Top 10 WORST SPEAKERS to INVEST IN

📌 THE TOP TEN WORST SPEAKERS to INVEST IN (Please see my pinned comment.)
10. MAGICO A5 d/o
9. KLIPSCH CORNWALL IV bit.ly/3Lg3HMR
8. ARENDAL 1723 THX bit.ly/3Qk1X7M
7. ProAc RESPONSE DT8 d/o
6. KLIPSCH LA SCALA bit.ly/36bPQVb
5. WHARFEDALE LINTON bit.ly/85Linton
4. SONUS FABER LUMINA II bit.ly/3QlTiCR
3. PERLISTEN S4b bit.ly/3Dhgb4B
2. YG ACOUSTICS CARMEL 2 d/o
1. SONY SSCS5 amzn.to/3oEwVKZ
📌 VIDEO CHAPTERS: THE TOP 10 WORST SPEAKERS to INVEST IN
00:00 INTRODUCTION - WORST INVESTMENTS IN HIFI
00:53 MAGICO A5
01:27 KLIPSCH CORNWALL IV
02:10 ARENDAL 1723 THX
02:40 PROAC RESPONSE DT8
03:10 KLIPSCH LA SCALA AL5
03:43 WHARFEDALE LINTON
04:21 SONUS FABER LUMINA II
05:03 PERLISTEN S4B
05:36 YG ACOUSTICS CARMEL 2
06:15 SONY SSCS5
07:46 WHY LOUDSPEAKERS ARE A BAD INVESTMENT
14:16 HOW SPEAKER COMPANIES CONTROL THE NARRATIVE
15:41 SIGN OFF
📌 WHAT WE RECOMMEND FOR HIFI AND HOME THEATER
SPEAKERS STANDS, CABLES & ACCESSORIES
Our Stands bit.ly/3I9Xa5W
My Cables: custom, n/a for purchase
Similar DIY Cables: bit.ly/3Px4Jan
Interconnects: bit.ly/3D314M8, bit.ly/3N6NBri
Cable Management amzn.to/3ZcunWP • amzn.to/3GJtf5C
POWER
Yamaha ($$) bit.ly/3RGwr6d ($) bit.ly/3RLCIPT
LOUDSPEAKERS
Focal ($) bit.ly/3KpemqE
Q Acoustics ($$) bit.ly/406YIoU
KEF ($$$) bit.ly/3A72HY4
TURNTABLE & DAC/STREAMER
TT2 bit.ly/3tWwdxd
Z8 bit.ly/44e0h6P
TVs
QLED: bit.ly/44htvlo
BIG: bit.ly/47xtPhI
HOME THEATER
Receiver: bit.ly/3DyHEjb
Soundbar: bit.ly/43OfVWi ($) bit.ly/3N5KhxG ($$)
In Ceiling Speakers: bit.ly/3I3gAbg
📌 SHOP OUR LIVING ROOM
TCL 98” bit.ly/47xtPhI
OUR RUG bit.ly/3MOYHSU (Two 8X10s)
EVERYTHING ELSE: bit.ly/3PcJzO4
📌 ABOUT US
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#investment #hifi #homeaudio

[@robinsonbrand]

A few things I'd like to address as I'm seeing a lot of the same comments below. 1. I never say that speakers are a good investment in this video. In fact, I routinely caution viewers about looking at the hobby of hifi (or home theater) as an investment, because it isn't one. I have shared my personal horror stories about losing my a** on having to sell secondhand equipment. 2. I get that the word "invest" is used in the title, and I stand by its usage. Whether some want to admit it, many of you look at your hifi purchases through an investment-like lens; you weigh the performance-to-price ratio and try and get the best bang for your buck. You're on the hunt for an arbitrage opportunity --you want a speaker you can buy for cheap that performs or looks as if you spent more. If you could sell it for what you paid for it down the road, even better. These are "investing" or "investment-like" principles, and are in keeping with the spirit of this video. 3. This is not an end-all-be-all-be-all list. As stated at the top of this video, I decided to look at many hifi publications' Best Of lists for 2023/2022 and see which "award-winning" speakers fare best on the secondhand market. Obviously, had we opened this up to all speakers many of these examples like the Magico A5 would likely not make our Top 10 as its depreciation appears to be average to maybe even good all things considered. But when compared to so-called award-winning options, it may not be the "best" way to spend your money if you care about maximizing your hifi dollar --even in the high-end space. 4. The resale prices quoted in this video represent an average price that was arrived at by using examples from eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Audiogon.

[@ericprincipato214]

This is a bit silly. As with any entertainment product like sports cars, speakers, all electronics, etc, the resale value plummets as soon as the box is opened. Of course $25k speakers will lose a ton of resale value. I've bought 2 used $15k+ audio components for less than $3k. These are not investments. They are meant to be used and enjoyed. It is a huge rarity to have audio worth more than its purchase price.

[@jamesvelvet3612]

Wow, some seriously convoluted logic my friend. Simply say you made a mistake and speakers aren't investments. Or, just change the title if you can ;-) Otherwise, everything we purchase is an "investment" ;-)

[@jlboyer0]

I’ve bought used B&W speakers on multiple occasions, had them for several years and have either sold them at the same price or even a bit more than I paid. Then you have to ship them of course. Would not be surprised if UPS makes as much on a speaker as the mfg lol. The ROI is the experience of course!

[@richardbixler]

It’s an investment, just not a financial investment. It’s an investment of one’s resources towards their life’s enjoyment. I typically stick with powered studio monitors which tend to hold their value pretty well. Ive bought and sold several used sets of monitors at almost no loss. This has allowed me to experiment with different styles of speakers without spending a fortune.

[@Altair00rion]

I just want to say I agree with point 2 personally. I definitely see it through that lens when I’m looking to buy or just watching KZbin videos without aiming to buy anything. Edit: Also nice job rocking the ‘stache, looks new to me.

[@adrianconti5718]

This list should be called “best speakers to buy second hand”

[@blagojevichisadem]

Got a promotion at work today and I’m celebrating tonight listening to my stereo. I’m up in my listening space adjusting toe in and my sub and realized how much I’ve learned from you guys. Just want you to know that the enjoyment you provide to your viewers goes beyond the viewing period. You’ve taught me a whole new topic to think about which can last a lifetime. What more can I say but, thank you!

[@burner8959]

Honestly I'm surprised that some haven't lost more value. Why would anyone expect any audio equipment to hold it's value? It never has historically. Sure some pieces may be more desirable than others, and there's always someone willing to pay too much for something, but that doesn't mean YOU will find someone to pay that price. IDK seems expected and not mush of a shock to me.

[@bryanherr1093]

“Invest” should be in quotes.

[@everything777]

It's usually worth buying more desirable equipment if you ever intend to sell it as its much easier to find a buyer and you'll get closer to the original price. It's of course highly variable and they'll always depreciate!

[@bphilbac]

@@bryanherr1093. I agree

[@bphilbac]

When you saturate the market with remakes and upgrades of speaker brands this is what you get. I’ve never considered buying speakers an investment. Buying a home is an investment.

[@simplereef4854]

Audio is a hobby is an investment.

[@brianmoore581]

Who thinks electronics or speakers are an investment? My $6500 Pioneer Elite plasma TV is worth $200 now, but it still works and it's still beautiful. My Revel Salon 2 speakers and Pass electronics will accompany me to the end. I don't care how much they sell for when I am gone. Is there any consumer product in any category that could be considered an investment? I can't think of anything that you can buy outside of the stock market and real estate that is going to increase in value.

[@bahamabrz]

Speakers are an investment for your soul, not for your dollars. My Klipsch Cornwalls remind me of that during every listening session.

[@johnwatrous3058]

I love mine, I'll die with them.

[@libation14221]

I bought a pair of La Scala in 1974 for $575.00 ea in oiled walnut. They came a little cheaper in black or unfinished. I absolutely LOVED them. I drove them with a Macintosh MA 6100 integrated amp. Biggest regret was selling them after I got married in 80's. Should of sold the wife...😮‍💨

[@frankierodriguez8661]

😂😂😂😂

[@Winterfell1066]

They are worth a lot more now than when you go them If you buy used, older, klipsch heritage, they will appreciate in value.

[@mbee32k]

This could also be called “The BEST speakers to look for used”

[@gueyg3764]

Speakers are nothing more than a consumer goods. Never an investment only an expense. Hope yours last as long as the ones I purchased in 1988 and still working excellent

[@johnvincent4048]

Bought a pair of 1990 Klipsch La Scalas in 2000 for $900. They are almost perfect. And I still own. I think that was a good investment.

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

I bought B-stock Forte IV's at a savings and the small blemish was worth every penny of savings. I have a few blems as well so we're a perfect match.

[@JJ-no2ob]

Thank you both for taking us down another angle (rabbit hole?) of the HIFI journey. I appreciate the effort and yes please do a video review of the best speakers to “ invest” in . Looking forward to your next speaker review (something from KEF reference line perhaps)😊

[@tomdrums4607]

Hifi is mostly a poor investment anyway. However, I did fund my entire home theatre setup by buying and selling Marantz AVR's over 7 months on the second-hand market. They sell like hotcakes! Total investment was about 600 usd and I have a Marantz Cinema 50, XTZ edge a2-300, 7.2.4 canton speakers and an LG C1 83 inch!

[@carlosrobles4957]

Very interesting subject to discuss😊, thank you Andrew!! And Happy new year

[@Zoomerland]

Hifi is not an investment product. It’s a hobby for people with disposable income

[@Undead.Musicphile]

Epic video. The chat at the end is the best and tells it all.👊👍

[@drunkenskelator]

Andrew - I appreciate the boldness of this video as most audio reviewers would not dare to bite the hand that feeds them! 95% of my system (Adcom, Von Schweikert, VPI, Oppo, Magnepan and Bluesound components) was bought on the secondary market for pennies on the dollar of its original cost. It is just a standard 2-channel system so it really does not need all the advancements of the past few years that primarily surround HT or audio streaming. As long as you are not one who feels the need for the “latest and greatest” or suffers from FOMO you can put together a better than average music system without fearing that you paid too much.

[@lwdp74]

As a cash limited senior citizen I find what I want, then start looking for used. Bought a pair of Wharfedale EVO 4.3’s for $1200 Canadian, about half price and no tax. They weren’t even broke in. That took about 3 months more to do! I find most of my electronics used too. Some are dogs but a lot have never been optimized properly before dumping.

[@EugeneWhitsonPersonalAccount]

I just saved $5,200 on La Scala AL5! From an authorized Klipsch Heritage Dealer. Thank you for making me think of the used market!

[@vernonscriven7850]

Good morning Andrew. I enjoyed your video. I have the Arendal 1723 towers and I wondered about the low resale from $3,800 to $3,000. I had to search for a while to find any for resale. I did find one pair selling for $3,000 and a shipping fee of almost $500. Compared to the free shipping of $3,800 it is not that much of a drop. Keep up the great work. Thanks Vern

[@peterdandyk2342]

Tempted to update my 15 year old PSB surround system speakers ( just because.... ) but once I upgraded to a new Pioneer LX505 and an Emotiva amp for the three front channels. It sounds fantastic & the speakers sound better than ever. One of the most surprising benefits was stellar centre channel ( dialogue ) clarity. Love your videos.

[@chrisAclaes]

An alternative title might be: great speakers to get aftermarket. I always go used when looking at big hifi purchases.

[@KristiWright]

It's a good way to look at the conversation being had here. As far as titles go, that would not be one that results in views.

[@who83]

Welcome back and happy new year!

[@jamesmuto2955]

Always look forward to your videos, never disappointed. Great and interesting insights. Thank you both

[@robinsonbrand]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stelioskritikakis]

Happy new year guys! Great analysis and point of view!

[@agustinduenas5902]

You could change the title of this video to "Best speakers to buy on the used market." For the La Scalas, you have to find a pair within reasonable driving distance because I would imagine shipping those would cost a fortune. However, to pay less than $10,000 for a pair would be worth a long drive, even if it includes a hotel stay on the way. I don't buy speakers for the investment value so getting a pair I want to own at a steep discount is always going to be a good thing assuming the speakers aren't damaged.

[@waterlover]

I just purchased a pair of La Ascalaspeakers for 1600 plus 30 dollars for the delivery fee . ( old owner charged me for his gas ) for his truck . So I got a pair of two yr old La Ascala for cheap .

[@johnwatrous3058]

What a great deal!

[@anthonygreene834]

Hi guys. Happy New Yr. I just pulled the trigger on a pair of Klipsch Cornwall Cornwall IVs. I tend to hold on to my electronics especially speakers. Been a klipsch user for almost 40yrs. I got no skin in the game when it comes to resale. I plan to have these for life.

[@pepelaster]

I bought the klipsch rp600 m2 for black friday at $420, loved them and a week later saw a couple of rp8000f1 on sale for... $650! I got those bad boys instead and couldn't be happier. I know you have reviewed the f2s too and totally agree on the sound difference..but for $650 i mean, just like you said..it's a steal! ... I just paired them with a warmer center channel a cheap klpisch r120swi sub from Costco and wow... All your videos on placement, cross over and EQhave made a huge difference in my room. Thank you for all your reviews Andrew and Kristi and Happy 2024!

[@TM-fx2pi]

I’m a bit surprised about Klipsch heritage, luckily I got a VERY good deal on an open box pair of Cornwall iv’s (which I love). Would love to see “ the best to invest “ video even for integrated amps too. Thank you and happy new year!!

[@robinsonbrand]

Noted and thank you for watching!

[@davevolz6138]

They initially impress but the funnels grow fatiguing after awhile.Like muscle cars they re exhilarating at first. Then the downsides show up.

[@user-ml9jj7bw5o]

Yes!! 10 Best speakers for investment please!

[@KristiWright]

NOTED!

[@robinsonbrand]

Thanks for letting us know.

[@jaredcrandall9145]

Good work on creatively coming up with this add of variety of content

[@nonametofame]

I enjoyed this one. Really informative, fascinating, and an honest look at the hobby.

[@robinsonbrand]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ccntwc]

Maybe I’m old school, but I buy speaker to keep them. Unless I don’t like them out of the box (klipsch 600m ii). I just replaced my 20 year old B&W DM 302.

[@Eron55555]

The best investment are the speakers you'll never sell.

[@Marker-er3ro]

Interesting stuff, can’t wait to see the 10 best list. Thank you!

[@adamlink7561]

That one was fun! I would love to see the best list. I’m glad to see my Model 5’s didn’t make this list (not that it matters I still love them). Can’t wait to see what you guys bring this year. have a great week

[@robinsonbrand]

Thanks! Have a great week and I think you'll be interested in next week video 😉

[@themarklar8759]

Oh dang Model 7 review? 😁 Saaaaaay whaaaat???? Looking forward to hearing about it! And by the way. Great video topic this week Andrew. I laughed out loud when you said "...and they're done!". 😆

[@Cpalms327]

You are not even factoring in the divorce that is soon follow the purchase of a pair of La Scala's....

[@net_news]

that's so true!! haha

[@badgerdms]

How in the world did you miss KEF? They constantly go on sale and undercut their owners who might want to make a change, Imagine paying $1,599 for the LS50 Meta and then having KEF turn around and sell them for $999 all Xmas long!

[@user-mc8xe1ov4s]

Enjoyed your comments enjoyed your format look forward to enjoying you again thank you

[@robinsonbrand]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@2ChukBuk]

Still have my Klipsch Heresy HWO1 with recapped crossovers, purchased new in 1979. I'm happy.

[@KristiWright]

*Thank you for joining us today. How was everyone's holiday? What did you all do? Stay home, visit family, take a trip somewhere new? Hopefully, it was restorative, no matter how you spent it. I believe we took our longest break since starting the channel and it was awesome!*

[@safaeslambolchi4129]

Buying a speaker is not an investment! It’s an expense.

[@RBB6128]

Thanks for a different perspective on popular current speakers. Totally agree with both your comments at the end of the video. We don't buy these items as a monetary investment but more as an emotional one.

[@robinsonbrand]

If you're buying what you want or like then the dollar figure likely isn't going to matter (as much).

[@timmotel5804]

Very Interesting. Thank You Both. Best Regards & Happy New Year

[@Kami84]

I like this new facial hair style. It’s got a peaky blinders vibe to it 👍🏾

[@allanellis5827]

I don’t think depreciation of up to 30% over one year is unreasonable. How much does a new car depreciate as soon as you take it off the lot? If someone is concerned about depreciation then the answer is simple. Buy used.

[@stijnvanderlooy5311]

Exactly. What is this video about? 😂

[@a3marketing991]

Nice video and true to hi-fi in general. I started buying most of my components used off of AG and UAM. I recently purchased a $4K phono preamp for $2K, which was less than a year old and like new. It's worth looking used IMHO.

[@celioguim]

Cool video. As I was listening to you, as I'm still learning about speakers, TV's etc, I don't identify much with the idea of reselling my audio gear, flipping it, and expecting it to hold its value.

[@ron101346]

NO ONE expects audio to be a good investment. I'ts just like most automobiles: if it's not a rare collectible its value drops by at least 25% after you drive it off the new car lot (or off the audio showroom floor). The other problem with audio is that there are a profusion of brands and every time there is an audio show, a new brand becomes every critic's darling. The next year when a new brand or model shows up, your "darling" a year ago is hardly worth the shipping cost to sell it to someone else! (On the other hand, this depreciation makes the used audio market an especially good value.)

[@sylvio1980]

Hi-Fi is one the worst investments you can make, BUT it can provide a lifetime of great experiences listening to music.

[@robinsonbrand]

100% agree!

[@matt927]

Would love to hear your top 10 best speakers at some point! Glad your back!

[@ENGBriseB]

They would probably be tens of thousands of dollars. And be something that would be a limited number. Such as BANG & OLUFSEN.

[@garyfain7235]

Fun review! I was surprised about Klipsch. Would really like to see your follow up review of the top 10 value. You guys continue to put out fresh, (May I say novel?) entertaining and informative reviews

[@robinsonbrand]

Thanks so much. We try and keep it interesting versus the same old, same old.

[@ericbachmann8037]

If someone is buying speakers as an “investment” … they are buying for the wrong reason.

[@jackstraw1756]

I’m betting w the Klipsch, size plays a part. Saw a pair of Cornwallis today for roughly 3200. Just don’t have the room for them.

[@user-ej3ii8zm2b]

Happy New Year Andrew and Kristi. New speakers a lot like new cars (at least pre-Covid) with regards to depreciation. Not sure if your possible 10 best video is only related to new speakers, but would be interesting to see if there are any classic vintage speakers that are actually appreciating in value like some of the classic 60's/70's amps have in the recent past. Something along the lines of a Quad ESL 57 potentially comes to mind but not even sure on that one.

[@ripjones5294]

Happy New Year !! Yes, I would truly enjoy the "Best Of" instalment...

[@KristiWright]

HNY to you as well!

[@chrisallen3671]

All I know is the brand “Keeps” is totally working. Not only a full head of hair, that mustache… had to do a double take. Thought Andrew was a cop for a second. 😆

[@jasons7070]

radio gaga

[@donalmahon]

Should this not be ‘ the 10 best speakers to buy secondhand’?

[@Prerich45]

Great way to start the New Year wonderful and thoughtful video!

[@KristiWright]

Thanks for joining us and HNY!

[@robinsonbrand]

Thanks!

[@Prerich45]

@@KristiWright HNY to both of you too!!!!!!

[@michaelcorlet2998]

Good on you,a great public service review.😊

[@rotorfix]

Not sure where you’re getting these secondhand values but depreciation of 70% because they know it’s not uncommon for dealers to discount a given model by 15-20% for the initial sale. It’s only very rare and highly coveted models that are an exception. Factory direct brands often have the best resale values because buyers know the original prices didn’t include the typical dealer markup.

[@robinsonbrand]

We say at the top of this video where we got our average resale values. We took the average price of what we could find on ebay, Facebook Marketplace and Audiogon. As for factory direct brands not having dealer markup, this is very often not true. While they may not price their products (MSRP) to account for dealer margins, to suggest that those margins don't exist and that the manufacturer who is selling to you directly isn't keeping it for themselves, is wrong.

[@rotorfix]

Look at the ratio of BOM/asking price for brands like Philharmonic and Ascend Acoustics. And to a lesser degree, Spatial Audio. The percentage of BOM relative to asking is far greater than you’ll find from any dealer-sold brand. And yes, some brands like Focal and KEF manufacture their own drivers and such, but those drivers are barely competitive with the entry-level stuff from Seas, Scanspeak, Morel et al. They like to market them as though they’re SOTA but they’re not. The true good stuff they reserve solely for their flagship products (Blade, Utopia, 800s etc.) And even those are only on-par with a mid level Scanspeak unit. Speaking from ample personal experience, a $5K speaker from a factory-direct brand will typically perform about as well as a $10K speaker from the big companies. But my hunch is you already know that to be true. Just as you probably know a $1000 DIY speaker can often outperform a $5000 commercial model. Regardless, the resale values mentioned in this vid really had me scratching my head. I’m on the secondhand audio sites daily and these alleged prices hardly reflect what I see for these exact models. It’s also worth noting that there can often be a large gulf between a seller’s asking price and what they ultimately receive for the speaker. Very often they end up having to accept an offer that is hundreds or even thousands below their initial asking price. This is especially true in the current market, in which many sellers are relative newbs-Covid inspired audiophiles who are clueless as to the realistic resale value of their gear. A better source for realistic values is the “Sold/Expired” pages for a given model on HiFi Shark. But even those are misleading as of right now because it has shifted to a buyer’s market over the last few months.

[@rotorfix]

Also, you have to account for the fact that some of these gear listing platforms take a cut as high as 10% of the final transaction amount. It’s why list prices on Audiogon tend to be significantly higher than those on AudioMart.

[@Harry-Giles]

Love the reviews for sure. But this change up and potentially others like it are great ideas. Keep’em coming.

[@robinsonbrand]

I love doing videos like this. Reviews are draining in more ways than one. This year we'll likely have fewer reviews than we've done in the past.

[@Harry-Giles]

@@robinsonbrand It will just make the channel even better. Looking forward to the new mix.

[@doctorzoidberg24]

Hey Kristi and Andrew! Liking the new filming position (and the mustache). Great video to start up the year. Looking forward to another year of excellent reviews and other content👍🏼

[@robinsonbrand]

Thanks so much! Curious if others would notice the changes. Lots more coming 😉

[@KristiWright]

You noticed the new angle!

[@swhmetta]

Yes, I would like to see the 10 best. Hoping to see more TV reviews this year too. Perhaps some revisits on speakers, and receivers, as well. I don't think you ever revisited the Yamaha A8A after the initial fiasco.

[@robinsonbrand]

Noted on all counts. Thanks for watching!

[@ArashHazeghi]

A pair of loud speakers is not a financial investment vehicle. it’s a depreciating luxury asset. An investment like bonds or stocks is a financial product with a potential rate of return higher than inflation rate. A pair of loud speaker is an emotional investment for the purpose of enjoyment and to measure it by its monetary depreciation seems like a bizarre method. Of course the more expensive the speaker the higher the depreciation as these are total unnecessary luxury products. For example I bet a 100K pair will depreciate pretty hard too, but what does that say about the speaker or the enjoyment of listener. Or whether one should buy it or not. Most things in life are depreciating assets for example furniture and appliances . I don’t think people look at depreciation when buying furniture either. People might care about used car residual values as it is a. Significant amount for most people and b cars are not purely luxury and for some a necessity that has the be replaced.

[@crm4742]

Fun start to the New Year and a really interesting topic! I’d love to see the Top 10. While I don’t own one, it seems like Decware is doing a great job keeping supply well below demand…

[@KristiWright]

Happy New Year to you! Decware's wait list has grown to almost two years. I have feelings about that but I'll refrain from saying anything for now. :)

[@scoraber]

Great vid. Love the content. Would definitely be interested in a Top 10 Best Speakers To Invest In partner video.

[@chairthrower]

Could have titled this "10 BEST USED SPEAKER VALUES!"

[@frederickbailey7786]

All speakers take a huge hit . Especially huge ones. Hard to ship without getting damaged. The potential buyers shrink because you usually have to sell them locally . Don't exactly want to do the transaction in your home .Cant and dont want to carry them to the Starbucks parking lot to do the transaction .Bascially find a potential buyer and be happy .

[@ronmurphy4234]

I have an audio guy that I've developed a relationship with and receive a nice discount, this makes the depreciation you outlined much easier, and allows me to buy better products that I would of never considered at the MSRP... an example is the Focal (Electra 1028 Be) speakers you displayed. The used market also makes a big difference by letting others who are always swapping gear looking for the next 2% cover the depreciation.

[@BruceWalkerPhotography]

I always enjoy your presentations, Andrew. A tangential question: have you reviewed the Sony SSCS5's anywhere? I'd love to hear why you are down on those things as they were once on my list to check out for use as budget surrounds. (I dropped them from my list unheard for a few reasons, and chose JBL A130's instead.)

[@charlesking4843]

Glad to see a new video, and keep that stache! Matter of fact go fu Manchu on the next vid!!!

[@robinsonbrand]

Maybe I'll make my facial hair an ever-changing addition to the channel.

[@currykevuk]

Andrew goes for the Mexican Bandit look! We Don't Need No Stinkin' Badges! 😆

[@hexum9449]

Great discussion and insight

[@xjmzrq]

Great segment. Puts some perspective on the cost of FOMO.

[@robinsonbrand]

Glad you liked it!

[@marklearner3299]

I'd love a set of Cornwall IV's however in Australia they're AUD 18,000 new and there are no second hand bargains around.

[@MostlyBuicks]

Used audio equipment is worth about HALF of new retail as a rule and historically speaking---until they become rare and desirable classics.

[@ridirefain6606]

A fun video to watch. Not surprising, I have only seen a few audio products appreciate in value, even then I have my doubts that the seller is getting their asking price. Now for the real challenge, give us a list of speakers that hold their resale value. It would be very interesting to see what you folks find. Wish all the best in this new year.

[@cygnus618]

I’ve had my system for over 20 years. I’ve had my speakers for over 5 years now. They still bring a smile to my face when I sit down and listen. As long as that continues to happen I won’t be upgrading anytime soon.

[@iand8548]

LOL. I never consider resale value when buying audio equipment. Doesn't one buy a pair of speakers based on how they sound and its price? If it comes time to part ways, so be it. If a component becomes a "classic" or is rare (after a period of time, like anything else - cars, art, etc.) then maybe they'll go up in value over original selling price. Do you have this list too? But as the comments below state, this is not an expectation (of mine) at the time of purchase, for it was, I would never buy anything.

[@MrDannywb]

I do not understand this video. Do people actually buy equipment like this as an investment? I personally buy equipment like speakers to use until they fall apart. I do not look at these as an investment.

[@kael13]

Reviewers' point of view is obviously very skewed, as they have product coming in and out of their houses all the time.

[@MrDashpilot]

Happy New Years guys. Lol nice stash Andrew!!

[@dawaynecleckley8673]

Good morning! This video was a nice welcome to 2024. I have to say that you have put a great effort into the editing and overall quality of your videos. The animated elements (i.e., split screen, numbers, etc.) are a really nice touch and value add. I know how much of an effort that takes, so kudos and thanks! What I got out of this video: I need to love and live with my system, and upgrade conservatively because of depreciation (i.e., moving from the BasX A2 to the XPA Monos or adding the MiniDSP) before considering upgrading my speakers. So thank you for helping me to see this perspective. I'd like to see this type of video but for integrated amps. One more thing: Thank you for your thoughts on the MiniDSP set up (IG Story Convo) along with the instructional REW video on your channel. My speakers sound "HOLY CRAP" amazing! I look forward to 2024 with the two of you!

[@robinsonbrand]

You will always get a better or bigger "return" out of investing in knowledge and setup versus changing your setup. So glad the miniDSP route worked for you! Thanks as always for watching and for your support!

[@johnunderwood9575]

Hi Fi is a luxury item, and as such will never be an investment.

[@stephenmayo9573]

Speakers and other such consumer goods, are not an investment. Period.

[@Prometheus1979]

I researched towers for months on what to buy for the next 5 plus years. Even highly considering the arendal speakers and always kept coming back to the Q-Acoustics concept 50’s and boy oh boy am I glad I got them! They are beautiful, well made and the more I keep breaking these babies in the sweeter they are sounding. I literally cannot stop listening to them. They are a gem I’m never getting rid of these beauties!!!

[@odysseus521]

In 1977 I bought a set of Altec Lansings mod 14's. The sound is great, and the cabinetry design and craftsmanship is outstanding. I still have and play them today and wouldn't give them up for anything. They're like a beautiful piece of furniture that sings.

[@stopthink9000]

I spit-taked my Mountain Dew when the Sony CS5's came up. Where are you finding those black vinyl wrapped gems for an Andrew Jackson??

[@TheBebe666]

I could never say that speakers are investment. You buy them , use them and if you decide to sell after some time they will depreciate in value no matter how good they are.

[@jameslsm]

Thanks for making me feel better buying open box Cornwall IIIs and IVs! There is also a geographical element… I can’t sell mine here in N. NV for what I could have sold them for in Marin County two years ago

[@robinsonbrand]

You likely bought...wisely!

[@aeromaniac13]

I got a pair of Thiel cs 2.2 (1992) from my dad, and they sound so good, that I can’t justify buying anything new anymore. They’re good enough, what a magical idea... lol

[@XaviorCross]

The best speaker to invest in is the one that you own and like! The only person that has to like it is the owner!

[@KristiWright]

Yep!

[@Audiomainia2310]

Not surprised about the Sony - I thought from the beginning the hype was way overblown. Could you please do the top 10 to own? I'm curious about my KEF Reference and how they are holding up in yours and Kristie's opinion. Happy New Year Andrew and Kristie!!🎉

[@dextermorgan1]

Really? I'm not trying to be an ass, but who the hell cares what a person, who you've never met, thinks? Do you like your speakers? That's all that matters.

[@fletchermunson6225]

I am so leery of rave reviews for cheap equipment, I will never bite. No such thing as a free lunch and still true today. A lot of this is driven by the KZbin reviewers need for click accumulation to get paid.

[@Halbmond]

That Klipsch La Scala AL5 is gorgeous! Maybe I should look for one used, in walnut!?

[@srpsrp3649]

Great content, again. Kudos

[@burnsyd17]

I'd say another reason folks don't change high end speakers as often is they buy something that becomes a visual focus of their space, not just "makes sound". And to change requires FAR more effort than is swapping out an amp, or even a TV.

[@simplereef4854]

Not with bookshelf speakers. They swap them like other equipments.

[@damonmaddox1313]

This discussion sounds like we are selling a 1 year old car. Don't know about you all, but when I spend this type of money on a speaker I am not looking to sell within a year. Just like my cars I am using these suckers till the wheels fall off.

[@lonniefarmer7067]

Yes, a marvelous holiday season in my house, thank you. Real experience for me is matching tone and matching sensitivity with 11 speakers driven. This set up WILL not be changed till it has to go. lol

[@msderay]

Honestly, I love that this video exists, and that thanks to the powerful series of Tubes that is the Interwebs, this could be assessed with even relative immediacy. I remember going into a Magnolia store in the 90s (when they were an independent dealer, prior to the Best Buy buy-out) and seeing what I could get for my Boston Acoustics as part-trade on a pair of Mission 772s. You were at the mercy of the shop, and even if they had an Audio Blue Book, you were still at the mercy of the shop. This was fun, and can't wait for the 10-Best (aka the smallest losers?).