Best affordable vintage and new audiophile speakers of all time!

These are my picks, speakers I have a history with, so it's not a popularity contest. Your choices may differ, please share them in the comments. Prices (per pair) quoted for when they were new.

Linn Kan

-------------SUPPORT---------------
Thanks for watching, this channel can be supported through Patreon

———SUBSCRIBE-----------------

Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan

Instagram: Steve.Guttenberg

#audiophile #bestspeakers #speakerreviews

Steve’s System:

Ortofon Cadenza Blue cartridge

Pass Labs XP30 preamp
Pass Labs XA100.5 power amp

KEF LS50 speakers
Adam Audio F5 speakers

[josephchamberlain]

This. This. This. More of this. There are only so many people alive who can offer this kind of wisdom in this space. Anyone can review speakers. FEW can offer real perspective. BE THAT!

[byronmacdowell]

I scored a pair of Klipsch RP-280F speakers for $800 that replaced a set of Polk Audio RTi-A7 towers. I was blown away by the dynamics of the Klipsch in comparison. Even my Wife who is not even close to being an audiophile was amazed. I'd hear her say thigs like "I never heard that in that song before" & "Wow, there's so much more life in the sound now". I'd never really considered Klipsch before because I was afraid if having a too small sweet spot, but I'm glad I did... And by the way, I did so because of Steve's enthusiastic reviews. Thank you Steve, I'm more happy with these speakers than I've ever been with any I've owned. I'm now sold on horns and you are the man!

[PaulFerzoco]

The NHT Two's were my second set of speakers (after my Bose 901's). I've had them for nearly 20 years and would not trade them for anything. They have amazing response even going into subwoofer territory while maintaining crispness and clarity beyond 20k. They double as my home theater fronts and my music stereo pair. I also use NHT Super Ones as my surrounds on my 9.2.2 theater system plus a pair of NHT 10-inch subs. I think NHT ie very under rated. I also love your channel!

[kinetic-marble-run]

+1 for Linn Kan!
I got my Linn Kan II pair, 28 years ago and I still own them and play them from time to time when I feel nostalgic.
They will never leave this house!

[nicholasbrown]

I haven't seen many examples of Paradigm speakers, but I think these fly under the radar. I have a pair of Paradigm Titan v.3 in my house that, then A-B'd against the Pioneers mentioned from Andrew Jones...blew them away on every level. My price was $40/pair before re-foaming them. A true gem.

[jimnoble]

I bought a pair of Design Acoustic D-12’s in 1974. I’ve had them ever since and they are still outstanding. One of the earliest attempts at omni-directional sound, they fill a room with a soundstage that is high, wide and deep. Imaging is very precise and they have a wonderful spacey sound. Julian Hirsch reviewed these as the best speakers he had ever heard in the mid-70’s.

[MountainAdventures]

ADS-L810. Having heard the best, these 1980's 3-ways are the best speakers I can afford to live with. They are flawlessly lifelike in my room setup.

[MercedesGuy]

Steve has just single handily has increased the value of a lot of vintage speakers!

[lesliefortier]

My Kef Carina ll's purchased in 1984 continue to thrill me. They are the front speakers in my 5:1 now. They give me great respect for the entire Kef line. Their reference standard is admirable.

[decaf]

You live my dream Steve, listen to your music come alive (more so on some than others;) via different speakers.

You’re expertise hasn’t steered me wrong. Based on your recommendation I’ve purchased the Uni-fi UB5s and the RP600Ms. Both very different speakers, and both awesome for the money. Thank you for all you do!

[Velvet_Torpedo]

PSB Imagine bookshelf's and the JBL 830's were the 2 speakers that made me take notice. They were the speakers that started me on my quest for better sound.

[skip]

Time Windows and the Magnepan IIIa's - - - the Time Windows were sooo coherent, lovely to listen with hour after hour and the Maggie IIIa's were were the price budget bargain and the gateway into that great "boxless" Magnepan presentation combined with a massive soundstage.

[johnreuter]

I have 4 Vandy 1C's as part of my surround set up with matching sub and center . Had them for 20 years. Still marvel at them. Just played the White Album Blu Ray this past Tuesday for a friend. His mind was appropriately blown. Ringo is a monster. They are situated in a intentionally designed sound room, 36 x 24 x 10, so that adds a lot.

[TheJraphel]

Picking up a minty pair of Vandersteen Model 1's tonight! Looking forward to hearing them in my room!

[bobcathey]

ads 710 II speakers I bought in 1981 I still love. Paid around $700 and purchased in Chapel Hill, NC. Original drivers. They made great products!

[thomassanio]

Great video. I cannot speak to many of the speakers on your list, BUT the Vandersteens blew me away the first time I heard them. Amazing design, sweet sound, precise vocal localization. Giant killer in my opinion.

[jackdale]

luv your videos !
should have included Allison acoustics !
hi scored today ! just arrived, shipped a pair of the vintage Allison acoustics grail speakers top of the line !
the superlative top of the line AL130 3 way W/ twin 8' woofers mounted push pull unique CONVEX mids and tweeters !
Back in the day, these speakers were a phenom smoking most other speakers in reviews !
even Consumers Reports scientists and engineers said it was the best speaker they had EVER heard and made it a "best buy " ! LOL
Allison w/ the unique proprietary CONVEX mids and tweeters offered a super wide soundstage and unparalleled realism.
they also had the twin 8" push-pull mounted woofers, which were electrically OUT of phase BUT acoustically IN phase !
they offered 20% Less harmonic distortion !
Roy Allison RIP, was brilliant self-taught audio engineer and inventor

[fumedtwice]

I was glad to see the Vandersteen 1B included in your list! I seldom see Vandersteen speakers included in many of the YouTube reviews and I have always had Vandersteen speakers. I still have my 1B's and my main speakers are Vandersteen Treo CT's. I also have the original Model 2's and I've also owned the Model 2ce signature 2's. All great speakers in my opinion.

[jerrymcnutt]

Spica TC50, was a game changer in the early 80’s. So much goodness for so little money.

[danedes]

Meadowlark Kestrel purchased in 1995 still remain one of my favorites. They were $995 a pair back then.