My Top 5 Speakers at Any Price

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Generic Shopping Links: Amazon: amzn.to/3v6i6ov Audio Advice: www.audioadvice.com/?referral=erins-audio-corner Best Buy: shop-links.co/ciyeVq6O7ou Crutchfield: shop-links.co/cgZmmT81jmh Emotiva: emotiva.com?aff=14 Monoprice: bit.ly/3yAY6NH Parts Express: bit.ly/3AqfWo3 SVS: www.dpbolvw.net/click-7732025-13006332 Arendal Sound: arendalsound.com/store/?refer=hardisj

[@ymm47]

Have a listen to the Gradient Fi loudspeakers.They have cardiord radiation from midrange up. I have the 1.3 and the early Revolution models for almost 30 years and they still sound great.

[@KBWrecker]

Any updates on this list Erin?

[@genohero6139]

Do a review on Heco Celan Revolution 3

[@stopthefomo]

8C is also my end game speaker! Total technology tour de force! I love these masterpieces of design and innovation

[@KeshenMac]

1:28 | Dutch & Dutch 8c | $14,000 4:28 | Revel F226Be | $7,500 5:23 | JBL 4367 | $16,000 6:21 | KEF Reference 1 Meta | $9,000 7:36 | Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary | $1,500

[@prabhurc3]

Thanks for saving time :)

[@SpacedOutDoonie]

This channel is insane for anything speakers related. Im glad I found it.

[@stephencaronna3265]

So glad the Linton made the list! Love mine. Great video. Here's to hoping I can afford some of the others on the list in the future.

[@justinhardyj]

I would love to hear your thoughts on Ascend Acoustics speakers given just how measurement-oriented that company is! I'm sure some of their speakers would suit your tastes rather well

[@xentakis]

I just happened to be browsing the channel and noticed he uploaded an Ascend Acoustics review yesterday.

[@justinhardyj]

@@xentakis Yeees was so hyped when I saw that

[@MrRocktuga]

I suspected that the Linton's would be in this list before I watched the video. 😊 I'd suggest that it may be something to think about. They are actually cheaper here in Europe, but I'd say that all the others on the list make the law of diminishing returns kick in too soon. There's no real reason why all the others need to be so expensive, besides brand strategies. Sure, the customer has to pay for the development and better finish/build quality, but manufacturers often make lower priced products in their range sound much worse than they had to, just in order to justify the much higher prices. Unlike so many other technological products, we can't say that a newer entry-level product performs as good or better than a TOTL one, even 15 years later. Kef has been doing amazing TOTL loudspeakers for decades, but their best technologies only end up in lower priced products in the way it looks, not in the way they sound. There's no other reason why these Kefs aren't sold at the same price of the Linton's, even if in a downgraded finish option (using veneer, as an example). Like all products, it would be way cheaper to produce and dilute development costs if the loudspeaker was much more affordable, thus selling huge quantities of it. I understand that's how companies and the economy works, but paying that price for a small bookshelf is something that would be hard for me to do. I personally can't see the real "value" (in the context of price vs what I'd get). Sure, I would probably thing otherwise if I was rich, but if that was the case, I'd probably have larger rooms where bigger loudspeakers would be a best fit. But it's only my opinion, which only makes sense to me. While I don't spend that kind of money, I still have several different loudspeakers around the house. 😊 I believe that loudspeakers are the most fun thing in HiFi, since every loudspeaker sounds different from another model in a level of magnitude that electronics can't do these days (unless something's broken). They interact with every room, and with the taste of the listener (which also includes music genres that are mixed and mastered on very peculiar ways). Keep up the great work on this channel. 💪 And that's fun. 😊

[@Nick_2i]

Its worth pointing out that the Kefs are sold at around the same price as the Lintons, they're just called the Kef R3 Meta instead of the Reference 1 Meta. The R3 definitely aren't on the same level as the Reference 1, but they are way closer than the price would suggest and are obviously a better value. The extra $7k gets you a bit of a performance boost, along with a much nicer finish and overall build quality, as well as being made in England.

[@lurkersmith810]

I wish I'd discovered your channel and ASR before I discovered a certain "Inexpensive Sound Person" out there who got me to buy my first set of ELAC speakers, the Uni-Fi 2.0's. It was ASR (Audio Science Review) that led me to my second set of ELACs (Debut Reference 6.2, right in my sweet spot of budget / performance), and your comments there that led me to your channel. Thank you (and Amir) for explaining things in such a way that I can have a high confidence I'm going to like a set of speakers buying "blind" like we do in this on line shopping age.

[@silverbackag9790]

I’d like to see a review of the Ohm Walsh. Considering a pair for a large room that I can’t really treat.

[@guystpierrecomposer]

Nice review! I have the Lintons and for me, the Audiolab DC block bring up the upper mid/hi and details perfectly. That would be Dac and amp dependent however. ( mojo 2 - SMSL VMV A1 in my case)

[@59seank]

Thanks Erin. I was hoping you'd make a video like this and you delivered.

[@theodoroschronis2966]

Thank you for this very nice presentation! I think that the Linton in my country (Greece-Europe) are an absolute bargain for the price of 989 euros (1244 euros with the stands)! I will think of them as I was about to buy the Kali Audio IN8 2nd wave. I want quality and quantity of music in a room that I move around doing things.

[@lisan_al-ghaib]

A tier list of everything you've reviewed so far would be nice

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

I am surprised to find a 1000€ speaker (in the EU, rebated) in the company of such tecnological marvels as the D&D, the groundbreaking Kef Reference... I'll have to try the Lintons in my own listening room to be convinced one way or another. "Three way", drivers stacked in a big cabinet with old school vibes at that price point! 😂

[@castro619a]

I just bought JBL 580’s for $150…. Man they are awesome

[@pioferro]

Those JBL 4367's are magic!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

They really are. I’ve been very tempted to buy them a few times but I just don’t have the space or the spare cash the make the jump right now.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

@@ErinsAudioCorneryou should do it lol. Cry once and be done. I got a new in the box pair off of audio mart for $8250. Just have to keep an eye out. They are ugly though and I had to make my own stands which is lame.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

I want a pair. Maybe someday I’ll have enough to buy them. 😊

[@sparkplug5392]

love the Lintons - i got the pair with stands 1400euro!

[@kurtgrutzner6607]

Am wondering why the March Audio Sointuva WG didn’t make your cut? You seemed to speak extremely positively about it. And you mentioned it measured at the very top of the mountain. Thanks!

[@neonpeonu]

Hey Erin, Great video as usual... Are you done with car audio? Do you plan to review any car audio related products?

[@Sonofsun001]

Love for you to do top affordable speakers, perhaps starting from budget and then do midrange.

[@patbeesley6616]

Great review, and I appreciate your perspective + data details!!!

[@gitmobob6266]

I have heard 3 of the 5 speakers and personally I wouldn't own any of the ones I've heard. I'm not saying they are bad just not for me. I never look at measurements but use the best instrument for judging speakers, my ears. I buy what I like and have never been disappointed.

[@ResolveReviews]

Thanks for this. Best speaker reviews on the internet!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks for the kind words! It’s a struggle sometimes but messages like this help to keep me fueled.

[@marcgallant5270]

Hey Erin, quick thoughts on a project I'm thinking about. I'm toying with the idea of building/finishing nice HDF cabinets and dropping KEF Ci200RS-THX drivers for L-C-R. I like the idea of an 8"midrange / 1.5" tweeter combo for HT application(high SPL). Max SPL In Room on these should be in the 112-115 range which gives great headroom for reference levels. I'm honestly surprised KEF doesn't manufacture a bookshelf version of these for HT application.

[@ocaudiophile]

Thanks for the realistic, informative and quantitative evaluations. I couldn't find info about the impedance of these speakers, which one of these speakers in your view could easily be powered even with a tube amp?

[@ABNHW]

I am trying to understand how speaker placement affects depth and even that layering effect (borrowing from MECA). Hopefully you can get to this in one of your videos.

[@halcyon7005]

My only question is, how many other speakers at the price point of all these have you tested? Really appreciate your hard work and data.

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

I own diamonds 10.1 and I love em and enjoy its for music duty only

[@Joel-m777]

What about the March Audio speakers from Australia? Also would be interesting to see your views on amplifiers as well.

[@gabeo.731]

No love for Klipsch? Anyway, I wish you the best Erin!

[@Jamy4ya]

No Elac unifi reference ?😮 Which is more cheaper and still amazing..

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

Erin, what frequency does you polar radiation pattern chart starts from? I am wondering why it doesn't show omnipolar radiation at low frequencies. In this video I've seen it only for the Revel speaker.

[@vettesweetnos]

I've heard most of these but prefer Legacy Audio, Perlisten, Paradigm, and Ascend Acoustics over them. Revel can stay

[@HM204DTA]

In China, Linton 85 only costs $600 per pair.

[@tonyrobles9070]

Have you ever listened to the JBL L7's? 12" subs on the side of each speaker. Some of the sweetest tightest controlled bass I've ever heard. Thanks for the awesome video and keep up the great work Erin! 👍😊 🎶 🔊

[@susokraut3169]

Great speakers, no surprises, maybe the Linton´s.

[@agnelroshandsilva3929]

Hi Erin. Nice review. Between the Wharfedale linton and the klipsch nines, which would you prefer and why based on only sound quality.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Personally, I’d go with the Wharfedale. While both are relatively linear, I like the wider radiation pattern of the Linton.

[@agnelroshandsilva3929]

@@ErinsAudioCorner gotcha. Horns are rather directional and can be a little too forward and bright. The relaxed nature of the lintons with a wide dispersion would be Preferable to Me as well. Thanks that helps. I am going to order the Linton on Your Recommendation.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@agnelroshandsilva3929 if you do, please consider using my affiliate link which earns me a small commission at no additional cost to you: shop-links.co/chzSjggEcbv

[@bbg619]

I've got Wharfedale Evo 4.2 and I loved them, I really wanna replace them with Linton, do you guys thinks that's really an upgrade?

[@luxpiotr]

Dutch & Dutch 8c is Denon 8c on progres bar 🤣

[@carlom.3737]

Awesome video! Question: for 2 ch music if one were after a more full range performance without a sub, do you think based on your experience with Revel, that the 228be would perform as well as the 226be but with just added bass extension?

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

I have heard both and owned the 228be. They sound almost the same, the 228be is better though. The 228be will probably play louder if you need that (you don’t lol).ASR has measurements of the 228be. I found the 228be to be lacking in bass extension and used subs. My other speakers in the house (JBL 4367, thiel 2.4, JBL 590, Klispch RP8000F) all had more bass extension than the revel. I really think the revels needs to be close to the wall at say 2’-2.5’ to get bass kick. At 3-5’ they sounded pretty soft in the bass to me.

[@rickp6303]

Fischer & Fischer Audio SLATE Speakers ! They sell them in the USA now ! GAME-CHANGER...

[@26ufk]

What do you think about Salı Spektor 2 for my first audio system

[@geraltthewitcher111]

So, you prefer JBL 4367 than JBL M2? Big difference?

[@thulion]

I'm broke af so I'm doing the Dutch & Dutch DIY version for 1/14 of the price

[@satchelm0uth]

oooh, could you point me to what/how to do this?

[@thulion]

@@satchelm0uth maybe I'll open a thread on diyaudio, for now I'm still at a preliminary design stage. For now I have to make a test box to understand how a cardioid speaker works since it cannot be simulated. At the moment the chosen components are: subwoofer sb23mfcl45-4, passive radiator Dayton rss210, midrange sb20frpc30, and tweeter I still have to choose, among the candidates there is the Seas 27tbfc with visaton waveguide and the sb26stwg. The box has a net internal volume of 25 litres. F3 30hz therefore close to Dutch and Dutch

[@sPi711]

@@satchelm0uth My advice is to start with a good quality, full range driver. The speaker first. In my case, and just because I really didn't have many resources (any, really), I took a Mark Audio 8in full range driver and put it in a KLH Model Thirty-Two where the tweeter hole served as the front port. This speaker box has what is considered "golden ratio" proportions and has a volume sufficient for that speaker to get down to its resonant frequency, which in this case is 43 hz. I put just enough fiberglass batting into the box only to the point where I could hear my voice with a rich resonant quality when I spoke into the box. The "finished" product is very seductive with its ability to play back decent recordings. If I want those 8 inches to sound really great, I would double the height of the box and the depth of the box, and at that point, you really wouldn't need a subwoofer. Mark Audio stuff takes a little while for them to run in and it has to be done gently. But those hastily slapped together DIY speakers sound fantastic. You're just not going to rock the house. That's the trade off; and there's always a trade off. The trade-offs with regard to sound diminish as the systems become more sophisticated and the price goes up. That's the particular trade off there. Each of the tiniest incremental improvements is prohibitively more expensive than the one before. Start with the loudspeaker and a decent source, and then work your way through the amplification part. Have fun.

[@danielsaldivar5622]

What about the Polk R700’s?

[@jorgebacani1901]

Just wondering why March Audio Sointuva is not on your list? I remember you said they were the best passive speakers that you measured.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

They were, but this is a personal list, and I generally prefer speakers with a wider radiation pattern.

[@jorgebacani1901]

Your review of the Sointuva pair made me want to return the Mofi Sourcepoint 8 that i purchased recently and replace them with Sointuva. I have yet to hear the Mofis which are to be delivered next week. I would assume Mofi Sourcepoint 8 would have similar sound signature with the 10 except bass response and spl. If you don’t mind sharing your thoughts…In your recollection which has a wider soundstage Sointuva or Sourcepoint 10?

[@Mishael_Agyei-Boamah]

@@jorgebacani1901 I hope you got the Sourcepoint 8

[@notenote2004]

Good video, but you should have shown each speaker for at least 10/15 seconds… they were there just a couple seconds and then MIA,

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Noted!

[@hartyewh1]

Any recommendations for speakers as I went and tested Revel F228Be and Paradigm Founder 120H and in the end wanted neither. 120H was wonderfully dynamic with peaky highs and F228Be was wonderfully smooth, but clearly lacked dynamics. I wonder would be the best of both worlds?

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

I have owned the 228be for about two years and moved onto JBL 4367. I have also demoed the founders and thought they were pretty meh. The 228be really lacks bass extension and impact and need subs. With subs highpasssed at 60hz they are pretty good. Anyway the JBL is pretty amazing. It is very smooth like the revel but with a lot more detailed and way more impact. The bass and highs are much more detailed. Mids are about the same. I have never heard a more dynamic speaker than the 4367. Makes the 228be sound small in it dynamics. They are how ever big and ugly. Another option you might like is a used pair of wilson audios. They are pretty dynamic in the bass/mids. They are not as detailed or dynamic as the JBLs to my ear but better than most box speakers for dynamics.

[@hartyewh1]

@@JamesWilliams-gf8gm Thanks for the suggestion. I'll go test them.

[@ericdeweese3748]

You need me to try and work a way to get the Danley HRE or Studio 2 in your hands for a while?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

That would be cool.

[@yepyep3897]

Hi Erin, Which would you find to be the most accurate, as a studio monitor? Also, I’m surprised that you didn’t mention a Genelec One-Series, here. Thanks.

[@init4fun]

Hilarious. Cannot, for the life of me, click on the damn link for the KEF review because you’ve lumped those links so close together it’s impossible to select on an iPad without string bean sized fingertips. I’ve inadvertently selected the JBL review a dozen times instead. Not a knock on JBL, but I’m completely uninterested in their products. Will try to find it another way.😂

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@init4fun]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Erin, have you ever reviewed another of Jones’ concentric designs, the ELAC uni-fi line? Just got a new pair of his first iteration, the UF5, for $399, which is an insanely good price, and I’m in love with them. Most balanced sub-$2k pair of floorstanders I’ve heard, if you’re not hung up on aesthetics or coloration. Be nice to hear your thoughts on them.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@init4fun I’ve reviewed the UBR line. I owned the UniFi briefly but it arrived damaged so I sent them back.

[@rahliE777]

Do more of these! Love these kind of videos.. Honestly I’d love to see you break them up, “best floorstanding speakers”, “best bookshelf speaker”, “best desktop speaker” (that last one would prolly be a grand slam, more people are looking for a quality PC setup than you think).. Maybe even take into other pieces of kit you enjoy, DAC’s/amps etc!

[@rahliE777]

“Best desktop PC Speakers under $500”= 💰! (Or insert whatever price point, u can even do more than one) I know there’s a lot of videos out there like this, but if you can get your video out in that algorithm it’ll be timeless.. College kids need them for their dorm, younger kids on their gaming setup, moms and pops who do work from home or spend time in front of their PC, everyone wants a good value speaker outside of the shit Logitech offerings for their desktop cuz not everyone is interested in a home theatre or have a full listening room, but everyone does listen to music at their desktop! Looking for this exact video is what brought me into the audiophile world which is turn eventually brought me to your channel

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Noted!

[@bokramubokramu8834]

​@@ErinsAudioCornerthis is a good idea for growing your channel too. And not that many (if any) out there that are not paid by the companies. Cool thing with bringing normie viewers is you get to also educate them with the rest of the content you do. Also price range rankings is a good idea i think. Top 5 under $2000 and so on.

[@Chon-c]

I know many people doing exactly that (pc set ups). So yes. More than people thinks.

[@ropeburn6684]

Best floorstander and best bookshelf: Linton wins both 😂😂

[@littlewicky1]

Ductch 8c - 1:28 Revel F226B - 4:27 JBL 4367 - 5:23 Kef Reference 1 Meta - 6:21 Whatfedale Linton - 7:36

[@svalbard01]

Thank you!!

[@HeyYall398]

Thank you!

[@Av-gurusBlogspot]

I've had the Lintones for about 6 months, and for the first 4 months I set them up the way everyone suggests (tweeters inward), the sound was good, but it was "located" between the speakers (it didn't spread outwards). Then I changed the position of the speakers, so I placed the tweeters towards the outside and immediately I got a much wider sound image that went outside the position of the speakers (expanding to the left and right, as if I had a wider room). I read in a couple of places that for narrower and longer rooms it is better to have the tweeters facing the outside, and for wider and narrower rooms it is better to have the tweeters facing the inside. I'm interested in your opinion on this, i.e. is it OK to keep the speakers positioned like that or maybe it's better the way everyone suggests (tweeters inward) ? The dimensions of the room are: - width 3.6m - length 7.3 m - height 2.5m THANK YOU

[@kingtubbyleeperry]

I’m a big fan of the Dutch & Dutch speakers. Nice that they’re from the Netherlands. It’s such a complete package, really full range, cardioid, dsp, digital inputs, room correction, roon endpoint and great looks. I have the 8m, the non cardioid version without the 2 woofers in the back, which is also still very very good. ❤

[@luke9822]

These really are the speakers I wish I could get for my living room. They're just way above what I'm willing to spend. I wish someone could make a speaker like this around $2,500/pair.

[@PKAWA]

I can confirm they are fantastic speakers. Very curious about the new uBACCH plugin that would reportedly take them to a new level

[@koo3144]

Dutch & Dutch 8C's are my dream speakers. I was not surprised they were on your list. There are way too few cardioid speakers out there for some reason. Most people have to keep their speakers near walls, it makes no sense that most speakers are not designed to be used that way.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

New band for me until he reviewed them. I would like to hear some good active speakers. I have only heard ones under $2000. They were all good for the money. But an all out assault would be cool.

[@abboberg]

@@JamesWilliams-gf8gm An example of "all out assault" on active speakers would be Grimm.

[@dilbyjones]

Mine too I don’t see why it hasn’t been copied yet…lol

[@FOH3663]

I've used/mixed on countless actives. I own and currently use JBL, QSC, and Seaton actives. All absolute stand outs in their respective price level. All out assault actives would include ATC, Augsburger, Dynaudio, Genelec, etc. btw, there's no greater value in all of hifi than affordable active monitors. There's many quality offerings, but JBL's 8" two-way is phenomenal for what it does. $250, for the trickle down tech of JBL's several decades of research ... active, dsp contoured, with the killer waveguide. The active monitor segment is hugely competitive ... thus each mfr to continually elevating their game.

[@dananskidolf]

Yeah I'd be very interested to see more cardioid speakers too. KEF have the LS60 and their Blade Meta series for example.

[@rodya1413]

I bought the Lintons after your review and I never listened to as much music as I do now. You can just listen all day long without any fatigue, love them.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

That’s good to hear. 😎

[@nekomancer350]

Not sure if this is in line with your content, but I'd be interested in a video discussing room acoustics for the consumer and what effects reflections cause such as the room modes and standing waves, comb filtering and other phase problems one might expect to find etc.

[@wallycunningham5090]

Have you tested if your ~60° radiation width preference holds up to narrow rooms/longer listening distances?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’ve found it holds up well in 3 different rooms which are all different from dimensions to furnishing.

[@joek6207]

You gotta try the Polk L800’s in an optimal setup! They are mind blowing

[@LoniGuitarChannelHr]

Best value speaker of all time is Magnepan LRS(+), true high-end sound on the budget. Specially now when D class power is affordable (XTZ A2 300). I had many speakers since 80' (first was Wharfedale , then Celestions, Bowers, Mission, Sonus Faber Concerto, Grand Pianos, Martin Logan, etc.. ) but Magnepan LRS is simply delightful. Don't measure well ? Because measurement equipment and methods are not develop for measuring planar speakers. When you put them in right sized room, they measure OK and they can sound better then 4000 $ dynamic speaker.

[@johnlonky8591]

LRS are great, you need careful placement and good amp. If you lacking bass you probably got big room and you need bigger panell (model). Measurement junkies tend to ignore this (Amir/ASR), they like to measure little nuances, but they ignore basic physics laws and manufactures guidelines.

[@graysonpeddie]

I'm looking for great analytical-sounding speakers for less than $1,000/pair and I earn about $1,600/month while working with my family and I have a full-time job. Cause otherwise I'll need to look for a job that can pay me $100,000+/year before I can afford to buy $10,000+ speakers for a home theater setup. "Any price" just means you are currently working at a job that pays you $250,000+ a year. I guess "any price" scares me away then...

[@Mishael_Agyei-Boamah]

get a pair of Kali LP-8 v2s...

[@graysonpeddie]

@@Mishael_Agyei-Boamah Thanks. I have a pair of JBL Stage A180 floorstanding speakers for my home theater and 2-channel music listening and I love it.

[@FOH3663]

fwiw; JBL's 4367 isn't a three-way, its a two-way. The HF compression driver is a dual-opposed, annular polymer diaphragms. Two identical diaphragms firing towards one another and into a phasing plug collector combiner, turns the energy 90° and launches out the front. Big picture, it's no different than attic mounted IB, quad 18"s in dual opposed, firing toward one another and launching the energy out from there. JBL D2 cutaway ... will illustrate the clever driver.

[@alexorigoni8626]

A great video, once again. I think this video will blow up, comparatively, because “top xyz” videos are so easily searched. I hope this one brings you a bunch more subscribers, you deserve it.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you.

[@antoniomarsicola8608]

Hi Erin, had you already tested the R3 meta when you did this video? Do you still think that Lintons are a better value than R3 Metas? I encourage you to ask Kef a pair of R7 to test, should be even better

[@_kicaBo_]

Have you thought about making your own speaker? You have good equipment, it could turn out something very good :)

[@johannjohann6523]

My kinda guy. "If money were no object, I wouldn't buy just one set of speakers, I'd buy 3-4". You can never have "too much" stereo equipment or speakers. lol I pick up stuff all time, usually not working properly and I can fix them. Because sadly money is an object for me. But my dream pair of speakers are the Klipsch LaScala.

[@kevinusta7534]

Wrapping up my Philharmonic BMR, was hoping it made the list.

[@OEFVet0405]

Fantastic video! Very good job at providing the objective and the subjective without getting too much in the weeds. I liked how you defined your criteria, and then pointed out strengths / weaknesses of these speakers according to your criteria. Very well done!

[@realitykicksin8755]

To my opinion; the best channel for Speakers Reviews. Well done Erin.

[@thillyard1]

Erin great job as always. I would love to see you recommend speakers for home theater where dedicated subs are assumed. Personally I don’t care if a speaker extends much below 60-80hz because I have two massive subs to handle low bass. In my room these speakers are 100% home theater, I just don’t use the space for critical music listening (2 channel).

[@lmanna]

Sad not to see one of your recommendation. The BMR philaharmonics. Very, very, very happy with the BMR.

[@rustygates3367]

In terms of soundstage, would you rate the 8c better than the KEF Reference 1 Meta, or the other way around?

[@lsaideOK]

The look of a speaker is very important to me and I have found that I like a little subtlety in appearance. So, even if price were no object here, I might go with the Lintons. Definitely not the JBL's! I think Sonus Faber does a great job with design. Elegant but subtle. I was very tempted to get the Sonetto IIIs. Unfortunately, I could only hear them at the store which is not set up for the best listening experience. Without a home trial, I passed. Would be great to see you review a pair. Probably don't measure all that well though from what I've read. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@totalplonker824]

For me, my Sonus Faber sonettos sound thick warm in the mid to low range, soft on top yet still Sparkles and even though I use Dirac.. where measurements are concerned, I'd rather use those things on the side of my head!

[@lsaideOK]

@@totalplonker824 Hmm. That does not sound like the flavor of sound I prefer. I like clarity and definition in the midrange. Thanks for your report!

[@vladionescudimancea2069]

Brother... that'not for "any price"... Got the cabasse antigua for about 450 euros... are they that bad?

[@HappyPass-wh7jg]

Hey Erin, I thought it was a fun video! I just saw the thread about it on ASR and I completely disagree with Amir on this. I don't think it's clickbait. This is like one of those topics that come up when people talk about any hobby they like. And even if they were reviewed earlier, it's not like I'm going to search for a review of the Dutch & Dutch 8c if I don't even know it exists. That's why 'top videos' are useful if they are done by someone who knows what they are talking about. If someone watches a 'top 5 under 500$/1000$/desktop/active monitor/etc.' video they get a quick comparison and maybe some new options so they can look up more detailed reviews if they are interested. Threads like that is the reason I don't like ASR, other than to look up some quick measurements if they have them.

[@p_mouse8676]

Can you maybe explain why you didn't put certain speakers on this list, like the Kii Three?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

That would take too long to list every speaker.

[@kevinkearney3836]

@@ErinsAudioCornerHow about just the reasoning behind the Kii Three being beat by the Dutch and Dutch?

[@bokramubokramu8834]

Damn you must Really like the Lintons! Great video as usual, keep it up!

[@willbrink]

Great list. Review something from ATC some time!

[@cwctw]

What's your top 5 for near-field application (desktop computer, listening distance around 70 cm)?

[@golfhead54]

Hi Erin: Can you point me towards a 7+4+1 design that I could either buy or kit build? I see that PKaudio and Troels Gravesen both have offerings in the kit format but I’m unaware of commercial offerings. You might ask why I would limit myself to this design? I would consider other designs but it seems that these 3-way designs address some shortcomings with my current 2-way revelator speaker that I currently own - which I like btw. Anyway, I would hate to make the DIY trip if it doesn’t buy me much more. Auditioning a commercial product would help with the decision.

[@TonyHarper-j7f]

The local stereo shop is trying to sell me on the McIntosh MK II but I suspect they just want the sale and commission. Is it really that good or is it just snake oil for $? I don’t have personally have $ yet it hope to and don’t want to get taken by a jerk who wants t buy a new boat with the help of a sucker they assume me to be. I’ve seen “very” little about McIntosh speakers. So I’m suspicious.

[@jonnyBgood3]

Nice presentation, mostly out of my price range unfortunately but maybe one day....

[@rickg8015]

Hi Erin.. Were you ever really impressed by a DIY design? Not a kit but an original DIY design one-off with an almost unlimited budget..

[@stephannordmann5346]

JBL 4367 over the top ❤ my favorite above the JBL is the Piega 811 and the Fyne Audio F 1.5 for a small speaker.🎉

[@DearSX]

Love this kind of list, so many liked the Linton's I got a pair. I'm not as happy as the reviewers, but I am happy with it. I think I need to mess with in my room to get best results. Thanks for sharing your lists and measurements!

[@bokramubokramu8834]

Get an Umik and do some EQ. It will make a big difference. Or minidsp with dirac, that would be night and day. If you can also add a sub there's nothing else left. These speakers are really good

[@DearSX]

@@bokramubokramu8834 Thanks, yeah I have been thinking along similar lines, I am going to order the mic to start first.

[@cremersalex]

HiFi World Measured Performance Linton 85th Anniversary: "Flat frequency response and lack of a mid-range dip at crossover will give the Linton 85 a modern sound balance, one that provides strong midband detail."

[@andres77fj]

❤ I'd love to see you reviewing the Cabasse Rialto, coaxial & Cardiod design Looking very promising, thanks for your work! 🎉

[@KimmoJaskari]

What's the relationship between Linton Heritage and Linton 85th? Is there some deal breaker differences? The 85th is (I assume) a limited time and/or quantity deal.

[@rodya1413]

They are the same

[@deoncruywagen5191]

Please try and get an audition with any of the Vivid Audio speakers. I think you might really enjoy them.

[@Karolus]

Really interesting list! I may already know the answer, but where do the Genelec Ones stack up against these 5 for you? I'm guessing that they have a lot of the linearity that you look for, but more narrow dispersion than you enjoy? Or are there other things that aren't to your taste with them? Perhaps for another time, I'd love to hear if your list changes if you assume a sub is being used.

[@petrosso97]

Hello, how does the Svs ultra Pinnacle compare with any of these that are more expansive ? thanks

[@George_K.]

Oof, I can't really blow even 1K let alone 1.6K and upwards. Here in Europe it's even worse as prices are a rip-off.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Erin, Do the Linton's have the definition of KLH Model 5's? I am looking for a speaker in the $2500 and under range and prefer one that is capable of providing a great listening experience, without lacking in detail. Thanks!

[@erics.4113]

Have you considered JBL L82? I think they're around that price target and are very detailed. The MoFi Sourcepoint are very detailed, but you'd be looking at the 8's for that price and I've only heard the $3700 Sourcepoint 10s.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@erics.4113 No I haven't. Thanks for the quick response. I'll check them out!

[@joes3800]

I'm surprised that you didn't mention the Perlistens. What kept the Perlistens off the list?

[@davids2214]

That was the one I was expecting to see but didn't as well. My guess: The KEF Reference 1s filled the "high end bookshelf that measures really well" for him and he wanted to get a more affordable option in there (the Lintons) instead.

[@joes3800]

@davids2214 But he said "at any price", but you're probably right unless he can reply to explain.

[@brianesbaugh6897]

Heard the KEF Reference 1 Metas with a sub array, 3 subs per side, of REL S/510s…wow! Amazing full, rich sound! Sounded noticeably better with the subs on vs the KEFs alone, which were still outstanding

[@chadlejeune9834]

Can you speak to how close the R3 Metas get to the Reference 1 Meta with the 3D soundstage and imaging?

[@mathewward84]

Everyone in the @kef enthusiast group that has heard both will tell you that none of the R series get anywhere close to the reference series. The R11s don’t even get close to the Reference 1.

[@philrob4468]

​@mathewward84 ya thats shat I'm afraid of... I had the opportunity to get the r3 meta.... but I'm just waiting to get reference 1

[@bluematrix5001]

I have the D&D 8C,,,now check the Ex-Machina Pulsar

[@TemperTemper...]

If I'm paying $15,000 for a pair of speakers they'd better do the dishes too.

[@BuffSquadBigBenni]

Chocolatey highs are my favourite highs

[@slofty]

_::cue Tay Zonday::_