Midrange Magic on a Budget: Vanguard Scout Bookshelf Speaker Review

[@adsph]

Nice to see a good value loudspeaker.

[@stereofanoregon6481]

Thanks for watching.

[@stereofanoregon6481]

I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for watching!

[@alexw890]

Where are these made? As a speaker builder I have no idea how there is any margin left here. 3/4” cabinet and real veneer with a chamfer, decent drivers etc. Great value. I’d love to see some measurements as you say.

[@stereofanoregon6481]

I’m currently on vacation so I can’t confirm, but I imagine PRC or Vietnam. Thanks for watching!

[@geoffreydebrito7934]

Perhaps an owner or even this reviewer will send in the speakers to Danny @ G.R. Research for evaluations of upgrades and measurements. I'd love to see reviewers collaborate rather than strictly compete for our attention.

[@stereofanoregon6481]

@@geoffreydebrito7934, I'm sure somebody will do so. Thanks for watching!

[@nc3419]

Good value if they compete with many of the other offerings in the budget category. I have Triangle Zetas that do alot right with a titanium tweeter and paper woofer. A bit laid back but detailed and decently resolving but upscale speakers offer more resolution and note weight. Still. I have compared more expensive speakers while still preferring the Zetas. Using Dali Opticon 1s MK1 now but still have the Zetas. Can switch between the two but seem to prefer the Dali especially for movie soundtracks and most music. The Zetas give a bit different presentation, the Dali more resolution and note weight. But, I would not buy at the retail price of the new Opticon MK2 as the price is pretty high. So, if these do what I think they can do, it's a good budget option. The next step up could be something much higher in price which someone could choose to pursue or not. These need power though. My speakers are definitely more sensitive to input watts. But a good 50 watt can still drive to moderate SPLs and add a decent sub for fillin bass and away you go. How do these do with instrument separation and stage depth?

[@stereofanoregon6481]

I'm a fan of Triangle and would love to get in a pair of bookshelves for review. I regret not buy the Antal EZ mini-towers after reviewing them for TONEAudio years ago. Thanks for watching

[@RanTausi]

Hi, Interesting speakers. I did not found any mention of their cabinet size, nor at the manuals.

[@stereofanoregon6481]

I had to edit it out as the neighbor's dog started barking. 12h x 6.5w x 10d. Thanks for watching!

[@RanTausi]

@@stereofanoregon6481 Thanks, that its why I prefer cats over dogs. 😊

[@geoffreydebrito7934]

Hi, i just discovered your channel, thanks for a fine review. I suspect that the Kanto SUB8 Compact Sealed Powered Subwoofer @ $269.00 would be a fine match for the Scouts. While the price point of the WiiM Amp is an obvious matchup, I don't think it would do justice soundwise to the Scout's midrange fidelity. Clearly, they're a speaker designed by an audiophile. Assuming the Vanguard/Kanto combo, finding an amplifier with matching qualities in the $550-$600 price range would be a bit of a challenge. I'd bet that my Keces e40 Integrated Amp would easily fit the bill. I got mine on sale from the distributor for $550. Lots of compatible choices in sources would round out a nice little system.

[@stereofanoregon6481]

I agree, the Scouts are my main rig rotation. The WiiM Amp is my family room HT and casual lifestyle amp. As for subs and matching amps, with a bit of patience, anyone could find a solid match. Thanks for watching!

[@nc3419]

Keces E40 seriously under rated for its SQ. Prefer that over Rega Brio/IO too. I have two myself and drives most everything fine. Difficult loads that fall well under 4 ohms really heat it up but 4 ohms on up fine. Does well with my Dali Opticon 1 among other speakers I have had. First one over 3 years constant play and no issues other than the blue LEDs dim over time.

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

I'm very happy with my E-40. I suspect Keces focus upon clean robust power supplies is a majors factor in its performance. I have mine matched up with some Neat Acoustics Motive SX3 bookshelves and a Totem Acoustics Kin Sub8 subwoofer. Very musical combo. ​@@nc3419

[@vaishnav555]

What's your opinion on using these as home studio monitors? Can they be used by amateurs for that purpose?

[@stereofanoregon6481]

Honestly, you'll want a bigger woofer and cabinet. I know Yamaha made a model that was quite popular for studio usage. Find an online forum group and pick their brains. Thanks for watching!

[@vaishnav555]

@@stereofanoregon6481 thanks. Ended up buying a pair of Gennies. And so glad I did!

[@EARLandPEARL-c3i]

I can listen to my KEF150's all day long...they are not fatiguing at all....I like the scout but not a reason to replace my KEF's with them

[@stereofanoregon6481]

If your happy, that’s all that matters.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Informative video! You have a new subscriber 😊

[@stereofanoregon6481]

I appreciate your comment and subscription!

[@EARLandPEARL-c3i]

The imaging on these is average

[@stereofanoregon6481]

Remember, room and positioning affect imaging and soundstage. Your milage may vary. Thanks for watching!