My Top Ten Speakers From Cheap to Expensive (2024)

What are my top ten favorite speakers in 2024? Some have lost their spot for new speakers!
Check out My favorite Amp Vid • My Favorite Amps from ...
Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 are fire bit.ly/3wHTVBg (affiliate)
Q Acoustics 5020 howl.me/cjVWaA43718 (affiliate)
Sony SSCS5 amzn.to/3BWocMb (affiliate)
Elac BS41 amzn.to/3Ww38FL (affiliate)
Wharfedale Denton 80th bit.ly/3CMjiT0 (affiliate)
Wharfedale Linton bit.ly/3oF5cvx (affiliate)
Q Acoustics 5040 howl.me/ckvDf12pxhO (affiliate)
Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator
Klipsch the 9's ON SALE! amzn.to/3TGX5Np (affiliate)
SVS Ultra ON SALE bit.ly/3xk8kUM (affiliate)

[@Fidelity_Sound]

A bit more expensive than this list but when the Mofi Sourcepoint 10 went on sale a few weeks back. I paired them with my Yamaha a-s2200 integrated. Wow. The dynamics and huge sound out of these speakers is just amazing!! My Svs subwoofer has essentially been turned off at -60db since the Sourcepoint 10 speakers get amazingly deep despite their spec of 42Hz. Great review as always sir.

[@dizzle1119]

I'm about 6 months into owning Arendal's 1723 THX floor standing speakers. Still in love. I ain't ever replacing 'em.

[@user-mz6lt2pr9s]

Agree I’ve had mine for over a year and they still rock my house every time. Incredibly well built. 10 year warranty. Highly recommend.

[@ryanwallman7114]

Same great vibes over here as well with regards to my Arendal 1723 Towers! Have had them since 11/2023 and freaking love them just an absolute blast to listen to. Won’t ever get rid of them they will stay in the family for generations and eventually given to my son when he gets older 👍

[@marc8673]

I’m about to buy the 1723 s bookshelf’s and centre speaker do you think a Marantz cinema 50 is a good match heard they are power hungry?

[@dizzle1119]

@@marc8673 I wouldn't have a clue about the S series stuff. I have the full-sized towers paired with a 3rd gen Emotiva XPA-TWO (supposed to be 500 wrms per channel). EDIT: I'd purchase a standalone amp for the speakers if I were in your shoes. ...but I'm not you, ya know? I don't know about your expectations, goals, what type of music you'll be listening to, how big or small your room is, etc etc etc.

[@demora714]

Would have love to see a comparison between the 1723 monitor s and the kef r3 meta. Just got the r3 meta but haven’t connected them yet but was hoping for a comparison somewhere

[@aaronfarley4577]

does the css 1tdx still hold up in this list? im considering building on myself when I get the budget!

[@joachimjenni]

few weeks with my monitor audio bronze 100 as a first hifi system and I gotta say I am very happy with them! Some people might find them too bright but I like and for movies its great as well, very nice bass! I have a 5 month old so haven't been able to play with like crazy haha

[@JHGJTUTUYT8]

Do you have an opinion about the technique of “ towering” bookshelf speakers? I would like tweeters at ear height while seated and another at ear height while standing (and dancing)?

[@ii1825]

Hey Randy how would you say the CSS Criton 1TDX compares to your Sonus Faber's?

[@ENGBriseB]

HAVE A COUPLE OF WHARFEDALE 12.1 DIAMOND SPEAKERS. BEAUTIFUL SOUND. WELL MADE. Thanks Randy as always. HAVE A HAPPY EASTER BREAK.

[@brendanxtrom]

I sold my lumina 2’s for lintons and I’m happy but man. I miss those luminas they were really nice in my space and vocals were great

[@andresirt]

Excuse my ignorance, do the Sony ones need an Amp? I'm not sure but it looks like they are both passive bookshelf speakers, is that right? Will the presonus 4.5 be a good trade so I can get an active-passive pair?

[@connorduke4619]

Dynaudio Evoke 10 and Dynaudio Contour 20i are truly magical, when paired with a high current amp.

[@Ray47nl]

I have a pair of British made Sequence model 30 flat panel Hi Fi speakers and you can put them on the floor (they have a metal stand on the back and spikes under the speaker, but you can also turn the metal stand around and move them up. Then it is possible to hang them on a wall. I was wondering what are the pro's or cons about that?

[@marcmenton8063]

What happened to the kef q150? That you loved?

[@dennisandrews9170]

After listening to you rave about the Sony SSCS5 ,I had to give them a try . I hooked them up to the Marantz PM7001 and there is a dirty grin on my face every time I play them..... no sub. Thank you.

[@dennisandrews9170]

@user-jp3vl5jx1j the make and model number is clearly stated. What other people do with them dies not concern me at all. For $120 CAD on the used market, I did not sweat it. As good as SSCS5'S sound with the Marantz, they are staying in my speaker cycle for a while. I didn't like them with NAD amps but very nice with the Marantz and Cambridge Audio. Most of those returns of the Sony's are novice listeners. Furthermore, I would like to see a percentage of the return rate. The more numbers that are sold, the higher the return number. Regardless of the outcome......they stay.

[@dennisandrews9170]

​@user-jp3vl5jx1j I'm glad you posted that the SSCS5's return rate is very high. I decided to do a little test with a low end receiver. Dust of the Yamaha RX-V371 and hooked them up. This is a terrible listening experience worse than with the Nad BEE316 and 758 receiver. To be honest, It was kind of expected. It could be people are buying the Sony's and hooking them up to lower end receivers. After all the reviews people may buying these inexpensive well built speakers and expecting them to sound phenomenal with their one and only low end receiver. Doomed to fail in a lot of circumstances. Amp matching does exist and it is very real. Sticking good speakers on a mismatched or poor performing amp does not equate to a good listening experience. I'm not saying my findings are gospel for the high return rate but very possible.

[@thecoon3240]

@@dennisandrews9170 Hi! I am new to all this, I'd like to ask you if it is okay to pair this Sony model u are talking about with a pc mostly to play games? Thank you

[@rangersmith4652]

As my military duty-enhanced hearing degradation progresses (high frequency loss, added clipping sensitivity), I find there are many inexpensive loudspeakers that sound as good as I can hear. No reason to spend big backs for nuances that have become inaudible to me. On my daily driver PC, I'm using a pair of Neumi BS5 loudspeakers with a Kinter K2020A+ amp. For a total of

[@bpalpha]

I'd like to know if four Sony SSCS5s laid together in an array much like the Advent stack can outperform higher cost speaker set ups. Run both as an a/b pair from an amp/receiver stacked super tweeter to super tweeter. Perhaps the Elac BS41s could perform well in such an array too.

[@jefflock7635]

Randy, if you haven’t already, please review the B&W 706S3’s. Fabulous speaker. Great soundstage, detail, and balance. These are right around $2200, so similar to others on this list.

[@neilquinn]

Which higher end ones do you think would be easiest to find used on FB marketplace/etc?

[@Dets6]

Dali Spektor 2 not in the list? How does the Denton 80th vs Dali Spektor 2? Overlall perjormance. thanks!

[@jvelezfam]

Good morning, i know that they are inexpensive. How do you rate Dayton speakers and Dayton Subwoofer? Thank you , sir

[@garytomlinson5075]

Curious to know about genelecs and aperion, genelecs seem to get rave reviews

[@donjaun540]

Great video. I looked up the SVS speakers and the ultra is $349 each. Do you think they are a good buy for surrounds or the Elacs you shown are❓

[@MarcelNL]

I have heard often that their subs are amazing, but that their speakers.....are an acquired taste.

[@mikedelara8226]

You really need to listen to Paradigm... Founder 40b or the big boys. Even their older Studio 100 V5's will absolutely floor you! (All subjective of course)

[@lannerkullman9401]

im still in love with my paradigm reference studios from 1998 !

[@hondaphan4172]

I can't wait to hear your review on the Emotiva XT2's whenever they make them available to you as I'm hoping they'll be my end-game speakers. I'm using the Emo B2+ as the mains in my HT rig(being driven by an Emo BasX A3) and I'm happy with them but I would prefer a set of great-sounding towers to occupy that space in my system.

[@jasonm3871]

Those little Elac's are insane. We're currently using ours in a 1,200 sf shop (filled with cars and home gym), and they EASILY fill it with sound.....including bass. I put them out there temporarily, with the intent do go with something larger, but I've been totally satisfied. Their bass is bloated, but it works for our environment. I'd really like to hear the Denton's. They look soooo good. I had the SVS Ultra's for a short time, but was never pleased with them. Their soundstage was huge, but a garbled mess. Nothing was really placed in space; everything was everywhere. Maybe it was my room, but I had cheaper speakers that didn't have that issue in the same space. Wondering if the new version is really that different.

[@dobieprime]

Hey I love my Debut 2 b6.2. I don't understand why SOME critics do not like them. They are phenomenal.

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

Nice listing of speakers at variable prices. Many of them I have been interested in listening to. Good job !

[@MrJasonfromcanada]

You should audition the Paradigm Founders 80f or 100f’s

[@lannerkullman9401]

even the 40b's

[@GawainDragon]

Normally i would see Sony speaker and think it's probably bad. You were the reason that changed. When i decided to buy speakers i went on a journey to demo some that were 2 to 3 times more expensive. On the way i saw a sony store and remembered your recs. When i geard them i was blown away. They now proudly take their place as my first ever speakers. Thank you!

[@nathanclaspell6003]

I've had phenomenal luck with Sony home audio products for over 20 years. Honestly, Sony has never let me down, but I'm no audiophile and have never owned any high-end gear.

[@randybox2734]

I just found that the Emotiva T1+ was on your list. I gotta tell you that I was convinced I was upgrading to the XT2 when they became available. Well they became available today and for $1,300 I am having a terrible time pulling the trigger! I love these T1+'s...

[@ianyates7742]

So pleased to see Q acoustics on your list not once but twice I have two sets of there tower speakers. Love them ❤❤

[@jamespavier1624]

I have a pair of the Arendal 1723 S monitors, they will be staying around for a long time.

[@SoulDaddy33]

What would be wonderful would be an actual list of the speakers you chat about here. Do you think you could post one up, please, if you wouldn't mind, thank you very much?

[@randyangus2803]

I just ordered a pair of emotive XT2s gonna drive them with a Pioneer SX-1050 can't wait to receive them.

[@billywindsock9597]

PMC and Sonus Faber on the list. I have heard lots of the Sonus Faber range, right up to the £15k range and all of them are good to great sounding. They look amazing too. PMC are quite bland to look at, but are very well made and the TL tech is floating my boat. Kudos Randy.

[@donttellhimpike2043]

The Arendal 1723 S Monitors were the "perfect speaker" but were an addendum to the list? Would love to know why you sent back the perfect speaker?

[@upitshak]

How is Q acoustic 5020 vs svs ultra?

[@m1oj499]

How valid is the Klipsch R-51m today?

[@Blitzburgh17]

Hoping for a Speedwoofer 10e review soon!

[@thepaintedsock]

Would be nice to compare the pmc tb2 to prodigy 1 as there are a few older models available over ebay

[@Rockruio]

Randy, could you try the next revolution in cheap audio men? A series of videos using mid range speakers like for example the klipsch 6000f gen1 and the 600M gen 1 but using a minidsp flex with Dirac Live. Source --> Minidsp Flex --> DAC --> Midrange AMP --> Speakers and compare them with more expensive speakers. 😁 Thanks!

[@rhwinner]

My favorite speaker is a filling I got in 1974. It reproduces a powerhouse AM station with startling clarity. However it is difficult to predict.

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

"ok"..said Lori Partridge's braces...😁

[@mikedinno8413]

I think those Ascend Acoustics CBM 170SE you reviewed should be on this list easily, Especially with those Sony's and Elac's you have on this list I mean cmon.

[@tonymolina7744]

@cheapaudioman great list. Thanks! I’ve really enjoyed your channel and continue to get better educated on all things audio.

[@cheapaudioman]

Awesome, thank you!

[@BobDoherty]

Really think you should review the Kanto Passive 5.25 Great speaker that matches great with my Cambridge Audio AXA35. I think it would beat out some of the speakers in this list.

[@jomphopburanasin8900]

You know the super denton is out already right? Would love to know how you like it if you have a chance

[@osmosisbrown1]

Dude, just found your channel. What a great presenter you are! Keep it up, my man. Have a nice day.

[@AdamsOlympia]

Never tried any Klipsch speakers, but seriously considering getting the Nines and using its line out to feed my current Fosi ZA3/ Q150s setup when playing genres of music more suited to KEFs. It'd also save me from having to invest in a separate Pre, since I can just use the HDMI Arc on Nines for all my audio sources... Was hoping my LG C1's optical output would be sufficient, but it distorts audio terribly in the upper range. Bad ringing/Sibilance, which I thought was a speaker problem at first.

[@aifilmschool]

Hey, can you please review the Martin Logan Foundation speakers?

[@pandemonium274]

I'm glad the Wharfedale Linton's stayed on your list. Now that there are brand new "Super" Dentons (3 way), and I think a 90th Anniversary Dovedale, hopefully we will see a new 90th Anniversary Linton coming out soon.

[@DPSingh-px4xu]

Every time I try to get out you drag me back in cuz you slay me with your crazy reviews.....nice one Randy

[@rchobbiesuk9492]

I love my new polk ES15 they sound lovely, can you please review the ES20 randy?? Best KZbin channel ❤❤

[@user-ko8kx8vf1k]

When it comes to speakers there is no replacement for displacement, that will never change. Still nothing ive heard compare with my Legacy Focus for metal music😊

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

That's what $12,000 buys ya. I have always wanted to hear those too!👍

[@TheSodFather09]

Hey what about Kef q 150 ?

[@stimpy1226]

Regardless of price and you didn’t even think of one of the Magnaplaner models. Do you have a problem with planar speakers or electrostatics?

[@gnd144]

The new Q Acoustics looks the best out of all these. Have to agree with the comment section about Arendal speakers (in white)........and that 10 year warranty is rare these days.

[@bengleason508]

Thanks Randy

[@rockroll9513]

SVS Ultra bookshelves should have stayed on the list IMO. They are great speakers and on sale because they are being discontinued. $800 for a pair! I don't see many used for sale. Easy to drive. A great rock and roll speaker as well as HT. Glad they were still mentioned.

[@nadtz]

I got the Sony SSCS5 for a steal from amazon 2+ years ago (like $60) after your and other reviews and they have suited my needs so much better than expected for desktop PC speakers. I am starting to think about upgrading my desktop setup so I'll be keeping some of these picks in mind, thanks for the list!

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

Rubbish speakers

[@nadtz]

@@AndiGomez-yu2dx by what definition of rubbish?

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

@@nadtz Their measurements are terrible, so we're focusing on objective data here. There's a valid reason they're the most returned speakers on Amazon. You should stop taking recommendations from influencers with vested interests; I learned this lesson long ago. For genuine reviews and advice, visit Erin's Audio Corner. He offers subjective opinions supported by objective data and thorough measurements

[@hondaphan4172]

@@nadtz Forget about him. His main objective was to get a response from you. All that really matters is if they sound good to YOU in your listening space.

[@matthewvanderheide8360]

I bought the Sony SS-CS5s last month based on your recommendation. I had bought them online as an open box return for $87. When I picked them up in store, they were in terrible shape. The manager grabbed a brand new unopened pair of the shelf. Ended up being a fantastic deal.

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

They’re rubbish speakers. Just look up at the measurements and you’ll know why

[@hiresfam]

Didn't you just make a video abut the PSB Alpha P3 and say that you like them more than the Elac BS41 ? Can you elaborate why you put the BS41 on the list after saying you like the Alpha P3 better?

[@ruley73]

@4:48 I thought I was the only one that tapped the woofer like this! I do this with every pair of speakers before I listen to them. I swear you can tell what kind of bass you'll hear when you do this. If a speaker fails the tap test I usually don't end up liking how they sound.

[@cheapaudioman]

Dude! Totally agree. It’s so funny

[@spunkthecombo]

I bought a set of the Sony SSCS5, on your advise, Wow! I understand why you love these speakers. I put them with a set of Mark & Daniel Maximus Subs. Man these things rock hard. I got them for $123 at Amazon. What a deal.

[@cheapaudioman]

Glad you like them!

[@mrpmj00]

GoldenEar BRX with AMT ribbon tweeters, 40hz-35 Khz, 90db sensitivity. Apple Music

[@adsph]

Nice group of speakers. Something for most people. Well done.

[@joecharpentier6636]

Polk legend l100's. Best secret under $1k. Got em, couldn't be happier. Absolute shock how a 5 and 1/4 woofer and 1 inch tweeter does what it does. But I'm hooked. Can't shut em off.

[@cheapaudioman]

Great speaker.

[@steveh545]

I really wanted the Lintons. Price was a barrier. They had dropped but then went back up. And then up again. But… probably should have bought them anyway, by the time I add a sub to my bookshelf speakers, I’m back in the price range. 🤦‍♂️. Plus, so hard to audition any of this stuff nowadays.

[@dal2258]

Hey Randy, what a surprise the KEF LS50's are not on your list :D Try to test the Dynaudio Emit 10 or 20, they are kinda cheap but great value ;-)

[@jameskorthals4224]

Just pulled the trigger on a pair of the discontinued SVS's, $749 out the door, speakers, shipping and taxes. These will be my new office sound. The will replace the KEF 150's. The 150s will replace the sound bar on the den 65inch TV.

[@plkproductions7868]

You dont mention JBL Stage 130? Have you changed your mind about those cans?

[@rafacq]

Randy, you should do a video about the current incredible buys that can be found today! Examples, Cinema 30 replaced the Marantz SR8015, so you can buy the SR8015 for less than $2K. Six months ago, the SR8015 was $3,799! Ouch. Another good buy… Martin Logan Motion 60XTi replaced by the new Motion XT line, originally $1,749 each now going for $1,099! And when you consider this year’s top Motion is $2,749 each, its a freaking great buy. I think most of your followers would like hearing about great deals like this. Sometimes its not about being cheap, but getting the most value for your money! Thanks for the great videos.😮 11:24

[@freemanjones2161]

Would love to hear your take on some Zu Dirty Weekends!

[@joko-kc3wc]

Is it telling that there are no speaker kits that made it into the top 10? What happened to CSS Audio?

[@cheapaudioman]

this was a list for factory speakers only

[@don7680]

So Randy, have you heard the Sony SS-CS3? Same as the 5's but in a tower with dual woofers. Only $30 more a pair!

[@Kevinb1821]

I really have to say if you’re new to getting into Audio. Start with a pair of edifiers. They sound so damn good for like 120 dollars. Great beginner speakers. You can’t beat the price for quality you get

[@SirBender]

I like your Tudor GMT :) Greetings from someone who’s owning BB58 ☺️

[@cheapaudioman]

Nice! One of my favorite watches

[@jaimeceularcarranco340]

klh model 5?

[@user-rc3kh4pv9u]

I would love to see you check out the ZU DWX at $1400.

[@ryantimmel6112]

for a budget set, I love, love my Martian Logan ESL's

[@adrianmixit1998]

What about Edifier r1280db.

[@BostonMike68]

I couldn't find a perfect speaker that hit all the boxes. I wanted it to have a 10" paper treated cones and honestly with everything I put into it. It could compare with a $5000 speaker with sound and looks. It's MDF covered with solid oak with gold leaf In lays . But I put hundreds of hours of testing and planning never mind building the cabinets and designing the crossover. Even the solder I used was $50 lead Free silver solder to solder 2 crossovers. Never mind what I spent on the crossovers . You don't find that kind of love in commercial built speakers.

[@mgaming7]

Can you ask Vandersteen for a pair of 1Ci's ($1700 with stands) to review? Also ask Paradigm for a pair of Monitor SE 6000F or 3000F or Premier 200B ? no one reviews either brand.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Hope you review the new super denton soon!

[@cheapaudioman]

I hope so too!

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

@@cheapaudioman and the 5050 by q acoustics! i bet these two have the potential to be in the next top 10 list you make! 😀

[@DrkNinja_]

Still looking for that desk audio set up... A lot of the speakers you talk about are all not for near-field listening per se, so I'm desperately looking for a setup around $500

[@cheapaudioman]

Check out the PSB alpha vid I did

[@onehellofanerd]

@cheapaudioman ironically that video is what led me to the PSB. Right now I'm looking at the SU-1 and the Fosi Audio V3 to pair with the PSB P3

[@cheapaudioman]

@@onehellofanerd would be a brilliant combo

[@madcrabber1113]

I was going to buy the largest Arendal towers but am a single dad of 2 college students and had to save up for them. Problem was everytime I would get enough extra cash the price would go up so I bought something much less expensive.

[@jaaron2834]

Ahhhhhh, ... You'll figure out a way to get them… 👍😎👌

[@lindabutler4903]

Have acoustic energy ae1 that are around 40 years old. Never going to replace them ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

You really gotta check out the cerwin-vega LA 165

[@s.daniel9224]

Great video. Thx.

[@cheapaudioman]

Glad you liked it!

[@stevezeidman7224]

Great list!

[@cheapaudioman]

thanks, Steve O!

[@billw_mtb3220]

I love these list episodes.

[@cheapaudioman]

more to come!

[@nigelstones]

Dali Menuet, the best bookshelf speaker by a mile

[@andrewbrazier9664]

I've read you need great amplification to set the best out of them. I just bought the Dali Oberon 1s (My l1st Dalis) just for for Denon X2800 home cinema fronts. Much lower down the range but surprised just how good they sound with music & wide soundstage too (small narrow room) 👍

[@nigelstones]

@@andrewbrazier9664 I have a Rega Brio 70w into 4ohms and they sing. Did have an Arcam SA20 before rated at 100 w and I much prefer the Rega. Never had the Oberon, I went from Spector 2 to Opticon 1 mk2 to Menuets

[@BJORNWAUTERS]

Thanks audio man. I know absolutely nothing. Bewildering. I want to replace my old soundbar. And at this point why not go for something real. I think i´m going for the pioner lx305 av receiver. With the kef q350 In front. Then i´m going to see again. I can´t listen to anything around here. So really i do not have any reference points to understand. I listen to other speakers on tv😅

[@paulp.6399]

Dayton Audio B652, about $50 a pair. Amazing sound for the price.

[@henriksrensen3220]

Best bargin in hifi right now is the Borresen X series

[@saif333222able]

Where is focal?

[@WowzaGuy]

What happened to KEF?

[@jaredpmoser]

Still waiting to buy a Rocktapus

[@qqsrx]

Fun fact: Average price top 10 speakers 2022: $620 Average price top 10 speakers 2023: $830 Average price top 10 speakers 2024: $1143

[@cheapaudioman]

nice. that's so cool that you did the math. Fun fact... legit no one sent me expensive speakers in 2022. More did in 2023 and even more in 2024

[@EricRhodeslives]

Average inflation rate lately, priceless.

[@Scan_Speak]

SourcePoint 8’s here. 2023/24 EISA Stand mounts of the year. Just wow.

[@BoRerunn]

DIY projects should hit the list

[@toddgowlett7690]

Darn, Randy, my Mission 701's still haven't made the list

[@Justwantahover]

How come no mention of a price on the Sonos Faber speakers. My guess is about 3 grand. 😅