audioadvisor.com.

I love my Athena ASF2s.I have heard better speakers,but thet cost a whole lot more money than the Athenas.

 

[cornelius]

Ohm Walshes - I have the MicroWalsh Talls. For only a grand:

A handmade speaker, real veneer finish.
Excellent customer support (you can speak to the designer on the phone - you can upgrade for a small cost - when upgrades become available, and they'll repair any Ohms ever made).
They're small and sell direct so you're not covering huge ad budgets, or salaries for a large work-force...
You can return them if you don't like them.
They sound better than a lot of other speakers at their price.

They may not be for everyone, but they are definitely great quality for a reasonable price!