Under $500 Speakers (2 Viewers)

[ChrisCollins]

I have a limit of around $500 for main speakers, using a small sub.
Looking for detailed speakers that are forward but not bright to the point of fatigue. Any suggestions,
thanks in advance

 

[Rob Kramer]

Way too many to list. Probably a hundred models or so at that range.

Just a few:
Swan 2.1 ($299)
Ascend 170 ($328)
Ascend 340 ($528)
Rocket Cse ($499)
B&W 601 ($450)

 

[JamesCB]

Phase Technology Velocity or Teatro series. The PC series would be out of your budget. If you get a chance to listen to Phase Tech, I guarantee you will not be dissapointed.

James

 

[CurtisSC]

I love the Ascends , but I would also add the following to the list:

Monitor Audio Bronze B2, and I have heard a lot of good things about Epos ELS3.

 

[BrianAe]

Aperion Audio are great monitors when used with a sub. Price is 360 for a pair. They are great to listen to and are very attractive which you may or may not care about.

 

[Nhan_H]

How about the HTD Level IV bookshelves and then a Partsexpress Dayton 10" sub to hold you over until you can afford a better sub?

 

[ChrisCollins]

Oh sorry about that
I already have a Hsu STF-2

 

[Andrew*L]

You'd have to buy these used, but I like the following in the sub $500 range over anything I've heard new at this price. :wink:

1. Linn Kan / Tukan / Katan monitors.
2. Boston Acoustics VR-M50 monitors.
3. Dynaudio Audience monitors.

 

[Maneesh]

Axiom M22Ti - $400

or buy factory seconds for $360, they will have minor cosmetic blemishes.

From all the reviews I've read this speaker is hard to beat under $1k.


Paradigm Mini Monitors or Monitor series (not sure about current pricing on these) are also worth considering.

 

[ShaunLB]

Polk Audio RTiXX or RTXXi series. Towers (RT800i's or RTi70's) or larger bookeshelves (RT55i's or RTi38's). You should be able to find some good used/closeout deals on some of these as they are 1 to 2 series back.

 

[Danny Tse]

Also check out the Energy C-3. Usually goes for US$500.00/pair, but during a recent sale at my local dealer, I was able to pick a brand new pair for $300.00. I A/B them against the Monitor Audio Bronze B2 and I like the C-3 better....better frequency extension at both ends and sounded better to my years.

 

[Mitch_J]

http://www.fluance.com/

 

[Anthony J]

A pair of Athena AS-F2s would be extremely nice. I just bought a pair a week ago, I love them. Also too, the Athena AS-F2 are are down to $360 a pair at BestBuy. The AS-F2s have to be the best deal on speakers you can get, or most bang for your buck.

 

[Joey_V]

M22 are good $400 speakers, but i feel that $1000 statement is a bit of a stretch (can someone say paradigm reference 20s or 40s?).

i would like to add:
polk lsi7 (go on ebay) for under $500.

 

[Tyson Wetzel]

Check out the Energy C-3's. I own a pair and I love them.

 

[Wayne Ernst]

You should check out this for sale ad from the forum here. A pair of JBL speakers and the famous Sony sub are for sale at pretty good prices:

FS Thread

 

[BenCosta]

Another vote for Axiom.

Ben

 

[Josh Meier]

I second the Fluance recommendation... specifically this set: {SX-HTB... unfortunately I don't have 15 posts yet, so i can't post a direct link).

I just recently go this set, and every single person (including myself) that listens to them is blown away by their clarity and fullness of sound. They are a bit lacking on the low end, but even a half way decent sub can make up for that, and after they are broken in (10 hours) they start producing significantly better bass.

Also, if you want the set for under 300 bucks shipped, bigbangelectronics.com has them for 295 shipped.

I will be posting a review shortly to the forums, just need to finish it up.

 

[Jerome Grate]

What surrounds do you have if any? I would try to match your surrounds as close as possible.

 

[AdrianH]

JBL S38 Studio Series speakers. Retail for about $500pr, but I was able to find them online for about $300pr brand new. Check out the review on Stereophile.com
stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/365/