what are quality & value small speakers?

[1655graff]

In my oyther post, I said that I'd like to use wall and/or ceiling mounted speakers in the kitchen. We've all seen the Bose mini-cubic ones. I've also found the ORB ones.

What other ones are available?
I need:

• WAF-kosher (small, "stylish," not too visible, not too expensive)
• Can stand on their own in their audio output, not really "satellite" (I don't think)
• Don't want them to be too "thin" audiably

How does on google for them?
My searches so far on "small speakers reviews" isn't proving to be very fruitful. Lots of chaff hits.

 

[Davemcc]

The Orb are well reviewed, as are the Gallo round speakers, although I haven't had the chance to listen to either.

Other options might be the Energy RC mini which I have heard and liked.

All the above should probably be used with a subwoofer for best performance, a la the Bose systems.

If you don't want a sub, the Era design 4 is one of, if not the, sweetest sounding small speaker I've heard and you could, if you wanted, get away using just these without a sub. The fine finish on these should score high in the WAF. Don't look at the Era design 3. If that's the way you'd like to go, get the RC mini instead.

 

[Rickster71]

I've heard the Gallo's, pretty good.
The WAF should be OK to.

 

[rnatalli]

Orbs, Gallo's, KEF Eggs, and Mordaunt-Short Genie come to mind. My wife really likes the Orbs and they sound great too.

 

[1655graff]

If you don't want a sub,...

Where do people put subs in their kitchens? I'm curious. ...or did i misread this?

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker options

There are other speaker options besides small cubes that rate high on asthetics. Check out in-ceiling and in-wall speakers. I used the $40/pair phoenix gold in-ceiling speakers in my distributed audio system and they will sound much better than Bose. In a "Bose" prince range there are in-wall or onwall options with better performance. If you are handy you can do the instal and wiring yourself.

 

[Davemcc]

Where do people put subs in their kitchens? I'm curious. ...or did i misread this?

Well, ideally one wouldn't place a sub in one's kitchen. It's just that tiny speakers tend not to have prominent bass and usually use a sub to fill in the bottom end. If you wanted something with a little more low end response, you could select a more traditional wall mounted small bookshelf speaker.