I’ve currently got an old Onkyo TX-SR503 and an awesome Infinity Sub R12 (SUBR12BK-Z - snagged it refurbished for 200USD thanks to an awesome post on this forum!), and a set of blown out Infinity SAT450s that sound horrible. I don’t use a center channel and really only use this setup for records and retro games.
I’d like to spend around 150USD for a pair of bookshelf speakers that’ll go well with this setup (bonus points if they come in a dark stained wood). Ideally I’ll be able to find them used/refurb online with a bit of looking, but if the best quality at that price point happens to be something I buy new I won’t be too upset.
What do people think about the Infinity Reference 152s and 162s? They’re currently on sale for 130usd/pair and 160usd/pair respectively. There are some pretty decent looking sales right now on a lot of Harman stuff!
I bought the Sony’s from Amazon Warehouse for $60. I don’t really have anything to compare them to, but I like them. Bass is slightly bloated, highs are maybe a tad sharp. Hard to complain for $60.
Neumi bs5 $99 86db 6ohms plays pretty loud with a amazon basic amp from appletv itunes music, youtube loud . But movies netflix amazon hbomax not so loud/dialog unintelligible straight from tv dac sitting 12ft away.
Not a problem with a budget AVR but will have to crank the volume.
I just bought those Jamo S803s and have been really enjoying them for music. I’m listening to them on my desk though so you might have a different experience listening on couch in a surround set up. I’m using a smsl da-8s to power them so I would think your onkyo receiver would drive them pretty well too. Zeos has a review on them too if you interested Z Review - JAMO S803 [Amazeballs Returns!!] - YouTube. Hope this helps!
Shipping speakers in expensive. Buying used speakers itself is a slight crapshoot.
But, it’s where you can find some stunning value.
I recommend buying used locally if you’re in a big metro area with good supply.
Otherwise it isn’t the easiest thing.
The jamo looks like the way to go for the best budget bookshelf in the euro market. Looks are awesome only thing dont like is the wood vinyl around the tweeter.
Just an update on the Sony’s. I’ve got them paired with a little Fosi audio amp, and they sound pretty darn good to me. Definitely good enough for the limited time I spend listening to speakers.
ima a bit late to the party, but for my 2 cents, the sony’s have the most potential. they use very good drivers, and use 2 tweeters, one of which you can covert into a midrange by doing a little xover work. they sound great stock, but with a few xtra dollars thrown in and some time, you can turn them into 500+$ speakers.
i would sugest to anyone looking into sub 200$ speakers to buy some foam dampening material to stuff on the inside. its cheap and makes your speaker sound a bit better.
edit: if you are really really on a budget, you can use egg containers as sound dampening on the inside of your speaker. which can usually be gotten for free from people you know or stores.
