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Advice on best small speaker for under $400 used

I have just started my search for the ultimate small speaker (shelf, micro, ?) for under "$400 used". Primary use is for audio in a small listening room, but may also be used for some DVD viewing on a plasma as well. The amp is nothing fancy ...a Yamaha RX-V800 (100W per). I have started looking at B&W DM303's, Epos M5's, Gallo A'Diva's, etc... The smaller the better, some nice bass potential (I don't want a sub), and I don't mind considering vintage. So, am I on the right track here? Any suggestions?
simon_weston
13 responses Add your response
clbone
41 posts
 
New Wharfedale 9.2 are in your range, sound very nice, look great, and have a lot of bass. I used mine with an old Brio amp and it was plenty.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
The smaller you go, generally the less bass you'll get. I personally would look into Tannoy. I own the Fusion 1 and MX-M1. Very forgiving spks. that sound great. I'm driving them w/vintage Sony Int. amps in the 50w per ch. range. Another possibilty are older ADS spks. L400's. Good Luck. Bill
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
KEF Q15
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Usher S-520 has lots of personality. The bright colors are very attractive and finished superbly for the $$.
face
516 posts
 
Cambridge Sirocco S30's sound fantastic and are very impressive for their size.
Post removed 
montytx
138 posts
 
Dynaudio Audience 52
audioconnection
1,270 posts
 
B&W New 686 I lost 20 bucks to Carlos thinking a sub was already on. Do use a filled pair of leveled Stands and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Cheers Johnnyr
simon_weston OP
3 posts
 
Guys ...great suggestions. Thank you. Now I have to do some more homework ...I guess that's the fun part! ...Simon
cleaneduphippy
323 posts
 
You might want to add the Energy RC-10 and NHT Classic 3 to your list.
soix
8,597 posts
 
From your description I think the Silverline Minuets would be an excellent fit. They're small, refined, don't require much power, and pump out an amazing amount of quality bass for their size. In short, they sound like good mid-sized floorstanders and image like demons. There's a sale pending on a pair here for $480, so if you're patient and can stretch a bit it's hard to imagine these would disappoint.

Best of luck.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
I've seen a few used Era Design 4's go for just above your $400 limit. They are astoundingly good, but do need some juice to sing.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Triangle Titus Es. Much nicer IMHO than DM303 or DM601, can show off good amp and source. Small woofer so best in small room with good stands. One step up, the Triangle Comète is very highly regarded.
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