BEST Budget Speakers under $400
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- I've had so many questions asking me for recommendations that I finally sat down and looked at all my reviews and came up with this list of budget friendly speakers I can legitimately recommend. And some I cannot.
Written review/data can be found here:
www.erinsaudiocorner.com/
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Neumi BS5: amzn.to/3wYH1we
Polk XT20: shop-links.co/ch05CVegtkY
Emotiva B1+: emotiva.com/products/airmotiv...
ELAC Debut 2.0 6 (DB62): shop-links.co/ch1rjncWmKF
Wharfedale 12.1: shop-links.co/chI62ryJM5Y
Kali LP-6V2: amzn.to/3Ry6UuD
Jamo (nooooo): shop-links.co/cgZmmT81jmh
^ any purchases you make using these helps earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help me keep this channel going through paying for new gear to test or miscellaneous hardware needed for reviews.
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All of my tests are conducted using KLIPPEL Hardware and Software. KLIPPEL is an innovative leader in providing unique test equipment for electro-acoustical transducers and audio systems. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Wolfgang Klippel, the novel techniques developed for control and measurement systems of loudspeakers and other transducers are the result of over 30 years of fundamental research. This provides more accurate physical models of loudspeakers, micro-speakers and headphones valid for both small and large amplitudes. The focus is on revealing the root causes of signal distortion and defects and giving practical indications for improvements in design and manufacturing of audio products. For information on KLIPPEL products, please visit their site below:
www.klippel.de/company/about-u... - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
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Neumi BS5: amzn.to/3wYH1we
Polk XT20: shop-links.co/ch05CVegtkY
Emotiva B1+: emotiva.com/products/airmotiv-b1-pair?aff=14
ELAC Debut 2.0 6 (DB62): shop-links.co/ch1rjncWmKF
Wharfedale 12.1: shop-links.co/chI62ryJM5Y
Kali LP-6V2: amzn.to/3Ry6UuD
Jamo (nooooo): shop-links.co/cgZmmT81jmh
^ any purchases you make using these helps earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help me keep this channel going through paying for new gear to test or miscellaneous hardware needed for reviews.
the Elac's link doesn't work. ALso, I suppose you wanted to write debut b6.2. Because there's also the dbr62 so it can get confusing. 😀
@@JoseFerreira-zb7wh fixed. Thanks for the heads up.
@@ErinsAudioCorner
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Honestly if you did more of these videos, you'd get way more traffic in your channel especially for budget speakers. If there's someone who can do these kinds of video, it's you.
These videos are also helpful for us who don't keep up with the latest news in speakers.
I would also love to see a studio monitor recommendations in a future video.
Now you have to do a Best Under $1000 video!!
And best under $2000, then best under $3000, etc...
Bought the Neumi BS5 for my mom who has some hearing challenges. It allowed her to lower the volume significantly while watching tv because of the good vocal clarity. She still enjoys it a year later, and I still am still reasonably impressed when I visit. Great value. I've set it up in two rooms, and it was easy - I'd assume due to the front porting. Thank you for the review!
Wanted it after this video, but £262 in the UK lol instead of $110. FML
Good succinct summary to describe the plusses and minuses of each. Helps narrow down the large sample so people can go look at the detailed test results and impressions in your full reviews
Thank you Erin this is just what I needed
Thank you Erin.
I have the Elac B 6.2, and KLIPSCH bookshelves. Depends on my mood, if I want more accuracy, I play one pair, if I want more fun and excitement I play the other pair. You know which is which. Great overview, thank you.
those are some very quick glimpses of speakers
Excellent overview. Would love to know how the likes of Dali, Q Acoustic & Cambridge Audio compare in this price range.
This video precisely encapsulates what I've been on the hunt for, straight from the seasoned measurement experts. It's a treasure trove of insights that I've found incredibly enlightening. I find myself wishing for Erin to venture into creating something along these lines. Imagine a succinct compilation of top five picks catered to different financial brackets - budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end systems. Such a curated list could serve as a fantastic guide for enthusiasts and audiophiles alike, providing a clear roadmap towards making well-informed decisions based on their budget. A brief yet comprehensive rundown like this from Erin could potentially bridge the gap between technical expertise and consumer choice, making the journey of selecting the perfect audio system a smooth and enjoyable experience. The thought of having a go-to list that demystifies the myriad of options available, and that too from a trusted expert like Erin, is indeed exhilarating. It would be a valuable resource for both novices and seasoned audiophiles, simplifying the quest for impeccable sound quality across various price points.
I appreciate your videos because your "ear" is similar to mine. I like neutral speakers that DON'T feature a bump in the treble or bass. Give me flat every day of the week, and keep up the really great work!
Total. I mean it was mixed and mastered so like why mess with audio engineering !
Great video, would like to see some other price ranges like under $1000 covered by you as well.
There is a good port modification that doesn't completely alter the tuning/design - in fact it very often solves a bass bump *and* extends the bass a bit lower. And that is a bundle of plastic drinking straws that are cut the the length of the inside of the port, that are friction fit into the port. This has virtually no affect on the port tuning - but adds friction to the air motion, effectively adding mass to the air. This can reduce a bump a bit, and it can extend the response a touch lower, as well. You can put a ring of fiber-reinforced tape around the bundle, and have a tab that sticks out if you want to be able to quickly/easily remove them.
Is the KEF Q150 still a recommendation when on sale for $300? Thanks
Man I enjoyed this video. I will add to favorites so I remember the speakers in this list.
Thanks for this, Erin. Zeos is a huge fan of everything in this video, including the speakers you consider flawed : caveat emptor.
Well explained, and still concise, great job!
You definitely don’t mince words. You give a very honest appraisal.
erin, great review and to the point! awesome if you can do an A list of recommendations in the $600-$1,000 bracket...
especially for those of us who already own one of your recommended up to $400 speakers and are looking for the next step in the 'stairway to heaven' audiophile journey!
Great vid, Erin, very useful. Now how about doing the same for the $500 to $1000 range? And then $1000 to $1500, if you're not over it by then. 🙂
Agreed, I noticed you did shootouts for Subwoofers. Most of the time people building a theatre system are looking for a flat/neutral response. I wish you'd review more budget friendly speakers.
Thank you. Very useful.
I just ordered a set of diamond 12.1's that will be here tomorrow. I'm going to be using these with a digital desktop amp in near field. I think they will work perfectly in this application
After watching this video, I bought a Wharfedale Linton 85th....(for slightly over 600usd)
👍
Man I loved my Jamo S803's. They were so fun to listen to in the near field. I sold them after a month and i always regretted it.
I have them right now and love them, man! We got the whole set for 150 on Amazon, and they went up to 500 bucks only 2 days later. They may not be the most linear or greatest speaker but they are super fun and clean for the money you're paying.
Fab Erin hope you you do more price points
I’m rocking the Kali L-6 v2s as desktop monitors based off your original review. By far the “best” and most accurate sound I have ever heard. Audio nirvana.
your thumbnails crack me up.
Something about the fact that you're an extremely technical person and probably hate taking and editing these photos just makes me crack up.
You're doing awesome work! It's been very helpful for me, and I loved your interview with Floyd!
Yeah, I hate making thumbnails. Really hate it.
Erin needs to make his own speaker.💪
Great list Erin. I'd be curious what you think of the Monolith Encores if you can get your hands on them. They and the Emotivas stand out to me in the budget category.
He has reviewed the Monoliths already
th-cam.com/video/HCdCtE3jlno/w-d-xo.html
I just saw Randy post a video of the CSS Torii bookshelf speaker kit. They are $379 if you buy the CNC cut MDF flat pack. I'd love to hear your thoughts on them.
would you still consider the KEF Q150 a good buy? I'm waiting for them to drop back to $300 like they do every holiday season. Primarily for near field listening (
Curious as well
My sister have a pair of Jamo 803 powered by an SMSL small amp. She totally LOVES them. She cares about aesthetics above sound and I have to admit they were the best looking speaker in my country's market (the white ones). She previously had a small bluetooth speaker, so the upgrade was a huge deal.
Do more of these!!!
Kali's are just phenomenal speakers!
Thank you!
you should link your videos reviewing this speakers
Please review Dynaudio Emit 20, Focal Chora 806, Polk r200 and Heco 300
Thank you!
Understood this could be subjective to taste. Much appreciated and about time😂
I use a Kali pair for my desktop/monitor speakers. They're great, and fill an office with plenty of output.
Great video. Love my B1+s! Surprised I didn't see the popular Sony SSCS5 on here.
That's what I was wondering about myself; I listened to the video through them and it sounded great. 🙂
I have a Jamo Sub250 I bought used for $30 at a garage sale 10 years ago. It’s a simple 8 inch down firing bass reflex. It has outperformed every other subwoofer I’ve tried and it’s still working perfectly.
Well he wasn't talking about Jamo subwoofers
Thanks for the vid!
Any chance you could test some Mission speakers (LX, QX range)?
They are almost non-existant in the US. I think there's only 1 or 2 dealers in the whole country that has some of them. Mission does have a US website now where they sell direct, but they're sold out on the LX1 and 2, and the QX1 and 2.
Great stuff, Erin. Thanks for the info. Have you heard the Polk R200, particularly in comparison to Klipsch RP 600 II. I recognize the Polk is in the $500-$1k range.
Polk are known for there colored and bright tweeters which I did not notice until I tried other brands and I prefer more natural or neutral sound.
I like the quick overview style but i still would have appreciated if you had shown 1-2 graphs for each speaker briefly, just to correlate your description with the visual data. Otherwise, nice video!
Very useful video! A video for the 1500-2000 range would be excellent. We would finally see how would you compare Linton and R3 and who would you pick as winner :D
I own Jamo s809 and they work for our room. I do agree on how bright they are but doesn’t bother me, audyssey helped out with this issue some
X T 60. Polk on sale under 400 😮😊
Have you ever thought about measuring more active Studio Monitors? I'm curious to see what you think of the KRK Rokit series. My RP5G4's are sounding nice. They have a slotted front port. I'm wondering how that would effect the resonant bump you're finding with round ports.
How about HSU's HB-1 MK2($398 pair)?
Hmm hello.
I am interogating myself with this list.
Like for example are the Polk as good as the Wharfedale? What will be the gain to take the wharefedale over the polk in sound?
Great video from my most trustable source! Please could you do a similar video with floor standing under 2000? Thanks 😊
Awesome video, awesome channel!
How do the Sony CS5 fit in there? You didn't mention them in your speakers to avoid.
I’m “meh” on it. I had it as a possibility but I edited it out when making the video.
150 speakers in less than 2 years= Audio street cred= You should listen to this man.❤🔥❤🔥
i would like to try the emotiva B1. I currently own the Diamonds 10.1 and love em for my music playback. That's all I use them for is music and they do not disappoint
Thanks Erin.. Sadly most of the speakers you give a thumbs up to are outrageously priced.. im glad to seen you giving Best in price class type vids!
Can you please suggest some EQ settings for the Polk Monitor XT20's? Thanks! If you have time :D
I like how more and more reviews point to differences rather than outright best. I used to buy BMWs because they won comparisons, but now I like Lexus more cause it does what I need better. Mainly less issues.
They leak less oil than Bimers, that's for sure ;)
What you need man? 😉
These are amazing but would love to see a used amplifier search on eBay and what you’d recommend to save money on integrated amps
man, what a difference 7 months makes :). XT-20s are now $300 a pair, the Emotivas are pushing $400 a pair, and the Warfedales are $450/pair. Was gonna get the Neumis last week for next day delivery, but didn't...now not being delivered 'til end of May. He who hesitates indeed haha.
Yep. That's why I couldn't pull the trigger on the B1+. I could afford them no problem, but the fact that they are price-gouging and increasing the price by 50% just turned me off of the brand entirely.
I see xt-20s for 220$ a pair at present. That speaker is the safest bet w/o knowing the receiver/ amp output of all the different users.
What do you reckon to the Jamo C912 sub for the money? Thanks for the great videos :-)
I've got a video with that subwoofer in it. It's actually pretty dang good in its class.
How does it happen that Emotiva B1+ is not here? :) Thanks for the vid as always.
Agree on your thoughts on Jamos but I bought them anyway (before your review) bc of their aesthetics-they are gorgeous towersr and were under $400 a pair. I also think the C95 and C97s are much better overall (though still bright) than the models youve reviewed too from what i gather as they sound fuller being larger towers with larger drivers and mine are in a large carpeted room which minimizes some of their brightness. Soundstage is excellent too. They also look like $1000 speakers but sound like their price and I'm good with it as the WAF is high and sound 50x better than any soundbar.
I'm sure Polk Reserve and Wharfedales, etc are better but are much costlier particularly for towers which I'd prefer for living rooms bc I don't want bookshelves/monitors being knocked over by kids or guests. I've got a nice old pair of Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 in the basement for music listening and a Jamo 5.1 speaker set for a projector theater I paid $100 for the set for which works well being I'm rarely downstairs and probably only use 3 times a year.
I use Kalis in my home studio/office and my bedroom for music listening and mixing which are better but it's not so dramatic a difference in casual listening that I feel like selling the Jamos as they serve the purpose with style and ease.
Philharmonic true mini
Maybe you can get Audio Advice to loan you some of the new entry level Klipsch R40M and R50M, to see if they have also received the improved performance that the new RP500 and 600 got, or if they still have the big suckout in the mids. I know they'll still probably have a hot tweeter, but I'm curious to know if they have improved otherwise
Hey Erin, great video 😊😊😊👍 Is there any possibility of doing a video on Pro audio speakers, but still good for home theaters use? (Higher sensitivity and power handling than typical home audio speakers, but still having decent Freq response, directivity, etc etc)
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 (I prefer the 12.2) for the win!!!
Another banger! Have you gotten to try the Polk ES20s yet?
I have the Elacs and the Neumi (the powered version). Bought the Jamos S803s for $99 for the TV (no AV receiver) since they are fun party speakers
Is Emotiva still a good deal for $400?
Ps your past review rundown on the bose 901s was really thiough.... would you consider revewing any other speakers by bose,?..Thanks!
Hi Erin. I have the Kali LP-6 V1, set up near-field, bout 1 meter on on desktop. decoupled nicely.
Just wondering if it would be worth it to open them up and add dampening to them with materials?
There is a resonance around 800 to 1k I hear. not to bad, I adjust frequency somewhat to compensate, but just wondering
what you think. Thanks.
Amazingly quick and concise, next time though maybe just throw out what the F3 is so ppl can quickly judge if they'll need a sub. Other than that great job!
Hi there. Nice review. I looking for emotiva b1+ or b2 which one will be good for cinema use, with good soundstage thanks
Hello Erin, so good to watch your speaker review.
Do you have any suggestions for small size speakers? May be close to or less than 3 inches.
I want to find the small size speaker like nature monitor sound, which can place on the little desktop.
The price may be $100 ~ $300. Thanks
Years ago I bought a Jamo system. Two fronts and a subwoofer. Weak. Those things could not take any power before they broke up. They were not cheap and they last about an hour before I brought them back. Ever since I won't touch anything by them. And since your reviewed recommendation falls in line with my experience, it's apparent they really haven't changed much. I've heard good things about the emotiva, but you'll never find any at a reasonable price since they've been reviewed so favorably.
Good reviews have an effect.
I picked up a Kali 6 v2 as the cheapest decent option for some medium volume music in the kitchen. A bit of EQ can help brighten it a little and ease off below 40 Hz to balance the sheer bass depth with the distortion you get at this volume. Works out well for the money (though meh on the looks). And there's barely any hiss. I'd be ok with using a pair for home studio work if I were on a really tight budget.
Note that the beamforming is quite tight - it works ok in my kitchen because I can have it at a far wall (4m or so) to allow the beam to better cover the working area.
@dananskidolf and/or @Erin's audio corner - I'm new to this hobby and was wondering what is the most cost effective way to to EQ (1) powered speakers and (2) passive speakers? Perhaps it's the same method for both? Thank you in advance.
@@Hazay19 I have a Roon subscription, which I use for headphones and speakers all over the house, but it's not cheap. I've looked at a few other options.
Most powered speakers these days seem to have active or digital crossovers and some way to tune it on the back. The Kali has this so my EQ is really just fine tuning, and a little to taste and for the room. It also has bass/treble +/-2dB switches. But normally 'bass' and 'treble' are too broad and you really want parametric EQ.
Before Roon I was using a PC with Reaper DAW running and a loopback from my audio interface so I could apply EQ with a VST plugin. That's not usually practical - I could only do this at my desk, and only because I had all those things already. On a computer APO Equalizer is a better way if you want it on all the time. There are also some OSes for Raspberry Pi that turn it into a streamer with EQ, but that device is in short supply right now.
I've heard great things about the devices from miniDSP. A lot of people seem to be using these for EQ, especially for crossovers. The lower end models seem reasonably priced, but if you have several systems, Roon starts to look better value as one Roon server processes DSP for all players on the network. The more advanced miniDSP models also support Dirac, which should offer pretty great tuning to a device and the room, but again is getting expensive.
One other thing I looked into was just using an old phone with some EQ app on it as a streamer. Wavelet looked to be a good app for this. Unfortunately I need a newer version of Android for it.
Hope you are able to get a good solution working :)
@@Hazay19 Forgot to say, regarding active vs passive, EQ is done before amplification so it'll be the same either way, besides the active one likely having some form of on-board EQ as I mentioned above.
Please do one of these for ~$5,000 ish speakers!
Just curious. Have you ever revised the Fluance signature? What’s your thoughts. I just recently built my first home theater and used 9 of them for my room. They seem good to me but literally have nothing to compare them to. Wonder how they stack against the Polk in this video?
I think this format is totally justified (actually, a very welcomed summary!) given your extensive measurements and experience with so many budget models.
Surprised you didn't include the JBL 305P Mk2
P.S. Does the tower version Polk XT60 also deserve a sub-$400 shout-out? Seems pretty decent according to your measurements.
Cheers!
The JBL 305p mk2 had a resonance that really annoyed me when listening. That's why it didn't make my list.
I think the Kali LP-6 is much better than the 305P for just a little bit more money. If you're on a tight budget the 1st generation of LP-6 should still be better than the 305P while costing similar amount.
@@BradSteeg
Just an FYI, unless they have updated it with a v2.0 or "2nd Wave" version, the Kali Audio Bluetooth Receiver/Volume Knob/Monitor Controller was tested with measurements on ASR and was found to have subpar performance. It's too bad because otherwise it's a slick and useful product.
@@ErinsAudioCorner There are speakers ava opti 17 from Alexey Alexandrov, which sound at the level of Neumann kh120, have a DSP (linear phase, frequency response, pulse) and cost only $ 320 for a pair with amplifiers
Please review dynaudio emit series. Its their budget line. I was considering the emit 10 or the emit 20.
Hello Erin,
I am in to Kali Audio since long and towarded to the In serie.
Still would love to know what's your favorite Kali in between the 4 which are in sell.
A part of power or frequency range, which one do you think really are the finest of Kali Audio ?
( question came since I was more tendent to the in8 but due the major critics , in terms of frequency regions distroted, respect to the in5, I now stocked in the choice) .
Thank you
Erin, I’m wondering if the Neumi BS5 is discontinued or in the process of change.. seems to be unavailable currently..
Thank you for the video! @Erin, does the Kali LP-8 V2 differentiate itself enough over the LP-6 V2 for a 2-ch music + cinema + gaming desk setup at ~ 4'-5' listening distance in a 14'x12' room?
I'd love to have two large woofers with enough oomph away from the floor, over one subwoofer and save floor space!
It just gets a bit louder, a bit less distortion in lf
I like how you talk abput dynamic range and sound dispersion which other reviewers dont. Im thinking mounting on the wall the Polk as Front Height for Auro 3d upmix; though I hear that you should to use those unusual looking Atmos speakers ? Is there really any difference ?
@@trauma50disaster1 yeah though no discussions anywhere what height speakers work well for Auro 3d, ? It like they dont want people doing this. Everything is all about Atmos. Auro 3d lets u do it ol school with simply 2 hight fronts and 2 hight rears in each corner of room. I realized how this is sensetive topic with retailers, however fact is Atmos cost and involves much more. Also Not everyone wants pot holes in their ceilings when u can get awsome results w auro 3D.
@@trauma50disaster1 i about to do the same set up now that Denon x3800 has Auro upmix.. .....interesting reaction from my store. I was brave enough to mention this layout and my 3d auro preference. LOL it definitally struck a nerve. I guess Atmos in cielings packages are really good business for them.
hi sir, im impress with some unit from klipsch. ( instrumental n vocal), what budget speaker could u recommended similar to klipsch?
I'd really like to know which speakers in this category have the lowest f3
Hello, Erin, not much the topic but did ever heard any kef reference 3 or 5?
Do you think it compares with jbl hdi 3800?
KEF Q150 or Kali LP6 V2 - Nearfield Desktop setup, no sub. Can you help a noob audiophile out here?
i just ordered Q Acoustics 3010
Ever do any q acoustics?
Including dynamic range as a variable, between the Elac and the Wharfedale which one could you recommend me please?
I listen to all kinds of music, but with focus on jazz and world music.
Thanks
I recommend Wharfdales I have own the 10.1 diamonds for last 3 yrs and its just a joy to listen to music using my set and I wont look else where because I have not complaints about these speakers.
Decided on the polk xt15 for $170 cad since the xt20 was $100 more, is the xt15 much different from the xt20?
Please review the Polk Tsi200
Would you recommend using Kali LP 6/8 V2 for strictly 2 channel TV use? Is there a reason to spend more on passives if your just using it for this purpose?
I would recommend
I have the 8" v2 and they are great, and have good dynamic range plus the dsp eq too
@@californiacitizenswatchthe3817 Thanks. There's a lot of pushback from people saying you cant use studio monitors for normal use. I wonder if its just myths from decades ago.
@@xavierwood2030 Its complete bollocks spewed by audio snake oil salesmen who don't want to pro audio gear to threaten their money train.
Erin! Awesome video! Thanks!
Hey, I would like to know if you are interested in providing measurements por a DIY speaker I might get comissioned. The idea is an open source, cheap HT oriented speaker (passive, 6.5", sealed, waveguide, 1" compression driver), something around USD$150 per speaker or so... Cheers
very usefull video, which one of these is the best for near field at low volume {desktop setup} if not powered please recommend a cheap amplifier to go with it {i want to upgrade from jbl 305 so i have no amp} thanks
Kali LP-6v2 is my recommendation.
What do you think about Wharfedale Typhon AX 12 BT?Thanks
Which of these would you recommend for low-to-extremely-low volume listening, off-axis, playing small-ensemble jazz? I don't care about imaging, don't need a huge amount of bass, and I don't want to prioritize micro-details. Looking for a liquid, cohesive, musical speaker at low volumes, with the freedom to move around the room.
I listen music and videos at 40-50 dB at night. I recommend the Wharfedale Diamond 12.x and JBL 305p.
Don't get the Kali, it lacks clarity at
@@nomoredamnnamestouse The more I hear about the Diamond 12.1's the more intrigued I get.
@@CinemaDemocratica I have the 12.2, bought them based on people who heard the 12.2 and the smaller models and said the 12.2 is better in every way.
@@nomoredamnnamestouse I tend not to prefer 6.5" woofers over 5-to-5.5" ones, as a general rule. The bigger ones tend to sound less cohesive to me. That being said I've never heard literally anything by Wharfedale.
Hello? No love for the SONY SSCS5? $128/pair.