Best speaker under $1000/Pair [Archive]

Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!

May 17th 10, 04:25 AM

I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.

These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
other vintage designs qualify).

My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.

MiNe 109

May 17th 10, 04:31 AM

In article
>,
"Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!" > wrote:

> I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.
>
> These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
> qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
> other vintage designs qualify).
>
> My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.

I'm a little out of the market but to get the ball rolling I'd suggest
PSB, NHT and Magnepan.

Stephen

Jenn[_2_]

May 17th 10, 04:34 AM

Clyde Slick

May 17th 10, 06:04 AM

On May 16, 11:34*pm, Jenn > wrote:
> In article
> >,
> *"Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!" > wrote:
>
> > I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.
>
> > These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
> > qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
> > other vintage designs qualify).
>
> > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
>
> Vandersteen 1C
> Magnaplaner MMG

or used Vandersteen 2ce instead of new Vandersteen 1c, at
approximately the same cost

Boon[_2_]

May 18th 10, 04:06 AM

On May 16, 10:25*pm, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
> wrote:
> I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.
>
> These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
> qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
> other vintage designs qualify).
>
> My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.

The Vandersteen 1Cs are definitely one of the best. Both AV123 and
Aperion Audio produce some outstanding sound at that price if you
don't mind American-designed, Chinese-built products. And Paradigm and
PSB are in the running if you don't mind a slightly lean sound
(especially with Paradigm).

Jenn[_2_]

May 18th 10, 05:50 AM

In article
>,
Boon > wrote:

> On May 16, 10:25*pm, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
> > wrote:
> > I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.
> >
> > These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
> > qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
> > other vintage designs qualify).
> >
> > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
>
> The Vandersteen 1Cs are definitely one of the best.

Indeed. I think that they are one of the best I've heard for the money.

Clyde Slick

May 18th 10, 01:36 PM

On May 18, 12:50*am, Jenn > wrote:
> In article
> >,
>
> *Boon > wrote:
> > On May 16, 10:25*pm, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
> > > wrote:
> > > I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.
>
> > > These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
> > > qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
> > > other vintage designs qualify).
>
> > > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost..
>
> > The Vandersteen 1Cs are definitely one of the best.
>
> Indeed. *I think that they are one of the best I've heard for the money..

I have four of them for my tv surround system

Boon[_2_]

May 18th 10, 04:05 PM

On May 18, 7:36*am, Clyde Slick > wrote:
> On May 18, 12:50*am, Jenn > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > In article
> > >,
>
> > *Boon > wrote:
> > > On May 16, 10:25*pm, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
> > > > wrote:
> > > > I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.
>
> > > > These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
> > > > qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
> > > > other vintage designs qualify).
>
> > > > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > > > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > > > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
>
> > > The Vandersteen 1Cs are definitely one of the best.
>
> > Indeed. *I think that they are one of the best I've heard for the money.
>
> I have four of them for my tv surround system.

Cool. Are you still using Vandersteen 3s for your main system?

hophead

May 18th 10, 04:55 PM

In article <08460205-08b0-481b-88e4-0ac4a53f1467
@q8g2000vbm.googlegroups.com>, says...

> The Vandersteen 1Cs are definitely one of the best. Both AV123 and
> Aperion Audio produce some outstanding sound at that price if you
> don't mind American-designed, Chinese-built products. And Paradigm and
> PSB are in the running if you don't mind a slightly lean sound
> (especially with Paradigm).

All good selections, but I'd not purchase from AV123 these days. You
might not know the recent developments there, but the company (and the
owner) are currently in a heap of legal and business trouble. There are
a few web sites that have chronicled the downfall of Mark Shifter, and
it's not a pretty picture.

Boon[_2_]

May 18th 10, 07:25 PM

On May 18, 10:55*am, hophead > wrote:
> In article <08460205-08b0-481b-88e4-0ac4a53f1467
> @q8g2000vbm.googlegroups.com>, says...
>
> > The Vandersteen 1Cs are definitely one of the best. Both AV123 and
> > Aperion Audio produce some outstanding sound at that price if you
> > don't mind American-designed, Chinese-built products. And Paradigm and
> > PSB are in the running if you don't mind a slightly lean sound
> > (especially with Paradigm).
>
> All good selections, but I'd not purchase from AV123 these days. You
> might not know the recent developments there, but the company (and the
> owner) are currently in a heap of legal and business trouble. There are
> a few web sites that have chronicled the downfall of Mark Shifter, and
> it's not a pretty picture.

Wow. I didn't know that.

Boon[_2_]

May 18th 10, 07:28 PM

hophead

May 18th 10, 08:49 PM

In article <1806146b-d3ff-4b32-8e61-
>,
says...

> Just checked it out. That's too bad...they made decent speakers. I
> even met Mark Schifter once, seemed like a nice enough person.

Yeah, the whole affair is very sad. Almost everyone who met MLS liked
the guy, but it appears that he's been a con artist from way back and
was very good at creating a great impression.

Of course, many of the speakers they sold were a very good value, that
doesn't change. But I'd be pretty suspicious of anything from them in
the last year or two.

> Then
> again, I know some very juicy secrets about the High End...
>

I don't doubt that!

Clyde Slick

May 18th 10, 09:17 PM

On May 18, 11:05*am, Boon > wrote:
> On May 18, 7:36*am, Clyde Slick > wrote:
>
>
>
> > On May 18, 12:50*am, Jenn > wrote:
>
> > > In article
> > > >,
>
> > > *Boon > wrote:
> > > > On May 16, 10:25*pm, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
> > > > > wrote:
> > > > > I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair..
>
> > > > > These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
> > > > > qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
> > > > > other vintage designs qualify).
>
> > > > > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > > > > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > > > > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
>
> > > > The Vandersteen 1Cs are definitely one of the best.
>
> > > Indeed. *I think that they are one of the best I've heard for the money.
>
> > I have four of them for my tv surround system.
>
> Cool. Are you still using Vandersteen 3s for your main system?

no, Vanderdsteen 4's

Boon[_2_]

May 18th 10, 11:21 PM

On May 18, 3:17*pm, Clyde Slick > wrote:
> On May 18, 11:05*am, Boon > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On May 18, 7:36*am, Clyde Slick > wrote:
>
> > > On May 18, 12:50*am, Jenn > wrote:
>
> > > > In article
> > > > >,
>
> > > > *Boon > wrote:
> > > > > On May 16, 10:25*pm, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
> > > > > > wrote:
> > > > > > I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.
>
> > > > > > These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
> > > > > > qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
> > > > > > other vintage designs qualify).
>
> > > > > > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > > > > > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > > > > > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
>
> > > > > The Vandersteen 1Cs are definitely one of the best.
>
> > > > Indeed. *I think that they are one of the best I've heard for the money.
>
> > > I have four of them for my tv surround system.
>
> > Cool. Are you still using Vandersteen 3s for your main system?
>
> no, Vanderdsteen 4's

Did you always have 4s, or did you once have 3s?

Both are great speakers. I heard the 5s a couple of years ago with all-
Nagra equipment and it was an amazing system in every way.

Clyde Slick

May 19th 10, 02:14 AM

On May 18, 6:21*pm, Boon > wrote:
> On May 18, 3:17*pm, Clyde Slick > wrote:
>
>
>
> > On May 18, 11:05*am, Boon > wrote:
>
> > > On May 18, 7:36*am, Clyde Slick > wrote:
>
> > > > On May 18, 12:50*am, Jenn > wrote:
>
> > > > > In article
> > > > > >,
>
> > > > > *Boon > wrote:
> > > > > > On May 16, 10:25*pm, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
> > > > > > > wrote:
> > > > > > > I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.
>
> > > > > > > These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
> > > > > > > qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
> > > > > > > other vintage designs qualify).
>
> > > > > > > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > > > > > > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > > > > > > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
>
> > > > > > The Vandersteen 1Cs are definitely one of the best.
>
> > > > > Indeed. *I think that they are one of the best I've heard for the money.
>
> > > > I have four of them for my tv surround system.
>
> > > Cool. Are you still using Vandersteen 3s for your main system?
>
> > no, Vanderdsteen 4's
>
> Did you always have 4s, or did you once have 3s?
>
> Both are great speakers. I heard the 5s a couple of years ago with all-
> Nagra equipment and it was an amazing system in every way.

never had 3's, had 2ce's before the 4's

Bret L

May 19th 10, 02:25 AM

On May 16, 10:34*pm, Jenn > wrote:
> In article

>
> > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
>
> Vandersteen 1C
> Magnaplaner MMG

If one really wants dipoles, I think electrostats are a better way to
go.

Jenn[_2_]

May 19th 10, 03:06 AM

In article
>,
Bret L > wrote:

> On May 16, 10:34*pm, Jenn > wrote:
> > In article
>
> >
> > > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
> >
> > Vandersteen 1C
> > Magnaplaner MMG
>
> If one really wants dipoles, I think electrostats are a better way to
> go.

Which, then, would you recommend for under $1000?

Bret L

May 19th 10, 04:17 AM

On May 18, 9:06*pm, Jenn > wrote:
> In article
> >,
> *Bret L > wrote:
>
> > On May 16, 10:34*pm, Jenn > wrote:
> > > In article
>
> > > > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > > > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > > > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
>
> > > Vandersteen 1C
> > > Magnaplaner MMG
>
> > *If one really wants dipoles, I think electrostats are a better way to
> > go.
>
> Which, then, would you recommend for under $1000?

Being into horns I really haven't followed the market. There are some
DIY/ kit options for sure: I think good used Quads are a little (or a
lot) over that. You'd have to search Audiogon.

You'd think someone would just copy the ESL 57, but noooo...

Jenn[_2_]

May 19th 10, 06:18 AM

In article
>,
Bret L > wrote:

> On May 18, 9:06*pm, Jenn > wrote:
> > In article
> > >,
> > *Bret L > wrote:
> >
> > > On May 16, 10:34*pm, Jenn > wrote:
> > > > In article
> >
> > > > > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > > > > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > > > > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
> >
> > > > Vandersteen 1C
> > > > Magnaplaner MMG
> >
> > > *If one really wants dipoles, I think electrostats are a better way to
> > > go.
> >
> > Which, then, would you recommend for under $1000?
>
> Being into horns I really haven't followed the market. There are some
> DIY/ kit options for sure: I think good used Quads are a little (or a
> lot) over that. You'd have to search Audiogon.

ESL 63s in good shape tend to be about $1500 used, thus out of the price
range.

Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!

May 19th 10, 08:07 AM

On May 17, 10:06*pm, Boon > wrote:
> On May 16, 10:25*pm, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
>
> > wrote:
> > I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.
>
> > These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
> > qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
> > other vintage designs qualify).
>
> > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
>
> The Vandersteen 1Cs are definitely one of the best. Both AV123 and
> Aperion Audio produce some outstanding sound at that price if you
> don't mind American-designed, Chinese-built products. And Paradigm and
> PSB are in the running if you don't mind a slightly lean sound
> (especially with Paradigm).

What do you think about NHT VT-1.2s?

I don't see any Vandys for sale where I am right now and I need to
build a reasonable stereo in a hurry.

Boon[_2_]

May 19th 10, 02:58 PM

On May 18, 8:25*pm, Bret L > wrote:
> On May 16, 10:34*pm, Jenn > wrote:
>
> > In article
>
> > > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost..
>
> > Vandersteen 1C
> > Magnaplaner MMG
>
> *If one really wants dipoles, I think electrostats are a better way to
> go.

For under $1000? Do tell.

Boon[_2_]

May 19th 10, 03:00 PM

On May 18, 10:17*pm, Bret L > wrote:
> On May 18, 9:06*pm, Jenn > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > In article
> > >,
> > *Bret L > wrote:
>
> > > On May 16, 10:34*pm, Jenn > wrote:
> > > > In article
>
> > > > > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > > > > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > > > > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost.
>
> > > > Vandersteen 1C
> > > > Magnaplaner MMG
>
> > > *If one really wants dipoles, I think electrostats are a better way to
> > > go.
>
> > Which, then, would you recommend for under $1000?
>
> *Being into horns I really haven't followed the market. There are some
> DIY/ kit options for sure: I think good used Quads are a little (or a
> lot) *over that. You'd have to search Audiogon.

There are DIYs, but they're a lot of work. Someone who asks for a
great sub-$1000 speaker isn't looking for a DIY electrostatic kit.

A good pair of 57s or 63s are a lot more. Plus buying used Quads is
risky.

>
> *You'd think someone would just copy the ESL 57, but noooo...

It's been done. And not for under $1000.

Boon[_2_]

May 19th 10, 03:01 PM

On May 19, 2:07*am, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
> wrote:
> On May 17, 10:06*pm, Boon > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On May 16, 10:25*pm, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
>
> > > wrote:
> > > I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.
>
> > > These don't have to be current. If JBL L-100s are your thing they'd
> > > qualify (I'm no fan of most JBL products, I'm just saying A/D/S or
> > > other vintage designs qualify).
>
> > > My personal take is that any good designer should be able to get good
> > > sound on a "cost is no object" basis. What's interesting is the
> > > compromises made to get the best sound possible for a reasonable cost..
>
> > The Vandersteen 1Cs are definitely one of the best. Both AV123 and
> > Aperion Audio produce some outstanding sound at that price if you
> > don't mind American-designed, Chinese-built products. And Paradigm and
> > PSB are in the running if you don't mind a slightly lean sound
> > (especially with Paradigm).
>
> What do you think about NHT VT-1.2s?
>
> I don't see any Vandys for sale where I am right now and I need to
> build a reasonable stereo in a hurry.

I haven't heard NHTs for a while, but they were always decent.

Then again, Arny owns NHT. Do you want that mojo?

Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!

May 19th 10, 07:49 PM

On May 19, 9:01*am, Boon > wrote:
> On May 19, 2:07*am, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"

> > What do you think about NHT VT-1.2s?
>
> > I don't see any Vandys for sale where I am right now and I need to
> > build a reasonable stereo in a hurry.
>
> I haven't heard NHTs for a while, but they were always decent.
>
> Then again, Arny owns NHT. Do you want that mojo?

He claims to own some LPs too. I won't stop listening to LPs simply
because a crazy person does.

Boon[_2_]

May 19th 10, 08:44 PM

On May 19, 1:49�pm, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
> wrote:
> On May 19, 9:01�am, Boon > wrote:
>
> > On May 19, 2:07�am, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
> > > What do you think about NHT VT-1.2s?
>
> > > I don't see any Vandys for sale where I am right now and I need to
> > > build a reasonable stereo in a hurry.
>
> > I haven't heard NHTs for a while, but they were always decent.
>
> > Then again, Arny owns NHT. Do you want that mojo?
>
> He claims to own some LPs too. I won't stop listening to LPs simply
> because a crazy person does.

Remember Ed Shain? I think he had something to do with NHT at one
point. That cancels out the Arny factor.

Then again, I think they've changed ownership a couple of times, so I
can't vouch for 'em anymore.

hophead

May 19th 10, 09:04 PM

In article <e6d42c4c-338b-4086-97e0-00b6698df465
@c7g2000vbc.googlegroups.com>, says...
> On May 19, 9:01*am, Boon > wrote:
> > On May 19, 2:07*am, "Shhhh! I'm Listening to Reason!"
>
> > > What do you think about NHT VT-1.2s?
> >
> > > I don't see any Vandys for sale where I am right now and I need to
> > > build a reasonable stereo in a hurry.
> >
> > I haven't heard NHTs for a while, but they were always decent.
> >
> > Then again, Arny owns NHT. Do you want that mojo?
>
> He claims to own some LPs too. I won't stop listening to LPs simply
> because a crazy person does.

He also owns some Paradigm speakers (the same model that I have for
fronts in my home theater). I admit I was disturbed when I first learned
that, but you can't let a crazy person dictate your choices.

hophead

May 19th 10, 09:13 PM

In article <a69b12fc-d144-40da-b337-4a6fd8aaa533
@k31g2000vbu.googlegroups.com>, says...

> Remember Ed Shain? I think he had something to do with NHT at one
> point. That cancels out the Arny factor.
>
> Then again, I think they've changed ownership a couple of times, so I
> can't vouch for 'em anymore.

Yeah - NHT has had some problems financially and have changed hands a
couple of times. Still, they've always made a good product and deliver
good value.

Another speaker to consider - the Ascend Sierra 1. I admit that I
haven't heard them, but some folks I trust rate them very highly and
believe they punch way above their class.

I do know of one "blind" listening get together where these were very
competitive with B&W 805s (some preferred the Sierras), which is pretty
good given their price.

They can be had for below $1000.00 (I think under $800.00 at the moment)
and do have a money back guarantee if you're not satisfied.

David Fabrikant (the designer) knows his stuff and will go through great
lengths to keep a customer happy. Anyway, if I were looking for a sub-
1000 pair of speakers, they'd definitely be on my list:

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/

Boon[_2_]

May 20th 10, 01:38 AM

One that would have headed my list about five years ago was the J.M.
Reynaud Twin. I remember it costing $785 a pair, and it was IMO by far
the best sub-$1000 bookshelf speaker out there. The current version
(called the Duet, I think), is up to $1895 a pair. It's still a good
speaker but not the incredible bargain it once was.

hophead

May 21st 10, 10:53 PM

In article <31382a82-e30d-433b-b682-
>,
says...
>
> I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.

Just to add another possibility for you: PSB Image B6. It's more like
$500.00 so it may be "less" than you are looking for, but it's reviewed
in this months Stereophile and does pretty well both in the subjective
review and the measurements.

Shhhh!!!! I'm Listening to Reason!

May 23rd 10, 03:32 AM

On May 21, 4:53*pm, hophead > wrote:
> In article <31382a82-e30d-433b-b682-
> >,
> says...

> > I'm curious what speakers people would recommend under $1000/pair.
>
> Just to add another possibility for you: PSB Image B6. It's more like
> $500.00 so it may be "less" than you are looking for, but it's reviewed
> in this months Stereophile and does pretty well both in the subjective
> review and the measurements.

I'm considering a pair of Vandersteen 3As or a pair of NHT Classic 4s
that are available locally. The NHTs are right where I want to be and
the Vandys are a couple hundred more, but that's OK.

I'll check out the review though and I appreciate the suggestion.

hophead

May 23rd 10, 03:55 AM

In article <26e509e4-1666-4a8a-9ed0-70b0c229f107
@m33g2000vbi.googlegroups.com>, says...

> I'm considering a pair of Vandersteen 3As or a pair of NHT Classic 4s
> that are available locally. The NHTs are right where I want to be and
> the Vandys are a couple hundred more, but that's OK.
>
> I'll check out the review though and I appreciate the suggestion.

Both fantastic speakers and better than the PSB I mentioned (imo). I'd
probably lean toward the Vandies, but the Classic 4s are a damn fine
speaker, too.