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Post by lwalker on Jul 9, 2016 14:04:12 GMT -5
What's up everyone. Haven't been on the forums in a while and have a question. Just set up a 2 channel system so I can listen to my vinyl collection. Just purchased a Onkyo-TX8020 and have it hooked to 2 Emotiva ERM-1 bookshelf speakers. The Onkyo is 50 watts per channel and seems to push the speakers pretty good. But there are times when the 8020 fills under powered. I bought the Onkyo because it was recommended by Steve Guttenburg as a good budget stereo receiver. Can anyone give me some good advice on some good speakers that might be better and more efficient than the ERM-1s? Nothing crazy expensive. The wife has me on a budget!
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DYohn
Emo VIPs
Posts: 18,489
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Post by DYohn on Jul 9, 2016 14:34:00 GMT -5
And what is that budget?
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Post by pawsman on Jul 9, 2016 14:49:21 GMT -5
Tale a look at Andrew Jones new ELAC speakers; check the website, they offer several bookshelf models. They've been mentioned as best sound for the dollar by a number of critics-
pawsman
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Post by novisnick on Jul 9, 2016 14:53:41 GMT -5
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Post by lwalker on Jul 9, 2016 15:03:41 GMT -5
300 or less would be the budget. I will take a look at both speakers that where mentioned. Thanks
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Post by teaman on Jul 9, 2016 15:03:41 GMT -5
I would suggest Klipsch speakers. They are super efficient so they play really loud with minimal volume. Lots of affordable speakers in their line up with sensitivity ratings at or above 93db. Also, where are you located in case someone has something for sale.
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Post by monkumonku on Jul 9, 2016 15:08:13 GMT -5
Consider the Hsu HB-1 Mk 2 speakers. I've had them and think they are well worth a listen. Dr. Hsu drives them with a regular AVR in his demo room - no fancy equipment, just good sound. Very easy to drive. www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html
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Post by Boomzilla on Jul 9, 2016 15:22:11 GMT -5
$300 or less? You've said USED! Used options include:
Thrift shops (not a likely source) eBay (buyers get protection here) CraigsList (bargains to be found, but you've got to be quick) Yard sales (ditto)
For good bargains in used bookshelf speakers, I'd watch for brands like:
KEF (the imaging champs)
B&W (even though I don't like their treble)
Polk (not too shabby despite their "mid-fi" rep)
Axiom (rarer than hen's teeth)
Elac (ditto)
Paradigm (same comments as Polk)
Infinity / JBL (both members of the Harmon audio group & pretty fair)
THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING USED SPEAKERS:
1. Woofer surrounds - many manufacturers used closed-cell foam surrounds on their speakers that became brittle & inelastic over time. Rub your finger lightly on the surround - Does it feel sticky or brittle? Don't buy that speaker!
2. Do all the drivers work? Put your ear next to each driver. Is it clean & without static or scratchiness. If you find a non-working driver or one that sounds funny, don't buy that speaker.
3. What's the physical condition of the cabinets? Are they swollen or split? That's a sign of water damage. Cosmetics may or may not be important to you - use your judgement.
Happy shopping!
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Post by garbulky on Jul 9, 2016 15:24:17 GMT -5
From the reports I hear about the ERM-1 I can't think of one that's a large upgrade from it at the price. The Hsu will give you good efficiency from your amp but does need a sub. Maybe save up a bit or get a sub to complement them?
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Post by gus4emo on Jul 9, 2016 15:40:48 GMT -5
Consider the Hsu HB-1 Mk 2 speakers. I've had them and think they are well worth a listen. Dr. Hsu drives them with a regular AVR in his demo room - no fancy equipment, just good sound. Very easy to drive. www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.htmlI agree, they are awesome.
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Post by gus4emo on Jul 9, 2016 15:45:55 GMT -5
Consider the Hsu HB-1 Mk 2 speakers. I've had them and think they are well worth a listen. Dr. Hsu drives them with a regular AVR in his demo room - no fancy equipment, just good sound. Very easy to drive. www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.htmlI agree, they are awesome. I'm actually thinking about getting another pair to use strictly for music, I want to use my Adcom speaker select so I can switch pairs for movies and music, I'm using a pair mostly for movies along with their center channel.
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Post by MusicHead on Jul 9, 2016 16:13:29 GMT -5
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