My Top 5 Speakers at Any Price
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- Links to reviews:
Wharfedale Linton: • Discover Why I Can't S...
Kef Reference 1 Meta: • First Look!! Kef Refer...
JBL 4367: • The JBL 4367 rocks!
Dutch & Dutch 8c: • Dutch & Dutch 8c Books...
Revel F226Be: • Revel PerformaBe F226B...
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Have a listen to the Gradient Fi loudspeakers.They have cardiord radiation from midrange up. I have the 1.3 and the early Revolution models for almost 30 years and they still sound great.
Any updates on this list Erin?
Do a review on Heco Celan Revolution 3
1:28 | Dutch & Dutch 8c | $14,000
4:28 | Revel F226Be | $7,500
5:23 | JBL 4367 | $16,000
6:21 | KEF Reference 1 Meta | $9,000
7:36 | Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary | $1,500
Thanks for saving time :)
Do more of these! Love these kind of videos.. Honestly I’d love to see you break them up, “best floorstanding speakers”, “best bookshelf speaker”, “best desktop speaker” (that last one would prolly be a grand slam, more people are looking for a quality PC setup than you think).. Maybe even take into other pieces of kit you enjoy, DAC’s/amps etc!
“Best desktop PC Speakers under $500”= 💰! (Or insert whatever price point, u can even do more than one)
I know there’s a lot of videos out there like this, but if you can get your video out in that algorithm it’ll be timeless.. College kids need them for their dorm, younger kids on their gaming setup, moms and pops who do work from home or spend time in front of their PC, everyone wants a good value speaker outside of the shit Logitech offerings for their desktop cuz not everyone is interested in a home theatre or have a full listening room, but everyone does listen to music at their desktop! Looking for this exact video is what brought me into the audiophile world which is turn eventually brought me to your channel
Noted!
@@ErinsAudioCornerthis is a good idea for growing your channel too. And not that many (if any) out there that are not paid by the companies. Cool thing with bringing normie viewers is you get to also educate them with the rest of the content you do.
Also price range rankings is a good idea i think. Top 5 under $2000 and so on.
I know many people doing exactly that (pc set ups). So yes. More than people thinks.
Fantastic video! Very good job at providing the objective and the subjective without getting too much in the weeds. I liked how you defined your criteria, and then pointed out strengths / weaknesses of these speakers according to your criteria. Very well done!
Love seeing you back in action.
Ductch 8c - 1:28
Revel F226B - 4:27
JBL 4367 - 5:23
Kef Reference 1 Meta - 6:21
Whatfedale Linton - 7:36
Thank you!!
Thank you!
So glad the Linton made the list! Love mine. Great video. Here's to hoping I can afford some of the others on the list in the future.
Another great video Erin! Thanks for the time you spent to put this together.
To my opinion; the best channel for Speakers Reviews. Well done Erin.
Thanks! Erin really enjoy your work. This is an amazing list.
Hey! Thanks for the donation!
I’m a big fan of the Dutch & Dutch speakers. Nice that they’re from the Netherlands. It’s such a complete package, really full range, cardioid, dsp, digital inputs, room correction, roon endpoint and great looks. I have the 8m, the non cardioid version without the 2 woofers in the back, which is also still very very good. ❤
These really are the speakers I wish I could get for my living room. They're just way above what I'm willing to spend. I wish someone could make a speaker like this around $2,500/pair.
I can confirm they are fantastic speakers. Very curious about the new uBACCH plugin that would reportedly take them to a new level
Thanks Erin. I was hoping you'd make a video like this and you delivered.
This channel is insane for anything speakers related. Im glad I found it.
So happy you're back
I bought the Lintons after your review and I never listened to as much music as I do now. You can just listen all day long without any fatigue, love them.
That’s good to hear. 😎
A great video, once again. I think this video will blow up, comparatively, because “top xyz” videos are so easily searched. I hope this one brings you a bunch more subscribers, you deserve it.
Thank you.
I wish I'd discovered your channel and ASR before I discovered a certain "Inexpensive Sound Person" out there who got me to buy my first set of ELAC speakers, the Uni-Fi 2.0's. It was ASR (Audio Science Review) that led me to my second set of ELACs (Debut Reference 6.2, right in my sweet spot of budget / performance), and your comments there that led me to your channel. Thank you (and Amir) for explaining things in such a way that I can have a high confidence I'm going to like a set of speakers buying "blind" like we do in this on line shopping age.
Great review, and I appreciate your perspective + data details!!!
Erin great job as always. I would love to see you recommend speakers for home theater where dedicated subs are assumed. Personally I don’t care if a speaker extends much below 60-80hz because I have two massive subs to handle low bass. In my room these speakers are 100% home theater, I just don’t use the space for critical music listening (2 channel).
Outstanding synopsis video.
I'd suggest dynamic capability, startle factor ... whatever, is a characteristic we weight more significantly than the other linearity tenets we look for.
I believe that dynamic, low compression, less lossy transfer is the vital x factor in inability to discern live from pre-recorded playback ... around the corner, or out of sight.
Savvy list!
Damn you must Really like the Lintons! Great video as usual, keep it up!
8C is also my end game speaker! Total technology tour de force! I love these masterpieces of design and innovation
Welcome back Mr Erin…
Missing your reviews since quite sometime and happy that you are back.
Pretty nice review. Top 4 are out of reach. I own Lintons and enjoining them well 😎😎😎
I have to mention a speaker that is really well designed. I had a choice between the jbl 4309 or the fyne audio f500sp. I chose the f500sp because i couldn't losten to the jbl prior to buying it. It might not have perfect response, but it is very sensive to the quality of input. It's taken about 150hours now and its has started to run in. I chose it because i wanted a coax with a compression driver. Also no ports on the back or front. I work in the industry, i can easily say this speaker is in a class of its own. It is fast, super clean and the stage is brilliant. It will blow the kef r3 out of the water in terms of point sorce, clarity and speed. When you get a chance, have a listen. Setting up is extremely important with them. When done right they dissapear compleatly. Cheers buddy. Keep up the good work and greetings from Croatia 👍🏻
Love this kind of list, so many liked the Linton's I got a pair. I'm not as happy as the reviewers, but I am happy with it. I think I need to mess with in my room to get best results. Thanks for sharing your lists and measurements!
Get an Umik and do some EQ. It will make a big difference. Or minidsp with dirac, that would be night and day.
If you can also add a sub there's nothing else left. These speakers are really good
@@bokramubokramu8834 Thanks, yeah I have been thinking along similar lines, I am going to order the mic to start first.
Thanks for the realistic, informative and quantitative evaluations. I couldn't find info about the impedance of these speakers, which one of these speakers in your view could easily be powered even with a tube amp?
Interesting picks, thanks Erin!
Not sure if this is in line with your content, but I'd be interested in a video discussing room acoustics for the consumer and what effects reflections cause such as the room modes and standing waves, comb filtering and other phase problems one might expect to find etc.
Really interesting list! I may already know the answer, but where do the Genelec Ones stack up against these 5 for you? I'm guessing that they have a lot of the linearity that you look for, but more narrow dispersion than you enjoy? Or are there other things that aren't to your taste with them?
Perhaps for another time, I'd love to hear if your list changes if you assume a sub is being used.
Great work! I knew from the way you phrased it, there were going to be some heavy pricetags here! Glad to see a sub-2k/pair made it!
Nice review! I have the Lintons and for me, the Audiolab DC block bring up the upper mid/hi and details perfectly. That would be Dac and amp dependent however. ( mojo 2 - SMSL VMV A1 in my case)
I've had the Lintones for about 6 months, and for the first 4 months I set them up the way everyone suggests (tweeters inward), the sound was good, but it was "located" between the speakers (it didn't spread outwards).
Then I changed the position of the speakers, so I placed the tweeters towards the outside and immediately I got a much wider sound image that went outside the position of the speakers (expanding to the left and right, as if I had a wider room).
I read in a couple of places that for narrower and longer rooms it is better to have the tweeters facing the outside, and for wider and narrower rooms it is better to have the tweeters facing the inside.
I'm interested in your opinion on this, i.e. is it OK to keep the speakers positioned like that or maybe it's better the way everyone suggests (tweeters inward) ?
The dimensions of the room are:
- width 3.6m
- length 7.3 m
- height 2.5m
THANK YOU
Erins! Thanks for your review. Based on your experience and taste, which speaker did you enjoy more, the Kef R3 or the Wharfedale Lintons?
There’s no information more pertinent to owning multiple pairs of stereo speakers than what you said Erin in the first 40 seconds of this video! 👏
Hi Erin, had you already tested the R3 meta when you did this video? Do you still think that Lintons are a better value than R3 Metas? I encourage you to ask Kef a pair of R7 to test, should be even better
Hi Erin: Can you point me towards a 7+4+1 design that I could either buy or kit build? I see that PKaudio and Troels Gravesen both have offerings in the kit format but I’m unaware of commercial offerings.
You might ask why I would limit myself to this design? I would consider other designs but it seems that these 3-way designs address some shortcomings with my current 2-way revelator speaker that I currently own - which I like btw.
Anyway, I would hate to make the DIY trip if it doesn’t buy me much more. Auditioning a commercial product would help with the decision.
Hey Erin, quick thoughts on a project I'm thinking about. I'm toying with the idea of building/finishing nice HDF cabinets and dropping KEF Ci200RS-THX drivers for L-C-R. I like the idea of an 8"midrange / 1.5" tweeter combo for HT application(high SPL). Max SPL In Room on these should be in the 112-115 range which gives great headroom for reference levels. I'm honestly surprised KEF doesn't manufacture a bookshelf version of these for HT application.
How do you feel about controlled directivity horns (including the subcategory of tractrix) or oblate spheroid horns, or large round waveguides (like 12-15"+), where the horns can play down to 400-800hz?
Hi Erin! I’m new to this world, enjoying your videos! I’m looking to put together a small home theater system setup and was thinking about Buchardt or Paradigm or maybe even a diy CSS Audio kit that I can also listen to music with. Hoping to get a McIntosh MX100 or Anthem AVM70 with McIntosh Amp. After watching this I’m curious about the WharfdaleS. Would you use the Wharfdale Linton for home theater audio with a center and sub? If so any center recommendations to use with the Lintons? Your opinion is much appreciated!
Been loving your stuff man. I appreciate the fact you focus on measurements, not just opinion
Erin, what frequency does you polar radiation pattern chart starts from? I am wondering why it doesn't show omnipolar radiation at low frequencies. In this video I've seen it only for the Revel speaker.
Thanks for this. Best speaker reviews on the internet!
Thanks for the kind words! It’s a struggle sometimes but messages like this help to keep me fueled.
The Wharfedale selection surprised me. Thanks!
Erin, I love your videos and appreciate the work you do! I was wondering how you though the Revel 226be compared to the Kef Reference 1 since they are both similar price? Any thoughts? Thanks :)
Awesome! I love this type of video. I voted with my wallet and bought the Revel 228be and JBL 4367. I highpass subs at 60hz on both using a JL crossover.
I really liked the Revel 228be and still do… but… with a direct A/B in my own room on a Mcintosh MC462 amp in direct A/B the 4367 smokes the Revel. More detailed in the bass and much more detailed in the highs. Mids are about the same. Then you add in dynamics, and the 4367 sounds much more real. It snaps harder on drums etc. hard to describe. But dynamics is where it is at and far more important than I realized before.
As for soundstage. You know they are not that different. Yes the revel is wider I guess but sounds small due to lack of dynamics. Kind of odd. I would have never said the 228be is closed in or small sounding but next to the 4367 it is out classed.
I sold the Revels and plan to by a few more JBLs for a 5.1.4 setup. I will do 4367s all around if I can swing it. If not maybe the 4349. Currently I have 590s in the rear which are ok but kind of harsh sounding in the treble for music.
In terms of soundstage, would you rate the 8c better than the KEF Reference 1 Meta, or the other way around?
Heard the KEF Reference 1 Metas with a sub array, 3 subs per side, of REL S/510s…wow! Amazing full, rich sound!
Sounded noticeably better with the subs on vs the KEFs alone, which were still outstanding
Clear and succinct. Thank you
What would your judgement be on the Revel M106 versus these Wharfedales? I really like the looks of the Wharefale. The M106 sounds great, but it doesn't quite match the style of my interior.
Hey Erin, Great video as usual... Are you done with car audio? Do you plan to review any car audio related products?
You gotta try the Polk L800’s in an optimal setup! They are mind blowing
Your scientific approach is the reason I'm subscribed to your channel. 🙋
Have you ever tried some of the High End PMC studio or Hifi speakers or ATC Speakers?
❤ I'd love to see you reviewing the Cabasse Rialto, coaxial & Cardiod design
Looking very promising, thanks for your work! 🎉
Awesome video! Question: for 2 ch music if one were after a more full range performance without a sub, do you think based on your experience with Revel, that the 228be would perform as well as the 226be but with just added bass extension?
I have heard both and owned the 228be. They sound almost the same, the 228be is better though. The 228be will probably play louder if you need that (you don’t lol).ASR has measurements of the 228be. I found the 228be to be lacking in bass extension and used subs. My other speakers in the house (JBL 4367, thiel 2.4, JBL 590, Klispch RP8000F) all had more bass extension than the revel.
I really think the revels needs to be close to the wall at say 2’-2.5’ to get bass kick. At 3-5’ they sounded pretty soft in the bass to me.
ERIN. I know I’ve been tough on you a time or two.
But THIS IS EXACTLY how to “review” speakers.
But. Me being ,as you know (and I think will remember given the subtle overture that set the tone I’m sure you felt lol ) me being “ONE OF THOSE ADS GUYS” .
I can’t argue with your list here for different reasons in where they shine & preferences.
As you explained perfectly.
And that’s exactly how these other “EXPERTS” should do this & what they should pay attention to.
👍.
Am wondering why the March Audio Sointuva WG didn’t make your cut? You seemed to speak extremely positively about it. And you mentioned it measured at the very top of the mountain. Thanks!
Thanks for this excellent roundup.
There is a JBL speaker made for actual theater/cinema use called the 4722 that only costs about 3,000. It’s gigantic (2 15” woofers in a small fridge cabinet) but legions of seemingly knowledgeable engineer types swear it’s brilliant for domestic rooms. I love dynamic range but can’t swing the cost of the 4367. Can you speak to the use of such a speaker in the confines of a domestic listening environment?
Have you ever heard any of the MarkAudio full range stuff? I was shocked at the detail, my Fav speakers to date, though I don't think anybody sells complete/finished sets.
I love it! We share the same dream! I also would love to have three or four rooms in my house with multiple multichannel systems!
Here are the 9.4.6 systems!
- Using Genelec 8361A for three front channels and 8351 B for all surround speakers
Next is a KEF system
Using three Blades Meta for front channels and KEF Reference One for surround
Next is a Revel system using
- three Revel PerformaBe F328Be for front channels and Revel PerformaBe F228Be for surround
Next time I win the lottery
A tier list of everything you've reviewed so far would be nice
What's your top 5 for near-field application (desktop computer, listening distance around 70 cm)?
Hello there .... thanks for such a nice video. Can you make a video on speakers for close sitting/desktop setup for speakers that dont mind the room much ???
Erin, Wharfedale Linton or Kef R3 Meta?
The 8c now has a Bacch module, so I hope you can do an updated review.
What about the March Audio speakers from Australia? Also would be interesting to see your views on amplifiers as well.
Do you ever tried a Spendor speaker?
Erin what testing system are you using ..?
Can you do the same thing, for active designs ?
When you say "soundstage"? Are you referring to the how wide the image SOUNDS in my brain, or are you talking about the physical "projection" area of the sound waves coming from the speaker? Thanks. Love your channel.
Both. It varies from song to song, of course. But the maximum radiating width drives this as well.
Hi, he's talking about how it sounds in your mind , where the instruments,vocals are placed .
Wrapping up my Philharmonic BMR, was hoping it made the list.
Some great names here. Thanks.
So Erin, you like the Linton over the new R3 Meta?
I'm personally looking for something that is also wide vertically (I like to walk around watching TV, and work out to music) so concentric designs are on my shortlist. That, or Ohm Walsh... but never experienced anything like that so I don't even know how I would decide on one vs the other without trying.
I already had the Kef Reference 1 Meta on the list. 💪
@@ErinsAudioCorner I guess this was the "any price" list after all - my mind was still comparing at a similar price point. Thanks!
If you're even contemplating the Ohm omnis, ... just get them.
My only question is, how many other speakers at the price point of all these have you tested? Really appreciate your hard work and data.
Any thoughts on the Arendal 1723 S Towers? I bought a pair and love them.
Would the Wharfdales work as LCR in a home theater say 19x25x8? Would they provide enough volume for loud movies?
Dutch & Dutch 8C's are my dream speakers. I was not surprised they were on your list. There are way too few cardioid speakers out there for some reason. Most people have to keep their speakers near walls, it makes no sense that most speakers are not designed to be used that way.
New band for me until he reviewed them. I would like to hear some good active speakers. I have only heard ones under $2000. They were all good for the money. But an all out assault would be cool.
@@JamesWilliams-gf8gm An example of "all out assault" on active speakers would be Grimm.
Mine too I don’t see why it hasn’t been copied yet…lol
I've used/mixed on countless actives. I own and currently use JBL, QSC, and Seaton actives.
All absolute stand outs in their respective price level.
All out assault actives would include ATC, Augsburger, Dynaudio, Genelec, etc.
btw, there's no greater value in all of hifi than affordable active monitors. There's many quality offerings, but JBL's 8" two-way is phenomenal for what it does.
$250, for the trickle down tech of JBL's several decades of research ... active, dsp contoured, with the killer waveguide.
The active monitor segment is hugely competitive ... thus each mfr to continually elevating their game.
Yeah I'd be very interested to see more cardioid speakers too. KEF have the LS60 and their Blade Meta series for example.
I would love to hear your thoughts on Ascend Acoustics speakers given just how measurement-oriented that company is! I'm sure some of their speakers would suit your tastes rather well
I just happened to be browsing the channel and noticed he uploaded an Ascend Acoustics review yesterday.
@@xentakis Yeees was so hyped when I saw that
Love for you to do top affordable speakers, perhaps starting from budget and then do midrange.
Happy new year, I got the rotel 1582 to try with the r700 and lintons. I’m disappointed as I can’t resolve the fatigue with the Polks. I tried moving everywhere even adding 8 acoustic panels! The lintons sound great and no fatigue, but seem not as loud or exciting as the Polks. Am I settling on keeping the lintons? Seems like everyone raves about the Polks but I can’t beat the fatigue. Maybe it’s the rotel? Just want to feel ok about returning the Polks. Thank you
I had a similar experience with one of the other Polks. It might’ve been the R 200. I can’t recall the exact model now. But it was one of the smaller bookshelf speakers. So you are probably justified in hearing what you are hearing.
Thank you for this very nice presentation! I think that the Linton in my country (Greece-Europe) are an absolute bargain for the price of 989 euros (1244 euros with the stands)! I will think of them as I was about to buy the Kali Audio IN8 2nd wave. I want quality and quantity of music in a room that I move around doing things.
I am trying to understand how speaker placement affects depth and even that layering effect (borrowing from MECA). Hopefully you can get to this in one of your videos.
Please try and get an audition with any of the Vivid Audio speakers. I think you might really enjoy them.
What do you think about Salı Spektor 2 for my first audio system
I've got Wharfedale Evo 4.2 and I loved them, I really wanna replace them with Linton, do you guys thinks that's really an upgrade?
Why did you didn’t include the Danley synergy design?
I'm surprised you didn't mention the Danley Synergy Horn designs, you were very impressed with the Danley Hyperions when you heard them at the Danley manufacturing site.
Love the video. Your top three in different categories would be interesting such as Bookshelves; Value, Step up, Price no concern.
Great list.
Any recommendations in the $300 range?
Have you tested if your ~60° radiation width preference holds up to narrow rooms/longer listening distances?
I’ve found it holds up well in 3 different rooms which are all different from dimensions to furnishing.
Love to see a new version of this
Glad to hear F226Be is in your top 5, I’ve had my pair for about two years and they’ve been great. I pair them with 2x Rythmik F18 subs.
Nice pairing ... likely quite impressive.
My dream setup is in your house lol
Great video! Thank you for your commitment.
What about the products from Buchardt? They have some similarities with Dutc&Dutch 8C. And the price is not so high.
Buchardt makes solid stuff as well. No problem recommending it.
@@ErinsAudioCorner It would be interesting so see a video review from you on the Buchardt A700 active speaker with cardioid option. By the way, it would also be interesting to see a review at the also active System Audio 60.2 Silverback.
What do you think about Z407? I know it's a cheaper set but I would like to know if you tried :)
Ciao Erin. Avrei giurato che tra i tuoi preferiti ci fossero il March Audio Sointuva e il BMR Monitor
So, you prefer JBL 4367 than JBL M2? Big difference?
A little off topic but any chance of seeing an old Classic Speaker review. How would they hold up today?
I’ve done a few. Problem is materials breakdown/failure over decades may cause the results to be non-realistic.
Please review the KEF R6 Meta
Hi Erin, would u review the new rega Aya? 🎉