Upgrade Your Sound with These 6 Surprisingly Affordable Speakers!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

A few things: I was going to put the Klipsch Heresy IV in this video as one that I don't like and with an explanation of why I wouldn't say I like it. But the video would've been too long. So I left it off for that reason. I like the MoFi SourcePoint 8 over the 10. But if you can swing the SourcePoint 888 then by all means *do it*. I like all of these speakers. They have different traits that make them better suited for one environment or another. They also have different tonal characteristics in one way or another. So I can't really just say "buy this" but you can be damn sure that all of these get a solid thumbs up from me. So take the time to figure out which makes sense for your situation and give 'em a shot. And finally, if you are considering ordering any of these speakers, please use either of my generic affiliate links below. Just click the link to the store you want to buy from and search for what you want. Clicking these links will earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you, and it really helps me keep doing what I'm doing here. It's really, truly appreciated. Crutchfield: shop-links.co/cgZmmT81jmh Amazon: amzn.to/3v6i6ov Thanks, Erin

[@Mrcurci]

You gotta try and get your hands on some Omega Speaker Systems alnico monitors

[@PeterPuno]

Considering the Sourcepoint 888, but if I already have SVS sub, would the 888 be overkill? Just stick with the Sourcepoint 8?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@PeterPuno it depends on where you cross the subwoofer. If you cross it at 100 or 120 Hz, then there won’t be much point. If you cross it lower, then you’ll get additional dynamic range in the lower midbass region.

[@gregbegland7640]

​@@Mrcurciguaranteed to measure like a hot mess. No offense intended, but full range driver systems almost always do. To each their own, but frequency response, polar plots and dynamic ability are lacking almost universally with these style speakers.

[@MechAdv]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Is the source point 888 still your defacto do-it-all recommendation short of spending KEF Blade money? Any chance of KEF sending you the R7meta for a $5k coaxial tower shootout?

[@defsonic2884]

I’m a DIYEr and not in market for speakers but regularly watch your content and always take something away. By far the most knowledgeable reviewer I’ve come across👍

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@defsonic2884]

Genuinely what you are doing in this space is superb. I see no / few others going into the detail you do backed up with real data!

[@alexw890]

Same!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@defsonic2884 I appreciate it! Really!

[@Cakebattered]

Erin is the audio reviewer the hifi community needs, not the the one it deserves. The hifi community may be the only enthusiast community that segregates DIYers. Even the Luxury Watch community integrates its DIYers more then audiophiles. 😅

[@SteebMo]

The consumers are the winners here. ALL of these measure extremely well, while enough distinction between them in price/sound characteristics to suit a wide range of folks. Well done as always!

[@m.hussam]

I'm immensly grateful to have you, Erin as an honest objective reviewer and an excellent educator. Keep up the good work!

[@mchrome3366]

Wow, I’m impressed you actually read the comments. Great video. Great choice of speakers to compare. Thanks

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I try to. Don’t always have the time (this isn’t my day job).

[@Vincentlue-x9j]

Definitely, DIYERs are a portion of your audience. Being a DIYER, I would be interested if you could review DIY kits and popular builds in the audio forms. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insight.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I've got a couple of DIY kits I've been wanting to get to, and hopefully I can do that soon.

[@pen5139]

I don't know which is the best Bookshelf Speakers. I only know you are the best reviewer👍

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

You're the best!

[@mitchy5994]

He's absolutely great at putting statistics and opinions separate from each other in videos.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

Hell yes! Thank you so much for making this video and for including the Aura 2 👍

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

No problem 👍

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@ErinsAudioCornerErin, your dedication is other worldly. So much appreciated. Respect! 👨🏻

[@FidelFerreira-jy9cf]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. Sometimes I’m not even interested in the speaker that you are talking about but I really enjoy and learn from all the technical analysis.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I appreciate that!

[@alvina9338]

Thank you Erin for this review. Your works are really much appreciated

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks for watching!

[@rd1992-l3j]

Thanks for doing the hard work and giving us this detailed presentation. It certainly makes my shopping life easier, armed with facts and listening impressions.

[@sertacersin]

Thanks for this review. Keep on waiting for the new Wharfedale Dovedale.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

You and me both!

[@unstuckalex7463]

Thanks

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you!

[@s.daniel9224]

Great video. I always learn when watching your videos. Makes me a more informed consumer. For me, I’ve really been impressed with q acoustics. I’m not sure what special sauce they’re putting in those speakers, but I dig it. My Lintons are my reference speakers.

[@zenboy2000]

Great stuff dude, nice an concise. You almost could have called it the best of British.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Good call!

[@glisse499]

Almost, but both KEF and Wharfedale are now Chinese owned, and all the versions Erin included here will have been made in China.

[@zenboy2000]

@@glisse499 I had no idea that things had gotten so bad. Had a look at IAG's website and they seem to have bought up a lot of the iconic brands. It will certainly make it more difficult to buy a local.

[@notstandingwithukraine9478]

Unfortunately no Canton, Heco, Dynaudio etc.

[@crimlarksSteve]

Excellent video Erin! I really like the way you explain the bass response and what that means for placement. (In addition to all the other details you provide.) The Wharfdale Aura, Super Linton, and KEF R3 Meta are the speakers I’m focusing on for my next set of speakers, so this video has been really helpful.

[@jonathangosling9121]

Thanks Erin - great summary and review.

[@carlbrown3634]

Very good review Erin! Thanks for sharing.

[@AndrewB23]

I spent a few months basically switching out speakers started with the with kef q150 went through all of Andrew Jones's speakers and others until I landed on the SourcePoint 8s and holy shit they sound amazing, might even say end game speakers. They honestly feel like this is what he wanted to make from the start. I listen to hip hop and metal and they do get low but do need just a little help with a sub but very impressive that even giving them some extra juice they don't lose their composure. Andrew Jones knocked these out of the park.

[@timc_2433]

What electronics are you using? Currently a dbr62 owner

[@bobbysmith-gx4ep]

i have the sourcepoint 10's - i havent changed them out in over 7 months - its a cliche - but they do sound of one piece - i have speakers from goldenear- magnepan- cambridge and havent had the need to switch them in - the 10's have very good tone - a very good speaker - def in my top 5

[@wyup]

@@timc_2433 Last year I auditioned the Sourcepoint 8 against my own DBR62 at a dealer and I was surprised at how similar they sound! The 8's have a bit better bass control and more refined treble, but that's about it!

[@bwiz6514]

I have the regular Linton a foot from the wall, and I think they sound awesome.

[@Osuna..]

Pues si escuchas las super Linton, vas a lucinar 😅.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Great review, love your honesty

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks, fellow KZbinr! 🙃

[@Donnyjbaby]

I would love to wee you review more Ascend Acoustics speakers. The LX bookshelves, the ELX towers, and the ELX Horizon center. Also, since you like Wharfdale so muchz how about reviewing the Elysian line. The 2's and 4's in particular. Anyway, you rock. Keep at it. Favorite reviewer by a long shot. Happy New Year.

[@wallycunningham5090]

Tight competition! If one doesn't care about coaxial or not, idk how you start to narrow them down, they're all so competent.

[@antoniomarsicola8608]

You can narrow down by price... Q Concerto is the winner and with few bucks more you have a Q7 tower as well

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

I think speaker placement is a key factor. Erin points out that the R3 Meta and the Super Linton can sit closer to a rear wall - that's a "real world" value point that buyers shouldn't underestimate. Not many of us can have our speakers sitting 3+ feet out from the wall, so we should be placing more value on the speakers designed to sit closer to the wall.

[@renatomorais8136]

Go have a listen to them if you can. I've auditioned a few speakers last time I bought a pair and 3 were among these. It's not always a sure way of knowing what to get, in my case I was listening to speakers in a very good acoustic treated room in the shop, hooked to a Michi preamp and monoblocks and some 5k Matrix DAC/streamer . I have non of these things at home. Still, I had a pretty good idea of what I would enjoy more at my place and with my system. My previous set was bought purely based on reviews and awards, I only listened to them when they got to my place. Ended up I never liking them, even after extensive system upgrades. The information here about the room you have at home is very important but, in my view, it's also important to know your system and what you like and don't like as any speaker will be a set of trade-offs (even 20k ones) and synergy is very important.

[@NosEL34]

​@@Monkeyseemonkey79yep. Space & room size is probably the #1 issue for the average Joe wanting better than average sound in a functioning living room.

[@RennieAsh]

That or you could use some EQ ​@@Monkeyseemonkey79

[@rjmoyer2]

Love the channel and love my Linton 85’s

[@gameswong]

Video of the year!!!

[@59seank]

Thanks Erin. I enjoy your comparison videos.

[@SuppressiveSquirrel]

Now that I’m discovering so many artists are using backing tracks and pitch correction , particularly live, I want a speaker that’ll have sufficient accuracy to tell me who’s faking it and who’s not.

[@danab7472]

Hey Erin, After having had a truck of trouble taming a pair of Q Acoustics Concept 50, which were measuring so poorly in room that I was thinking about sending them back, I tried staggering the spacing to the front wall. It was the trick. It didn’t make imaging any easier and I’m still working toe in but the difference is night and day. In room they measure like a millpond. Nobody seems to talk about staggering placements and I think many would benefit from an exploration of the approach.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Do you mean placing them at different distances from the front wall? Is your room and the placement left to right symmetrical? Or do you have one speaker closer to the side wall than the other?

[@danab7472]

The room is sonically atrocious. It works out like a capital “L” that’s been toppled clockwise. The spine of the “L” is the front wall. The base of the “L” is a nib wall with a feature opening leading to a hallway. Left speaker is 2’ from the nib wall. Right reflecting wall is three times further away from the right speaker than the left speaker to the nib wall. Ugh. I tried every possible thing but they were kind of awful. Then in maybe a bit of frustration I moved the left speaker, the one in the nib corner, out further from the front wall, but forgot to do the same thing to the right speaker before measuring again. It was like a magic spell had been cast. Response was smooth, the speakers behaved and I heard what all the fuss about them was…. about. I don’t like the way the staggered speakers look in the room but I’m grateful that the speakers are working. They sound magnificent. Anyway it’s just something that the hifi Illuminati don’t really discuss, but in my case it was the best option.

[@coy9898]

I love my Lintons, very easy to listen too

[@sonomedarenome]

Awesome video!! Would be cool if you did a tower comparison too.. unless you have already haha. Thanks for your great service for this community.

[@renatomorais8136]

Thanks for the comparison, very useful!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jimx1169]

Nice comparison, Erin. Thanks!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks for watching!

[@tpop3723]

Been waiting for this and soon to come best of the year!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Yep! Best of the year will be coming in about a month or so. I’m excited for that one.

[@Feliciano12v]

Great time to be an enthusiast. 🎶

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Indeed it is!

[@mattialemboluscari8774]

Thanks Erin Can I ask you something? How close am I going to be able to put the R3's to the wall? I have a relatively small room and I'm trying to save as much space as possible (16feet x 12 feet)

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’d say within a foot would be fine.

[@mattialemboluscari8774]

@ErinsAudioCorner thanks 👍🏻

[@TruthTube1111]

Hello Erin, thank you for helping me understand speakers much more than I ever have. My question is how close is too close to the wall for the KEF R3 Meta please and thank you? I have around 8 inches max distance.

[@bruceandt]

I watch this video and I truly appreciate it. I’m always thinking about new hi end book shelves vs older towers. Energy RC 30 tower. I always wonder how they would compare. Thanks for another great instalment.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

Good summary, thanks for the video.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mondoenterprises6710]

I think I can fit 27 of these speakers into the size of one of my 1985 Klipsch La Scalas. Audio is a strange world.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

That’s funny.

[@nhennessy6434]

Great job, Erin. IDK if you're exactly the person to answer this, but it seems to me KEF has a number of speakers in that g.t. $1000 but l.t. $2200 range, and it would be useful to pose the question of who exact is each of these models for. For example, the Meta Concerto vs. the LS 50 Meta seem to be in roughly the same ballpark price wise. Does it make sense for an LS 50 Meta owner to trade them in for Concertos? Or even for that matter, in choosing between the two as brand new purchases, when does it make sense to choose LS 50s over Concertos and vice versa? Maybe that's a useful discussion for the comments section. I'm sure some people here would have some thoughts on that, as well as the other speakers.

[@CinnabonMcTasty]

I'd love to see a review of the B&W 705 S3 one day.

[@jissanhuq3792]

Hi Erin! Big fan, have a question. What speakers would give me the widest radiation vs what i have? I have magnepan lrs+, kef ls50 metas, driven by Marantz model 50, with rel subs- love the sound.. but neither can “fill the room” unless very very separated. They can get loud but both very directional. What would you recommend for a “louder” filing speaker that doesn’t need to span the length of the room? Likely ok with towers but the most they’d be away from the wall is a foot. The magnepans are so thin they come out further in my living room due to appearance. The ls50s i have to keep on the console. Lintons are interesting to me but i wonder how big the drop off in clarity would be for me if I’m listening from various parts of a living room likely with extra noise of kids, dogs, etc. i love my speakers but they don’t carry through to a whole room even with subs and nowadays i don’t get to do a lot of critical, close and solo listening

[@thomasalexand]

You, Erin, and A British Audiophile are my go-to audio reviewers. Trustworthy. ps my partner doesn't like speaker stands so my speakers are now on wall brackets. What speakers do you recommend for this less than ideal situation. My amplifier is the Rotel A11 Tribute.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’m your go-to … twice! 😂 I’d go with the R3 Meta. Best suited for that kind of positioning.

[@thomasalexand]

@ErinsAudioCorner Thanks. Most appreciated. I don't get the, go-to twice joke.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

⁠ohhh. I read it as you intended to list three people where you said “You, Erin and …”. 😂

[@thomasalexand]

@ErinsAudioCorner Oh, I see.

[@sidebottom123]

I'm surprised the ascend acoustics Sierra-1 V2 with its KNFS optimized in room response didn't make the list; especially since it got such a good review from you and Amir?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I was really just focused on the ones that people were asking me to compare which of the ones you seen in this video.

[@Andrew-p8w]

Used to work at a speaker manufacturer we made Kef spendor linn etc etc nothing to them really ,the designers seemed to push the most awkward shapes to manufacture ,but most speakers are pretty straight forward.

[@IrenESorius]

Thank you Erin,, 👍‍‍🌟👍‍‍

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

You bet!

[@DrAudioBot]

would love to see Dynaudio LYD 48 🙌🏻

[@flash4973]

Ayo Erin, do you plan on reviewing css criton speakers ?

[@stevenswall]

Note: the KEF also works as a center channel, which most of the others save the Mofi, can't do. This is good if you eventually may want a theater or Atmos audio system. See also: Erin's video on how most center channel speakers are bad.

[@brianesbaugh6897]

Sounds like there could possibly be a small conflict with regard to the placement of the Kef Concerto Q Meta, since you said that they might be best suited in a smaller room, and that would be this… A smaller room would assuredly make it more difficult to pull it off the wall like you suggested, and still fit in normally. Just a thought

[@scottleyshon7317]

Howdy, long time listener, first time caller… in terms of proximity to a wall, when you close (R3 Meta), is that 12”? Without bungs? Thanks so much, love the channel! Ever consider offering a formal HiFi class? You’re a phenomenal communicator.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Correct. That’s in ported mode. In sealed mode you can bring them out a bit from the wall if you desire. You just won’t get the punch/kick but that may be better depending on your needs and likes. I have a graph on my website showing it in both modes. erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kef_r3_meta/

[@rajindarsingh1417]

How close to the wall for the super Linton's

[@Firebottleman]

Hey Erin. Could you please review some Magnepans for us. Something different than all these box speakers. Excellent video. Thank you.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’d LOVE to. Seriously. I’ve tried reaching out the them but no luck.

[@romboom2405]

Thanks a lot for this work and review ! Your job is amazing ! Have you ever considered to build your own speaker and document it ? Like the choices of drivers, filters, driver load (bass reflex, closed, push-push, folded horn ...) etc ? Thanks !

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I used to design my own before I started reviewing speakers. Though I have been reviewing raw drive units for the last 14 years or so. I’ve documented a couple of the designs but it’s been probably 10 years since that. I’ve considered designing speakers and letting the plans be free to the public. It’s just not been a priority.

[@arthurmermelshtein1767]

Very well done. P.S: maybe adding some personal preference about each speaker would add even more.

[@NaveenKumar-uh2gk]

Help,Kef r3 meta vs super linton which one is better.only sound Metter.

[@JohnMorton-ud6rm]

Awesome work. Do you listen the speakers before looking at the test results?

[@tomoxfford]

Be interesting to compare the winner to the Aspen FR5s… 🤞🤞

[@johndaddabbo9383]

@@tomoxfford Agree! ...and one speaker that I have yet to hear. However both my previous Infinity 9 Kappa's and my Legacy Audio Focus speakers used 'Ribbon' type tweeters for which I feel have the ability to do magic! Can't wait to get a chance to hear the FR5's for myself 🎶

[@Mrhifitunes]

Good review👍Would love to see toy review the new quad speaker's

[@Freedom89984]

The second hand speaker market could help to buy better speakers at a lower price. Audio enthusiasts are always looking for better speakers so there is a lot to buy out there. For instance look at the Kef Reference 1 (non meta version)

[@callywalker69]

Hi Erin, I am planning on putting some Bookshelf speakers in a room in which the speakers would sit to the side of a protruding fireplace. This means that directly behind each speaker there will be a recess around 2ft wide and 2 ft deep from floor to ceiling (around 8 ft high) What type of speakers would you suggest and would you place them in the recess against the back wall or bring them out of the recess. I hope that makes sense!

[@susokraut]

Nice selection, I am just wondering, wasn´t the Ascend Sierra 1 V2 measuring soo good, especially for the $1000 asking price, why did it not make to the list?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

These are my personal and I would rank these higher than the Ascend. But that doesn’t mean the Ascend is not a fantastic speaker, still. 👍

[@liamporter1137]

Great comparisons. I thought you were going to pick a winner 🤭

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Speakers are always a game of tradeoffs. From performance to looks and price. 🙃

[@Expedition18]

Nice lineup

[@quewill2130]

Great content!!

[@danab7472]

The thing about the Wharfedale speakers making the grilles integral to the performance of the loudspeaker: it doesn’t appear Wharfedale sells replacements. The Super Linton is super expensive and to think that one mishap, where the grill(s) bite the dust, forever dooms the speaker(s), is off the mark for me.

[@ClassMPlanet-Yo]

@danab7472 well that is an eye-opener! Thanks for sharing that information… I’m strongly considering the Wharfdales, but not selling replacement grills is a bit of a puzzler. Then again, what’s the likelihood of me damaging the grill somehow?

[@danab7472]

I always seem to find a way to destroy mine 😂

[@lennart637]

Just contact Wharfedale, they will sell you replacement parts, they just don't list them (like almost all Hifi brands)

[@danab7472]

@@lennart637 likely true but for how long? When Father Time finally comes for the grilles it may well be ten years hence.

[@limulus61]

I have the Linton 85s and the stands. I'm not sure how you'd damage the grilles, but if you say you seem to find a way, then I believe you. One thing for sure is the fact that the grilles are not easy to remove. They literally fit into the front baffle and there is no edge to grab onto. You have to pry them off. Maybe that's how you'll cause damage! They are held in place by grille guides, and there are 6 per speaker. I took mine off when I set them up just to be certain that the tweeter orientation was correct and I've not removed them again. But, I've only had them 8 days.

[@vw2148]

was waiting for the Affordable speakers in the post (under $1000 would be nice to know)

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

5 BEST SPEAKERS Under $1000 You Won't Regret kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZbNgXicg66Aha8

[@yulunwang1]

I love these quick hit videos where you cover a lot of ground. I know the price is lower, but how do the Wharfedale 4.2s fit in here?

[@Filtersloth]

What bookshelf speakers do you think would fit a reasonably large room? 10m x 7m x 2.7m. I currently have KEF LS50 meta, which i like, but they aren’t big enough for the room I think. They could be as large as the super lintons on my record shelving, or possibly as large as some of the Klipsch Forte IV, which would be on the floor. They’d also be within about 1 ft or so from the wall. Bonus points for looking like classic 70s wooden speakers. I just dont want the typical tower speakers (I have some).

[@ben23a31]

Very much appreciate this video. However, (lol) there are many contenders in this class that were left out of the consideration. I know you can't comment on most of them so I'll take it that these were "your" top 6. Maybe with all that data you've collected over the years and with many of the following brands that have speakers still available you can make an extension to this video. Would like to see other brands included: B&W, Arendal, Elac Unifi, Sonus Faber, Mission, SVS, Revel , Martin Logan, Polk etc. I know, it's crazy how many are out there but I'd argue these brands in many peoples opinion have better options and are better than some you listed. Thanks for doing what you do ! ✌🏼

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’ve reviewed a lot of those brands. But there’s a lot I haven’t.

[@paulcottingham241]

My speakers are placed in built in cabinets on either side of my fireplace with grill cloth replacing the wooden panel in the doors in front of the speakers. My current speakers are Klipsch RB 81's that are about 17 years old and need replacing for a number of reasons. My question is what characteristics should I look for in a new set of speakers that would perform well in this arrangement and if any of the speakers in this roundup would be appropriate? I am of the impression that rear vented speakers may have some issues here. Thanks for the great testing and reviews!

[@x-techgaming]

I have a Sierra-1 V2 now, and they are awesome!(better than the LX and 2EX V2!) But I would like to find a similar sounding speaker that can produce such an amazing center image(at nearfield) like the Kali IN-8 V2 did. It seems a wide waveguide AND coax are needed to achieve this(?). I wish I knew how exactly it does such good center imaging. But what speaker would this be, around $1000-2000..? I also wonder if the Santa Monica waveguide produces a better or worse center image than the IN-8 V2. Thanks! 😊

[@danielcarlsson615]

I like to get all the speakers. My room is 3,4x3,2 m. So its small but very damped. Roof and walls (pretty dead) and I’m curious about getting a speaker like the 2 with ext. bass shelf. What’s happen with the soundstage if u place them like close to the wall? Is they gonna sound not so deep and wide ?

[@bugsnbikes]

Any of these you would recommend for an old PROAC 1sc lover???? *ive been out of the audiophile world for 2oyrs.

[@teknolojigundemi]

Great guide as always. I am itching for replacement of my Kef LS50 Black. Did you review any planar driver? Curious new Buchardt E50, Mon Acoustics Platimon VC One, Quad Revela , Alta Audio Alyssa, Audiovector QR series measurements. Hope somebody send you for review.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’ve got a PS Audio FR5 on deck.

[@andyisraggedy]

The Ascend Acoustics Sierra LX has something to say about this list. Looks excellent otherwise!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I haven’t reviewed that particular model so I can’t comment on it.

[@RobertStradling]

I currently have the wharfedale lintons and I'm considering upgrading to the super lintons. I like the Linton warmth, but I would like a little more clarity in both bass and upper mid-range. The super lintons seem to provide that. I have the money to stretch to Mofi 888. Are the sound characteristics of Mofi enough to warrant the jump to twice the money? How do the Super Linton and Mofi 888 sound compare?

[@roa5359]

I believe thats 3 IAG speakers in the top. P J Comeau will be pleased.

[@thomcrown900]

Hey Erin, outstanding review as always! Have you any possibility of testing the Behringer Truth 2031a active monitors? Wondering whether they’re worth upgrading. Many thanks !!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

If they or someone else is able to send me a pair I’d be happy to.

[@thomcrown900]

@@ErinsAudioCorner I’m europe based so probably not worth sending 😂. I would be willing to contribute to the purchase price for testing. Have you ever considered doing a crowd fund type thing so people can vote for the speakers they’d like to see tested with their wallets? All the best to you and family, really appreciate what you do !!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’ve been considering that.

[@rosswarren436]

Thanks for doing this comparison and contrast between all of these. I'm leaning toward the Super Linton for my living room (13' x 25' x 8') and adding a subwoofer and just being happy. I just hope it will scale well for its size. I watch all your videos, so I'm bound to get them confused sometimes, but does the Super Linton respond to EQ very well, such that I could eliminate that 1KHz dip in response if I want?

[@MechAdv]

If I were in the 1500$ market, I’d have a hell of a time deciding between the Concerto, the Linton 85th, and a Sierra LX from Ascend. But then again, one can build a Zaph ZRT 2-way pair for 1500$. The Polk R700 are frequently going on sale for about 1600$ a pair too… Good thing I’m happy with my system for now, and don’t have any space for more speakers in the home lol

[@TruthHasSpoken]

FYI, I just bought the Sierra LX (AND the 2EX V2)

[@MechAdv]

@ and…? How do you like them? What were you comparing them to from before?

[@TruthHasSpoken]

@@MechAdv They are on order; will let you know sometime in December. I listened ( A/B ) to the KEF R3 Meta and B&W 706's at Best Buy. Heard on both Denon 3800 and 4800 and Marantz 40 and 50. Couldn't hear a difference between the receivers but had a preference for the KEFs. Liked them too more than the KEF Concerto version. Worth the upgrade. So I was all set on the KEF R3 but started reading enough on the Ascend product to convince me to go that way. Haven't heard them but I am confident I will like them a lot. Ascend was very easy and helpful when calling and discussing my room set up. Even sent them a couple of pictures so they could see it and went from there. Will use the 2EX as a center and the LX's as L/R. :) I am confident I will be very happy and likely will never know for sure if more so than getting the KEF's.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

@@MechAdv They are on order; will let you know sometime in December. I listened ( A/B ) to the KEF R3 Meta and B&W 706's at BBY. Heard on both Denon 3800 and 4800 and Marantz 40 and 50. Couldn't hear a difference between the receivers but had a preference for the KEFs. Liked them too more than the KEF Concerto version. Worth the upgrade. So I was all set on the KEF R3 but started reading enough on the Ascend product to convince me to go that way. Haven't heard them but I am confident I will like them a lot. Ascend was very easy and helpful when calling and discussing my room set up. Even sent them a couple of pictures so they could see it and went from there. Will use the 2EX as a center and the LX's as L/R. :) I am confident I will be very happy and likely will never know for sure if more so than getting the KEF's.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

@@MechAdv (Darn youtube keeps deleting my post ... doesn't like that I mention a retailer so I will disguise it a bit using their stock ticker). They are on order; will let you know sometime in December. I listened ( A/B ) to the KEF R3 Meta and B&W 706's (B*B*Y). Heard on both Denon 3800 and 4800 and Marantz 40 and 50. Couldn't hear a difference between the receivers but had a preference for the KEFs. Liked them too more than the KEF Concerto version. Worth the upgrade. So I was all set on the KEF R3 but started reading enough on the Ascend product to convince me to go that way. Haven't heard them but I am confident I will like them a lot. Ascend was very easy and helpful when calling and discussing my room set up. Even sent them a couple of pictures so they could see it and went from there. Will use the 2EX as a center and the LX's as L/R. :) I am confident I will be very happy and likely will never know for sure if more so than getting the KEF's.

[@damianzaninovich4900]

Always enjoy your takes. Does using the port plug on the Kefs R3 Meta improve the compression and loudness capabilities with say a subwoofer with no electronic roll off of mains? If so do you test compression with port plugs?

[@hotdog9262]

great comparison of speakers. but only a few brands here

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

These brands routinely make good stuff. I also haven’t reviewed everything out there.

[@hotdog9262]

@@ErinsAudioCorner wharfedale is fairly poor compared to dali imo

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

⁠ I emailed DALI2 weeks ago. They replied back, but I haven’t heard back about getting any Speakers to review. They said they would pass my question along to the right person. I’ll try to remember to follow up this week.

[@Landpuma]

Love the video and coming from B&W 607 S2 speakers which have been great but looking to upgrade as these B&W fatigue me after listening for like 20-30 min. I listen to Rock / Alternative / Metal music and saw that the Kef R3 Meta's are a bit laid back and not as bright. Would you recommend the Kef R3's or in this sub 3k price range do you have a better speaker in mind? Thanks for the help.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Honestly, all of these speakers are good options. They’re all reasonably neutral (not bright) with mild deviations in one way or another. I wouldn’t call the KEF R3 Meta “laid back”. I’m guessing the ones who do are used to listening to bright speakers with a rising treble.

[@De132an]

Thank you!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

You're welcome!

[@ma3nni689]

Thx for the great Video. I am only interested in Multi Channel Setup. Can i use 2 pairs of the Mofi 888 full range or till 40hz and no Center with a Sub or 2 just 4 LFE? I want a 130inch high contrast screen and phantom Center would make it way essier.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’d think you’d want a center. In which case you can use the MoFi SourcePoint 8 if you have the space.

[@ma3nni689]

@ Too bad 4 me and my installation dream but many thx 4 the fast answer. Is there any speaker to use phantom Center in a good way or is a good Center needed? There are very few transparent high contrast screens. Room is 6m x 4,2m but open at one end 3x3m. How about Kef Meta 7 2 pairs or a 11 and the 3 as surround close to the wall.

[@catherinelugg4321]

Oooo. I am window shopping. My tinnitus ears are thinking “Lintons, Lintons,Lintons.” Eh…I am at least six months from any new speakers and suitable amp, but you have given me a lot to think about. Thanks for all of your fabulous work!🎉🎉🎉

[@khallgrimsen]

I had the lintons and they were not good for my tinnitus. I got more ringing after listening to them. Sound great! But there is something going on that irritated my tinnitus. I also checked r3 meta. These where better for me but not good enough. Now i have Elac Solano bs243 and my ears are always happy. They have a veeery special treble and swetness in th top end. Still really detailed, but its like its a little bit of oil/butter in a way.

[@catherinelugg4321]

@@khallgrimsen Yah know. I have the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR 62 (in our bedroom), and they are fabulous for my aging ears. Hmmmm. I might already have a winner for my very twitchy ears. THANKS!!!

[@khallgrimsen]

Great:) I have also tested those. They are great for the price and enough for most cases. The Solano will give you more clean sound and great 3D image, bass is insane:) so have to like a little bump at midbass, but never too much, just enjoyable and fun. they outperformed Elac Vela in my room aswell. Vela was not as fun. So can highly recommend them👍

[@catherinelugg4321]

@@khallgrimsen Thanks so much. This is SUPER helpful.

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

​@@catherinelugg4321Hi! I think I can relate to you. I own the Closer Acoustics OGY. No "objective" reviewer would touch them with a 10 ft pole since single driver speakers don't typically measure well. But darn! The midrange, imaging and treble are hard to beat. You'll just be wanting more bass.

[@edwinguzmanmarin1036]

Hi Erin,great video, I just have one question, how far away a speaker has to be from the wall does it matter if you connect a subwoofer and it does a low pass filter?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

It really depends on the crossover frequency and slope combined with the speaker design. The higher the crossover and steeper the slope the less you have to worry about placing the speaker “too close” to the wall without it sounding boomy. But again, the answer is really “it depends”.

[@edwinguzmanmarin1036]

Ok thank

[@siarez]

Hi Erin, thank for this video. I have seen you emphasize many times that speakers should have similar on and off axis response so the reflected sound has similar tonality to the direct sound. Is there literature to support that people have a preference for that? Or is it anecdotal?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

100% science backed. Check this video out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKPThneritmrhq8

[@adamtanner3008]

Hi Erin. Great video, as always! When you recommend a speaker to be brought out into the room, does that still apply if you measure in room and eq any bass peaks? As in, is there anything else going on that means eq won’t help here?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

The in-room response and how it sounds will depend on the room. So I would go with what you like best. My suggestions are just starting points.

[@darylRvillaescusa]

What is your opinion on SVS ultra bookshelf speakers?

[@BruceMolinar]

Erin, love this review. I have a smaller room, Den and using a Marantz M1 with Polk R200's. This is sounding really good to my opinion. My question is how much better will the sound be with the KEF Concerto meta's or any of these compared to the Polk's? Thanks

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Both are good. Main differences are: The KEF is a more neutral speaker in-room where the R200 has a slight treble boost. It also has wider radiation in the high frequency compared to the R200 which narrows pretty quickly in the treble. So you can expect a wider soundstage overall. I believe the KEF gets a little lower in bass.

[@s.daniel9224]

Are you liking your m1?

[@BruceMolinar]

@@s.daniel9224 Love it, so clear, sharp, punchy tight bass, please LOUD and clear with class D amplification. Well worth the $1K asking price. Makes the Polk R200 sound Really good. Based on Erin's answer above I struggle with shelling out $1300 for wider soundstage as I have a Klipsch sub taking care of the bass. Love the M1, could be audiophile product of the year in my mind.

[@-boska]

@@BruceMolinarhey mate. Do you have you M1 connected to your tv via HDMI? Seen people have a lag issue when pressing play and also volume. Do you have that? Thanks

[@dontpokethebear3893]

Which ones would you recommend for the front two speakers in a home theater setup but perform well without a subwoofer for music? Prefer wide dispersion and will be using AVR room correction. And they’ll probably be behind an acoustically transparent screen.

[@bbfoto7248]

Using the data, look for the speakers that have the widest linear dispersion/directivity, and highest maximum SPL capability combined with the least dynamic compression, as well as extension to at least 40Hz. However, especially for any home theater setup, I would highly recommend adding at least one subwoofer if at all possible. If your home theater will have multiple rows of seating at different levels, a concentric design will nearly always yield more consistent frequency response in the vertical plane to accommodate the multi-level seating positions. The aesthetics or appearance of the speakers should be less of a deciding factor if they will be placed behind an acoustically transparent screen. You also might want to consider speakers that are available for purchase as individual units in order to provide a matching Center Channel speaker for the HT setup.

[@dontpokethebear3893]

@ yeah I meant to imply that I’ll be using at least one subwoofer for movies but for music I’d like to have the option of a deep bass extension without it.

[@kleinmueli93]

Thanks for the video! I'd like to know how you find the Neumann Kh120II or KH150 compared to these? They look pretty amazing to me, especially with their MA1 system. Or did you just want to include non-powered speakers? Thanks.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I was trying to stick to passive speakers here since these were requested the most. The only Neumann I’ve reviewed is the KH80.

[@dananskidolf]

I have the KH150 and MA1 setup. If you're using them near field with a SPDIF source they're excellent and I don't know if you can do better for the money. If you're using XLR you get a tiny bit more noise. I'd not suggest them beyond recommended distance (2.5m/8ft) as the dispersion isn't as good as some of (maybe any of) the ones in this video. I also have a sub, so the KH120 II would probably have been fine for me. I'd be interested to hear Erin's take if he can get hold of them.

[@DearSX]

Nice! Thanks

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you!

[@Arthax83]

Erin, in a 430 sq ft livingroom, do you think a stand mount speaker (with sub) is enough or should I focus on floorstanders? 🤔

[@rosswarren436]

That's getting large. My living room is 13' x 25', so 325 sq ft. and I wonder if the Super Linton would scale well in it, with a subwoofer. Depending on the sound signature you are seeking you might be better served by floorstanders, such as the Polk R700, Q Acoustics 5050, Aura 4, or Monitor Audio Silver 500 7g, and even with them, you'd likely still need a subwoofer for that bottom octave. I'm afraid playing small speakers in such a large room will always make them sound "small".

[@Arthax83]

@rosswarren436 thank you! Im planning to audition Q Acoustics concept 50 and MA Silver series. Have you heard those brands/models?

[@rosswarren436]

@@Arthax83 sadly no. I live about an hour from lower Charlotte, NC where Audio Advice is. I need to get down there one day and listen to what speakers they have for demo. I think MA Silver series is one of them. My dream would be to have some Fyne Audio floorstanders but the ones I want are out of my price range.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

The only problem is that floorstanders aren't necessarily designed to go lower. Many of the ones I've reviewed get no lower than their bookshelf competition. Maybe a little bit, but certainly not much. In fact, I'd say the majority of them roll off around 40-50Hz and most bookshelf speakers are in the 50-60Hz region. The main benefit to a floorstanding speaker is the increased sensitivity and higher power handling/ lower distortion on the LF.

[@rags015]

Nice video! Will the Yamaha RN-800A/1000A, Rotel A12/A14 mk ii, etc. drive the KEF Q Concerto Meta to it’s full potential?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

They all have good power so you should be fine.

[@Shalmaneser1]

Would love to hear what you have to say about the Philharmonic BMR HT Tower

[@notstandingwithukraine9478]

Heco?? Aurora and Celan Revolution!

[@kenrutledge5543]

Would the SVS Micro 3000 be a good sub for R3 Meta or is it best to stick with KC62 or KC92?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’d get the KC92. Simply because it gets lower and louder.