Best Cheap Speakers - New or Old


Sure if money is no object there are many speakers that we all "drool for". But having said that, there something to be said for a good "cheap" (less than $500 a pair MSRP) speakers. Granted they're not going to be in anybody's main system (probably they'll be found in somebody's bedroom, office, garage system, usually with some older vintage components driving them). But nevertheless, they deliver decent performance at a resonable price and they're honest in what they do. Not "state of the art" by a large margin, but still good "musical" friends. My choice is an old pair of Boston Acoustics A-60s, that I bought back in the late '80s for probably $200 a pair. Granted there are tons of better speakers out there, but for what they do, and age they are, and the money I paid, they still deliver some pretty damn good sound and performance. Anyway, curious on what others may think and what "cheap" speakers have held a "soft spot" in their "sonic" hearts?
cleaneduphippy

Showing 5 responses by phasecorrect

I have a pr of early 90s era JbL j830m speakers that constantly surprise me...an early Harmon effort, these are surprisingly laid back and mellow...something not usually associated with JBL...not a ton of bass considering their size but balanced nevertheless...not the last word in transparency or razor sharp imaging...but a solid engineered product that is a steal on the used market...ssssh..
don't tell anyone
Bbro...as a former Spica owner I can attest to your frustration...as you touched upon...they do image well...often in reach out and touch 3d realism...however they have two glaring faults...non-existent bass and limited treble highs...an audiophile friend described their sound as 'mushy'...
Although a budget mass consumer product in the early 90s...Jbl j830m seems like a dinosaur in today's mini monitor world..large, three way standmount with 8" driver=real clean bass(ruler flat)...surprising open but slightly forward midrange...these compare favourably to my Snell type J standmounts...seems like there is a common thread as several votes for 90s era jbl for budget seekers...
Also..B&w 610 or older 6xx series from 90s..these are kind of old school 2-way 8 inch models...large by today's standards...but I always have like the full sound/scale of this design...they do require stands...and are unbeatable on the used market
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