Our favourite bookshelf speakers £1,000 - £3,000 (Part 1)

[@1rbarreda]

I love my Spendor Classic 2/3s. Easy to drive, not fussy about placement, and they sound fantastic. Midrange is to die for.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@ralex3697]

I traded my 3/1 in for 2/3 Picking them up tomorrow

[@williambiggar1054]

Toruń, great video again. I tried over 30 speakers in my 4m x 3.5m listening room, yes over thirty. After my wife just had enough of me part exchanging loudspeakers losing money, unpacking and repacking them. So I sat down and went through all the speakers I had tried. I made a list of the the things l liked about each speaker. When I did this I saw I didn’t like metal tweeters. I preferred three way. Floor standing speaker too big for my room. After doing this the one speaker that fitted my needs and looked beautiful were Wharfedale Elysian two. Anyway I purchased them about six months ago. They sound fantastic in my room, they are keepers, that was my long journey to my HiFi heaven. I run them on a Sugden ANV 50, perfect to my ears. Nice to see you a couple of weeks ago at Sainsbury’s. I look forward to your next video, Will

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi William, great to see you. Thank you for stopping and saying Hi. I have always been impressed with the ANV50 whenever I have heard it. I would also like to review the Elysian 2. Say hi to the Mrs for me and I am so pleased that you have got to a happy place with your system 😊👍

[@IamVintage72]

What a beautiful pair of speakers!!

[@markcarrington8565]

Hi Tarun, interesting to hear Ian’s take on matching gear. You’ve heard me wittering on about source first, then amp and speakers last. Very unpopular with most reviewers, who insist that speakers are the priority. I won’t be upgrading my speakers in either of my systems until I’ve carried out a few more tweaks further up the chain. When I do, I’m confident the speakers will be well served so should give me the step I’ll be looking for and, in the study in particular, your choices here will be highly relevant. I look forward to part 2.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks Mark. Part 2 will be out soon 🙂

[@surf6d769]

The Spendor Classic 4/5 are a fantastic speaker. As said in the video, beautifully balanced and fun too.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@sonichammer8695]

You're right, gorgeus speakers. Spendor is great brand!

[@cmessi]

When Ian said 'this Spendor needs 50 watts minimum', did he mean solid state? So can you get away with 20 watts tube?

[@OllieMarshall92]

I have a pair of Amphion Argon 1's arriving this week! Will be paired with a Naim Uniti Nova 👌 I also heard the Amphions at the Bristol hifi show a few years ago and have wanted a pair since then

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎 please let me know how you get on 😊

[@markburrows8784]

Argon 1's in our room sound absolutely fantastic and are able to cope being a little further apart than ideal, and if you are not quite in the sweet spot or standing up there is little difference. All with a very modest amp (CXA60) and their addition has made everything else sound new and more expensive. Great across all music I have which broadly is electronic (Techno, ambient) but with vocals (for example Bjork) is very special indeed. Magical speaker!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Mark. My experiences match yours 😊👍

[@MichaelPsyrras]

Spendor Classic Series all the time… I use me SP2/3Es since 2004 and despite a small problem with the driver rubber surrounding the cone, they still sound so truthful!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great Michael 👍

[@josephstark4944]

This is the first time I’ve ever heard another person mention Dead Can Dance. Awesome 🤘

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@alanwilson307]

So glad I recently subscribed to your channel, really enjoy your content, always easy to watch from start to finish, excellent.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Alan. Very kind 😊👍

[@roblawrence4792]

Hi TARUN, enjoyed this discussion, more please. Especially from a fellow Canadian :) Nice to hear the small Spendors getting some love. They seem to get a little lost in the competition these days. I’ve always loved their sound, I’ve owned the 3/5’s and then later the 3/5R2’s. Very balanced and musical, maybe just missing some dynamic’s overall, but hard to beat for a music lover. Thanks again! R

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Rob. Part 2 will be out soon 👍

[@jpaulog9809]

Very happy with my Amphion Argon 1 connected to a Lyngdorf TDAI-1120. Thank you Tarun!

[@richarde3237]

Interesting, I have the Lyngdorf and have been contemplating the Amphions ever since I heard them at a show last year? Are you running them with subs? How far from the wall have you got them etc.

[@jpaulog9809]

@@richarde3237 Hi. I use the Argon 1 with the Subwoofer SVS 1000 SB pro. I put the foam bungs on the Argon ports and pulled them just 10 centimeters away from the rear wall. This is the position in which, after running the roomperfect, I have better bass. Before, I had tried to put the loudspeakers further away from the rear wall, but I felt that the sound was too thin for my taste. I think one should follow Lyngdorf's recommendations to place the columns near the rear wall. Now, I am extremely satisfied with this arrangement.

[@richarde3237]

@@jpaulog9809 thanks for that, I should have gone for it last year they have gone up by £200 or £300 since I first looked ☹️.

[@jpaulog9809]

@@richarde3237 Search in France (home cine solutions 😉).

[@richarde3237]

@@jpaulog9809 thanks again, I know I found right place as I saw your review 😃

[@AgentPepsi1]

Hi Tarun!! Another amazing video!! I am going to keep my Wharedale Linton Heritage speakers. 😉😊 I finally got the rebuilt Adcom GFA-555 amplifier in. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!! In combination with my Adcom GFP-815, it puts my Yamaha A-S701 to shame. The Yamaha sound like a beat-up, used entry level receiver against it. Speaking of smaller houses... my house is pretty small!! 😂🙂😂 Keep up the good work Turan!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you AP. Great to hear from you 🙂👍

[@AgentPepsi1]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I had to re-subscribe to your channel as I was not being notified of new videos! I hope you are doing well.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@AgentPepsi1 thank you AP. All good here. Hope it is the same for you 😊👍

[@IrenESorius]

Cheers and thanks Tarun and Ian,, 🍻🍻😎👍‍‍👍‍‍ Spendor Classic 100. Luuuuuuuve 🥰 ( KLH model 5 ca1200USD in the US. Ca2800USD in Sweden,, 🤪)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Irene 🙂👍

[@outbackwack368]

My first hi-end speakers were Amphion Argon 2's and Helium 2's, which I still own and love, but I really wish they were more efficient. I run them with my Parasound A21 and a Yamaha AVR that's 160wpc. I almost bought PSB but wound up with Paradigm because they were a great deal, and love them too. Thanks

[@welshrarebit9238]

Nice Bright Paradigm with there aluminum tweeters and the cheapest crossovers in your he industry

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@greencraig8570]

"a little wooly and kind of lumpy in the bass"! Imagine a non-audiophile hearing that.

[@bobb.9917]

Reminds me of my ex-wife. 🤓

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Indeed! We are a strange breed 😂

[@lonniefarmer7067]

Thanks for information I would never check! These are more in my range, but not application needing 90+ sensitivity for 11 speakers driven.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 🙂

[@StevePilgrim2013]

I thought you'd certainly lean toward the Dali Menuet SE. Interesting choices. Also, with the Harbeth P3ESR, all of the LS3/5a brands & the ATC speakers crossing the $3000 line, I guess I can see the choices. Great discussion. Can't get enough of these.

[@2HatHudders]

Just get the sound acoustic copies for 500 quid.. not quite the originals but they are supposed to be close.(ish)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi steve, part 2 will reveal more 😉

[@StevePilgrim2013]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 You're in the "sweet spot" for my speaker interests - British/mid-focused sound + under $4000 + stand-mount! Thanks.

[@2HatHudders]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 dude, looking for an alternative to the willisenton r8. Great amp for dynamics and bass? Looking at the denfrips! Any good?

[@dittonworks]

Great video guys… nice to hear from a fellow Spendor fan 👍👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy 👍

[@markjohnathanappleton8642]

Love spendor audio

[@larryh9525]

Hi Taron, I was watching your discussion with Ian about mid-priced amps and you were saying that the Yamaha WXA-50 was discontinued. I think in February you were correct, but here in the US, it's back in stock everywhere and even back on the Yamaha website. Thought I'd mention it in case you were still interested in one. BTW, I had one for a day and sent it back as it uses an older version of MusicCast that does not support Qobuz. Cheers.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Larry. I appreciate the heads up 👍

[@michaelbaldwin5953]

Just bought Kefs LSX 2 for my Computer and to move around the house as required.No amp needed , all streaming included.Able to plug in a Sub if your a basehead. Soundstage from the 11th gen Uni Q is fantastic. EQ is adjustable in the app for positioning.There is no crossover , it's all done in DSP. Cost £1199 ---- Managed to get mine for £999

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great Michael 👍

[@thebiffer100]

Hi fellas, first of all I enjoy all your video content and respect your ideology. Also a big shout out to Ian about Toronto which is my hometown too! I am living here in the US for many years and I kind of have an unusual idea and perhaps I can ask Taron and Ian for their suggestions. My home is up for sale and my realtor told me she does NOT want anyone to have to stare at my audiophile equipment which consists of large mono block amps....large floor standing speakers, subwoofers...oversized turntable on a rack mounted stand with a DAC/streamer, power conditioner, pre-amplifier etc. Anyhow you get the idea and I have to store it or "hide" it (however that is possible) not to mention my large vinyl collection. Sadly it is now dismantled until I sell and wind up in my next place and miss my music. So on this topic not knowing when I can be re-united with my "love" I think I can get away with a small decent hi-fi system complete for the price range you are talking about that are bookshelf speakers and amplifier that will work well for me just to stay sane if this takes a long time. I am fortunate enough to have a DCS DAC/streamer so there is really no need for Bluetooth. Forget the vinyl (boo) for now. Open to any and all suggestions with best regards.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

My choice would be to go for a decent one box solution that you could put to a second room when you move. NAD M10 with Amphion Argon 1s for a detailed, dynamic presentation. Alternatively, Naim Unity Atom with Kef LS50 Meta will trade some of those fireworks for a more natural presentation. In both cases add a decent subwoofer. Hard to go wrong with a REL 🙂

[@MaxZappa1]

I'm not sure how any of the above sound, but my recently re-capped circa 1982 LINN Kan Mk1 speakers are quite extraordinary.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@kesm66]

I had the Spendor A1 (sold ‘em off)…regretted it..& purchased the Spendor Classic 4/5. There’s just something very special about the tuning on the Spendor.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@colinchang1543]

Think one can sit 12 ft. away from the 4/5 and still get the full benefit?

[@kesm66]

@@colinchang1543 Depends on your room size & power source. In general…these are near field monitors & should be utilized that way ideally. I enjoy ‘em at any in room distance…the midrange is holographic (vocals sublime).

[@colinchang1543]

@@kesm66 Yeah, apologies for the vague question. Should've been more specific. I'm having to rely on people's experiences since I'm unable to demo these. Most say the 3/1 for a rectangular room that's 14 x 22 x 8. Speakers would be along the 22, so basically listening 12 ft away between 14 ft walls (if that makes any sense). Does the 4/5 have a full sound?

[@dilbyjones]

So glad another company ISNT AFRAID to use titanium tweeters!! Love what a master can do with them.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing 😊

[@dananskidolf]

Interesting that Ian finds the Spendor A range has a distinctly different sound. I've only tried the A range as the D's were out of budget when I was looking at floorstanders, but I was so impressed I ended up getting a pair of A6Rs. I'll have to try the Classic and D series to hear this difference for myself - I was already considering a shootout of Classic 4/5 vs Kef R3 vs Wharfdale 85th Anniversary Linton, which would all fit into the lower end of this category and should all sound very good in very different ways.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. You ate right. Those are 3 very different speakers 🙂

[@smagpie273]

Hiya, Tarun, thank you for the videos! I have a request for you: Would you consider reviewing some central european speakers, that regularly fly under the radar with reviewers? I am thinking of the Magnat Signature 505 (German, with a Hi-Res rating), and for example the Pylon Audio Diamond Monitor 18 (Polish, with Scandinavian membranes). I would be very interested to hear your take on these. Keep producing excellent audio vids, please!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I am always looking for stuff off the beaten track 😊👍

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗👍TARUN AND IAN…A GREAT REVIEW FOR THOSE IN THE MARKET FOR THE SPEAKERS IN THIS PRICE RANGE…😎💚💚💚

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy. Much appreciated 🙂👍

[@SteveMallen]

I'm certainly curious about the Spendor. I sold my Harbeth P3esr and got ProAc tablette signatures. Absolutely thrilled with them. Using with an Icon Audio valve amp. But I wonder how they'd compare with the Spendors (or even Falcons). So much choice we have :)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

The Tablettes are great. Hard to beat for nearfield listening. I would throw Graham Audio into you mix too 👍

[@alexg4284]

What icon audio amp do you have?

[@SteveMallen]

I no longer have the valve amp. I think it was a Stereo 40. Using a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 at the moment (and very happy with it).

[@Scott-nr8go]

Thank You!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching 🙂

[@iggymak]

Thanks 👍 I would love to have you review the products from QUAD. The Z and S series, the ESLs and the amplifiers as well. I have the 12Ls as my daily drivers and they're lovely. Even used in studios.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Iggy 😊

[@iggymak]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 You're most welcome, BA!

[@Justwantahover]

7:28 I own the Audiolab 6000A as well. I build speakers for fun and got my B&W 706s as feterence monitors. My made speakers smoke the 706s. Comparing big band sound and piano sound and live recordings in a large venue eveals the difference. Yet I could not make speakers without them, I use the 706s to get the basic sound right. But it's the artistic fine adjustments that made mine shine (tweaked for that particular room). And the amp makes my speakers sound better since I got it.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@DearSX]

I like these kind of video, as I consider this the Mid HiFi many aspire to be in and probably not spend further.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 🙂

[@richardpeters2193]

Dave Holmes "Audio Emporium" - Wisconsin carries Amphion.

[@32Merced]

I bought my Amphion 3LS from him, great store, great guy, great product.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@jaytejera1164]

Bought my Ampheon 1s from Dave on Taurens recommendation. Couldn’t be happier.

[@zindahoon]

Hey Tarun it’s fun watching your these videos .. now at £1050 Acoustic Energy AE1 or Amphion Argon @ £1400 ? For your information my 4 mates who visited last week subscribed your channel after listening my system. One of them who lives in Harrow said you are so down to earth with this much of knowledge. Thanks again for quality content

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi Atri, the Amphion Argon 1 with the right amp (e.g. Hegel H95) will out perform the Acoustic Energy AE1s. They should do at almost 3 times the price. The AE1 are still better value though. Thank you for all the support you give me. Glad your friends enjoyed the content 🙂👍

[@eugeneheeger3284]

PSB Speakers __ Incredible Canadian Value Speakers!!! I have had these speakers for many many years!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@metatron-007]

Its probably best to use the open stands by Something Solid for the Spendor Classic's.

[@dittonworks]

100%.. bottom part of the cabinet need’s to able to breathe

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Agreed 👍

[@juanjovalle5540]

I would add ATC SCM-7 and 11. 👌

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Wait for part 2 😉

[@juanjovalle5540]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Sorry, I guessed after writing my comment. 😅😅😅

[@jeffkalina7727]

Very timely video, Thanks! Great minds think alike. Next Saturday August 27th in Fountain Hills Arizona is SpeakerFest 2022. A chance to hear 17 Standmount speakers $650 to $2,900. From UK - ATC 11s, Monitor Audio Gold 100s, KEF R3s, Falcon Acoustics Q7. Triangle from France, Sonus Faber Lumina 2 from Italy, USA- Philharmonic, Tekton, SpeakerLab, and GR Research, Canada Totem Sky, (Tried for PSB & Paradigm-no go). China- KLH, Buchardt, Polk Audio L200, GoldenEar BRX, LSA 80s-world debut-,, Elac Unifi . Reason for the event- These brands are hard to audition unless you buy and try. People will see how affordable great sound really is! Thanks.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool. Please let me know how you get on 🙂

[@roconnor01]

I'm running my Proac Tablette Signature speakers through a fully refurbished 1998 Arcam Alpha 9 amplifier and Bluesound Node 2i streamer. I'm a little disappointed with the sound quality and volume glitches of the Node 2i. If anybody has any suggestions to upgrade the streamer (budget £1000-£1500) I'd love to hear from you. Thanks for a great KZbin channel Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. That is a shame. A faulty Node 2i, I am guessing. Auralic and Lumin are always good places to start 👍

[@priedits]

I would love to see you reviewing Marantz Model 40n.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Still waiting for Sound United to get back to me 😊

[@jeremylynnchagaspereira3926]

Interesting video. I’m hoping the Proac Response DB1s come up in part 2.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

ProAc is discussed 🤫

[@jeremylynnchagaspereira3926]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 awesome! There was a brief but favourable mention by Ian in part 1.

[@plasticpenguin1]

Some of the best speakers I've heard within my budget of 2k max are as follows: 1) my current speakers Dali Rubicon 2. (£1800 approx) Pros: big, realistic soundstage; very insightful and dynamic Cons: Nothing at the price 2) Amphion Argon 1 (£1400 approx) Pros: fabulous natural sound; detail is sufficient for medium sized rooms Cons: Could do with a little more low end heft. 3) Harbeth P3 ESR XD (£2600 approx) Pros: Very natural presentation; excellent insight. Cons: Too pricey, not great value for money; slow burners; infinite baffle means it requires punchy amplification. I have to confess, I don't understand the appeal of BBC monitors. The original Beeb spks from the 60s and 70s won't sound anything like the so-called modern equivalent. As a consequence I'll deliberately stay away from any of these monitors. Harbeth are fabulous if you can hack the aesthetics. Not really my bag.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@plasticpenguin1]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I would also add in Totem Arros. Canadian company, the Arros are dinky floorstanders that punch well above their tiny driver size. The stereo imaging is 2nd to none in the sub-2k price bracket

[@jamestartaglia7686]

Get the Neat majistra for review and compare it or Russell k speakers to the psb that would be real and a good comparison I'm going to buy one of the three for sure..👍

[@dittonworks]

Neat have incredible LF.. Russell K are lively and engaging..

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for the suggestion 🙂

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Love these videos

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy 👍

[@nappynupe2599]

Why is there no discussion regarding the crossover, tweeter and dome material?

[@James-mb5jr]

Thanks. I thought you would have recommended the Exposure 2510. Haha. Cheers

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great amp but not widely available 😊

[@willmac5642]

That Spendor uses a pretty basic seas tweet. Still, it's a good one

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@michaellittle2995]

Great video as always, my challenge lately is finding a great speaker that is good over a wide choice of genres. It seems easy to find speakers that lean towards the jazz or classical genres but throw in those days you want to crank it up for a prog fix it gets difficult. I miss my old Cerwin Vegas sometimes for that. Any thoughts on a discussion leaning that way?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Michael. There is no substitute for big speakers when you want dynamics. Ian and myself will be covering them at some point 🙂

[@pingouin125]

PSB Synchrony B600 (Canada) impressive bass, a cautious selection of amp. (Ian) Amphion Argon 1 (Finland) Hegel amp (Tarun) Spendor Classic 4/5 (England) Seal cabinet, Walnut, Need a good stand: Atacama UK, Gig Harbor Audio US, Hard to drive, minimum 50 W (Ian)

[@tubesticker]

Hi Tarun, I'm interested in the ProAc Tablette 10s. Have you heard them and how would you choose between those and the Menuett SEs? Would you consider them ok for a 3x5 metre room, sitting 2,7 m away? Best wishes

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@tubesticker I have heard them and liked them. I would need to get them home to decide between the Tablettes and the Menuet SEs 😊

[@tubesticker]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I have the same problem:)

[@hamdc4291]

Really interesting video Tarun. Am considering the Proac tablette 10 or spendor classic 3/5. Would love you to review either of them. I’m also wondering if there is much difference between the 2017 spendor classic 3/5 and the 2020 4/5? There’s a large price diff here in nz but thinking the sound must be very similar? Would love to know, if anyone can help. Thanks

[@tellthemborissentyou]

In you are in Auckland Turned on Audio in Onehunga sell both Pro-ac and Spendor. They might be able to arrange a comparison for you or at least answer your question.

[@hamdc4291]

@@tellthemborissentyou Thankyou. Yes, I am aware of them, but live in Christchurch. Unfortunately there are precious few agents for classic British speakers in NZ.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Tablettte 10 are great in the nearfield. I would need to spend more time with the Spendor to see how they compare 🙂

[@urbenkam]

It’s interesting I could not find a review on spendor 4/5 . It would be good if a detailed review is done on them

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I hope to do that some day 😊

[@Reluctantaudiophile]

PSB stands for Paul and Sue Barton not Paul S Barton.

[@bobb.9917]

WOW! Obscure choices…interesting!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

More to come in part 2 😉

[@JoseGarcia-oo4mc]

Excellent

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jose 👍

[@fletchermunson6225]

I guess this is the Ian Show. :)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

This just part 1. Two of my picks in part 2 🙂

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I guess as a talker myself, I try to not suck the air out of a conversation. My wife has several annoying friends who are practitioners of the captive monologue.

[@JordanPhegley]

Ian? I thought it was Daniel Craig! :D

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@JordanPhegley good one 😂 he will enjoy that 👍

[@goodboid]

I've been listening to the tiny Raidho X1s (powered by a Krell + Adi2Pro combo, with a Kreisel sub) over the last few weeks. Completely bowled over by the sound stage these tiny speakers put out. It's simply ridiculous. Do try and get your hands on a pair of Raidhos, I'm sure your audience would be very interested in them. Small footprint, big sound stage.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 🙂

[@1959ludo]

This video shows that one has to be aware to seek for a good match amplifier-speaker. I was a fan of Kef LS 50 speakers for their price but they need an amplifier that costs more than 3 ‘times their price. So when you are looking for a system about 2 500 euro sorry that won’t work in my opinion. So lucky I had a good dealer. I had first bought the Marantz PM 7000N streamer Receiver for about 1 200 euros and had the intention to buy the Kef LS 50 but that’s was not a good match, so my dealer presented the Amphion Argon One and I could test them at home with my Marantz and that was for me spot on. There is a problem with several brands who makes ‘very good speakers at a reasonable price but they all need a rather expensive amplifier not in line with the price of their speakers. That’s why many people people don’t buy a good matching system, because they are not always aware of that problem and that is in many times the is the dealer not honest. My sister’s husband had that problem with buying expensive Bower and Wilkins speakers. I love your work as you already know. Greetings Ludo Belgium

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences Ludo 👍

[@TranThien73]

Hi Tarun I would like to know your opinions about Proac D2 and Harbeth M30.2 Thank you

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Both very good speakers. The ProAcs are more neutral in character and the Harbeth’s warmer 😊

[@abboberg]

So, a pair of PBS Synchrony B600, plus a Cambridge Audio Edge A will set you back $9300, but a pair of Adam Audio A7V monitors plus a good, $1000 DAC equals $2600. Heck, make that a topline Adam Audio S7V plus DAC and you are at $5500 for the whole system. Aside from power switches on the speakers and no grills (which you can make yourselves), is there any reason to pay a premium for old-school audio equipment anymore?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊

[@geoffkalina4808]

Gig Harbor Stands are $1,000/pr these days. They insist on open bottom construction. Resonant cabinets likely work better that way.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Ouch! That is quite a rise. I agree. Open frame stands for classic British monitors with thin wall construction 🙂

[@tians999]

Hi Tarun, what is your recommendation for amplifier to make the Spendor 4/5 sing?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hegel H190 would be a good starting point 😊

[@tians999]

Thank you for your reply Tarun, really love your channel😊

[@gogma9967]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hi, I have a Linn's Akurate 2200 chakra power amp, would this be a good match?

[@cremersalex]

Like Ian, I've noticed I don't seem to care for 'imaging' either. Are people actively paying attention to where an instrument sits in the soundstage while listening to music? To me it's it's all about tone.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Everyone has different priorities. Thank you for sharing yours 👍

[@James-mb5jr]

Hi Tarun, you mentioned about the LS3/5A. Which solid state amp do u you think best pairs with it? Tube amp? Hybrid amp? Thank you very much.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi James, I have heard it sound good with both topologies. I would pay attention to the specific amp that has the characteristics you want to bring out. Hegel is a good starting point 😊

[@James-mb5jr]

Thanks. I thought you would have recommended the Exposure 2510. Haha. Cheers

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@James-mb5jr that amp is unbeatable for the money 😊

[@veraluxmundi2032]

I like the look of the Amphion Argon. How would it compare with 15ohm Rogers LS3/5A? I have an old pair that sounds amazing imo on classical/jazz/vocals in a small room. I am keen on imaging.

[@lsaideOK]

Inflation is considerably worse in England than the US

[@richarde3237]

Any reason for the Wharfedale link in the notes, did that not make the edit?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It may be an error on my part 🤔

[@oluhamilton2121]

Triangle Genesee Trio are a good value too.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Nice speaker 🙂

[@paulok2153]

Which would be the best choice to go on the wall? I read Kefs would be a bad choice for that and needs lots of space.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I would pick a speaker that is designed for wall placement 😊

[@paulok2153]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Fair point, thanks a lot!

[@albertloan396]

Why is Wharfedale linked in the speaker lineup but they are never mentioned in the video?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Probably an error on my part. They were in the last episode.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Hi Tarun what would be good bookshelves to go with my naim nac 202,nap 200 , hicap ,nspc system using chord dac I’ve tried monitor audio silver , dynaudio B&W cm1 s2 tenband etc was going to try proac or Ls50

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It depends on what you are want from the sound. There are lots of good choices that will work well with that amp 👍

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I’d like something detailed with good midrange

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Ricky-cl5bu this would be my shortlist… ATC SCM 19 ProAc D2 (non R) Dynaudio Special 40 They are discussed in part 2 of this video 😊👍

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks, I do like proac

[@maverictomcat]

is this radio?

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

Hi! As a French man this list made me little bit sad. There are wonderful speakers being built in France and nobody cares to take notice: Apertura Swing, Atohm Eurus E.5, JMR Bliss Jubilé, Davis Acoustics Courbet n°3. I bought a pair of Closer Acoustics OGY, they're built in Poland with French drivers.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Apologies, we can only talk about speakers we have heard and know well 😊

[@AromaFrank]

Is the classic 45 speaker available in the USA?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Should be. Ian lives in the USA 🙂

[@AromaFrank]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks. I would like to know how is it in comparison with Dali Menuet SE for small room and close to wall ?

[@donwest5387]

O-R-I-E-N-T-E-D

[@Shoebutie]

The best speaker is the company i just visited that asked me to do their global launch???

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I think Ian meant that he was invited to their global launch.

[@mediascapes2011]

cool psb sales pitch, but 86 dB !!

[@Brett1334]

Can’t get those PSB in the UK

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Sevenoaks are the UK distributor 🙂

[@Brett1334]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 just looked it up! Great, I noticed a few months ago on their site it said they weren’t available yet, so great news it is.

[@lsaideOK]

Gig Harbor stands are currently $1299

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Ouch 😊

[@cmessi]

When Ian said 'this Spendor needs 50 watts minimum', did he mean solid state? So can you get away with 20 watts tube?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It should be taken on a case by case basis 😊

[@martyn5416]

Would you be interested in reviewing my ProAc Tablette 10’s?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Martyn. Very kind of you to offer. I am reluctant to borrow people’s stuff. I have to constantly move items around and there is always are risk of damage. I am working on getting some ProAc speakers in for review though 😊

[@mobabylon]

Hello~ I would like to ask, there is a 100-foot bedroom speaker option~ within 2500 pounds, I mainly listen to JAZZ GIRL VOCAL~MY amplifier IS rega elicit-r Can you recommend a bookshelf speaker for me? THANK U

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

100ft bedroom speaker? Is that the length of the room?

[@mobabylon]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 SORRY is my statement is wrong~Room (10X11 feet)~Correctly speaking, my speaker is only about 30CM from the rear wall, the distance between the speaker and the speaker is only 110CM, the distance between my listening position and the speaker is 180CM,

[@mobabylon]

Let me add my preferences~Budget under £2500 I like vocals, JAZZ, I hope you can recommend bookshelf speakers to me and choose to listen THANK U A British

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@mobabylon I think you will find part 2 of this video useful. My shortlist would be… ATC SCM19 ProAc D2 (non R) Dynaudio Special 40

[@PhotographyInFlight4183]

I think the Harbeths should have been thrown in this mix.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@PhotographyInFlight4183 understood 😊

[@josefbuckland]

ABA classy content as always wondering if you not mind taking a peep and giving me your opinion on a conundrum I’m facing in my next Hi-Fi video coming out next month. I’m Thinking the My vintage & recently fully restored Pioneer SX-1980 amplifier could do with …… stay tuned Pip pip cheerio

[@renatomorais8136]

Silly me googling the price of that Cambridge amp... 😭😢Sucks to be poor 🙃

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤔🤷‍♂️you can start saving, and they may come on sale…something that worked for me 🤗😊💚💚💚

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

The AXA 35 that I just reviewed is a great amp for sensible money 🙂

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 THANKS TARUN 🤗FOR THE TIP … I wish I knew somebody that could take advantage of it

[@mikemcguinness1304]

The Vincent amp is 50w not 200w

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Mike. Ian didn't mention the model number so the photo I added may not be the model he reviewed.

[@xsmi]

I don’t think it’s any worse in America, I just think we complain louder. 🤣🤣🤣

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That may be true 🤣

[@nagumaninagu9368]

Hi sir

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi to you too 🙂

[@ianjohnhorwood2605]

I can't stand any two way ported speaker full stop, because they all suffer port noise distortions as soon as you put power through them. Plus other downsides to their quality of performance too. Also there is no way you get the timing, transient response, clarity, solidity, neutrality and naturalness of the best solidly made infinite baffle sealed cabinet design. I don't think Mr white knows what good quality speaker designs are if he thinks ported noise distortion making speakers are so good, along with other downsides to their performance.

[@jasontimothywells9895]

Using flared ports do not suffer that issue , any ported speaker can be upgraded to flared ports to rid the chuffing and distortion .

[@justinparkman3585]

I had sealed for years sorts out the bass issues what ported speakers can cause

[@liamporter1137]

No B&W?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@liamporter1137 there are many brands omitted 😊

[@mjp5546]

I don't believe this style of subjective discussion does you credit. With a few key measurements this vid would have been a lot more relevant.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That depends how much of the sound character you believe is revealed in the measurements.

[@mjp5546]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 So your view is that measurements are meaningless in a comparative discussion?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@mjp5546 measurements are very illuminating and crucial when determining the integrity of a design. I applaud those who do them properly. It takes a great deal of time, effort, skill and often expensive equipment. Unfortunately, I don’t believe they provide the whole picture when it comes to determining sound quality and if you would like sonic presentation of a product 😊

[@dagreatstoney.5869]

Not alot of choices lads 👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Part 2 coming 🙂

[@dagreatstoney.5869]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Great thanks

[@robdunn2029]

Anyone know the model of headphones?

[@robdunn2029]

@@justinbennitt835 Thanks!

[@danielhifi3147]

Ian always gets sidetracked and adds anecdotes about himself

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I find them entertaining 🙂

[@welshrarebit9238]

THOUSANDS of speakers and you only rate the ones you have reviewed

[@Romulus980]

Thankfully that is the logical and sensible way.....?

[@notenote2004]

I’m guessing they rather rate the ones they have actually LISTENED TO...

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It wouldn't make sense to rate ones we haven't heard 😄

[@jeffkalina7727]

As easy as it was to round up these speakers someone in your shoes should have stuff piled up at the door each day?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It is still a mixed bag. Some manufacturers are keen to have their products reviewed whilst others are not interested at all.

[@jeffkalina7727]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Totem Element fire, Parad. Founders 40, PSB’s Synchrony B600 three I would have loved for our Speakerfest event this Saturday. Can you get them to review? Canooks are loyal to the homeland right?

[@jeffkalina7727]

We did get the Falcon Acoustics Q7 though.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jeffkalina7727 you are right. Not so easy to get hold of in the U.K. 😊

[@ethiesm1]

Dave Chapelle

[@jamestartaglia7686]

Quit limiting the money to 3 or 4 grand it's like gasoline its 5 $ a gallon ...and u have to pay it same with cost of good stand mounts... Just suck it up and move on .. 😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

We may do another video on price no object.

[@jamestartaglia7686]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 GREAT the more we hear about specific speaker from different reviewers the better the overall confidence the consumers have that they bought a great product.... One they are happy to have bought with the type of sound they are looking for.

[@crispynz1]

Honestly Tarun, I much prefer your reviews without your guest.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Understood. It is nice to do a discussion piece from time to time. It gets a bit samey for me if it is just review after review 🙂

[@adamcfada5071]

I like Ian but he has about 75% of the video. A bit like British vs USA speakers- the former laid back, the latter shouty. No disrespect meant.

[@Theoriginalramjammer]

I disagree, I find the chats really interesting.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

I agree. Ian is no where as charismatic

[@Roof_Pizza]

Who would pay 3k for a bookie? Crazy.

[@shipsahoy1793]

Not crazy, just stupid. Once you get to “good” for a cubic foot sized or less speaker, well, size is going to be a performance limitation in the bass anyway, so may as well buy floor standers. Having multiple subs takes up freaking space and cost, too. One good bookshelf speaker shouldn’t cost more than $700 ..

[@TD05SSLegacy]

Buy used. Deprecating monsters

[@Im-over-9000]

The KER R3 combined with the REL S510 are similarly priced as the KEF R11 but the bookshelf speakers with subwoofer perform way better. There is higher quality bass that extends deeper and with much more authority than the floor standers without subwoofer.

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@Im-over-9000 I’m sure there are stereo bookshelf speakers on right sized stands with “one good sub” combinations all positioned and setup properly in a good listening space with the right electronics that can work for one listener in one listening position. That said, the KEF R11 is not my idea of a floor stander. Not only is it pricey for what it is, it’s a freaking base reflex (ported) tower speaker with aluminum drivers, yuck! Yuck on ports, yuck on towers, and yuck on aluminum drivers..and the bass extension is very unimpressive on that R11, also btw.

[@aussie8114]

🥉AND THIRD 🥉