Mind Blown! Cheap 3 Way Speakers that Don't Suck! Moukey M20-3 Review

Moukey 3 Way Speaker amzn.to/3uF3c8I
Aiyima T8 amzn.to/3qKVicR
Aiyima A07 amzn.to/3wIR7Sx
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Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
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Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
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Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
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Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
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[@cheapaudioman]

Moukey 3 Way Speaker amzn.to/3uF3c8I --Aiyima T8 amzn.to/3qKVicR ----Aiyima A07 amzn.to/3wIR7Sx -----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 ------Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 --------www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman

[@pvtghost24]

Can you do Orb Audio? I sent an email your way with additional details.

[@mikepeace537]

I believe you answered my questions from your previous vid without answering it all. The rubber surrounds are cracking on my BP20s so it’s time to retire them. This system you’re showing today is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thanks again for another informative fun video! ROCK ON!

[@cheapaudioman]

No problem 👍

[@JohnScheppler]

Thank You Salazar for sponsorship and bringing us these budget friendly gems. Randy, I liked the Good vs Bad review in a Rey Mysterro vs Chris Jericho style.

[@cheapaudioman]

nailed it, John

[@mattbatt0]

I love how I keep watching theses reviews from a few months ago and the price has jumped up 33%. You sir drive the market.

[@michaelowens944]

I did buy a pair of these for my desk. I am happy with it. Sounds good for the money they are no longer avilable.

[@mbk337]

Just grabbed these for my desk along with the A07 during Prime Day. Thanks Randy!

[@odwatchguy]

Nice review Randy. I like playing with the sub $100 dollar speakers, easy to switch out and smaller for storing away. That stack with the Aiyima a300 and the Geshelli j2 and throw in that Douk with VU meters sounds like the perfect desktop setup.

[@alanserrano2411]

Can't wait to get these delivered and try them out!

[@crisjr6478]

I bought my little brother the 2 way version of these for 60$ they are excellent. I was impressed. He loves them.

[@MountainBikeAdventures]

Thanks for the review! I replaced the crossover components with a higher grade set of components. Needless to say they sound a lot better. ❤

[@bfish9700]

I actually ended up buying these for my desktop set up, was rewatching your video of the moukey m-20-1 and realized I had actually bought these.

[@richbabe7926]

Great review Randy as always!

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks!

[@gregsz1ful]

This channel takes me back to the 90s and the Good Sound For Cheap FAQ. GSFC Faq.

[@spamcan9208]

I really like that you use songs in your examples. My only suggestion would be to list them in the description so it's easier for viewers to add them to their play queue. It's a bit cumbersome to pause the video and either write a note or add it in my music player. That being said, I really enjoy your simple, to the point, and easy to understand videos. Zeos will rant for like 45 minutes lol. Which is fine in small doses but I come here much more often.

[@RCB2244]

Appreciate the review, as always. I own 2 of the Moukey MCS1 Center speakers. Use them vertically as front R&L, or buy 3 as LCR. You need to review those! Picked them up on Amazon when they were $64.99 each around the end of Feb, 2022. Figured I couldn't lose for that price...or Amazon would get them back! Well I quickly found out they are keepers. They're 2-way with slightly different design, cabinet tapered to the back, & have a nice deep wave guide. Sound best vertical, IMO. And off-axis will be better vertical, as with most centers. Similar to what you were saying, soundstage and imaging is very impressive. Towed in to opposite shoulder or slightly further. It's just as good as much more expensive speakers I have. Slightly forward mid-range is great for acoustic music. I have a lot of different speakers that I swap out and move around on a regular basis between several systems/rooms in my house. So I just thought I'd try them. Anyone thinking about it should not hesitate to give them a try. You won't regret it. Yes, only 4 ohm, & 83 db, take banana plugs as well. Wood grain vinyl finish ain't bad for the price. Two 5.25's pump out some impressive bass when you bump it up just a bit on EQ. And that was actually in a large room. Great w/sub too, of course. Yes there are better speakers, but you know for the price, they ain't bad. Btw, Randy, I have the same T8 and I love it👍

[@nickbowes2627]

Fantastic, awsome, i was liited to a certain size cabinet with front porting, i have watched many of your reviwes and was torn between a couple of others and these........ Thank you for your video they are fantastic 79 pounds sterling, awsome channel, thank you.

[@anthonyschumacher9925]

I have these. He's right. They are amazing for the size and price. Excellent buy.

[@robertprotean6088]

Thank you for honoring my request!

[@josexavierjr.5633]

You finally got them!! I love mine with my Parasound amps; they do scale up nicely. Very surprising speaker........................

[@canjo7301]

You have the best audio comedy channel on You Tube!

[@louise_8546]

Funnily enough the (active) MA20-1 are on offer on Amazon UK right now and I just sent that review of yours to a friend of mine yesterday. You seem a bit more enthusiastic about these, you said you didn't like the powered Moukey speakers you reviewed. Love your wry humour and your content is enjoyable (I'm a recent-ish new subscriber).

[@JeffHeon]

They look quite nice too!

[@LookSee]

Moukey business, you had me at "roses and gravy." Atta-way Mr. cheapaudioman! Money can't buy you love, but small coin can "fill your soul with happiness."

[@cheapaudioman]

thanks!

[@CathMartin-wn4gq]

These are decent most certainly, yeah when you push them a bit maybe not great, but been wanting a 3-way for a while so for cheap, I'm happy. Fleetwood Mac sounds so good through them for instance, Chirstine's vocals on "warm ways" is just superb. They are not even broken in yet so...

[@Crustycon23]

I got me some of these and they ain’t too shabby

[@RdandTrk1]

Thanks for the content!

[@cheapaudioman]

Welcome!

[@mechanicalslrlounge5138]

So glad to see Salazaar's is still doing well

[@kvartzz]

The first pair of speakers i ever bought, and they are amazing, im still use them in bedroom with Sony STR190

[@cheapaudioman]

Nice. that's cool you still have them

[@mwb7121]

Thanks for the info! I’m sitting here thinking of trying these with the Aiyima T9 as a small-ish TV sound bar replacement/ Bluetooth music system. Looking at reviews, I’d prefer the Neumi BS5’s, but no telling when they’ll be available again. And these Moukeys are currently $79 on Amazon… so maybe worth a try.

[@Manu-yv1jt]

Love your channel Randy, you deserve more followers! Keep up the good work! Can you please review the Aiyima A05? I bought this and I freaking love the sound of this one! The A07 and and A08 are not even close to the Sound of the A05 (testet both), I think the A05 is a real steal in ponint of sound! Pare it with the elac debut 5.2 and you get a freaking nice system!

[@cheapaudioman]

I’ll check it out

[@Manu-yv1jt]

​@@cheapaudioman great! Turn the base and the treble about 20 degrees to the right (I know but it sound´s best). I sold my Denon PMA 600 NE for the Aiyima, so much better is the sound!

[@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP519]

Man i've been having a real shitty morning and as soon as you popped in with the wrestling mask i started laughing. Thank you, Sith Audio CEO

[@cheapaudioman]

Any time

[@valeck251]

Should get a hold of some Paradigm shift powered bookshelf, I'm sure you'll fall in love with them.

[@johnstovall4138]

I've been watching you for over a year now, I'm a noobie lo-fi guy, just trying for reasonable system since my soundbars sucked. I purchased the Moukey 2 way speakers as per your review, along with the Mamp1 amp in a pkg. deal, along with a $15 Prozor dac (I'm using TV for the source). I was impressed wih the difference from said soundbars, but I noticed it was sloppy & muddy sounding, therefore I bought the Aiyima A07 amp & a cheap dac for volume control w/remote. Still wasn't getting desired clarity, so I bought a (newer) Modi3e dac with the new chip set ESS vs AKM (which I would like your opinion on any differences you notice), after a months wait I received it & WOW huge improvement so I bought some speaker stands to optimize my listening along with a 10 inch sub PSW & hooked it up per your you can hook up any sub vid. SO ? is, in your opinion will the 3 way Moukey improve my listening pleasure in my small bdrm, sorry for being so long winded, seems as if I know you...lol

[@monkeek]

I read "prozac dac"

[@SteveApache125]

I've bought these after watching this review. I had a pair of Warfedale diamond 10.1s and was disappointed with the midrange and vocals. The Moukeys are EXCELLENT in the midrange and vocals and my Warfedales are no longer being used. I've wrapped the Moukeys in wallnut vinyl and they now look great too. I absolutely love the Moukeys and I'm considering buying a second pair incase these ones ever break.

[@Gamefreak2998]

On amazon at least they changed the design to use non plated push springs to connect the cables. Important to consider when buying.

[@tomkershaw4384]

My first pair of bookshelf speakers were the Realistic Minimus 2's that I bought in 1970. They were a two-way speaker and I think I paid $75. for the pair. Of course the cabinets were real wood and I thought they sounded pretty good with a 15 watt Allied receiver. I'm guessing these Moukey 3-ways sound a whole lot better. On your recommendation I'm going to pick up a pair just to find out. Thanks Randy!😁

[@tomkershaw4384]

@Douglas Blake Awesome Doug. I hope the wood veneer still looks good !

[@OrdinaryKoopa]

How do these compare to the Sony SSCS5s? By the way, awesome videos... subscribed and look forward to any new material.

[@cheapaudioman]

I think the Sony's are much better and when they go on sale for $80 I'd definitely recommend them over these

[@T_Burd_75]

It appears, according to the labels on the backs of the speakers, that these were designed for surround speakers in a surround sound setup.

[@mysterypc9896]

What about using them for a small TV viewing set up? Would these be an OK option for movie settings instead of a TV soundbar or even TV speakers?

[@CocaColaZeroZuckerAllCrapAreBe]

This brand are good. I Have a Class-D Amplifier from Moukey! (The little Moukey MAMP4) this Amplifire are powerful!

[@oldgary57]

This speaker is best paired with a amp using the TPA3116 chip. Try a Fosi audio BT 10A for a very nice desktop setup.

[@excxflyr]

Salazar, my favorite gear.

[@toddwalker4301]

Damn...that mask is you! Another great review on a speaker I had noticed online as well. I'm so glad to see this before I decided to purchase them. I do like their looks and I may purchase them for the computer.

[@MadScientistsLair]

So I run an electronics repair shop and I have accumulated a rather large number of small AVRs. Most of these were bought for next to nothing with minor issues or customer abandoned units that I only fix when I get bored (they're non-economical to fix unless I'm bored. Few pony up $60/hr for a 90s AVR!). The problem is, the most likely customers for my lovingly serviced AVRs tend to be looking for a more complete package, so I started grabbing cheap bookshelfs off of Amazon to pair up with these small AVRs. Of course, I need to ensure to stock stuff that will actually sell so I decided to do a subjective shootout to see which pairings might sell best. Let's talk about our contenders. We did a pretty unscientific "semi blind" subjective test with two volunteers that were told to switch between speakers using their music but were not told specs or cost. These people did not have prior experience with the speakers. Objective testing with the Dayton OmniMic is on hold until I find my mic stand. (I think it's still in storage) The Micca MB42X failed to impress all of us straight away with a thin sound and a "something is wrong but I'm not sure what" in the vocals. It doesn't have enough bass to stand on its own and lacks vocal clarity at low volume thanks to a nasty trough in the response right through the whole mid range. (Thanks to Erin's Audio Corner for the measurements!) With that said, it is subjectively pretty good when cranked up with a subwoofer and it likes playing loud. We'll keep these and pair them with a powered sub for space constrained party animals. The Elac BS41 is fine but has issues with mechanical power handling. Dynamics start falling apart even when cranked up on some of my little 25W/ch receivers if there is any bass. They're fine with pop and rock...not so much with our selection of synthwave and trance. They kinda just went into a corner and cried when we asked it to play Peturbator's Death of Soul for example. Some may find them to be a bit lacking in the highs but overall, they're a very easy to listen to speaker for those with less of a need to rock hard. I suspect the port tuning is aggressively low and this is probably why it doesn't like power when abundant bass is present. Use a high pass filter on your AVR at 80Hz with a sub and the picture will change *dramatically*. Then we get to the Moukey! There's a little less sparkle and air in the upper end (expected given the stated FR) and the overall build quality leaves a bit to be desired over the others, BUT...you'll forget all of that because there's usable bass response sans subwoofer and voices just straight up sound better than the Micca. Additionally, they don't mind a bit of power. We're kinda floored given that this is the cheapest speaker of the bunch and the build quality is quite frankly pretty "how ya doin'?'". The crossover is a very simple first order affair without a low pass on the woofer or midrange. There appears to be PTC overload protection on the tweeter and there are a couple of resistors for level matching on the PCB as well but that's all you get. The midrange cap is electrolytic, the tweeter has a metallized poly. We think this is an acceptable compromise and honestly, I'm kinda surprised they splurged there. We also got a Kanto Yu Passive 5.25 for half off on an open box deal. These handily best all the above speakers but at $200 new, they had better! In comparison to the Moukey, the Kanto Yu Passive 5.25 is superior in all regards, especially with treble and vocal clarity but it wasn't quite the complete washout I expected. The Moukey is a hell of a bargain!

[@stonedtroutbum3709]

Used an emotiva pt1, A2, geshelli j2, powered sub.... these sounded fantastic. So surprised.

[@milkhouse01ja]

What would be a good setup for a garage?

[@ryansherer5435]

I have these hanging in my 2 car garage with the A07 Pro and I am pleasantly surprised. Are there better speakers maybe. But I don't listen to them much louder than 45db

[@timothyquinn4870]

Even with your goofiness, You still have great credibility. Keepup the good work. Love your channel!

[@cheapaudioman]

I'd hope so. Reviews don't have to be boring. this is about entertainment too.

[@EsotericArctos]

Do the red and black inserts remove to expose proper banana jacks, or are the fixed in place? I have seen some of that style connector where the inserts are removable.

[@markcechman6418]

What are your thoughts on adding a 10 inch subwoofer to these speakers?

[@gregsz1ful]

As an observer, the first thing I would do is measure DC resistance out of curiosity. Second thing listen, third thing listen and measure pink noise spectrum. Later observe weight and knuckle test. Shake. Later might peak inside. TNX for video.

[@apmihai82]

Interesting, on the Amazon Uk site, they are listed as 86dB 6ohm. There are some customer pics in reviews confirming it.

[@eddierobinson6503]

Okay, I must admit. $75! You have my attention sir! I watched this and IMMEDIATELY ordered a pair. lol I am going to use them a little bit differently than you might expect. I’m going to try them as height speakers in an atmos system. Currently I’m running a Marantz SR6011 with Klipsch KG4’s for the mains, JBL 4311’s for the rear surrounds, two 12” paradigms for subs and a pair of mini advents for the height speakers. It’s all in the basement and the area is large. But the height speakers will be up in the rafters. Oh, I have a paradigm center. I don’t usually listen to this setup very loud when in home theater mode. I just want it sound clear and… good. When I want it stupid loud, I change what the Marantz is outputting to. Because it can do that. I rock out to the Klipsch and JBL’s running off of the receiver’s amp. And THEN I have a Pioneer GR-777 running into a Crown XLS 1502 running into some JBL PRX 425’s. It’s just running off of the front-main pre out of the Marantz. My height speakers sound tinny and shouty most of the time. For $75, how can I NOT see how these guys do! And they have the brackets! Literally just ordered them and already feel like WINNING! lol

[@cheapaudioman]

Nice. Well hopefully it’s a good pairing with your receiver. But you could always eq them a bit if they don’t jive with your receiver

[@andrewbrazier9664]

i think it's great that in these economically challenged times that music lovers can buy new affordable.credible hi fi without requiring an oligarchs bank account 👍

[@Povell81]

How did these do as Atmos speakers for you? I am looking at these as an affordable option for adding Atmos. I am currently using all Klipsch speakers and wonder id they will match well.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

This is a cute little speaker. You can hear all 3 ranges clearly and the response is pretty uniform. The only problem...they sound like little speakers

[@techandgrant5886]

I had a pretty different opinion on these speakers when I had them. The first set I got had what looked like vinyl wrap moving around in the speaker and were pretty beat up when I got them. So I returned them, and the next set I got I thought sounded pretty bad overall. I found it lacking all around, and couldn't even tell there was a crossover in them as it felt to me all the sound just crashed together. I've gotta agree that the bass driver is very limited. I've got more thoughts and a video of the vinyl inside the first set on my channel. Even though I don't agree with your sentiments, the review was great! I just wouldn't put these anywhere in my home except as a garage set.

[@dimachesebastian6407]

It would be intersting a top 5 cheap speakers that sound fantastic in low volume

[@moniack]

I'd be very interested in how you set up your speakers in the different rooms you listen in. I've been starting to play around with speaker placement, and need to spend more time trying different things.

[@manchesterexplorer8519]

The best placement is to place them to your left and right side of your sitting area . Works like headphones but better . You get true left/right stereo separation and at even low volumes your speakers will sound good . My powered sub was placed jn the middle wall about 8 feet in front of me . I used to have my room set up this way until my wife decided to be a nanny of a 2 year old . So now they are forward facing like everyone else so the child doesn't knock them over lol.

[@cheapaudioman]

sure thing. I'd need to clean the house so that may be the biggest thing that delays that project

[@chinmeysway]

Look into speaker placement for mixing. This involves the equilateral triangle, listening position being at about 38% of room’s distance from front wall, and height of tweeters lining up with ear height. This is half of it; other half is treating the room at first reflection points, if not 20% of room’s total volume yaaaay!

[@moniack]

@@chinmeysway my room is what it is - a corner of the basement. I started experimenting with near field placement which is making things a lot more interesting. There is a lot more depth and it's wider. Still more to do, but it's free to play around. Just put some tape on the floor and move them again.

[@hanzen5174]

@@cheapaudioman get sponsored by a home cleaning service

[@gman917]

I GOT MY PAIR FOR 69 BEFORE XMAS AND THE RIGHT SIDE ONE HAD A WIRE OFF THE BOARD, WITH NO TIME TO RETURN I SOLDERED IT AND IT WORKS AS GOOS AS THE LEFT SIDE, THEY GET SOUND ALOT BETTER WITH TIME, GREAT FOR THE PRICE. GOOD REVIEW..

[@RobertSpiller]

Hey got a question...I want to order the Aiyima products, but didn't you say that they don't have an out for a subwoofer? I want to add a sub as I'm about to put together my first system, thanks to you. And what do you think of the Saiyin bluetooth speaker compared to these Moukey?

[@hosmapl]

I'm a mix engineer and I've been mixing with headphones with no problem, but to step up I'm trying to find an affordable pair of monitors, and I think this speakers might be better than the studio monitors in the same price point.

[@Beathoven007]

I used monitors for producing and mixing and own a 3-way hi-fi speaker for at home. I am a fan of this format for hi-fi but not as a monitor. Unless you can put them on stands at reasonable distance as well. When standing near a 3 way system you'll hear the individual drivers and for studio works "on a desk" it is important that there is a more uniform output in close range. So in that context a 2 way is better. Also a monitor is less colored. When mixing on hi-fi speakers, one would usually end up on how it would sound best on that parficular speaker.

[@ben23a31]

Randy, isn't the Sony SSC S5 you reviewed considered a 3 way speaker?

[@Now-Review-This]

No! But we love what you're doing! Cheers 🍻

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

dam 75 bucks heck Yeah ! thanks for the video

[@Solarsystem50]

I would like to buy the Salazar's products. Do you have a discount coupon?

[@xdeathblitzx]

Pardon my ignorance for even asking this but I purchased these speakers and was confused on which speaker goes on which side. I know they are labeled left and right but is that stage right or my right as I'm looking at them. Right now I have them set up with the ports on the out side of my desk while the mid range drivers are closest to each other.

[@louise_8546]

Have you looked at their amplifiers, Randy? Wondering what you think of them.

[@fbonaccorsi]

How about a review of the best Inwall speakers

[@CielBlanche]

Would this be good for TV Speakers in a smallish 12x12 foot room?

[@thebacon3323]

I got a question. Am i able to connect a subwoofer to my pc. The have RCA-mono and the pc has 3.5mm. Will it work to connect the sub and use it? RCA-mono to 3.5mm.

[@brasen576]

How do these compare to the neumi bs5?

[@DougMcDave]

I am looking for speakers for the Sony STR DH190 which I am planning to buy. I was going to consider the Fluance HSFW. I am a music lover on a budget. This possibly makes my decision more difficult.

[@cheapaudioman]

These probably wont pair with that Sony. It’s not rated down to 4 ohms and would struggle to power this well. I’d look at maybe the Sony SSCS5 or the fluance. Maybe the jbl stage a130 or 120. Jamo s803

[@hanzen5174]

judging by amazon pics, you were in the pre production of these a few years ago

[@bobclarke5913]

Dammit Randy, now I need to catch up on Mexican wrestling.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

I know the deep heads have a thousand counterexamples but in my experience, all other things being equal, a three-way speaker will offer up much more midrange happiness than a two-way

[@elizondoalonso]

I do support La Parka wrestler, you, and your channel too!

[@stevesteve8264]

Oh no!! At the beginning I can't believe it seems for that far into anyway, the Sony's weren't compared while talking about the tweeters and stuff. Wonder how they compare??

[@sheshechic]

How do you think these would do in a small room for home theater? Am considering these and their center channel too with a Denon S760h.

[@cheapaudioman]

At very low volumes they may be ok but anything dynamic will bottom out the driver

[@francescotenti193]

Value for money to the nth degree! And, maybe even worth considering replacing the woofers with something with more "cojones", Parts Express comes to mind!

[@cheapaudioman]

for sure.

[@dragonstone6594]

Can you review the Edifier R2850DB?

[@martinbern4761]

do these beats the Sony SSCS5?

[@TheRedSign]

Randy, my guy! Im still kind of confused. I bought the M20-1 (driven by my receiver Sony STR-DE698 with 150w max + Sub) and they sound fine. I do miss the "big impact" though, maybe because they are tuned neutral. But the main question you didnt answer, still remains: Are the M20-3 better then M20-1? Since they are in the same price range and I can still return them. Please give me some audio wisdom! 🤌

[@TheRedSign]

Still need some advice. Randy? Anyone else maybe?

[@timc_2433]

Randy, best nearfield desk speaker recommendation? Dali Spektor 1, Emotiva B1+, PSB Alpha P3, this Moukie? Depth of cabinet being the biggest physical restraint (below 8.5 inches). Ranking on sound quality?

[@cheapaudioman]

at all levels, the emotiva. Lower levels I think the moukey bases on price alone.

[@RdandTrk1]

I don't know about the other speakers you listed, but I have the B1+ and can confirm it makes absolutely beautiful sound. So smooth and sweet. Edit: I guess I should also add that I was using them in a nearfield PC desktop setup.

[@timc_2433]

@@RdandTrk1 that's what I'm looking for. I have a 48inch wide desk and I'm about 35inches from any tweeters. I tried a set of Elacs. Would LOVE to keep them, but realistically they're too much for my application. The B1+ are the largest I'm willing to go for my desktop setup. Any complaints? Anything else you tried in your pursuit? What are you driving them with? Cheers

[@RdandTrk1]

@@timc_2433 Hey Tim! I can't really say I have any complaints per se. There are a few critical things I can say of the B1+ based on my experience. Yours may vary, but here's mine. The B1+ sounded harsh to my ears out of the box. I know break in is a controversial thing, so I don't know which happened. Either they broke in after a few days or my brain adjusted to them. Either way, that completely went away, and now they sound incredible. For the second thing, I would encourage you to watch Erin's Audio Corner's review of the B1+. He does a really technical breakdown of the speaker. In it, he notes that the Emotivas kind of fall apart somewhere in the mid 90 db range, and has data to back it up. I have found my experience to be consistent with his findings, though I can't rule out the possibility that I'm conforming my experience to his findings. The mind is funny like that. By the way, they play plenty loud, loud enough to damage your hearing. It's just I find they're at their best in the 75-85 db range. As for your last question, I have since moved up to the Prime Bookshelf. I, personally find that is a better speaker to my preference in almost all ways. However, I waffle back n forth. The treble of the Emotiva is soooooooo good. I think I just prefer the Prime because I have a larger room, and it's more appropriate for the size of my room. I think it speaks volumes of the Emotiva that it can even compete with a speaker twice the price. Finally, I drive both exclusively with the SVS Prime Soundbase. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with the Emotiva. Nick

[@timc_2433]

@@RdandTrk1 did you ever consider the aperion novus? Slightly larger than b1+ so a little hesitant

[@mhester99]

Do the colored caps on the binding posts not come off to allow you to put the banana plugs in like normal?

[@cheapaudioman]

no. they're metal and not hollow inside like others. it's literally a metal cap.

[@mdocod]

The fact that you mention that it starts to sound really awful at louderish (still not very loud) listening levels, tells us that the crossover probably sucks a lot more than you think it does. What you're hearing there is probably the result of 1st order networks that aren't burying the resonance or cone breakup peaks of the driver responses. At louder listening levels, the distortion in those ranges is probably peaking up pretty badly.

[@shaunyweaver1144]

Got to demo Acoustic Energy 100 mk2 today,Shocked never have I listened to such a sound stage on bookshelf speaker . UK £260 not sure dollar . You have to try this bookshelf Wow ..

[@cheapaudioman]

would love to. I think I reached out to their US distributor but I never heard anything back

[@shaunyweaver1144]

Omg I just bought BW 607 s2 anniversary edition crazy sale price .. I have got to sell some, it's all your fault Randy ... Cannot move for them .. 😉

[@ismaela.6973]

Hey I need some advice. I am looking at the Klipsch R-51PM and this speakers with the tube amp with optical input. I listened to classical, EDM, rock... Well mostly everything except modern rap and hip hop. Should I save up and get the Klipsch R-51PM or get those moukey speakers?

[@ismaela.6973]

Also the speakers will be hook up to my sound blaster AE-5 sound card on my PC

[@cheapaudioman]

R-51pm is a powered speaker so it won't need an amp. I'm not familiar with those but you could use a tube headphone/preamp like the xduoo mt602 but you'd also need a dac. or you cold get something like the aiyima t8 and hook that directly to your R-51pm. personally, I think an aiyima a07 + aiyima t8 + plus these speakers will sound much better and be less expensive than the klipsch

[@ismaela.6973]

@@cheapaudioman thank you for your input I truly appreciate it :)

[@2wattsout]

Confused ... "these start to fall apart at 82db ..." So One watt and they're done?

[@bernardstachman3507]

Since they are so inexpensive would have been nice to open them up. Check if the tweeter is real for one, since it states just 15khz...

[@cheapaudioman]

cool idea.

[@manchesterexplorer8519]

Well considering modern style speakers are basically old tech that's been around for about 50 years with not much changing other than modern plastics which isn't expensive . Engineering a cheap speaker that sounds good should be commonplace. It's the equivalent of a microwave oven , they were pricy during the early 1980's but are cheap now because the tech is commonplace . I don't understand why a pair of decent sounding bookshelf speakers generally costs about $800 - $1,200 for a pair . It's $20 worth of particle board , a mid and tweeter which tech has basically been the same for 40 years other than using modern types of plastics . A crossover ? , again old tech . If they are hand made , hand assembled beautifully crafted cabinets I can understand the price . But typically they are all mass produced in a factory that's not made in the USA and are greatly overpriced .

[@cheapaudioman]

it's a good point

[@erics.4113]

I generally agree with you. But if the manufacturer sunk time into research and development, testing, tweaking etc then you have to build that into the cost of each speaker as well.

[@manchesterexplorer8519]

@@erics.4113 true

[@erics.4113]

@@manchesterexplorer8519 I'm more than willing to pay extra for a single component, knowing that the company uses some of that money to innovate and move the company and industry forward. If it's just to show profits to investors or line executive pockets with bonuses, I'd be less likely to pay $1k for $200 worth of parts. It's not easy to see which companies do this, or find out how private companies use the revenue. But I do look at what they're putting out as an indicator. Are they taking some risks and putting out more products or just selling the same piece after 10years?

[@agustinduenas5902]

You didn't mention the Sony SSCS5, which is also a 3-way speaker. I bought those from Amazon at $73. The prices have been all over the place for that speaker set but they have been more recently on sale at $88 (current price is $148). The Sony's are much easier to drive and sound terrific.

[@greydog7225]

He mentions the Sony's all the time

[@robgobbler]

Good mention, BUT- those are pretty much just a woofer and 2 tweeters, very unique.

[@Arlen-in-Wyoming]

Hey Randy, how do these compare to the new Elac speakers for $75 (sale price)?

[@cheapaudioman]

Elacs play way louder and have a lot more bass.

[@Arlen-in-Wyoming]

@@cheapaudioman Thanks!! I purchased a set of ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 after one of your shootout videos and love them. I just added the ELAC Sub 1010 and the combination sounds amazing. I'm waiting for the price to drop on the new ELACs so I can add them to the collection and mix it up a bit.

[@AndyBHome]

4:56 the only other three-ways that you've had . . . ? What about the Sony SS-CS5? Is that somehow not truly a three-way speaker?

[@barfridge0]

I came here to say this. They are the true bang for buck heroes when they are on special

[@hugobloemers4425]

Amazing, this is the pinnacle of cheap audio. What impresses me the most is that they went trough the trouble of creating a left and right speaker. There are much more reputable brands with more expensive products who will not do that. The whole thing is obviously a toy. But it is a good toy and it can therefore have its right place in the audio hobby.

[@hugobloemers4425]

@Douglas Blake Oh, for sure, that and more tricks. "Value for money" does not come from a magic wand.

[@cheapaudioman]

either way it works. if they did do that then it's just smart design choices.

[@hotdog9262]

left and right speakers is kind of pointless though

[@stevejr777]

I have a question! If I have a receiver with CD in dose that mean the electronics of a DAC in built in?

[@thisisnev]

Not unless there's a specific digital input - either a single RCA socket or a TOSlink connector. If the CD input is a standard pair of RCAs, it's analogue.

[@stevejr777]

@@thisisnev: Ok Thanks I appreciate it!

[@MrLaserpowered]

Great review. Can you open the speaker and show us the guts?

[@craigrobertson9667]

Hum/buzz in the audio of this review. Wasn't there in the ads or when I paused the video so it's not my system. And yes, I'm reviewing the audio of the review. 😄

[@davdidit6]

Waiting for Stith audiophile wrestling equipment. Sorry Salazar’s.

[@joelhansen7373]

I’d say they’re perfectly sized for a dorm room or an adolescent’s bedroom.

[@SyzygyNoon]

You cut me, sir. I understand that the Yamahas are best left to garages and shops, but they’re good speakers for the money. I love them, and I don’t own anything else with 8” woofers, so they do stand out. I have them in a bedroom, and they serve their purpose with gusto.

[@cheapaudioman]

man, I"m so sorry, brother. they didn't land well with me. they were a little shouty for my taste. But if you love them that's all that matters. if people didn't like them they wouldn't keep making them. Just one man's opinion

[@SyzygyNoon]

@@cheapaudioman Thank you for the response. Be well, Randy.

[@HiFiman4u]

With a sensitivity of only 81dB they most likely incorporated a baffle step circuit in the crossover.

[@HiFiman4u]

I'd bet $75 I could make them sound 100% better after measuring Thiel/Small parameters and putting $20 or so into each speaker. I imagine I could get them to compare (if not outperform) $500 speakers. I use CLIO loudspeaker electro/acoustics test system.

[@HiFiman4u]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqCXZKSgrptgm9E slightly modified Q-Acoustics 3020 floor standers.

[@cheapaudioman]

I think improving any speakers crossover will improve their sound