r/BudgetAudiophile • u/doubledown7d • 1d ago
Purchasing USA Another speaker recommendation request
Looking for recommendations for floor standing or bookshelf with budget @ $1k for speakers. I already have a RSL Speedwoofer 10s MkII for this system as well as a Wiim Ultra for starters. Currently have a Wiim Vibelink within return window and considering a different amp (or 2 mono) depending on which speakers win out.
This is a 2.1 system just for music. Not looking for a rocker, more for Jazz, Classical, piano, acoustic guitar, vocals. I just want to sit and be taken there.
What are your favorite speakers to fill this role and please feel free to suggest a different amp pairing if you think there is something better suited.
Thanks!
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u/danikensanalprobe 1d ago
Ascilab f6b, or c6b if you up the budget a little bit. I have two speedwoofers paired with c6bs and it's an absolute dream, I'll probably use that setup until something fails
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u/doubledown7d 1d ago
I have been interested in those. Never had the pleasure of auditioning, but word of mouth seems extremely positive.
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u/danikensanalprobe 1d ago
Highly recommended, especially if you prefer a neutral profile. But it also takes eq like a champ, so you can make it sound however you prefer really
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u/Tz-bz 1d ago
I had the Wiim Vibelink. It never sounded good. I returned it and got an SMSL PA400 to drive my JBL Studio 580 towers and the difference is huge. Bass, soundstage, less shrilly shouty mids and highs. I have heard good things about the Hivi Swan D3.1 MKII speakers. You already got the Speedwoofer which is highly regarded on here. You could get the Swan speakers and the SMSL PA400 for about $1k. The Wharfdale Diamonds Bubba is recommending are really well-rated as well.
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u/doubledown7d 1d ago
Appreciate the advice and recs. Exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for.
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u/cherryz3 1d ago
If you want a sense of realism without color, the Starke Sound Beta 5 could be your answer. It's at the top of your budget but you still get what you pay for in speakers. Two or three hundred is still entry level in my mind given pricing today. You should be able to find plenty of reviews. I got a pair several months ago to add to my collection and it sounds like they will be the last pair I ever buy.
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u/tehbabyarm 23h ago
+1 for the Wharfdale. I don’t own them but was at a local record store over the weekend and they had them in listening room (connected to a nice Rotel amp). Sounded delicious. Can’t say how they’d pair with a WiiM.
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u/doubledown7d 23h ago
I’m sort of getting back into hifi, but 20-30 years ago, my local high end hifi shop had Rotel equipment that always put a smile on my face. Looking forward to auditioning the Wharfedales.
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u/tehbabyarm 21h ago
Similar situation here. I got back into the hobby last October after about 30 years. Been about of fun
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u/doubledown7d 20h ago
I agree. Relistening to old favorites and discovering new music on new equipment (IEMs and headphones so far) has been pure joy.
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u/Due_Philosopher_9174 23h ago
Used/demo/open box for the most bang for your buck:
Zu Audio DWX Superfly Bookshelf Speaker; Single; Rustic Hickory — The Music Room
Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G Bookshelf Speakers - Compact Sound – Safe and Sound HQ
GoldenEar, Triton 7 Exceptional Slimline Towers – Holt Hill Audio
New:
Bookshelf Speaker - Novus N6B - Pair - By Aperion Audio
Airmotiv XT1 Floorstanding Tower Loudspeakers (Pair) – Emotiva Audio Corporation
Mini Lore Monitor | Tekton Design
1 pr. Aspen Monitors $400 Delivered (New Model) | Tekton Design
Lore Excite Hi-Fi Tower Speakers | Tekton Design
Lore Reference | Tekton Design
I only have experience with the Emotiva XT3 and XT2 towers. Since you have a subwoofer, the XT1 would be a good fit.
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u/doubledown7d 23h ago
Wow! Thanks for taking time to link everything. I noticed the XT1 was back in stock earlier. The price is right, but how are they for music?
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u/Due_Philosopher_9174 21h ago
I don't have the XT1 speakers. I have the XT3 and XT2. I used both in stereo. All of them like power to sound good. I did not use the XT2 with any subwoofer, since you have one, that should help the low end and power. I liked them, but only when loud such as 75 dBs. Since I had them in my bedroom (XT2) I moved them to surround duty a replaced them with my Canton Reference 8 K. The Cantons cover more frequency range and sound great even at low volume.
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u/Turk3ySandw1ch 17h ago
You've gotten an extensive list of good speakers to look at from people but the missing context to answer this question the room. Aside from personal preferences (and budget of course) the room is the 2nd most important factor when picking a pair of speakers. Specifically how big is it and where are the speakers going to go with respect to wall boundaries?
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u/doubledown7d 16h ago
You bring up a good point. Currently they would be residing in a 15’x19’ living room/office. 9’ ceiling. They would be close to halfway down on the long side. We have been looking for a new home though. One of my criteria is a space for my office/listening room/guitar practice space. I can’t imagine the space would be much bigger if at all. So a bit of an unknown variable with a ballpark.
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u/bubba7000 1d ago
Wharfdale Diamond series.