My Top Picks of 2023: Must-Haves Under $3000

Purchase (some may be affiliate links):
Neumi Silk 4: amzn.to/3vdnCcZ
Monoprice 4: amzn.to/3Rxlcxb
Thomann Swissonic A306: shorturl.at/jtuyW
ELAC DBR62: howl.me/ckaQ1BALXxL
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 V2: shorturl.at/gnJL1
KEF LS50 Meta: howl.me/cieWOoWadSO
KEF R3 Meta: howl.me/ck5H5EixFcY
MoFi SourcePoint 8: howl.me/cleSP9AdFom
Dynaudio Special Forty: dynaudio.com/home-audio/speci...
Purchases through these links can earn me a small commission - at no additional cost to you - and help me continue to provide the community with free content and reviews. Doesn't matter if it's a TV from Crutchfield, budget speakers from Audio Advice or a pair of socks from Amazon, just use the link above before you make your purchase. Thank you!
Support the cause:
Patreon: / erinsaudiocorner
Contribute via PayPal: www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...
____________________
All of my tests are conducted using KLIPPEL Hardware and Software. KLIPPEL is an innovative leader in providing unique test equipment for electro-acoustical transducers and audio systems. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Wolfgang Klippel, the novel techniques developed for control and measurement systems of loudspeakers and other transducers are the result of over 30 years of fundamental research. This provides more accurate physical models of loudspeakers, micro-speakers and headphones valid for both small and large amplitudes. The focus is on revealing the root causes of signal distortion and defects and giving practical indications for improvements in design and manufacturing of audio products. For information on KLIPPEL products, please visit their site below:
www.klippel.de/company/about-u...

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Purchase (some may be affiliate links): Neumi Silk 4: amzn.to/3vdnCcZ Monoprice 4: amzn.to/3Rxlcxb Thomann Swissonic A306: shorturl.at/jtuyW ELAC DBR62: howl.me/ckaQ1BALXxL Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 V2: shorturl.at/gnJL1 KEF LS50 Meta: howl.me/cieWOoWadSO KEF R3 Meta: howl.me/ck5H5EixFcY MoFi SourcePoint 8: howl.me/cleSP9AdFom Dynaudio Special Forty: dynaudio.com/home-audio/special-forty Purchases through these links can earn me a small commission - at no additional cost to you - and help me continue to provide the community with free content and reviews. Doesn't matter if it's a TV from Crutchfield, budget speakers from Audio Advice or a pair of socks from Amazon, just use the link above before you make your purchase. Thank you!

[@cl65captain]

Thought the Warfdale Linton 85 was your favorite? 😀 Bought 3x for L/C/R and then modified the crossovers with the same values but better caps and resistors... wow.! You thought they were good, you should hear it after the mods.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@cl65captainI reviewed that one last year. So it’s not on my 2023 best of.

[@kingtubbyleeperry]

Erin, YOU are the best of 2023! Thanks for all the great reviews.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Well, that's a nice thing to say... and I will just kindly say "thank you". :)

[@1337sim1]

💯% !!!

[@katebloggs8243]

Agreed! Thank you, Erin.

[@user-gb4np8it8o]

Erin, I almost NEVER comment on the hundreds of utube sites I visit, but you deserve it. YOU and you alone have brought critical, needed audio info to us. That 'other' site could have, and should have been reviewing the speakers most of us can buy. He certainly has the funds to do so, and the contacts. On a personal note, you are the best, most kind, caring, loving guy out there. I wish I had you for a neighbor and friend. All of us out here care about you, and wish you to know that we are pulling for you. I wish for you to have a joyful and productive life.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

That’s super kind of you to say. I could use more neighbors into this hobby. Would also be great to have extra help moving the heavy stuff around. 😂😂

[@JosephTongret]

I'm 42 y/o and I love life today, but man I miss the 90's! It was a different world and things were simpler in a lot of ways!

[@larkop6504]

Amen, in the same boat. Miss the wild times of the 90s, escaped the West as it's in silly mode. You summed it up perfectly, life was a lot more simple and common sense was actually on tap.

[@crk140]

90s were a great time to grow up for sure

[@bmill7353]

Been on part of your journey Erin. Life gets better. I appreciate your efforts greatly!

[@rippedgeek]

Merry Christmas, Erin (and everyone else). I hope your channel grows even more and we genuinely enjoy your honesty and straightforward content. All the best for the new year too.

[@matiaserp]

Erin, your work is awesome and we are very lucky to have you. Cheers from Brazil. Happy holidays!

[@UlTiReV]

Merry Christmas Erin. Loved your videos and learnt more about measurement. Looking forward to more.

[@John-ok8ts]

Love your channel Erin, glad to see life is getting better for you. Merry Christmas.

[@davidmojonnier1034]

Yep, I'm learning. Thanks Erin. 😊

[@FConstantino]

Hi Erin. Greetings from Brazil! Your greatness comes from your heart and your knowledge and we can feel it. Keep up the excellent work towards a fantabulous 2024.

[@bearclaw5115]

I like that you don't seem to fall in love with particular speakers the way other reviewers tend to. You might indeed love them but you always seem to keep an eye on objectivity. All your analysis is deeply appreciated. Thanks for teaching me so much about speakers!

[@shipsahoy1793]

yeah you're thinking about the guy who in every review, he claims it's the greatest thing since the last greatest thing. he's basically just a salesman who tries to woo you with his enthusiasm; he doesn't really get into anything on a technical level, and honestly, he doesn't have the education. Erin, on the other hand, does the most comprehensive reviews, and covers the objective technical and the subjective.

[@LifeAsISeeIt]

Your efforts and contributions to this hobby are very much appreciated and I am sure many others agree. A thumbs up to you.

[@user-mz6lt2pr9s]

Thanks for all the reviews this year. Glad to hear this year was better for you. Hopefully 2024 will be even better! Merry Christmas!

[@mattholland315]

Merry Christmas Erin! All the best for 2024!

[@liamporter1137]

Great sharing. Merry Christmas!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you! You too!

[@ChadAV69]

Erin, you really help me learn more about speakers. Keep your head up, I'm glad you are doing better.

[@thorstenwieszniewski6875]

You helped me more in 2023 than you can ever imagine! Thank you! So glad to hear that things become better and better for you every day after a not so good 2022. You are still at the beginning of your journey! Imagine how mighty a database like spinorama will become if we see 10 times more speakers objectively tested. The day will come, when speaker manufacturers can’t sell a single unit without sharing objective data with us!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

That would be nice!

[@mgrmln]

Thank you for everything Erin! You helped me with my KEF LS50 Meta purchase. Regrettably, I bought them, from Audio Advice , ironically, before your review posted, but your analysis is spot on! I found some great PEQ settings that have made this my perfect desktop stereo pair. I always enjoy your mix of subjective and scientific reviews. Here’s to a wonderful 2024!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Fantastic! Glad it helped!

[@pedroortiz9744]

Happy Hollydays and Thank you for the reviews, have a great year

[@tablameister]

Great video - thanks for the service you provide to the community in measuring and reviewing these speakers.

[@Bobby12many]

Thank you for all you do, Erin! Hoping 2024 is your best yet

[@ramondelgado6778]

This hobby is just better with you and your work in it! Thank you and Merry Christmas!!!!

[@adamcfada5071]

Thanks for all your hard work. Merry Christmas Erin. 🎅 🎉

[@Lucasnxvii]

Thanks for your hard work, Erin! I got some ls50 metas and a 10s mkII speedwoofer for my desktop/small room set up and I'm in love.

[@yayhoo8848]

You are amazing in terms of your resilience. Thanks for your work!

[@jari121]

I'm just listening this through my Elac DBR62 speakers in my kitchen 🙂 Merry Christmas 🎄

[@DearSX]

Awesome year of reviews, thanks Erin!

[@stevenma2010]

Erin, you're the best at what you do, and the only reviewer i trust. I'm sticking with you to the very end, and I know I'll learn more from you in the years to come. Happy holidays!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thelma & Louise style!

[@stevenma2010]

Yes! I'm firing up the Thunderbird as we speak....

[@deathbykungfu]

Thanks for all the content. Merry Christmas!

[@jazzbase412]

I appreciate what you do for us. You really break it down and put it where everybody could get it.

[@SchmatzDieKatz]

Thank you for all your content. I am not interested getting new speakers in the near future, but your videos are unique and very entertaining/interesting. Greetings from Germany and Happy Christmas to you and everybody else out there!

[@nerdychefseb6197]

Thanks for your videos and help in the comment section. Happy holidays!

[@somejerk1520]

I'll still be watching, Erin! Your credibility for testing equipment is 2nd to none! Thanks for what you do!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you!

[@timh6510]

Very nice list! Merry Christmas 🎄! I'll be watching future reviews for sure.

[@JC.LC.]

Thanks for all your work bringing us great reviews!

[@bherbo3943]

Erin you're the 🐐. happy Holidays to you and all the fellow audiophiles out there!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Happy holidays!

[@middleearthltd]

Excellent reviews so thank you for putting out great content.

[@kevind4061]

ty for all you do to help us all!

[@MrRocktuga]

Merry Christmas, Erin. Wonderful channel all year long.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you! You too!

[@TheJimmyjames8888]

Great stuff as always. Looking forward to your reviews in 2024. Hope you have a Happy New Year!

[@mikegoddard7354]

Youre my santa claus! Glad to have you back and keep up the great work.

[@supersportimpalass]

I came across your channel when trying to decide between the Klipsch RP-600M and mk2. I do like your style of review and measurement comparisons which dies help me have a better understanding of how speakers compare against each other. I would definitely say one of the best on KZbin if not the whole wwweb. Thank You!

[@adsph]

Appreciate all your efforts. You bring a great fresh take on things. Keep it up.

[@aceofspades6667]

Merry Christmas to you and your family! Excited to see what’s in store for the channel in 24. 🎄🎅🍻

[@marcosdellavalle2309]

Love your channel! keep the good work going!

[@JosephTongret]

Erin, I love listening to what you love doing! I drive all day for work and I play and replay your video's constantly. I really enjoy gaining a detailed understanding of things that interest me most and I've learned an incredible amount from your content over the last few years.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

That’s cool! I do the same thing with a lot of my hobbies of interest. I listen to all sorts of podcasts and KZbin videos.

[@Gadgetdad007]

Thanks for your sincerity Erin, you are a very very down to earth person and never afraid to show your emotions and that’s what makes you such an amazing fellow human being. Your channel is awesome just like you. 🤩

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you so much!

[@chashint1]

Thanks for the video. I really enjoy the way you present your reviews. Subjective opinions first and then objective data and discussion of the data second. I get no sense of salesmanship from your reviews, that is really appreciated. Glad to hear you have turned the corner from the divorce, it took me a while to get over mine too. As long as you make the videos I will watch them.

[@juicebox853]

Thanks, Erin.

[@Nightjar726]

We love the content and can’t wait more. I can’t wait for more reviews and more interviews on dispersion with experts etc. can’t wait for more tower reviews/measurements Merry Christmas !

[@xsamitt]

Thank you for all the work you do! God Bless!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

You are very welcome

[@yourchildrensghost9736]

Merry Christmas Erin.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Same to you!

[@davidcarr2216]

Mery Christmas & Best Wishes for the New Year Erin and a big thanks for all you do - keep on telling it as it is Bro 🙂

[@TheJanakev]

Thanks buddy. Great video as always. I appreciate your efforts in testing speakers. I share your interest in sound reproduction. I do learn stuff from your videos.

[@crazydwarfer]

Thanks, awesome as always.

[@hassabsaeed9993]

Erin, we always wait your next video, your passion for sound shows in your effort, Also Knowing that you moving to new home means you are doing better in your life , wish you all the best and Merry Christmas

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Oh thank you!

[@dagreatstoney.5869]

Erin well done, and keep going 👍

[@Rene_Christensen]

Merry Xmas, Erin.

[@Woot-Zee]

I understand, and from me you won't see a decline in viewership. :D We share the same passion, but I do not have the means (or the knowledge) to do what you do... I really respect this! Thank you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! :)

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I really appreciate the kind words. Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@tvolkman88]

Erin you are the man. Really felt for you after the divorce and selfishly I was concerned that you may not come back to the space. Really glad you are back and continuing to provide this service to the community. There are a ton of people offering subjective reviews but very few unbiased people giving objective data and subjective thoughts as they relate to the objective data. I do hope you continue to grow and generate more revenue thru this platform because you deserve it. Happy holidays!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you!

[@zefrog7482]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.🙂

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Same to you!

[@cruzingrsx4484]

Thank you my brother all the best in the coming years, stay strong ✌🏻

[@IrenESorius]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Erin,, ☀🌟💖❄☃🎄🎅🎄☃❄💖🌟☀

[@NosEL34]

What?? You weren't part of the popped collar crew?😂😂 Great content this year. Your channel is unique and just friggin awesome. You seem like you are in a good place (mentally) and looking healthy. Not too long ago everything was upside down for you. I've been on that rollercoaster once as well. I'm glad you've found yourself again. Your channel was truly outstanding this year..I appreciate all the information and knowledge you kindly passed along to us. Happy Holidays, God Bless, and Rock on!

[@jjchmiel78]

Your videos are great! You make very clear what is your personal opinion and let others judge for themselves. I appreciate that right after your measurements and explanation of them. ideas for new year. One video you spoke of budget friendly home theater. Maybe show some matching center channels to the bookshelfs? Another you spoke of getting the extension arm for towers. Maybe tower comparisons to bookshelfs? Especially in budget sphere where the tower is about the same or less than bookshelf and stand. Outdoor speakers and possible alternative applications like Atmos duties? As an example I recently saw OSD outdoor speakers that are Pendant style that hang from chain and claim 120 degree dispersion. I see that as a possible Atmos solution for living rooms with vaulted ceilings. Lastly SUBWOOFERS! Especially the big boys that fanboys like to bicker about. With Data-Bass not having updates in years, your truly objective style is missed in this area. Thanks for reading my Christmas wish list.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I'm actually measuring a few tower speakers at the moment. :)

[@user-dh7lt4we2t]

Merry Christmas! If the audio review had people like you earlier, it would have progressed much better.

[@Garybologne3237]

I've watched your videos for years. I loved them. I honestly don't know why I never subscribed, but I am now! Liked, subscribed, etc. Take care man! You genuinely seem like a really good dude. I'm definitely going to watch and like all of your 2022 videos. Happy Holiday! Merry Chriatmas!

[@mariokolenko4322]

Born in 1972, you tube just for fun watching, happy new year.

[@armourine]

Have a good 2024!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

You, too!

[@mnemonik61]

Surprised no towers made the cut this year! BTW, love your approach to loudspeaker reviews; reminds me of the elder masters like Julian Hirsch (Stereo Review). Your in depth listening impressions backed up by rigorous testing is just what I want from a speaker review. 😃 Doesn't hurt that your taste in response and dynamics largely mirrors mine! 😁

[@nervouscough7115]

You’re reviews are friggin AWESOME!!! Hoping (but not expecting) the day you might review the SVS Ultra Towers. In any case, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

Erin ... please know that your work is appreciated.

[@sleepwait9613]

Elac dbr 62 cost 350 eur per pair in Italy/ europe They really are a no brainer. Compared them with the debut 5.2 and greatly preferred the dbr, much flatter and wider. Thanks Erin

[@davidcarr2216]

Recency Bias - Love it !!

[@x-techgaming]

Nice to see some larger speakers, and not JUST bookshelves.

[@MattyDaddy14]

This was a great video!! Woulda liked a little more interactive features (sound clips/visuals etc). I know this is just a “best of” vid, so I’ll go back and look for all the products you listed. Thanks for all the hard work! Newish fan! Ps. Please get those new svs towers and bookshelf and satellites for review! I’m dying to see what you think of them and what you get for the price!! 🎉

[@dk4wncp]

That was a nice sign-off

[@BuffSquadBigBenni]

2024 will be Erins year, mark my words. Best hifi audio channel on youtube ❤

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you, sir.

[@rogue050]

Popped collar trauma intro, dude is adorable. Appreciate your thoughts, effort and content

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

😂

[@roberleiton]

Erin, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge! Enjoy a Lot your content. Depending on your tastes, do you prefer R3 Meta or Mofi Sourcepoint 8?

[@mikelastname9583]

Thanks!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Hey thank you!

[@matthewfrazee3352]

I popped my mid woofer on my revel 126be Friday night. Using your link to order new 126s from Crutchfield. I was playing with my settings on my integrated and removed start up volume, had it maxed out. I will order a pair and use the extra 126 as a center channel. I think it might do a better job than my current center channel.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Sorry to hear that. But I appreciate you taking the time to use my link. And, yes, it might just work better as a center channel (just make sure you stand it upright if you can) compared to what you have now.

[@matthewfrazee3352]

I knew it will. I have and old klipsch center channel speaker that is horrible. I usually just shut it off and ghost the center but I wanted the revel be center but it is massive and expensive. Crutchfield has open box 126bes for $2950.

[@deanfisher1656]

Love Kef speakers…..their voicing matches my preferences and have a set (R5). Listening to my Dali Minuete SE right now……At 2500 retail they are so fun and blow me away with their bass output. Would love to get your feedback on them……just caught your channel and I like how you keep it real with a blend a subjective and objectivity. Thanks!

[@keithhazley3745]

Just keep doing what you're doing

[@anathma]

Awesome man you did it. Fantastic. Few million views here you come (I hope! heh)

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Haha. Maybe a few thousand. But that’s cooler than none.

[@Palindromeguy1]

I only have a living room so that's why I chose monitor audio silver 300 in oak. I would love a video on the best living room friendly speaker.

[@stevengagnon4777]

Erin, I really watch your channel for entertainment. Not in the market for anything new except a sub ...I'll be building that myself. Oh a replacement for my Stanton 680 stylus...talk about finding a needle in a hay stack. Then try to get some staight answers . Anyway your reviews are very nice and it's good to listen first and measure later. If you don't already do this . My experience is a well recorded Opera is the ultimate torture test for any speaker. It's got everything and if it can do the whole range of vocals and not fall apart during a chorus with the orchestra playing...well you know you have a gem. Merry Christmas. Hope things are going on the right track .

[@m4nc1n1]

Two sets I just picked up. PSB Alpha P5 and Klipsch The Fives. Both really good (Only get The Fives on sale tho).

[@OlaJustin]

One thing you could do to make even more content (not that you need to) is tear the speakers apart, maybe messure the thiele parameters of the drivers, review the crossovers and the over all build. If you did that you would become the speaker reviewer to rule them all! Anyway, great year for your channel and I, no we, truly appreciate the work you out into it!

[@caioferrari]

The best speaker reviewer! Thank you for all this. PS: I thought I was going to see Revel 126 on your list since you seems to like them a lot.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I did like them a lot. But for some reason they just didn't "stick" with me in my mind like some others. That's where the subjective part comes in... still a great speaker.

[@ChicagoRob2]

I thought the same thing about the Ascend Acoustics Sierra -1 V2.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@ChicagoRob2that’s one there. @6:00

[@ChicagoRob2]

@@ErinsAudioCorner My bad!

[@caioferrari]

@@ErinsAudioCorner your arguments are always pretty solid. You and Amir opened my eyes for my Klipsch bad sounding and Amir helped me choosing my revel M105. You guys are a gift for all people who likes a good sound.

[@idc7305]

Awesome video. Thanks. In terms of imaging capabilities, how would you rank the R3, LS50 and the Sourcepoint 8? Thanks

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

oof... I dunno... I just rememeber liking that factor about the LS50 Metas but it doesn't mean the others don't do it well, either. I just focused on other aspects that I really liked.

[@gaurd3]

"Extra information".... I like that.

[@GadgetyMV]

😀Great intro, and content. In Europe the Swissonic A306 is no longer available at Thomann. Replaced by the A308? It uses an 8 inch woofer instead of the 6.5, is larger and 25% heavier. BTW, your channel deserves about 20x subscribers.

[@ervinleblanc1757]

Idk if I commented but those speakers from thomman were a big surprise. That site sells a guitar brand that everyone talks about how good they are for the price. Harley Benton … when you said the site name It caught my ear. I almost bought a guitar to check it out. They’re the same as the speakers. Shipping and handling adds another 150 bucks or so.

[@harisjaved1379]

Hi Erin thank you! Could you please review MoFi 10 ? Thanks

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Done. Here ya go! MoFi SourcePoint 10 Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/epS8h6hmibanetU

[@harisjaved1379]

@@ErinsAudioCorner YO! Thanks man!!!

[@XudenGroupLLC]

JTR speakers in 2024?? Love the channel and the website.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I believe so.

[@1337sim1]

Awesome choices! Just to make sure when you say: use a subwoofer, you mean to high pass the speakers and low pass the subwoofer? Or just adding a subwoofer with no signal processing also does the trick? Thanks 😎

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

That is correct. 👍

[@swizlstik]

I’m wearing that same Morel shirt

[@analogkid4557]

They popped collars in the 50s too.