10 of BEST HiFi SPEAKERS COMPARED! Costing Under £1300

This is my Conclusion video to 10 different Stand Mount HiFi Speaker Reviews where I summarise all of them and announce the winner, well maybe I do. The 10 speakers are DynAudio Evoke 10 SVS Ultra Bookshelf Ophidian Audio Mojo 2 Sonus Faber Lumina 1 Neat Acoustics Motive SX3 Acoustic Energy AE500 Amphion Argon1 ATC SCM11 Buchardt Audio S300 MK2 SE HiFi and KEF LS50 Meta
For the review of the DynAudio Evoke 10 see here • Dynaudio EVOKE 10 Spea...
For the review of the SVS Ultra see here • SVS ULTRA Bookshelf Sp...
To buy the SVS ULTRA from Amazon see here geni.us/bZzc
For the sound demo comparing the Evoke 10 and SVS ULTRA see here • DynAudio Evoke 10 vs S...
For the review of the Ophidian Mojo 2 speakers see here • Ophidian Audio Mojo 2 ...
For the review of the Sonus Faber Lumina 1 see here • Italian Flair! Sonus F...
For the sound demo and comparison between the Sonus Faber Lumina 1 and Ophidian Mojo 2 see here • Sonus Faber LUMINA I v...
For the review of the Neat Acoustics Motive SX3 see here • Neat Acoustics Motive ...
For the review of the Acoustic Energy AE500 see here • Acoustic Energy AE500 ...
For the sound comparison between the SX3 and AE500 see here
For the review of the Amphion Argon1 see here • Amphion ARGON1 Speaker...
For the review of the ATC SCM11 see here • ATC SCM11 HiFi Speaker...
For the Sound Comparison between the Argon1 and SCM11 see here
For the review of the Buchardt S300 MK2 SE see here • Buchardt S300 MK2 SE H...
For more information and to buy the S300 MK2 SE see the Buchardt Audio Website here
For the review of the KEF see here • KEF LS50 META HiFi Spe...
To buy the LS50 Meta from Amazon please see geni.us/lFrsc
For the Sound Comparison Video between the KEF LS50 Meta and Buchardt S300 Mk2 SE see here • KEF LS50 META vs BUCHA...
All the acoustic treatment in the room is from GIK Acoustics gikacoustics.co.uk/ref/9/
This has been quite the speaker group test so make sure you subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you dont miss any more of these comparison review video series or anything else we have coming up and there is lots coming up.
My Last speaker group test can be found here • DECIDED BEST AFFORDABL...
I offer a Professional Dirac Live Calibration Service, for more information please visit www.diraclivecalibration.com
If you would like to know more come and visit my main website www.pursuitperfectsystem.com
Come and see me on Facebook @PursuitPerfectSystem
On Instagram @terrypursuitperfectsystem
For Exclusive content, Extended Reviews and Sound Demo videos consider joining my Patreon www.patreon.com/PursuitPerfec...
Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:50 LS50 Meta
4:58 Buchardt S300 MK2 SE
7:49 ATC SCM11
10:21 Amphion Argon1
12:07 Acoustic Energy AE500
13:50 Neat Acoustics Motive SX3
15:58 Sonus Faber Lumina I
17:28 Ophidian Audio MOJO 2
19:28 SVS ULTRA Bookshelf
21:01 DynAudio Evoke 10
22:45 Winners
26:14 Final Thoughts
Thanks for watching - Terry Ellis Pursuit Perfect System
#audiophile #hifispeakerreview #besthifispeaker2021
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[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I want to point out and remind everyone this video is not a review, its a summary of the reviews I have already conducted which you find all listed and linked here For the review of the DynAudio Evoke 10 see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4eTYWiGiaudaac For the review of the SVS Ultra see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6bMdWCNhtqFj6M For the sound demo comparing the Evoke 10 and SVS ULTRA see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3WZkKeFiKtqiMk For the review of the Ophidian Mojo 2 speakers see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipTYdXeqa69km6s For the review of the Sonus Faber Lumina 1 see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ2wpX2YfNlmp6M For the sound demo and comparison between the Sonus Faber Lumina 1 and Ophidian Mojo 2 see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYStf4uJZrx8aM0 For the review of the Neat Acoustics Motive SX3 see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJSWoqCKfZudi7s For the review of the Acoustic Energy AE500 see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3q0eZWvpMqprZI For the sound comparison between the SX3 and AE500 see here For the review of the Amphion Argon1 see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3mvlIOnasxgb8k For the review of the ATC SCM11 see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqGshnSYqpmcpbs For the Sound Comparison between the Argon1 and SCM11 see here For the review of the Buchardt S300 MK2 SE see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4LCqH-Bq5xrY6s For more information and to buy the S300 MK2 SE see the Buchardt Audio Website here For the review of the KEF see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/maTRoYqcoqmgd9E To buy the LS50 Meta from Amazon please see geni.us/lFrsc For the Sound Comparison Video between the KEF LS50 Meta and Buchardt S300 Mk2 SE see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoiQfpqhaNuWoZY

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Hey Terry- Great video series. I had an idea for a series- Omega Speakers vs Zu Audio or any speaker system like them. Take care.

[@tomons8059]

And we hoped you already made up your mind as to which is the best but still haven't.?

[@OCleirigh1776]

Let me give you my opinion and of course this is just my opinion. I think I do speak for many other people, so when you give a conclusion and you say you're going to pick a winner you do need to actually pick a winner don't just say they're all great. I think that is frustrating for many people.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

@@OCleirigh1776 if I picked a winner what would have been the factor to determine this. I couldn’t see any of the speakers separate themself enough from the crowd to do so hence I said what I felt and the truth

[@ianorigbo7617]

This is one of the best ways to give people an informed choice to shortlist/demo b4 buying. Very nice✌👌

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks Ian it's hard because there is so many I had to cut out so much otherwise would you would have been here all day watching :)

[@johncallaghan3097]

I'd like to add my appreciation of all your hard work in the group test on our behalf. No one else is as thorough as you are, Terry!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks John

[@johngardner9227]

I've enjoyed every second of this series of reviews and I'm looking forward to the next series, thanks for all your hard work and expert analysis

[@Romulus980]

Really good review and enjoyed your opinion as to the different speakers. You are the reliable Audio scout for aspiring audiophiles.

[@riggleswade1080]

Finally, someone is not shy to say, listen for yourself. Also, concise and informative without nonsensical elements. My favorite is the ATC SCM 11. Really looking forward to the next group. Gonna get even closer with 'Company' profiles becoming more distinct.

[@themastroiannis]

of the sound demos provided, i agree with you; liked the ATC SCM 11 above the rest. unbelievable honest/natural sound and with jazz, classical and overall uncompressed music, they seem to be the real deal!

[@justinparkman3585]

Same here five years now had them. still impress me

[@bencausey]

You are the best reviewer. THIS is what we want to see - LOTS of reviews. Thanks so much for setting the bar high.

[@strannostrannovasrr]

Thanks a lot for this extended comparison of interesting mid priced speakers Terry. I enjoyed it very much and i am looking forward your next series. Can't wait.

[@adamjj85]

Great comparison! Your reviews are top notch! Nice to see the SVS Ultra's stack up as I have my eye on them. Have you considered including Elac in these comparisons?

[@martinlewicki4953]

Great comparison! This review is one of the reasons I bought my ATC SCM 11s. So I knew they were lacking deep bass. At first I was almost shocked how bass shy they are but after combining them with my Elac SUB 2070 it became a perfect match. While the ATCs deliver beautiful mids and highs the Elac Sub completes the sound with a deep low end. I would definately recommend a subwoofer with the ATCs for a full range sound.

[@bjwal6]

Amazing work, thanks so much! Very keen for next price bracket review!

[@jhill4778]

This was well worth waiting for. Thank you! I think a series on powered speakers would be amazing. Mix in pro studio monitors with consumer speakers. They seem to be great value options for people who don’t want to tinker all the time and system match etc.

[@samidanger3666]

Yeah those Adam t5v are awesome value paired with a sub for £450-650 total - very hard to beat

[@franciscoortiz6980]

Very very impressive work. A huge thank you for doing this... in particular the sound comparisons. It allows us do quite good comparisons in time of covid. I wish i was in England so I could buy from you. ONLY niggle i have is why did you not add Quad S2 or S1, those are certainly in the mix for price and performance, and they are British.

[@lukeselker5175]

Killer roundup! Thank you for compiling all this information and reviewing these products for us! Smaller company out of the western United States, have you ever listened to anything from Ascend Acoustics? I've heard and seen rave reviews of their Sierra 2-EX stand mounts. Supposedly incredibly resolving with profound low bass extension. Custom SEAS drivers probably don't hurt!

[@leoanthony7281]

I enjoy your honesty in reviewing these speakers and not just giving a prize to one particular speaker, this speaks volumes to your integrity.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks Leo

[@SPetersonImages]

Great review of these excellent speakers. I've had a pair of SVS Ultra Bookshelves with the matching Ultra Center for a couple of years and love them. I think what many will really like about the SVS Ultra's is that they sound very good for music but also excel for movies. Combined with a SVS subwoofer it's a fantastic package.

[@MusicLover-01]

Big thanks for this mega review 👍 overall the ATC SCM 11, but I would go for the MOJO 2 given the price increase on the ATC. KEF R3 (not included) or ProAc Response DB3 possibly bests them all :)

[@Monsux]

Great video. I think most people are not thinking about what sounds the best but what goes for your interior design and what's good value for your money. I just purchased pair of LS50 meta for 850€ (used) and they are now 999€ everywhere. Love the design and the clear sound. I was also thinking of buying Amphion Argon 1 since they are a local company + love the look... But they cost 500€ more.

[@davep2945]

Excellent presentation here. And a great example of why you have to listen for yourself and decide what will work best for you. Like yourself I would probably choose the Dynaudio but their bigger brother the Evoke 20. Some of them I have never heard and would be difficult to find here in the states. But I just don't like the sound of any KEF product or the SVS but a lot of people do. That's why they make so many different choices.

[@Mister_EL.]

Nice review. It really helps given the difficulty of listening to all of these speakers in one place. Thank you very much indeed!!!

[@pv8203]

super helpful, balanced, detailed AND comprehensive summaries,, very credible too, given the individual testing and assessment of each one that is also available. Wish the Polks R200 were included that enjoy some raving reviews at the price from other KZbin reviewers. Any chance you would be testing those separately, and, ideally providing some thoughts vs this bunch?

[@Beos_Valrah]

Good video, really helpful. Now I want to see this with *active* speakers, those could be even more impressive!

[@krutonton]

enjoyed your series very much and looking forward to your £2000 comparison!

[@paulgillard5094]

Me too!

[@petethegreekre]

Nice one as always. The Dynaudio are the ones that got me excited.

[@paulgillard5094]

Loved your reviews Terry. Thanks a lot.

[@IrenESorius]

Cheers and thanks, again and again, for your time and relentless work Terry,, 🍻😎👍‍‍!

[@davidrivera2165]

Very fair assesment of these group of speakers. Your conclusions is why I haven't own a stand mount speaker (in my main system) for over 30 years. You will either have to add at least one sub for a full sound ( as in an LS500), or give up some detail and resolution (as in a Buchardt 300). Great work on all these reviews Terry. Personally, I would love a group review of Full range ( 35hz-20khz) Floor standing towers within the price range of $3-5K (2-3.5K British pounds). Thanks you Terry.

[@Kwarkiemodo]

Arendal 1723 and 1723s speakers..👌👌

[@mykmyk7856]

Thanks for this great video! So much effort, time and dedication to accomplish this wonderful presentation! Forna low level volume listening, what's your pick?

[@connorduke4619]

@25:25 Dyunaudio 10 kind of wins the test. Dynaudio in my opinion is a reliable choice across a wide variety of price points as they always cover the basics: very high quality tweeters, lively extended bass and smooth coherence between the two speakers.

[@phillipmorris9847]

this was great thank you, not sure anyone has done this before, i enjoyed the series and had fun with the comparisons couldnt pick a winner but the meta mojo and ae500 was at the top for me with the evoke10 sx3 and svs at the bottom. thanks again hope to see more of these type series in the future. maybe throw up some polls along the way would be interesting.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I am doing another one now Philip

[@simianinc]

Thanks for this - I really enjoyed the series

[@user-tk7kz1fl2r]

Thanks. This is really interesting. Just shows what can be got for a reasonable outlay. Some really nice speakers.

[@arsalansuleman2956]

Hi Terry thanks for all your hard work and helping people to decide what is best for them . However it’s not quite clear which one is number 1 choice, perhaps you could say winner of high frequency is LS50 meta winner for the Bass is ATC and so on. Thank You ever so much for producing very informative videos.

[@robertbradley6393]

This is terrific! You really have helped me here! Thanks MAN!

[@DarkKnight-yc8nw]

That is some detailed comparison man. Hats off.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thank you, appreciate it

[@remyse7945]

Thank you for the work you invested! You make that very good!

[@geminijinxies7258]

Thanks for the hard work! The more I go back and forth comparing the sound demos, the harder it gets to narrow down what I really prefer. They're all good in different ways. I would probably pick the ATC SCM 11 though and time will tell if the lack of low end bass would bother me.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Remember in the sound demo I pushed the ATC for bass to be on more of an equal playing field with the Amphion and other speakers, but sounds like your will be having a demo of them and I hope that goes well :)

[@Taffy84]

All of these speakers really need a sub so if you get a sub the lack of bass on the scm-11 is not an issue.

[@drichcymru]

@@Taffy84 I've mentioned elsewhere that I've got a home demo of the SCM11's soon. Don't think I mentioned it will be alongside an REL T5/x too. I've got the house to myself for 3 days too so you can bet your ass I'll be putting them to the sword

[@willjohnson2722]

"I wonder what happens if we spend a little more money" is the audio enthusiast equivalent of "just another drink"

[@budi22]

well said

[@rahliE777]

Sometimes it’s “I’m just gonna buy a round for everyone” 😂

[@Rubmaster]

Cheers guys 🍻😂

[@ekiquantameki7701]

I recommend adding the Heco Celan Revolution 3 to the test. I will explain why. A similar test made in Finland with speakers up to 1300euro clearly stood out from rivals, e.g. SVs ultra bockself, sonus faber, focal aria 906 or b w 706.

[@normandyflores554]

Really enjoyed your inputs on each speaker 🔊😊keep it up😉

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks man

[@Nick-sk1qp]

For the next series of larger stand mount speakers and $$, I hope Triangle Genesis Tio are included in the demo. Great work please keep them coming !

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I did try and get Triangle speakers for this, but it didn't happen, I will ask again but I cant promise anything

[@geoemm]

Focal 906 pls

[@titntin5178]

Thanks for all your work on this, I bet your glad its finally finished! I would be happy to see you review a few decent floorstanders in the future as I'm not into stand mounts, which ultimately take up the same room as a floorstander anyway xD

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

For something like this bookshelf's are logistically much easier because storing this many speakers and boxes is a real challenge and its hardcopre unboxing them all to do video, putting them away again and out again 11 times now - its hardcore

[@titntin5178]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem understood, I really do appreciate that this level of comparison is very hard work, which is why its so appreciated. Having bought some floorstanders recently for £1200 that I believe would show every one of these units a clean pair of heels, you can see why I would make the suggestion, they beat everything I listened too up to 3k! As a result I would urge anyone not in a small room to try, as the extra bass depth of a decent floorstander is clearly heard thriughout the rest of the range too, and imo gives many instruments a more natural sounding timbre as a result. However, I appreciate what your saying and if you cant move floorstanders about then you cant psyically test them. xD This was a great set of tests and I'm sure you have helped many people enourmously by doing them, thanks again!

[@joebecerra3793]

Great video ! Have you ever did a review on any Lyngdorf Steinway speakers?

[@arrowzen7433]

Great job. Would have been interesting w your view of the Mission ZX 2 in here as well. But a good selection. And 10 makes sense. Maybe you can do a seperate review on it.

[@nonsuch]

Cool comp. Even though I'm not in the market, I like to hear other peoples take. I've been saying this for a long time but I believe ALL 2-Way speakers should have an L-Pad on the tweeter. Speaker companies would really broaden their user base when it comes down to if a 2-way is too bright for some.

[@waynebauer4547]

Nice review.Suggested intergrated amplifiers for Evoke 10 or Acoustic Energy? Thanks.

[@ben23a31]

Great review! I don't think anyone has done such a detailed compassion of this many at the same time. Only disappointment and I understand you can't do them all however I was hoping to see the new Elac Uni , Triangle Genesee, and the Polk Audio Reserve.

[@krancan25]

Love the series! And finally I will get to see the Ministra review? Next week? Tomorrow? I am putting the popcorn in the microwave… 🍿

[@pcsekaran2995]

Hi, excellent review & summary. I appreciate your way of presentation of the essence of each one of them! Could you review Buchardt S-400 too sometime?! I have both S-300 & S-400 and I listen to them in two different rooms and they are easy & unfussy speakers with different sound signatures! Would appreciate your take!

[@RiseFall123]

What rooms size?

[@carlitomelon4610]

Thanks for the summary review. The context is quite illuminating. Very happy with my LS50s and REL subs. I have Magnepan LRS for comparison in system 2 (25 years with ProAc tablettes and Rogers LSB1 passive stereo sub previously:-) I think "characterless" is a compliment unless you want speakers as musical instruments per-se. An uncoloured monitor system let's the recording speak for itself! The LS50s (&LRS!) need a good powerful class AB amp and subs to be a full range system. As for the metas, I'd love to compare them to the originals....

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Characterless is a compliment and positive yes, but its also a point of note that these speakers will be much harder on your system than others here and that is something to consider as well

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Yes indeed. Mine are fed by 200+w bridged Mu-Fi amps. I feel that many that ended up on the 2nd hand market weren't fed propa' like. They're a reference level transducer for a crazy low price: THANK YOU KEF!

[@rlowes]

Fantastic video and comparison Terry. Bravo man, that was a marathon I’m sure. Any sneak peeks at the list of more expensive speakers you plan to get/compare to?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Evoke 20, Quad Z2, Arendal 1723, System Audio Legend Neat Ministra and I hope JBL HDI1600 too but they are not here the others are

[@johncallaghan3097]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Great! I can't wait to hear the Z2s to compare with my S2s to see if the difference is as great as the price would suggest. I know I'd never spend as much on speakers as those in your last group test or the forthcoming one, but this is my hobby and I so enjoy all your reviews even if I don't ever plan to buy something.

[@PMC607]

Terry, great video! Would be good to keep the speakers that have the same size mid/bass in one category and bigger speakers in another regardless of price. Hopefully your video will help a potential new buyer to whittle it down to just three or four pairs of speakers before making their choice

[@d.s.6268]

This was a great review. Very useful. I'm shopping for bookshelf speakers atm and this helped add some candidates to my list. The one thing that could really help me is if you could match the speakers to the music where they shine the most. I mostly listen to acoustic stuff, rarely stuff with heavy base (that's for outdoor listening...), so that being said, could you (or anyone else) help recommend which of these would be best for me ? Jusding by the video, I think It the Kef, Amphion and Acoustic energy intrigue me the most. Am I on the right track ? Thanks again.

[@qbert621]

Great job. I appriciate all your hard work.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks appreciate it

[@caseycjc1890]

I'm pretty sure I would choose the Dyne Audio but I also really like the KEF meta wireless 2. The package is very appealing to me.

[@TheFinnishYoutuber]

There is no Meta wireless. There is Meta or wireless

[@lukasnekola4448]

Thank you very much for your valuable and valuable work. Let me ask you a question. In your opinion, which of these speakers will understand the NAD C700? Thanks so much in advance for the reply.

[@mikefranz5354]

Super Terry! Thank you for all your efforts!!!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks Mike appreciate it

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

Well done video, thanks, very informative

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thank you

[@sinting7993]

good review, it would be interesting to see review for active speaker under £2.5k

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I will keep that in mind as an idea thanksn

[@vpconcepts9838]

You did a great job! A bit surprised that more is not mentioned about the Lumina 1 in this overview on the "pros" side. The vocals are hair standing up on the back of your neck real. Also, the instruments sound like a live performance, though intimate in scale they are some of the most organic speakers I have heard in this price point & beyond. Looks are subjective here too, but to me they are the most beautiful in the group, and when beautiful looks & sound come together for under 1k? They are my winner here. But to be fair the Lumina 2 would have been a better match in this test. 😉👌🎼✨

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

The lumina 2 didn't exist 12 weeks ago when I started this test and especially didn't exist months before that when I organised it. I know another YT channel has just been praising them as a high end speaker and they a nice speaker but when you listen back to back to all of these different speakers they have obvious shortcomings the others don't. Sorry no hairs standing up nothing live about their sound they are rich sounding which might be the organic aspect you are referring to but that also comes with a bit of a closed in sound a bit smothered over aspect to their sound and they roll off their bass very early. You can get better overall performance for less money too aka wharfedale evo 4.2 but they are obviously much larger speakers. Each to their own for preference of course and I don't want to come across as damning on them but I am just being honest. For £200 more the ls50 meta and ae500 offer a lot more.

[@geraldgreene5563]

Some great work there Terry and a great service to potential buyers in the market for standmounts. I’m the owner of monitor audio 100 gold, I’m looking for something that’s more detailed and vocals that really stand out , at 5000 what would you recommend…. Thanks

[@shahalam6189]

Informative, thank you!

[@antonyalumkal1526]

Great series! Thanks, Terry. I assume the Quad Z-2 will be in the next series? Since that's what I own, I'll be curious to know how it stacks up to the competition.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I dont know if I can stomach another group test I am just going to look a few different options and report on what paying a bit more brings to the table, Quads are here for that reason yes looking forward to listening to them

[@antonyalumkal1526]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Understandable. :) It still sounds like it will be illuminating. One thing to listen for is if the Quads resemble the Piegas since they both have ribbon tweeters.

[@erwansaudeau9875]

Hello, your video has been very helpful to me, comparing these regarded speakers with accuracy and reliable listening. I ended up with the AE500, because I felt they were the best all-around and I got a very good deal on them. I have to say that I have no regrets, upgrading from Monitor Audio Bronze 50, everything is better. I power them with a Cambridge Audio CXA81, for what it's worth. I'm a happy camper.

[@shanestephenson8423]

G'day Terry it's Shane from Australia. As a former Dynaudio confidence C4 owner I was pleased to see you picked Dyns well kind of 😁. But I absolutely appreciate your dilemma I would not have liked to have had to have made that decision either Terry. The sound reviews definitely did flesh out differences through my headphones, and I did like the dyns as well. But there were certainly some stiff competition with strengths and weaknesses in all of them to be honest. I enjoyed going through the journey with them and you Terry, and very much look forward to the next run up the ladder$$$$$. 😁🎧👍👏

[@robertbaird7001]

What speakers do you have now and why did you choose them over the dye's cheers.

[@shanestephenson8423]

@@robertbaird7001 Hi Robert I've just taken delivery of a set of Wilson audio Sasha DAW. I still have the dyns and put them in and out of my system quite regularly. l will be sad to see them go when they sell.(I'm in no hurry) 😁 The top end and mid range is sublime with the Dyns, and if you've got the power to drive them with your amp the bass is pretty impressive as well. They can be a little hard to drive unlike the Wilson's which are more efficient. Why did I change I guess I'm just crazy can't sit still for too long always looking for the next upgrade. 😁🎧👍

[@robertbaird7001]

Ideal. I really want to hear some Wilsons as they are different from the speakers I like normally. happy listening.

[@temp7774]

Great video as always mate! Thank you. ps. I would probably buy AE500 & LS50 for just over 2K, plug-in one depending on a mood and get it over with 🤣

[@RiseFall123]

In fact, I already have the Metas and I just bought the AE500, waiting to arrive.

[@lawchoongseng789]

Just heard the AE500 It gave a really nice n easy listen. Fluid highs, fantastic vocal, solid bass. Driven by Musical Fidelity M5si amplifier and Denon A110 SACD player.

[@chrissheldrick4073]

Hey Terry..thanks once again for the work you have put in..your efforts make the (audiophile) world a better place to be in..

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Oh wow thank you Chris really appreciate it :)

[@hugocosta179]

Fantastic review. While I’m not looking at this price range, you’ve summed it up in a perfect way - similar how i would do it for my own purpose. I’d love to see a 5K-7K tier :). Keep up the fantastic work.

[@wirelive1003]

Excellent reviewing style. The information is presented that would make one have an idea of what speakers they'd lean to in the group. To say that this or that speaker should have been included at the price level is missing the point IMO. It is quite possible to shortlist another ten designs that would also be competitive . Brands such as Proac , Spendor , Revel , Focal , Sonus etc come to mind. There are also 2nd hand speakers one could buy for £1000 that cost much more when new but that's another topic. I've only mentioned it because that's the route I'd go if I'm spending that sort of money on a pair of loudspeakers.

[@mikeherbert1343]

I think you have nailed it here. Plenty of choices but enough to find the information to make a choice. Can you do floor-standers next?

[@LuisCardoso-bo8yx]

Hi! I have only one amplifier but I have 3 sets of stand mount speakers: the Quad Z2s, the Monitor Audio PL100IIs and the ATC SCM11s (I got them on this order). I understand there was an improvement from the Quads to the MAs but… although the ATCs are the cheapest, they are the better sounding and more detailed across the range. The Quads are a bit soft on the mids, the MAs aren’t speedy on the lows (as you mentioned on your review) but the ATCs are fast and detailed from top to bottom, while sounding the most realistic and natural. Of course, the bass isn’t as pronounced but they still play quite well at 40Hz in room if there’s material there. The MAs are lovely but they seem too refined and restrained, artificially so. It’s so odd that a speaker that’s made in the UK and sold for less than half the money has what it seems to be a better sound quality than another one more than twice the price, even after having been made in China (where labour costs are lower). So, only the ATCs are staying. The other pairs are for sale.

[@edgarpascualnacher3511]

Really good video, very well explained. you're a good talker

[@MrDoc55]

Great video! I use the KEF LS50 Meta in a near-field setting with a Rotel 80 watt amp and sub. I'm very happy. The Meta is really a big deal. I have listened to the LS50 standard extensively. Meta is at least 50% better in detail. Thanks again for the great review!

[@NickRobbMusic]

In a blind test i guarantee you won't know the difference

[@CinemaDemocratica]

I thought either the Dynaudio or the A/E would "win" and they both sorta did -- though I think it's a lot tougher to recommend an 84dB speaker, at least IMHO. But what did excite me was that the Amphion Argon 1 was sneaking around in the soft-overall-winner conversation too, and that I did NOT see coming. I'm really looking forward to hearing those: I was a Linn man back when I was deep into this hobby, and from everything I've heard, the Amphion house sound comes closest to Linn.

[@mjames978]

I guarantee ATC SCM11 will not disappoint just by the in house workmanship alone and the sound is superb.

[@Kaza_direne]

I would include the 3A audio design, by Daniel Dehay made in France originally, or reference 3a made in Canada after the company was sold -amazing performance from any model- phenomenal achievement in high end audio sphere!!!!! give them a try if not familiar yet

[@MeMyselfI_69]

I don't know much about bookshelf speakers but I would have loved to have seen how the DT demand d11s would have stacked up.

[@fercarmu1977]

I bought Dynaudio Evoke 10 and i am very happy with the decission.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yeah nice speakers I really liked them

[@stjernholmreviews]

Very good review. I love it!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thank you

[@DomRivers67]

I'd love you to compare, say, the Buchardt's and LS50 Meta's to the winner of your last group test, because I actually think the Evo 4.2's have got the legs on both of those speakers (the price is also a bit closer in some markets), I'd certainly have them over the standard LS50's all day long.

[@sleptboomer2470]

I bought a pair of Emotiva Pro Stealth sixes for next to nothing on Craigslist because one was not working properly. Took it apart and fixed a loose connection. Pretty sure that there are better sounding speakers out there but there is zero chance that anyone could reproduce the quality of sound I experience for the price I paid. I do run it through a little Magni first. Sound is so good that it keeps me coming back for more.

[@thomass.9167]

I suppose the real conclusion is that speakers in this price range have a high and consistent quality. Can’t really go wrong with either one.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yes and No, so long as you buy one that will suit your priorities then yes you cant rally go wrong, but they wont all tick all boxes is probably a better way to put it.

[@luke9822]

I think what he pointed out here is that you can certainly go wrong if you do not shop for your unique circumstances because the speakers have very distinct differences. Depending on your goals, preferences, environment, and equipment, some are much better choices than others.

[@tianshiwang3572]

Which would be the best fit for nearfield listening? Relax laidbak sound?

[@garyizzard839]

You could possibly do another group test/comparison with another half a dozen standmounts up to £1,300. The B&W 706 S2 is one, which belongs in this group just featured.

[@robmaxwell3678]

Any thoughts as to which 2 or 3 might be the least fatiguing speakers to listen to for a few hours stretch?

[@totalplonker824]

I've enjoyed following this series and I value your input plus it's good to hear that the buchardt's Direct sale business model is only gonna cost one €50 if one was to return them, I guess the EU rules have changed somewhat because I was told last year I'd be better off trying to sell the XTZ 99 series speakers second-hand then trying to return them from the UK

[@canemreakay8941]

For me Atc is the best choice all of them.

[@ivorproblem1332]

You get much more texture in the bass from the ATC. The larger driver goes lower naturally where smaller drivers are using porting to generate lower frequencies. Also I'll bet they play the loudest with the least distortion too.

[@jaimeceularcarranco340]

Great review/comparison, what I don't recommend is B&W 606s2 (out of this review), too bright for me, I ended up swapping them by Dynaudio emit 10, much more pleasent to listen for hours

[@AdamsBrew78]

Recently picked up a $2300 Sonos Atmos setup that I’ve really enjoyed, but I’ve decided to increase my max budget up 1k and return the Sonos system later this month, and instead get an Amp and good passives - but that’s so much easier said than done. Dealing with a little option paralysis here ;)

[@archonblaze]

One cool thing this speaker test introduced me to is the band London Grammar.

[@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016]

Hi Terry , I know it's been a long time you had this conclusion for all these great speakers , I have a question and curiosity how they compare to Wharfdale Evo 4.2 ,would the Evo 4.2 not as good as these ones ? I really need to know the outcome, cause I'm thinking to get the evo 4.2 without regretted Thank You Terry Cheers.

[@Audiotechneut]

Nice reviews of monitor loudspeakers

[@mjames978]

I have a pair of SVS Ultra bookshelves, ATC SCM11, and KEF R3. SVS are good, yes. ATC wins hands down against SVS Ultra though as far more dynamic, difficult to compare ATC SCM 11 to KEF R3. ATC are very good but at the moment I really like KEF R3 which would easy be in the top 2 here with the ATC. KEF R3 has a perfectly flat response, clarity and rich or dynamic bass. The top end of R3 is laid back but can be boosted as required.

[@dsimpson7862]

I have been playing around with hifi for more than forty years and the new stuff is very nice. My only criticism is that the new speakers have no covering,and if you are a young man with a family then it is a problem. It is like these units are made for men living on their own in a flat. In my day we used to remove the grill occasionally to show the speakers then reace them when I have finished playing music.

[@williams9117]

Hi! Thanks for the reviews! You reviewed the Marten Oscar duo (and Parker duo), how would describe their sound compared to this selection ? Do you get the crispness of the LS50 meta or do you lean more towards the musicality of the evoke (or do you get both) ?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

The Martens are warmer sounding speakers not really like the KEF - the Parker sounded outstanding in my room with closest coming to that being the DynAudio - but the Marten Parker were more neutral in the mids and treble, they did everything well but you pay a chunk of money more for that.

[@williams9117]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thanks a lot for your answer !

[@LeeYuri1000]

Thanks Terry. After seeing your reviews, I bought AE500 a weeks ago. It's cheapest compared to others in Korea(It's £720).

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Nice!! I hope you like them

[@LeeYuri1000]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem I like it them.^^ Thank you very much for commenting.

[@wojtekeksner]

I have a litle bit different question... which of the mentioned speakers will be a good choice to listen to piano and electronic and ambient music. (I have an offer for Amphion Argon1 - 600 GBB pair - and I'm seriously considering these speakers). Thank you for this Review and (hope) the answer.

[@floshi6519]

I am really searching a new speaker for my room to match with a Marantz pm6007 on this price range. Do you guys have advices?

[@andrewweis5857]

Terry you are already miles ahead of all the other KZbin reviewers and clearly the most thoughtful and hardest working. I have one request I hope you will consider addressing more prominently and that is the timbral accuracy of the speakers. Does a piano sound like a piano? Does a Steinway sound like a Steinway or an upright in a pub? I would like to hear this in your demos along with your thoughts and measurements. This, I feel is the next level that would distance you even further from the wannabes. With respect to the next set of speaker tests at 2,000 GBP or so, you have entered territory of the Falcon Acoustics LS 3/5A Gold Badge, a speaker currently in production, hand built in England with a ~50 year BBC pedigree. I know you are capable of evaluating it and encourage you to do so. Congratulations on all your accomplishments, you have come a long way in a very short period of time.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Hi Andrew, thanks for the kind words I really appreciate it, and what you are suggesting I 100% agree with my biggest issue is having access to a Steinway piano to know what it sounds like - I have spent a reasonable time listening to Steinways Model C speakers the £100k open baffle ones that are supposed to be a speaker that can recreate the sound of a Steinway piano but I still couldn't say that about them or even really use them as a reference although its all experience in the locker. But I def take on board what you have said because I do agree with you - I also think there is a void that we often forget as audiophiles - we are never listening to live sound, we are always listening to recorded sound and I think that is a fundamental difference. I could rabbit on for ages about this - I think that is enough - thanks again really appreciate it

[@andrewweis5857]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thanks Terry. I think you grasp the issue I am curious about. One expert on this subject is Alan Shaw. How he voices the Monitor 30.2XD would be one approach to this. Since you are so technically adept perhaps you could make a recording of spoken voice or instrument in a natural acoustic space you are familiar with that could serve as your reference. John Atkinson uses recordings of piano he has engineered but maybe something else would work better for you. Voicing a speaker is clearly no simple matter but mastery of that task to achieve as natural a timbral balance as possible is (I have come to believe) critical to long-term listening satisfaction whether we listen to recordings of acoustic instruments or electronically generated. They are more easily spotted playing back the former as a practical matter. Many of us (perhaps) have had the experience of being quite pleased with a new speaker or system initially but over time creeping dissatisfaction sets in. It’s not the only thing that matters but as one goes up the ever escalating food chain we ought to demand increasing timbral accuracy (IMO)