Best Speakers of 2023! Cheap Audio Man Awards!!!

0:00 Start
0:33 Best Under $200
1:33 Best Under $500
3:41 Best Under $1000
5:28 Best Under $1000 Tower
6:50 Best Under $1500
8:12 Best Under $2000
9:29 Best Over $2000

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Recommended Streamer

Recommended Speaker List

Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)

Around $200

Around $400

Around $500

Around $600

Recommended Amp List

Under $100

Around $130

Around $250

Around $400

Recommended DACs

Subs

[johntucker]

I love how you poke fun at all the "best of" speakers videos on YouTube as well as yourself. 🙂. Thanks for your work.

[liquidtoo]

It seems like the big story in audio for the end of 2023 (and the beginning of 2024?) is the powered speaker! I used to be into stereo, but then in my late 40s I just didn't have the time anymore. Now in my early 60s, I decided to get back into the hobby. But when I looked at the world around me, I realized just how much the audio world has changed. For at least the last decade, I haven't been dipping into my CD collection, and I've mostly been "listening" to music videos and streaming. And I've been doing what everyone else has been doing and spending more time on headphones than speakers. But it was by listening to your channel that I decided to start upgrading.

I just received a FOSI amp, that I use with my Computer and a pair of old Dennon speakers. And I'm testing it with a new DAC. Eventually, replace this with maybe a SWAN D300e (I WANT the ribbon tweeter) or something similar. I never had a stereo system in the bedroom, but I now have a SWAN 10S. In a small room, they sound pretty good... and quite loud!

I THINK powered speakers will be the big thing in 2024 because so many young audiophiles grew up with mobile music and headphones. They seem to want tech that is great, but also simple. That gives the advantage to powered speakers, rather than playing around with amps, DACs, speakers, and whatnot to get the perfect sound. Younger preferences are... make it perfect the first time, and ship it to me by 9am tomorrow morning! Now, it's time to replace my wiring. Thanks again!

[martinley]

Just got the Heco Aurora 300 after a long journey of research, comparison and watching your channel. My wife wanted something smaller than my self-built floor-standing beasts, i wanted something with a bit more clarity in the top end (the "Viech" is a 1-way folded horn speaker), but not compromising too much on the bass. When you reviewed the Heco, it seemed like an instant fit. Plus it's a German company, so I could support a local brand. I can't wait to set them up in the living room.

[williambillyshears]

Great video and I am like-minded with your choices! Love your channel!

[Simon_Hawkshaw]

Great year end summary and equipment list. Thank you so much for your time and effort compiling this and sharing it with us all. Greatly appreciated. Stay well, Sir.

[dawolyan]

I was in love with the Elac days!!! 😃 Love you bro!!

[KlipschHead]

Agreed on The Nines, I absolutely LOVE them!!

[blackrabbot]

Buenas, tengo dos DACs muy parecidos a este, son las mersiones intermedias entre el que nos muestras y el actual, el Modi 3+ y Modi 3e y como dices, su mayor pega es que no tenga interruptor de encendido. Por ello lo tengo siempre conectado. Lo uso unido a un lector de CD que uso como transporte y estoy encantado. Mi pregunta es si puede haber algún problema por tenerlo encendido todo el rato, aunque tenga el reproductor de CD apagado. Hay algún tipo de desgaste?
Me ha gustado tu video, un saludo!

[Prometheus]

I have the Q-Acoustics concept 500 towers and love them.

[manserlandson]

Thanks! Where would you place the mofi source point 10 along this list? (Not cheap, but you had them in.)

[mncn]

For me it is the same as 2022.
Passives it’s Neumi. Powered it’s JBL Professional 305P MkII
I bought the original Neumi, s when they came out for $89!

Merry Christmas Randy! Best to you and your family!

[demetreusd.robysr.]

You are my favorite audiophile. A brother from another mother! Keep doing what you do!

[ripbenson]

Hey CAM,

I just purchased the Fosi BT20A and Elac BS41's for my office desk top set up after reviewing a number of your reviews.

The Fosi should work our fine but I'm finding the Elac's lacking in high clarity of the highs...quite flat at lower volumes. I'm really wanting a crispier / crystal clear tweeter with a cross over that will offer pronounced crispness of the snare and cymbals.

I want to stick with a 10" height, and am fine spending another ~$100 if need be.

So, what would you suggest I take a look at?

Many thanks!!

[PawanKumar-uqwz]

I have jbl stage 130 and want to upgrade to floorstanding speaker for fuller sound for music listening under budget of 500, what u suggest ? On my mind its t50, mission lx 4, yamaha nsf160, polk s or es series

[geoffreyvalier]

Hi! I would like to know what do you think between Wharfedale denton 85th and the Polk r200 for hifi and movie? I have a Marantz nr1200

[TheKingPhotos]

@cheapaudioman
I'm in the market for desktop speakers that prioritize mid-range clarity, especially for vocals and string instruments, as I'm passionate about enjoying music to its fullest—especially classical pieces from Beethoven to Bach, and even holiday classics (vocals).Maintaining the richness of these compositions is crucial, so while I don't want the bass to dominate, I do need it to have a punch whenever the music calls for it. Kindly note that, while my desktop-setup currently lack room for an extra amplifier, I plan to add one later, along with a DAC. Could you recommend a model within the $600 USD range? Thanks!

[derekd]

I know speakers that you heard this year but perhaps comparing them to some other past speakers in sound quality would be nice. I have the Emotiva t1+ so selfishly, I wonder how they compare to some of these options. Cheers!

[randyjones]

I know at some point we have to move on, but i still cannot get past my JBL 530's. Have bought and returned so many bookshelf speakers since the 530's i just gave up. The Triangle BR02 probably came the closest, though a very different sound
Happy New Year everyone!

[petedoanato]

Good evening. Can you share your thoughts on a wireless home Audio system? I was looking at Nakamihi and Enclave. I have Sonos at my home in Michigan. I just got a place in FLA and need to add Music TV and easy to install. thank

[alfa]

HI Randy, in short which to go for please? - neumi or sony cs 5.. thanks.