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
The Spica TC-60's are in your price range and even better than the TC-50's (more bass). A small speaker that sounds big.
Any of the Paradigm Mini Monitors are a great choice, too. The Paradigms have incredible bang for the buck -- great resolution.
Epos are another good choice -- amazingly lifelike sound and imaging.
Since the Spica TC-50 and TC-60 are both over the $500 MSRP limit, I'll also cheat a bit and throw in the Quad 11-L.
Perfect little office speakers, IMHO.

If you insist on being a stickler with the <$500 MSRP, then I'll offer up the Wharfedale Diamond 7.2's.

John
Canton Fonum 601's in the mid 90s were great speakers.
They listed for 1000 and probably will go for 400 used today.
Usher S520's. Picked mine up in Taiwan for under US$120 and sound great in a tube based second system.