King of the Cheap Speakers!? We'll Find Out Soon!

[@WildManDanWMD]

It's truly amazing how the sound is so obviously superior when listened through KZbin on my phone speaker.

[@theshootindutchman]

That was good.....😄

[@natenomm]

I was able to grab some JBL 630s for $350 on clearance and I've loved 'em ever since. JBL makes some primo speakers.

[@kevinbehnke7149]

I almost bought these but went all out for the JBL HDI 1600...no regrets!

[@thegoodlife3912]

Ya def better tweeter among other things. 4 ohms though, do you have power amps? How do they sound compared to the stages?

[@kevinbehnke7149]

@@thegoodlife3912 I use an Arcam SA20 Integrated Amp. 150 WPC @ 4 ohm. No worries

[@danmarjenka6361]

Interesting what Randy said about judging speakers according to the even tonality of voices in a movie. Very helpful.

[@stephenhall3515]

JBL's over wide range of products has had ups and downs. They should remember after whom they are named. I frequently disagree with CAM on electronics but when it comes to speakers he has the right ears and right methods of testing (which we do not see because he doesn't want to bore us). So when he is enthused I take notice, especially when it comes to established brands. He doesn't ever tell us to go for something but shares his experience and prejudices dead straight. Looking forward to the related episodes.

[@chrisgoyette1846]

Love JBL, Got a pair of JS 2050 from the early 90's they Rock! I really want the L100 Classic(saving up), but settled for the L52 Classic which are Awesome! Let me Tell the Peoples that Audio Advice is Freaking Awesome! I've purchased the L52's, Technics SL1200GR, The Matching Subwoofer L10cs and Project Tube Box S2 Phone Pre Over Past 2 1/2 years and they're Great, ships out Super Fast, Double Boxed and Great Customer Service!! First Tube Box showed up D.O.A. and a quick communication and video and a New 1 was immediately on its way, Plus I had A Stupid Me Problem, turns out just by them calling my attention to something Simple I missed, Bam Problem Solved! I Can Highly Recommend Audio Advice for Any of your Audio Needs! Oh and I paid Full $$ for everything, so I'm No Shill. Just someone who Really Appreciates a Great Co. with Great customer service. Great Video Randy. Keep it up. Peace from RI

[@WireHedd]

Ooooo.... Speaker shootout!! Awesome. Must include award figures monkey, skull and buddha. That'd make for a great throwback review. Truly looking forward to the system review as well. Thanks Randy.

[@KMFDM781]

I actually went to Best Buy Friday to get a pair of the KEF Q150s and saw these JBLs there. Definitely curious about them, but these KEFs are awesome so far and they were on clearance for $299

[@CinemaDemocratica]

How are the KEFs at low volumes? I was a KEF fanboy in the late-80s but the divorce was swift and acrimonious when I heard the first generation of the Uni-Q in about 1991 and I've never been seriously tempted to give them another try after that; it was that bad.

[@KMFDM781]

@@CinemaDemocratica My living room isn't that big and it's pretty quiet, so I generally listen at relatively low volume. I think they image really well, sound tight and accurate and are not fatiguing at all so far. They seen efficient and get loud easily. I'm a fan so far! I'm coming from a set of Jamo S803s, and those sound vague and like the sound stage is pressed up against glass, so I'm sure just about anything is an improvement. I plan on adding some sound deadener to the inside of the KEFs. They have a little ring to them when knocked on which I'm not a fan of.

[@CinemaDemocratica]

@@KMFDM781 Cool thank you!

[@billywindsock9597]

I have a pair of KEF Coda III’s. They get used for fun from time to time in my big boy and little system. Still love them. They still sound great with a stupid expensive front end!😀

[@PioneerDoom7114]

@@CinemaDemocratica my secondary system in my living room are the KEF Q150’s connected to the amazing little class D integrated Amp by RSL and Aiyima tube preamp. I must say these KEF speakers are awesome! They really love power and sound there best when cranked up. My living room is huge 17x27 with 23 foot ceilings open concept to the kitchen and they fill the entire house with great sound; sometimes I can’t believe what I am hearing and on top of it you can sit so far off axis and still hear all the detail, bass, mids, highs precisely due to that concentric design they have. Love the Q150’s

[@TarBabyJim]

You once did a video on the U-turn speakers. I bought them with the U-turn theroy turntable. I'm loving my little system. Thank you for the great advice.😊 I'm enjoying my records again thanks to you and U-turn.

[@vicbuzak4545]

Hey Randy! Just generally, in your living room setup, approximately how far apart do you have your test speakers and how far back are you sitting? I know toe-in is room/speaker dependent but I'm curious what your "standard" triangulation measurements are.

[@JR-ho5qm]

Anyone interested in this JBL don’t sleep on the CerwinVega! LA165 $265 and really really good! lots of competition out there but the Vega is punching well above its price point 🔈👍🏻

[@donaldbrown9976]

My brother has a pair of la 165s. Build is solid with quality parts. Why more reviewers fail to mention them eludes me. Great imaging, sound stage and separation. Very balanced sound.

[@JR-ho5qm]

@@donaldbrown9976 I agree the lack of of reviews on them is very strange. Seems to be a stigma. I’m sure Randy is sick of me asking him lol! Luckily Nemo is currently working on reviewing them. I’m looking forward to hearing his thoughts!

[@aammdj]

Randy, you seem to have missed and or ignored the Studio series by JBL. They were not expensive and the 500 series REALLY received many rave reviews over the last few years. They were the final speakers designed by Greg Timbers for JBL. They have moved on to the 600 series (also not super expensive) so perhaps you can take a look into that series and let us know what you think.

[@rianredfield5252]

Studios were superb for their "forever" closeout pricing that eventually included that entire line. 580s are my favorite and will always be included in rotation! JBL always has closeout pricing with patience.

[@ufarkingicehole]

He has covered them

[@joshblank1]

I can’t wait for the shootout. Emotiva vs ELAC vs JBL!! I own Emotiva B1+ with BassX A2 amp, and SMSL DAC. Love it for my office But need second set up for bedroom

[@NightFlight1973]

I've got a pair of XB2 up for sale on Canuck Audio Mart. They are really good performers, but just not to my taste.

[@onechain13]

I have the original Debut B6's baffles plugged...so gooooooooood

[@pilzpop]

Interested to hear what you think of these vs JBL 306P Mk2 and KEF Q150

[@ausboof]

Love ya work mate. Dali Oberon 5's with a Marantz SR015 I bought AUD$1k off when the Marantz cinema stuff came out!. I didn't cheap out on cables. I send this to you for a laugh, my centrepeace Amp, sits on a $25 Ikea table man, that looks cool and works! Keep rocking it and the tune tips are awesome, you got a playlist? Cheers from a dad with a mortgage on an island in Australia.

[@Schiada95]

I wonder how they compare to the JBL 530 I have a set of the 530s in the garage. They sound pretty good for a garage speaker. What do you think? Randy. ?

[@pancartegravier]

Hi ! Good vid thanks ! To you, should I but the wharfdedale Diamond 12.2 for 290€ or the ELAC uni-fi UB5.2 for 340€ ?

[@oskarkacin4104]

What about the 240b? Looks like great value for 300$/370€ and is the same price as the elac debut 3.0 db53, just with a 4.5 inch instead of 5.5 inch woofer.

[@gfy4476]

How would these speakers compare sonically to the elac debut b6?

[@CinemaDemocratica]

Randy needs to review the PSB Alpha T20 floor-stander ($650). I bagged a pair on a whim in Bangkok about a month ago and they took a *LOT* of patience to get set up right in my way too small poured concrete room, but now they sound terrific. An absolutely insane value. Especially good through the crossover -- which is something I never expected to notice in a speaker before.

[@thomaswhitestone8807]

Do you burn in your new speakers? Most take at least ten hours and probably a lot more to settle in to the final sound.

[@TheBinaryWolf]

That Tannoy is excluded seriously limits the scope of the evaluation. For me, clarity and "punch" at low volume is a reliable indicator of quality.

[@HareDeLune]

So many ported speakers these days. I always preferred acoustic suspension. Guess that makes me 'old'.

[@scottnewton9046]

I must me older. I loved the 1960’s JBL Lancer series with passive radiators. Same with 1980’s Polks. I like all my bass coming out the front.

[@timbacchus]

At my 75 years old age. I want more and more treble in my speakers. Need to understand voice better. This speaker looks like the tweeter is larger than others.

[@TarBabyJim]

I'm 70 and I understand what your saying. I just bought the U-turn speakers and they do the job for me. They are powered speakers I bought with the U-turn theroy turntable. My great little system was about 1,500.00. I love it!

[@D1N02]

You need Tone controls, not a bigger tweeter.

[@meutubedou]

I have 70yr. old ears and my Quad s2, KEF ls50 or Bowers & Wilkins 705 s3’s all have Crystal clear vocals👍 If anyone can hear every word that Robert Allen Zimmerman a.k.a. Bob Dylan sings then you KNOW the speaker you’re listening too is the one to keep👍🤣 You may want to try a new Amplifier or DAC to get better audio too.. I also use a Unico Primo and Arcam A25.. Both give you stellar vocals with very clear syllables.. Best2You..

[@eddieruddock7014]

Mate, you need tone controls or a good EQ

[@timbacchus]

@@eddieruddock7014 got the best just need the best tweeters.

[@m.jal-abadi3013]

Hi, can you answer my question please🙏🏼 My system (active speakers & tablet (for Spotify) . If I add "streamer" like wiim or B.S nod can I get better sound quality?

[@DeniceAnderson-o9u]

Would these work well with the Wiim Amp? I really like this new Stage series, but their MA receivers are more than I really need, and more than I want to spend. I just want to set up a little 2.1 system.

[@JoeOrber]

I have mixed feelings... The looks of the Stage A130s are still my favorites because for some reason I have a soft spot for white-cone woofers; on the other hand, I do prefer a set of speakers that produces a beefier sound, and the waveguide of the new tweeter design looks awesome! If only they came with white-cone woofers lol... Fantastic review as always, thank you for sharing your thoughts, keep up the fantastic work! 😍... P.S. Another Harry's segment in this video would have been the cherry on top 😂 OMG Was I the 1k like???

[@Suaveone1]

JBL studio 530 loved them had 20 pairs over 50 years up to $20,000 studio was my favourite

[@abxaudiophiles]

How can anyone not love some JBL. ❤🎉😊 Well done Randy!! Coffee on the ABX crew today! 😊😊😊😊

[@a.j9645]

Where are all the "Randy is not the Cheap audio man anymore guys" now?😁🇸🇪

[@CinemaDemocratica]

They had to take a second shift to pay off their Advance Paris integrated amplifiers that they bought because the VU meters on the front look so cool. So they won't be with us for the next couple of decades.

[@BrianMarko-l2k]

I have always liked jbl and I'm just braking in my latest pair of speakers I've had them 2 weeks so still time to send them back so I want your honest opinion I've got the mission QX2 mark ii so cheap audio man am I better off sticking with the mission or go for the jbl and anyone in the comments feel free to give me any advice

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

I like jbl I still have a pair of studio 590’s And a pair of north ridge 25’s . They aren’t being used right now because I swap out for new stuff a lot . I have a spare bedroom full of gear and speakers I don’t use but won’t sell or throw away either … My wife hates it but it’s my thing…. Speaker/gear horder….😂😂😂

[@meutubedou]

Same here.. Spare room, cellar, garage & attic🤣🤣 Got 18 pairs of speakers on hand just in case🤣And 14 Amplifiers from 70’s to now.. Being a gear head hoarder is a real thing .. And what I gave away or sold over 60yrs. would barely fit on a flatbed truck🤣 Best2You.. Enjoy The Music❤️

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

@@meutubedou 😂😂 awesome!!! My wife has even threatened to have my unused gear thrown out when I’m not home….. so I threatened to empty her jewelry box and cashing it in to buy new gear!😂😂😂 It’s a Mexican standoff! 😂😂😂 Right on brother! Nice to hear from someone with the same issue lol 🍻🍻🍻🍻

[@meutubedou]

@@Audiodreamer192-24 , 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Love it…

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

@@meutubedou 😂😂🤣🤣👍💯🫶

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

@@meutubedou 👍💯🫶😂

[@stevezeidman7224]

Cool looking speakers. If and when they go on sale, they could be a great pick up.

[@robertkensler2156]

I have the Ralwooka 920`s..........oh my they sound superb!!

[@MyFatherLoves]

And now Kef has the meta tech in their Q-Series speakers.... what a great time we live in.

[@Subboxstoker]

$400 on the jbl 5.25 is it better then the polk es20 also $400?

[@awwboo88]

A speaker shootout this gunna be interesting it's gunna give some nostalgia i bought the stage A130 from a shootout vid

[@samwasthebest6633]

I always wonder how what I hear on my iPad speakers compared to what you are recording, since I’m 76 years old, think I’ll stick to my JBL 166’s and my JBL 100’s.

[@robinsonmac]

The Polk budget line got replaced with the JBL @ Best Buy

[@m4nc1n1]

Have you been able to see the Aiyima Speakers yet? Mine was delivered today. Aiyima S400.

[@MICAMOTEESTABIENGRANDE]

i just went with some RIOWOIS the model with glass fiber driver... i thought i was wasting my time... but it ended up replacing my DIY speakerss with Hivi drivers and planar tweeter

[@EricWebSurfer]

Nice review and very helpful to compare it to the predecessor, which I’m familiar with. I have to disagree with looks. especially with the grills off, and in general, I think the A130 looks a lot better with the front baffle with nicely rounded edges. The goofy front baffle on the new one that sticks out wider than the rest of the speaker looks terrible. I can’t imagine why they chose to do that.

[@sambarone981]

A speaker shoot-out !?! Yes, please. 🙂

[@bpalpha]

Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 for the win. I'd be interested in hearing those new Elacs in a big way though. Also, I passed on a Sunfire subwoofer at the thrift store and I'm a little pissed I didn't it up as I always wanted a piece from Bob Carver or Sunfire. I have two Velodyne subs already anyhow, which is why I didn't purchase the Sunfire.

[@scotwells7573]

The link doesn’t go anywhere.

[@noahb6332]

I unfortunately work for Best Buy, this new JBL line replaced the Polk Monitor display

[@yarg2015]

Are you going to review the JBL Pro 306P MKII 6-inch?

[@tracyherbert2978]

Can you review the Cerwin Vega LA165 speakers?

[@radspeed113]

For the best buy stores, It seems that in some of the bigger locations have had these replace the Polk monitor series on display, where they are on display, and stores that don't have them on display they 100% replaced the polks. Source: I work there

[@mikehimes4833]

I don’t know I’m still impressed beyond belief with the cs5’s matched with the supercube 2 which has an onboard high pass

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Maybe include some speakers from the new q series from kef? Plus it would be great if you could review the new speakers from Moondrop. Some reviewers that listened to them speak wonders.

[@jacquesduplessis6175]

I'm glad we have another option for cheap speakers, and I don't mind JBL at all. But am I the only one who thinks the wave guide on the tweeter is too big comapred to the woofer. Just looks odd to me🙈

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

Cerwin-Vega LA165 for $270 best budget speakers. Absolutely fantastic.

[@JR-ho5qm]

I totally agree! Randy is really missing out on this speaker. Did you see Nemo is going to be doing a review on the LA 165? 🔈👍🏻

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

@JR-ho5qm I Don't follow Nemo. But I checked it out. Should be soon. The comments lead to believe he's really impressed.....the cerwin-vega LA165 compete sonically IMO with any bookshelf speaker under $1k

[@JR-ho5qm]

@@StrangeBrewReviews Nemos reviews are pretty good. His comparisons he makes are very helpful. I like his get to the point style.

[@gabmano4877]

I got the A130s paired with a wiim amp, good combo.

[@myronhelton4441]

To me. its throwing money away for a $600 speaker, when one could spend a little more for good speakers. So many speakers out there is too confusing to understand. These OLDER brand name speakers are much better for their money than these new brand names arent as good.

[@EddieVillamor]

@@myronhelton4441 in my experience, the convenience you get in newer models can be well worth it over the set up required to update old speakers. Like sure you can get a wireless streamer + dac + speaker combo for much cheaper than an all in one, but I'm not about to set that up for every non audio person I know lol. Like I'd have to look into their house and understand what best fits their house, there's better things to do with time lol

[@tracyagnew100]

I like to compare the sound of these speakers to the Yamaha NS 333.

[@antftwx]

When I first subbed to this channel "ultra affordable" meant I could afford them with one paycheck instead of three lol

[@ivandmitruk1152]

JBL has an absolutely outstanding dmnami 630. I'm not sure that the stage 2 can beat it in terms of sound quality.

[@ENGBriseB]

I would have gone for the Wharfedale Dimiond 12.1 12.2 for the money. : )

[@RoHo.3]

Saw these at Best Buy. In white. The display on the floor was pretty sad. No room to listen to them, all stacked on top of one another and the finish in white was pretty cheap looking under the harsh store lights. Candidly they looked like something you’d find at Home Goods. Was quite bummed asHBL has always held a sweet spot in my heart as the first speakers I owned.

[@johnplainsong9769]

Please review the JBL MA310! Thank you.

[@kevinbrooks5822]

Thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

Thank you!!!!

[@faranar]

For us Europeans here, how do these compare to the Q Acoustics 3030i and the Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.1?

[@Nel33147]

Both of yours , especially the Wharfedale are much better. Jbl’s are way too bright and the midrange is muddied. JBL makes great speakers , but you need to spend at least $2,400 .

[@s.daniel9224]

The 3030i’s are impressive. No matter where I put them or what amplifier, they’re just always good.

[@elmenomaronido6653]

at my local best buy they took away the polk’s XT line for the new Jbl’s

[@davidmorgen4558]

Yes finaly some JblsSpeakers to up against the Diy Guys,Well maybe?.......Who makes the jbl receiver Harman kardon?

[@Jason-mk3nn]

Smaller drivers, cheaper build, jump in price. Raising the price does not simply make a speaker more valuable.

[@yourpcmd]

I tell ya, the music choice makes me sing Hong Kong Phooey for some odd reason.

[@Harald-MacGerhard]

Can I grab a beer watching your video instead of a cup of coffee? 🤩

[@iamstevengarza]

I heard the new line at Best Buy. Not impressed.

[@SnapperX3]

shoot out. brought to you by sith audio.

[@bobakfakhraee3457]

I personally think the undersized woofer and ridiculous overdone tweeter waveguide is really ugly. Immediately puts me off. Interested to know your thoughts on the AVRs

[@cl3344]

At my store the polk audio got removed

[@ian.M440]

Great review Just sub to your channel

[@HeavyBeats24]

Polks got kicked off the floor at my Best Buy.

[@col1068]

same.. which sucks because I really wanted to hear the xt70s. these jbls soundes muffled to my ears.

[@HeavyBeats24]

@@col1068 I have the Polk t50. I love them.

[@voidctrl836]

calling $500 speakers "cheap" perfectly and succinctly highlights how out of touch this channel has gotten better than I ever could

[@donjaun540]

Would you say that JBL sounds better than anything you've heard for under say a thousand dollars ❓

[@L0st-n0found]

Wonder how these compare to Polk r200 which have gone on 50% 0ff sale in past and presume will again. People who care about "cheap" should always look at sales not msrp The r200 have been half price meaning they are same price and thus a MUCH better value

[@ufarkingicehole]

Go with the polks unless you are using this 100% for Hone Theater

[@L0st-n0found]

@@ufarkingicehole just a comment have r700s and lsim703s the 200s are too small for me. Just observing when you compare speakers if you can get brand new from mfg or authorized, a speaker (r200, ) that normally sells for twice the price and compares to ones 2-3 times it's more expensive retail price then there there is no chance the "cheap" (speaker here) speaker is a king of cheap.

[@L0st-n0found]

@@ufarkingicehole my reply with nothing Ai would have flagged dissappeared... So again my point is the Polk just as example has gone on sale for the price of theses speakers. That makes the comparison to these based on price and as these are decent at a little more than this price and the Polk are decent up to a couple or more times their MSRP... They would be the budget kings compared to these

[@DEFKNIGHT]

Master of Puppets IS without a doubt the very Greatest Metal Album of All TIME. 🐐. If you disagree then you seriously don't know Metal very well. I'd give some leeway if you said Rust in Peace from Megadeth or South of Heaven from Slayer or maybe even Blackwater Park by Opeth.... Maybe even From Sirius to Mars by Gojira. Nahhhh MOP Goat status period.

[@MohsinWadee]

I've read a comprehensive review of one of the new receivers - they sound great but they're awful to setup. JBL messed up.

[@Space-O-2001]

I bought some JBL Stage A130 after watching your videos, went to get a second pair for a surround set up and they were like £500.....god knows why they're not even that great (other than value for money)

[@MarkHiFi_Guy]

The Sony SSCS5 is still a better bargain for the price than these JBL

[@nathanclaspell6003]

I really enjoy the sound of the Sonys. However, I've been searching for a feasible upgrade.

[@nathanclaspell6003]

​@@patfrederick7327As much as I enjoy my current setup, there is definitely room for improvement. The sscs5 speakers would make for awesome side surrounds.

[@donpettit7107]

Gave my son the choice between the two…and he chose the Sony’s

[@denis4072]

Agreed. Not only Sony is cheaper but it sound much better too.

[@zardoz2627]

"destroy"

[@MohsinWadee]

5/5? Nah

[@MixtressB]

hi Randy! I know you identify as a Cheap Audio Man. Maybe include the pronouns frugal/sith in your bio to reduce any confusion others may have 🤷‍♀️

[@purrito4424]

"A JBL Receiver." No. Just no. Stay in your lane, JBL.

[@Ludek-Internetowy]

😂

[@rickyblair2375]

Junk But Load

[@Tendervittle]

I bet it sounds better than speakers that cost over $10,000 - you turned into a cheap car salesman 🤢🤮

[@hawkeyed77]

Made in China ?