10 Speakers Ranked Worst to First Under $300

[@cheapaudioman]

Emotiva B1+ emotiva.com/products/airmotiv-b1-pair?aff=9 JBL Stage A130 howl.me/cf0q4lcW0e5 Jamo C93ii howl.me/cf295uVQJA0 Polk XT20 howl.me/cfWbPfVNiiG Jamo S803 howl.me/cgAxryTQsPG Elac B5.2 howl.me/cf3adDB3XWz Elac B6.2 howl.me/cfRufFIUDmx Sony SSCS5 amzn.to/3RdZ6yR Polk ES15 howl.me/cgQ7HEMnXTt Elac BS41 amzn.to/3Pe8wbH www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5

[@nagumaninagu9368]

Hi sir all speaker good price. Not for me.

[@valterreboredo]

No Edifier products on your videos!!!!???? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@fowchiiiliedpuppiesdied]

I remember watching your very first video, and I came back recently, because somehow I lost you, and I’m so impressed with how much you have grown. This is quite a feat. People don’t realize how hard it is, no matter the content, to gain a following like the one you have. Anyway, props to you - thanks for being one of the good guys.

[@m.a.n.7689]

I was a little surprised that you didn't have any of the Fluance speakers (like the Signature series with the yellow cones) on your top 10 list as much as you raved about them in other videos. Just curious....

[@SimplestUsername]

Hey there good sir. So, I'd like your opinion. I'm looking to purchase some good budget speakers for my wife's dance studio (large rooms with high ceilings.) I was considering the Yamaha NS-6490. Do you have any better suggestions for such a use case? PS: The amps are Sony STR-DH190

[@gbrm6077]

I think Randy's right in saying if you like the sound of a speaker enough to buy it, leave it alone. I bought a pair of Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers as a second pair. Being somewhat OCD and compulsive, I did modifications that are highly recommended on line. I replaced the tweeter, built another upgraded crossover, strapped the woofer, mass loaded the frame, and braced and mass loaded and felt dampened the cabinet walls, going beyond the upgrades mentioned. I spent enough money to have bought a better speaker. The end result was that the Pioneers didn't sound any better, probably worse. Lesson learned.

[@inglouriousmofo]

Well andrew jones made it, why mess with it as im sure he knows a lot more than most of do lol

[@MichelLinschoten]

​​@@inglouriousmofo i had a couple of those pioneers made my Andrew ... Sorry not impressed at all,and that's not Andrew fault. They were relatively budget intended speakers. Same with the elacs , I wasn't that impressed with them. I guess it also depends what you're used too

[@chrishernandez2490]

​@@inglouriousmofoNo matter how good the speaker designer is, you have to remember that speakers are always going to be designed within a specific budget. Adding all the things OP mentioned would skyrocket the price tag which is probably why Andrew Jones didn't implement them

[@adamjj85]

I have the B1+ in an Emotiva 5.1 in my living room system. They really are amazing for their size and price!

[@stevezeidman7224]

I love these countdown videos. I think they are a real help for people looking for high value stuff at great prices. Please keep doing them when you feel the time is right.

[@akshaykhanna9802]

Do note that tastes are subjective to a very significant degree. For example, his first choice here might feel lacklustre to your taste.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thanks for taking time out of your family road trip to post this info and advice. Take care, safe and happy travels. Got my B1+ pair on your recommendation, and will always be indebted to you for your advice and opening my ears again to the joy of music.

[@bigdreams5554]

I went all in on Emotiva after trying the B1+ on your recommendation last holiday season. I use them now in a "budget" 7.2.4 home theatre setup, using Emotiva for the LCR , side and back surrounds (7 channel bed layer). The center channel speaker C1+ is equally excellent for voice clarity. It's hard to justify spending more money on speakers tbh. Got the tower T1+ for the living room, also very good. I am happy with it. My wallet is happy too.

[@mikeortiz2139]

That's what I'm looking to buy soon. The T1+, C1+, and 3 pairs of B1+s for side surrounds and heights. Then I hope to get a pair of the E1s for rear surrounds.

[@jeffjefferson7384]

Nice. What subs did you pick?

[@robognu5000]

Got 2 pair of b1+ for surround and surround back to replace 4 klipsch KF-26 towers. Planning to get 3 T1+ for LCR (behind screen) to replace my 3 Klipsch KF-28 towers. We’ve been breaking in the b1+ in our living room set up to listen to them for the last few weeks. Love them!

[@mikeortiz2139]

@@jeffjefferson7384 Me? If you're asking. I'm thinking dual 15" HO subs in the sealed box from Parts Express. Haven't figured out which amp to go with them though.

[@bigdreams5554]

@@jeffjefferson7384 i started with one SVS SB 1000 Pro, and just got a second one this past week. With the Denon X3700H it can do Audessey calibration on two subs. Wow, really feel it now in my small room(18ft x 10.5ft x 9ft). Independence Day on 4K blu-ray sounded awesome.

[@odwatchguy]

Great Randy, a Sunday speaker shootout of sorts. Most of the speakers on your list aren't the latest thing on the market but tried and true speakers that keep on delivering. Thank you.

[@TracyAtkins]

I bought Jamo C93IIs and an SMSL SD9 because of you. Im super happy.

[@edferguson1388]

I purchased the Jamo C93ii pair, Jamo sub, and Bluesound Powernode streamer/amp a couple of months ago based on Randy's (and others) comments. I love this set up!

[@andy749]

I have the Emotivas hooked up to an Outlaw RR 2160 receiver and $100 Polk sub. Sounds fantastic! I am thoroughly happy with these speakers. I've thought about an upgrade but no need really. Still loving these.

[@ernies8828]

I watched your video here, and decided on the Sony speakers. Wow!! You are spot on. They bested my Elac B 5.2's. I use a Creative external Soundblaster digital stereo 45 watt amp with the software equalizer set to flat on Windows 10 Pro. I listened to different music through KZbin, Spotify, and also some lossless tracks. Every sound from treble to midrange to bass was clear, precise and musical. They are extremely efficient, and really resolve and perform beyond the $180 price I paid. Better than a majority of speakers three times it's price range. And this is another reason why I favor the soft dome drivers over horns, or most metal tweeters. Thank you for your educated, thorough and detailed explanations. You are a breath of fresh air, and speak to us the general consumer in a down to earth way. And you show us the truth: we can get excellent and precise sound without breaking the budget!

[@albertosantoni8198]

Bought a pair of emotivas based on your review to replace 30 year old jbl lx330s. I was completely blown away. Rock on and keep up the great work!

[@tailgator5483]

Here's my "cheap" bedroom setup: Wiim mini streamer feeding a Schiit Modi into a Sony STR-DH190. For cd's I use an LG blue ray player going into an old Vizio flatscreen tv and then using optical out back into the modi. For speakers I switch back and forth between the sscs5's and the B1's. In a small room sounds pretty awesome to me. All thanks (mainly) to Randy's suggestions. Thanks again CAM.

[@jeffcorbin8827]

I discovered the Sonys right here. I bought a pair and the Fosi BT30D as an economical system for my sons apartment. After he acquired a sound bar system I got them back and moved them to my office. On a whim I ditched the Fosi and put them on an old Yamaha RV701 receiver with an ADC Soundshaper 12 Band EQ. BOOM! I was able to EQ the Sonys to the moon. Having the ability to punch up the bass below 60hz and pulling out some 1k midrange I am able to drive them WELL into the low 90dB range. They will take 75% of the Yamaha’s output. Now I have a reason to hang onto the old EQ! Randy- try EQing them on decent power and see if you concur.

[@tombradfiled9342]

Funny you brought up a speaker that you purchased twice, that is exactly what I did with the Airmotiv B1. First time I had the full compliment of T2, C2 and B1 for my old HT setup, missed the B1 so much purchased them again when Emotiva had the refurbs on sale for $199.

[@Fresh1O1O]

I just picked up a pair of klipsch R51-PM amazon return speakers for just under 300. If I’m not mistaken they regularly sell for over 400-500 new. Love them so far!

[@AA-ws3vd]

I always have a cup of coffee handy when Randy drops a video. Cheers

[@jeffsloane8628]

I don't know about the Jamo's, but I own, or have heard everything else on this list and it checks out. Thanks Randy.

[@jaykay6340]

Thank you for this list it's exactly what I needed. I think I may pick up some C93ii's! Although I do know a number of audio engineers who swear by them B1+ for audio mixing, for like the man said, clarity.

[@Ratboy1]

Great video, Randy! It's been interesting to observe your slight migration from "u-shaped" and "warm" towards detail and clarity. Right on!, brother.

[@andrewforsythe7240]

Depends on the sound you like. If one likes it flat, Elac, if one likes a more lively presentation, the Jamo's or JBL's. The Elac's are so flat they come across as boring but the audiophiles like it. I have them but I also have KLIPSCH too. Depends on mood. Great review thank you.

[@XenoxRaider]

@@andrewforsythe7240 and what about the sony ones ?

[@JohnWilliams-wz5bf]

I’m 75 year old black man, and l have been an audiophile all my life. I got a pair of those Sony speakers completely based on your recommendation. Randy, you were 100 percent right! I just love those speakers!

[@cheapaudioman]

nice! love these speakers.

[@williambeckner1368]

Randy I got the original Debut B6 for under $200 as my first speaker and I’m loving it. Just paired it with a Schiit Modi and an emotiva A-150 and have that hooked to a laptop for volume control and source. I’m currently loving it and am all in for under $350 excluding the laptop

[@NosEL34]

Right on

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Liked this video. Can you give us an updated version for the second half of 2024? Also what small amplifier would you recommend for these speakers. Thank you and take care.

[@mbvx7]

I would add Paradigm Monitor SE Atoms as well. $224 on sale right now. It's just a 5.25" but does have a decent sound and 8 ohms 89 dB efficient

[@jameskyler5441]

I agree. My firstvthoughtvwhen I saw the title. My HT has a Paradigm reference front soundstage with atom monitor x4 as surrounds. I couldn't part with them.

[@knappymer]

Thanks Randy! I've been waiting for an updated top ten. Gonna check out some of these blasters soon!

[@tylerharris1085]

For $53 I got a "open box" set of SSCS-5's, glad these things are still so highly recommended in this budget price range. I paired them with a Loxjie a30 and a Dayton sub-1200 for an insane desk setup just under $400. Love the content man, keep up the great work!

[@floridaboyabroad]

Are you running a line out from the a30 or passing the speakers through the sub12?

[@tylerharris1085]

@@floridaboyabroadI'm using a line out from the a30 to the sub

[@hardtymz2517]

@@floridaboyabroad use RCA y adapters! Audioquest makes a good cheap one piece one.

[@franciscoortiz6980]

Good list... and the links Randy provides are great. BUUUUUT have to add how is Project speaker box 5 at $350 pair not on this list! Stunning good speaker

[@CrashTestingAudio]

Enjoy the time off with family, thanks for all your great work!

[@josaphcj7199]

I love these kind of comparison videos. thank you bro!!

[@metalevolve8424]

Great video! As usual 😂 What about the Emotiva B1+ for Extreme Metal Music? Thanks!

[@kameronkull1872]

Hey Randy! My name is Kam and I am pretty new to your channel and loving every second of it. I really appreciate these kinds of videos, your knowledge, and your energy to help us get the best stuff possible! For sure, as a 22 year old kid, these great lists for reasonably priced products are right up my alley, and I would really love to see more like these! I did have a few questions for you since my knowledge is pretty beginner, BUT, I really would like to build a quality stereo set-up. 1. Now that we have a lot of great options for speakers provided in this video, but now we gotta power these boinks up right?! I have watched some of your videos about amps and receivers and was wondering if you could possibly make a under $300 updated list like this one, but for amps?! 2. I really like the design and all the things that come with amps like the Yamaha AS801, primarily, the idea that I can plug my headphones into the amp and listen to my growing record collection without "disturbing" my roommates at school. But, the Yamaha, being $800, is a bit out of my price range at the moment as a college student, and I was wondering if you had any suggestions for amps that I can still plug my turntable into, can still plug my headphones into, that I can change the tone controls, and that are in the relative price range of maybe these speakers? I also dig the, not big or bulky, but sturdy amps in a similar shape to the Yamahas so any great suggestions for that?! 3. Also, for going forward and for our own research, what are some of the things that we should look for for pairing some of these speakers with the right amps? What do these speakers need to power them? What specs to look for for the kind of sound we are looking for (warm, clear, other audio adjectives, etc.)? Maybe for us beginners would you be willing to make segments for just learning about audio and these terms? I just dig your production and cadence so I just wanna keep learning! Thank you so much again, I know I left a damn essay for you, but I hope you have a great day and keep posting great content! Oh and have a great trip with your family!

[@trickfall8752]

I've got the Jamo S803 and wasn't super impressed at first, but over time they opened up a bit and then I added the matching little sub and they really do a pretty nice job of having a low profile living room system that still sounds decent.

[@gbmwaz]

Fantastic for the price - under-rated IMHO

[@AndyBHome]

Randy - I have a suggestion/request for a video. This could be a "side video" that you release as an extra, or maybe a short. "Randy's reference system check-in." You could do it whenever you make a change to the "best system in your house." You could also do the same with your home theater system, if it's not your reference system. You could also do the same with your personal desktop system, and your (name a specialty setup you have for a particular purpose). You could do a reference headphone setup short. I'd just be interested to see what things you are using on a personal level just to listen to for fun, or to compare new things to. Thanks for the great videos. Keep up the good work!

[@subtractivemusic]

I have been using the B1+ as my studio monitors for 4yrs. I have owned and used many studio monitors in the past, and the main reason I've stuck with Emotiva is they do not fatigue my ears and they work best at lower volumes. Emotiva used to have a major part of their business focused on the pro side, and I personally believe they are selling the same pro product with consumer marketing.

[@pfslik]

I bought the Jamo S 5.0 set about 3 years ago. I have since moved the 801's to height duties and purchased another set of 803's for surrounds. I put together a sealed sub box running dual GRS 12" subs powered by a Fosi Audio sub amp, which replaced two Polk PS108's. I keep eyeballing other speakers, but always talk myself out of pulling the trigger because..why? these things sound great to me. Love my Jamos

[@thefloop2813]

Using the high excursion subs? or the even cheaper ones? Im looking for someone with experience using the HE subs because they sure do have an attractive response and inductance curve for the price. Much like everything GRS makes Basically everything GRS makes, (besides their sealed mid ranges intended for low end vintage enclosure retrofitting lol) punch far FAR above their market price if paired with other drivers and crossover networks properly. Im running a set of 2cuft 12" monitors i build/designed. Im using $20 grs paper cone woofers, built some sealed cavities for a couple dayton full ranges im using as mid range drivers, were like $30. And got some GRS ribbon tweets, the cheapest ribbons on the market ($89, with a data sheet to rival $200 ribbons, that in my experience, is accurate), They have dead flat inductance and response all the way to near 40k. Crossed at 700hz and 4500 with air core inductors and german caps im basically dead flat and smooth from 40hz to 40k now. I have a dayton 10" reference sub in a 1cuft sealed enclosure too. I wish i had noticed that the $40 GRS high excursion 10" woofer actually had a SMOOTHER response in the needed pass band with just as much LF extension as the dayton reference, and conveniently demands the exact same enclosure i put the dayton reference in. It's inductance curve is smoother then the dayton as well, at under 20% the price of the dayton reference HO 10".... Had i noticed that, and had GRS made a full range with the desired sensitivity, my setup would be entirely dirt cheap GRS drivers, while out performing most $1500 pairs. And a lot of $2000 pairs. The accuracy and listenability of this build blew my expectations far out of the water, and i may still switch to the GRS HE 10" sub and experiment with padding down some grs full range drivers/mid range enclosure size and dampening to make it an entirely "cheapest drivers you can get" system that punches orders of magnitude above its investment cost and can make some multi thousand dollar pairs whimper. My off axis response and accuracy would make you average audiophile cry if they looked at the numbers on my order invoices, vs their own. You can get some truly remarkable return on investment results with GRS drivers if you design your enclosure and crossover network properly. I swear people don't ever even bother checking the data sheets for drivers if they see a price below a certain point lol.

[@moodiblues2]

I have a Polk XT15 that in my surround sound system in my rather small den and it was about $124 for a pair. I probably don’t have an educated ear, but so far I like them.

[@jimbo4203]

How are they doing now, is the bass good , I was just looking at these

[@moodiblues2]

@@jimbo4203 For my dull ears, these speakers seem fine with sufficient bass range. Though my sub-woofer is probably doing the work for all.

[@OsuperfastjellyfishO]

Love your videos man but jheesus your reviewed speakers are hard to find in Australia. You guys got it good in the states for audio equipment

[@Dortch3]

Great Review....were you to have made it just a week ago, the JBL Studio 530 would certainly have made your list for consideration....they were below $250...now they are just under $400.

[@davidturner1721]

I wonder if you would consider doing something like this for tower speakers. Great video!

[@jonathanb1942]

Great breakdown! Good detail on each speaker. Helps me get a feel for a variety of speakers in this price range that I haven't found elsewhere. Thanks, Randy!

[@rickymedina7563]

Makes me proud to say I have 7 pairs of SSCS5's that I bought a few years back for about $60/pair. Built two 5.2 home theater setups with them in my home and still have 2 pairs left (might add them into the mix for atmos)

[@ouemi6177]

Is it good quality speakers for my CD hifi system?

[@kevinbehnke7149]

Excellent video! Out of the top 4 on your list, I haven't heard the Jamo C93 but tempted! I totally agree on the Emotiva B1+, nothing had bumped them in their price range list for me neither! From Jazz to Rock, these speakers always put a smile on my face! Also have the TA-100 and pairs Excellent. Emotiva is a great company with phenomenal value to performance ratio.

[@roberttv7758]

Hi, I'm planning to get Emotiva B1+. Do you think it is a good speaker for low volume and nearby listening (

[@kevinbehnke7149]

@@roberttv7758 I haven't used mine in that type of setup but I would believe they would be. Excellent clarity at lower volumes in my experience

[@tailgator5483]

@@roberttv7758 Yes

[@josexavierjr.5633]

Great video, Randy. The Elac B6.2 were a surprise, but I hear they are picky about amplification........ Glad to see the Sony SSCS5 in there; for $78 they were the best "cheap" speaker I ever bought!

[@johansiguentaler5826]

I don't know if I misunderstood; my English isn't good, but why is the ELAC B5.2 in fifth place and the Sony in third? In the ELAC video, you said it was much better in every way than the Sony.

[@TheBinaryWolf]

That Tannoy bookshelf speakers were not included tells me that the top 10 list is, well, 10 out of 10 and not 10 out of 100. But I think the info is still useful.

[@creativetechdude]

I’m so glad the Jamo S 803 has made it into the $300 category! I believe that Randy even listed it around the $150 price, no wonder it ranked number 9. Although I have watched other videos by Randy where he gave these speakers a pretty fantastic rating. Happily I picked up a pair for $139 on Amazon and while not the perfect speaker, pretty impressive for the price. Apparently so good that they made it into the $300 comparison!

[@rakshas1340]

I love my jamo, they taught me a lot about my taste. I guess our first speakers are kind of our first car or first place, it will always have a special place in our hearts, despite not being the best fit !

[@patrickkerns2022]

haha yes i agree he changes his mind alot i see him say how good even really good then later he will trash it not sure why maybe he listens to to many cant remember what he rates them at but i notice that too but i still like the vids but is hard to get honest opinion if it changes ,

[@fordssuck]

Amazon now has them in walnut for $99

[@SHAVEFAN71]

Thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

Welcome!

[@Alvarochahin]

Hello Randy, excellent video as usual my man! Have you ever listened to the Fluance SX6?, I love those speakers and I swear there's nothing even close at that price. Give them a try when you get a chance.

[@DweebLord]

I was able to pick up a pair of Jamo S803s, S801s, and a S81 center channel home theater packager for $189. I couldn't be happier for that price. They absolutely get my recommendation!

[@siriosstar4789]

Gratitude is the great peace maker when the "it could be better " starts up in one's mind .

[@steelerrodney]

I love my Sonys!! Happy with 4 of them!!👍🏾

[@steveklimaszewski1422]

I bought the 5.0 Jamo Studio's in white for $175 and paired them with the Jamo C912 for $165. I paid $200 for the Atmos speakers and they sound great with the Denon AVR S760H I got on clearance for $250.

[@williamvezina1944]

Anything else out there as good as the 2.0 ElacBu52, got them apox. 3 months ago, after lots of research, including your review, got them on sale for 489.00,! Instantly pulled the trigger. They are outstanding in every way. Especially for that price. Soundstage, imaging, clarity, detail, Thanks for your help! Really couldn't find a bad review, think it's AJs best, including, the new model. Thanks again, love your entertaining and informative reviews ❤️🤘

[@owboky102050]

I bought a set of Sony's from Amazon 3 weeks ago they were returns for $60.48 still new box was damaged ..new price was $118..looked the other day selling for over $200! The prices changing all the time on Amazon

[@johnwalck3133]

I bought the Sonys on your prior recommendation and could not be happier…I just have to cover up the Sony label on the front to maintain my audiophile cred….😉

[@csj9619]

Stop caring what others think and you'll get a +3dB bump below 50Hz.

[@jma4038]

I bought the B1+s & the Q150s at the same time 2 yrs ago. The Q150s had been in the closet since.

[@randolphblack2554]

I have owned a BIC VENTURI DV62 for 8 years and it is a fantastic speaker for LCR applications. Dialogue is great and clear. I own the JAMO 803s and they do not come close to the 62s.

[@sebd6307]

I have the debut 6.2 running for a week now. I drive it with linn equipment. Completely agree with Randy. I'm switching back and forth to my old Tannoy mercury m1(1997) speakers 3 times a day. Thing is the Elac's are grainy and musical instruments do not have the wooden "body" they have on the Tannoys. First I was WOW! WHAT A SPEAKER! But after les than an hour I prefered the more laidback character of the Tannoy. While the Tannoy images way less compared to the Elac, the Tannoys are more fun every time. So I guess I will ship them back tomorrow, and maybe try them in a few months again to find out if it is not purely me😀

[@cglaurer]

I have the Jamo S803 and I love them. Best sounding speakers I’ve ever had by far and they cost me $130 on Amazon. I guess I’m cheaper than Cheap Audio Man because I can’t see spending double that for any of the others in this video.

[@marienvanraan760]

A good speaker is the one you enjoy. The better is the one that gives you goosebumps. The best speaker is the one that you want to listen over and over

[@AudioTekAdventures-ph9ke]

I hope you are able to do more like this Thanks for all your hard work😀

[@Dark-Star]

Nothing from Klipsch? The Klipsch RP-160s are on sale for $195 at New Egg right now. Not to mention the RP-500 mk 1s also.

[@basvanbeers7687]

I love Emotiva. Front 2 T1+, 2 10” subs, Centre C1+ and Back 2 B1+. Beware of matching though. Need really good ‘warmish’ amp or too much sibling. I bi amp with MOSFET power amp on mids/high and really fast thight power amp for bass. I pre amp it with very good DAC for hifi and for surrounds with Emotiva 5 channel processor.

[@great100m]

Another great comparison. Good explanations for the rankings.

[@nickd.3865]

I got my entire Jamos S803 system $230, absolutely love them.

[@jlw48]

Here's my cheap setup for MQA if you're liking that sort of thing. Jamo S803 driven by NAD 316BEE, amp full MQA decode via Zen DAC Signature V2. Awesome and not too expensive a setup.

[@briancaulfield7251]

I got the Stage A130, Sony 190 receiver and Fluance RT82. Really happy with everything considering how much everything cost. I think the A130 sounds awesome, inoffensive and natural but as you said could just be a little more exciting or dynamic.

[@leonardoalvarenga7572]

Plus it looks great, the black and white color scheme is really elegant.

[@Taylor-fh3ys]

Pair it with some a170s

[@rehn1kri]

What’s better than a Saturday Speaker Shootout? A Sunday Speaker Seminar! Thanks Randy.

[@onemorepsi]

JBLs pricing strategy prevented them from taking a higher spot unfortunately. The Studio 530s retail for $599 but they will periodically go on sale for ~$250 direct from JBL. I own the Studio 530s and the Emotiva B1+ and they're both fantastic. The B1+ wins that match up when it comes to high end clarity but they also care about positioning more than the JBLs to really get the most out of them.

[@roberttv7758]

Hi, how's Emotiva B1+ at near-field listening(

[@onemorepsi]

@@roberttv7758 Hey, that's primarily how I used them. Depending on what you like to listen to, you might find the bass response a little lacking but the mids and highs are great. You'll need to play around with the angle for your seating position but once you get them adjusted right the soundstage is good. I was able to get a center image very easily. My speaker amp had a sub out so I added a small sub to help with lows.

[@welderfixer]

Randy, thanks for the ranking of these speakers. None of them are "rank". hahahaha! I think you may have missed one - Polk TSi100 - only $99 a pair right now. Get them while you can, discontinued. Working great in my office/shop. Another good one for review might be their big brother the TSi200. Thanks again!

[@jamessalepe]

Hi. Do you considerer the TSi series better than the ES series? I ask because I see in a store those speakers doubt going to these Polk or Sony.

[@welderfixer]

@@jamessalepe Sorry, I haven't heard the ES series. You'll have to watch Randy's review of each of the Polk speakers. If you are on a budget like I am, the TSi100 speakers are a great buy at $99. At the 99 dollar price for the TSi100 it would be hard to sell me the Sonys at their current price. And, I really like my SS-CS5 pair of speakers.

[@jamessalepe]

@@welderfixer I see. Thanks.

[@michaelrichie5]

Randy, your no b.s. approach is refreshing, thanks "your Doodness"!

[@stevengarner8524]

Hi Randy , if it were my English pound I would buy the JBL stage . I heard them on demo in my local dj store and man they sounded sweet . Great vid mate 👍

[@epcotdude9441]

Congrats on your Family Event!

[@ginom407]

Great Review Randy! Thank You for confirming my "must have" list. 👍👍👍

[@Howiedog88]

I ended up getting me a pair of Sony SSCS5 off of amazon in "used - like new condition" for $68, they get here Monday, cant wait. Going to compare them against some Sony SS-TL4 floor speakers I picked up off of marketplace for $50

[@Blaculo]

Finally ordered some JBL A130's. I need something mostly flat and can always pick up the Sonys on sale for a different flavor.

[@TheSamDickey]

Hello! I’ve heard you mention break-in several times now, and am curious what that really means. Could you make a video on break-in? What causes it, which kinds break in more (subs vs towers vs bookshelf, which brands, etc). Maybe include some recording measurements of before/after? Could be some really interesting content.

[@peterlarkin762]

The elastic response of diaphragms and rubber surrounds changes after some time of use. This varies between materials used. The biggest example of this was my Wharfedale evo 4.3's. They took two weeks to sound "normal", and another two weeks to sound amazing. Edit: Capacitors also change spec slightly after being charged and discharged a few times.

[@Daminlk]

The mere fact that the result of break in is always a perceived improvement makes it evident that it's just people getting used to the sound.

[@WestRGB]

Hey Randy, I haven't heard you mention Fluance in a long time. Any particular reason? I'm curious where their Signature Bookshelf speakers would be on this list.

[@danielhamm4146]

Hey Randy, love your channel. As I have said before, thanks to you when I upgraded my old system I bought a pair of B1+ speakers and a TA1. I've got them with a Sony SA CS9 sub and SKW cables I've got my sub on an Iso Acoustics 200 and it's on a Sound Addicted Vibe Boss. This system is really amazing for less than $1400. Thank you again Randy! Emotiva and Sony wow!

[@gcpraveen]

I understand you are doing reviews for new speakers, but any suggestion on old speakers which are now sold in FB marketplace at cheap prices.. for example PSB Image B15? or similar under $100 speakers. will be really helpful.

[@laptopdragon]

here I am with my Dell rev400 pc speakers (without the bass box) and they've been doing fine for 20 years.

[@moribnd]

Being that you have Nirvana and Metallica logos behind you in other videos, I wonder how you would rate some of these speakers for thrash metal or abrasive rock. I've been using yamaha with Klipsch and wondering if by default I am having a sound that is too harsh on the top end with not enough mid frequencies to push the electric guitar forward. As an alternative to "audiophile" opinions out there, you might do a sub-series of videos that focuses on speakers and amps that help to bring out the best in overdriven/distorted metal/rock guitars.

[@themastroiannis]

interesting review and comparison. great, intriguing points of view. one i really disagree though, is the elac B6.2; love them and find them more engaging and even better than the Wharfedale diamond 11.2 or the Elac Carinas (waaaay more expensive!) I also own.

[@ronaldrice2936]

Thank You for your #1 , choice I've owned mines for a year or two,🔊🔊💯✌️

[@joshblank1]

B1+ versus C93ii for rock / metal? I like Grado headphones (forward mids / highs, subdued bass)

[@cheapaudioman]

probably the c93. but the emotiva are much more transparent

[@joshblank1]

@@cheapaudioman I ordered the Emotiva because I don’t like V or U shaped. I’m all about clarity in the mids and highs

[@thomasryan9639]

What about Klipsch?? The R 50-M II is $299. a pair, and Crutchfield has the R 40 M for $249. a pair. Is this a good buy or not¿

[@robinsonmac]

HI Randy where would the KEF Q150's fit on this list?

[@joergwittenberg2178]

Thanks for the list of speakers, great work

[@Knowbody42]

There's just one problem with the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ speakers: I can't find them available anywhere to buy.

[@BericBuilds]

Hey Randy, what camera did you use in this video, which was awesome by the way... and is it still the current camera you are using, this video looks fantastic!

[@siriosstar4789]

"Worst to First " 😆 that's a great line and unique on YTube . 👍

[@hank9th]

Would love to see a worst to first under $600. Not quite "cheap" but I think it would be a solid reference for folks looking for an upgrade.

[@jpaleas]

I got one even worse for you lol ! I bought the Jamo S801 for S119 to go in my bathroom and because I preferred the aesthetics of the port been in the rear than the front on the 803s I hooked them up to a Fosi bt20a and was so pleasantly surprised! They sound good! A little boomy but it can be controlled and for $119 ? Come on!!!!

[@tcblackg35]

Randy, how would you say the Klipsch RP-500m ranks among these?

[@jackedkerouac4414]

Can't go wrong with Klipsch but of course I'm biased ;)

[@NosEL34]

I'm not a big Klipsch fan but some would argue it's their better/best bookshelf.

[@tcblackg35]

Very curious why it’s not on this list or it’s predecessor, the 150m, which is basically the same speaker. Both can be had for under $300 right now…Randy?!

[@100popsongs]

Where would you have the Q Acoustics 3020/3020i compared to these?

[@robertmuckelroy8009]

Love swirling guitars of mayonnaise try Starla wide open let me know best integrated amp in speaker selection.

[@ml9659]

i think the neumi bs5's deserve a place on this list. Plug one port and they hit above the $99 price tag. Honestly for $99 i bought them on a whim. Plug one port n they hit well above the price range

[@brandontheblack]

Last year I had the Jamo C93 II for exactly 30 days, but forced myself to return them. I was very close to keeping them. However, I got lucky and caught the Sony SSCS5 for $88 and had similar feelings for them as Randy. I immediately bought 2 more pairs for a 5.2 setup.

[@lukastemberger]

I have the 5.1 with these Sonys and I'm so happy with them. They're just a joy and fun to listen to.

[@jaball77]

10:37 That's a solid shopping cart right there.