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I’m in this exact position right now. I’ve been going back and forth about getting new speakers. This channel makes me want new stuff all the time lol.

Just over a year ago I found your channel while researching the CSS criton 1tdx. Today, I still love these awesome speakers and have updated from my old onkio av receiver to some new schiit gear. Saga s, lokius, vidar 2, and an ifi zen for Bluetooth. Thanks for all the great content. My new system has reminded me of my love for music again. I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks for doing what you do so well!

Another suggestion: before buying new speakers, really experiment with new settings within your current system. I've owned the same A/V receiver, speakers and sub for almost 2 years. Last night I was playing around and using my sub's phone app, I changed the Phase form the default setting of 0 to 90. Instantly my entire soundstage changed. Was getting punched in the chest by the bass with no loss in detail or speed. Play around with what you have!

I have to keep reminding myself to 'Don't buy new speakers' and should stop watching review videos. 😂. Thank you so much for your time and effort to guide us to audio happiness.

Ah, Randy... Do I hear the voice of experience? (lol) How many audio purchase skeletons are in your closet? 😂 Yeah, I've got about that many as well. One thing I have learned about buying speakers, especially for those buying on a stricter budget or with less experience in the Hi-Fi hobby... Don't get locked into a 'latest, greatest' mentality. Just because a speaker is NOT the current model doesn't mean it isn't a good choice for you. Research is your best tool. Just for example, the current Klipsch RP-500M II and RP-600M II stand mount speakers are favorably reviewed, and their MSRP is $599 and $749, respectively. Yes, they do go on sale occasionally for a couple hundred less, but their 'older relatives' can still be purchased new-in-box for $200-$250 a pair. By now, those previous-generation RP-150M and RP-160M models have a history of positive reviews that the current models hope to live up to. But if you've never heard any of them, is the newest model really worth the extra $$$ to you? That difference in price could net you a nice subwoofer, pay for lots of streaming, pad your monthly budget, or even take your favorite person out to a really nice dinner. And you'll still come home to some great sounds!

Everything Randy said in this video is some of the reasons why it may be a good idea to form local audio groups that actually have meet-ups and listening sessions in other homes. Ya know - socialize with others - like our parents/grandparents did. Geez what happened to going over to play cards and such?

Hey Randy I managed an av shop in the late 90s, I bought the most exciting speakers we had in 1998. Klipch klf20s form way back basically forte drivers in a tower with a 15" sub for way under dealer cost, and never looked back

Good advice as always. For many years Ive been very pleased with my PSB X2T, they sound great with my Peachtree so why risk mucking with a good thing? I try to play higher quality formats over the mixed bag that is you tube, but honestly given my aged and tortured ears Id probably be hard pressed to tell the difference, either can still bring a tear to my eye and thats what counts in my book. Over the years I have been chasing the desired sound for active nearfield desktops, they are far more economical and kinda exciting to swap out every couple of years, retired my Genelec and going to give the Kali Lp6 v2 a go.

Whenever i watch ur video with u see drinking coffe and chilling it relaxes me so much and make the video much more enjoyable feels like home

I'm a bass head. Even though I have a large room. I don't currently have anywhere to put subwoofers. So I have to use tall tower speakers.

Great advice, Randy: have a budget and do your homework which includes buying from companies you can return to. Don't forget esthetics, after all they will part of your home decor and, as such, looks are important too and not just "personality".

Guy with a 2 W tube amp here. There probably aren't a lot like me out there, but tube amps have a higher output impedance and a much lower damping factor compared to transistor amps, so speakers that are reactive or resonant as a result of the manufacturer trying to extend the bass way down can be boomy. And it's annoying So if you are able to pack your 2 W amp along and try the speakers first, I would suggest you do.

Did this. Bought the Edifier. Am happy.

"If you don't, return it" is the most important piece of advice here. If you don't like them after a week, you WILL NEVER LIKE THEM. Don't wait until your return policy expires in some vague hope you will adapt, or (worse yet) that break in will change something - IT WON'T. I learned my lesson the hard way.

Don't forget to consider vintage speakers. They may take a up more space and power but they often have a warmth that is missing from the newer speakers that I've heard and they look so much nicer as well. Plus, you can often find them at secondhand stores for very little money. I've picked up some very nice Boston Acoustics, JBL, KLH and Realistic speakers for much cheaper than any new ones.

Do you have a video for beginners, i.e. nuts to bolts setup?

I like watching CAM Studios productions in the morning because that's when I'm actually drinking coffee.

Great advice as usual, Randy. I would recommend buying used before you find what you really want and how much you enjoy listening.

Most speakers on offer are bookshelves. You'll need stands and a subwoofer with 97% of those speakers. Both of which are expensive. Important for budget ...

Theirs always a better speaker you can chase an upgrade and spend ur life savings for something marginally better. I have a pair of sscs5 sonys and some rebuilt references infinity speaker boxes with all Dayton reference speakers and crossover they sound amazing I can't wait to get some real power through them.

Hey Randy, congrats for putting up excellent content. Just a noite on frequency response, you have to consider the room size. I have to sets of Pioneers here, one with a small 4 inch woofer that is rated at 55hz, and other a 3-way with a bigger 5 1/4 inch woofer that can get down to 50hz. There's no doubt that the bigger can go lower, but in my small listening room the smaller sounds better by not overwhelming the space. And regarding speaker sensitivity, one may want to pay attention also to impedance. Most small bookshelfs are 6 or 4 ohms, and not every amp (certainly not many AV receivers) will be able to drive them.

You glossed over one if the most important points. Speakers play your room as much if not more than your equipment.

My next speaker choice is a no brainer. Criton 1TDX kit with all the good stuff. I’m pinching pennies right now!

Make room for bigger speakers. Bookshelfs with a subwoofer just don't feel the same.

Thanks for the information update

Your remark about sensitivity as the most/only important specification is spot on! -3dB = double wattage needed!

Home theater only for a 12x16 dedicated room. I'm guessing Reference premier is the choice for me.

We love bass and own 3 pairs of vintage Cerwin Vegas. Definitely does not disappoint.

great information, I am researching putting together a vintage system for my living room. Budged about $400.00 for speakers. How do I determine what size may speakers should be in relation ship to my room? It's 24X12 with 10 ft (wood) ceiling.

I recently purchased a pair of Elac DBR 62s. i too have had the experience of being underwhelmed with new speakers in the house. Sooo, i took my time, spent roughly 2 years shopping with a budget of up to 5K. That's a lot of the market. I kept bouncing into the new Elac's. Both the Debut and the Uni-fi bookshelf models. I decided on the Debut's. WOW! These speaker's made my day. It's as if I have a new music collection. Money well spent at a conservative cost. P.S. I'm now waiting for my J2 to arrive. It's your fault Randy

Driving over an hour away to pick up a pair of Sony SS-CS5s tomorrow for $100.. curious how the will sound compared to my Cerwin Vega E710s.

I just went high end for my budget, I don't need to spend or waste time on trying to get the best bang for your buck. I have a great setup and no regrets on the parts I bought.

I wish Costco would keep selling speakers but different brands they had a whole setup towers shelves subs made by klipsch you can try them for 3 months they have the best return policy I know

Another important specification to look at is impedance, arguably even more important than sensitivity. If the minimal impedance dips below 4 ohms, you will need a reasonably powerful amp to drive your speakers. Also worth noting is that manufacturers often cheat with sensitivity numbers, so don't just trust whatever the specification sheet says. Oftentimes the real sensitivity is way lower.

Thanks for this super informative video. And yeah, Excel is such a wonderful database manager for basic data (like what speaker should I buy). THANKS!

Thanks CAM. Been looking really hard at some Zu DW6. Had emailed their rep to talk about finishes, was just ready to hit “buy”, and then they added $200 in shipping, ouch! Now while i’m saving up another $200 I’m questioning my decision. Don’t want to talk myself out of them though. Maybe i WILL check out the Discord. Thx again

Instead of buying new speakers, I swapped speakers/amps at home (home cinema / listening room / workshop). In the end I found a better combinations for the different setups without buying anything new.

On my 6th set, ZU DW's I don't think these are going anywhere for a while...

I may have made a mistake, I got a cayin ida6 mk2. Anyway to improve the sound more musical?

I am probably an odd ball here, but… I have a Duok audio st-01 paired with a set of klipsch synergy b-100’s. And honestly I am super happy with the performance i get. Mostly i do low level listening of the “ lofi hip hop” genre and the “ warmth” i get is pretty much what i was aiming for. Is there better? Absolutely. Am i looking to upgrade? Not at the moment. I also have a set of klipsch promedia heritage 2.1’s i use for my higher level, more immersive listening, and by that im referring mids highs and lows. For what they are in my setting they provide the sound stage im after. Again i am personally pleased and happy with my current set up.

Too late! I already bought speakers first. Have to get the rest of the stereo very soon. ??

you watched 'the movies that made us' too.. Alien 2... LOL

years ago, back in the 1960's HiFi was a new audio frontier and building your own speakers from various speaker components and cabinet designs was a true hobby and art form that sadly now is lost. / thanks for the video :_)

Hey Randy, I stumbled across you a few weeks ago and have been having a great time checking out your videos, funny and informative. I see where you will actually respond to folks so I thought I'd ask for help if you'd be so kind. I sit at a desk (in the middle of the room) all day and don't have a fancy setup as I have a Denon AVR 2801, Pioneer Digital EQ and a pair of Bose 201 IV with an Infinity Sub. The Bose are alright but I think I need something with a soundstage and clarity with some warminess to them. I play lots of vinyl and cds and listen to eveything for the most part but mainly have ambient music playing while working. Rock is played as well of course. I'm trying to stay away from anything too shrill or fake sounding. My 2 main things are, they have to sound beautiful and detailed at a very low volume and I'm trying to stay around $300ish or under. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Robert.

I FINALLY got to hear the KEF LS50 Meta's. I think they will be my next speaker.

It is 9:00pm. I have sat down. And I’m finna have a cup of coffee >:)

And also, if you watch reviews, make sure that the reviewer is listening to the same music as you. There are huge differences in Judas Priest and Pavarotti!

Normally I'd agree with you on impulse buying but when the Emotiva B1+ was on sale for $200 I jumped at the chance since it was my first pair. Speaking of first time buying speakers, don't forgot to budget for cable, connectors, wire stripping tool and if you need them, speaker stands for the floor or desk. I would also not worry about getting the right ones and spending a lot of money. Chances are its going to take time to figure out what you like.

Learned a valuable lesson last year, lusted after and bought a pair of Paradigm 200B bookshelves for $1K... Beautiful, but the shredded my ears, way too bright and I couldn't tame them. Returned and bought a Pair of Wharfedale Denton 80s for half the price, love them.... Biggest lesson is that when people say neutral, they mean Bright.

Could you please review Nubert speakers someday? They get praised sooo much in Germany, they are direct selling with a flat "honest" frequency response and every test I read about them concludes they are competing against speakers in way higher price brackets. I'm especially looking into their midpriced NuLine passive speakers and their top line powered bookshelves, the NuPro X3000 and X4000.

What do you think of the R2850DB Edifier speakers Randall?

Little to late lol, just ordered rp 600m for 350. Never heard Klipsch before i think its a good start.

All good advice, Randy, thanks. I'll bet I'm not the only one looking forward to your review of the RSL CG3Ms.

Loved the video!

I was worried when I pulled the trigger on my Emotiva setup ( T1+, C1+, B1+ ) since I had Polk Monitor Series 2 speakers previously. I'm aware sound is incredibly subjective but EVERYONE was saying how good the Emotiva speakers are, including yourself. Running them off my Denon X1600H and what an absolute dream these things are. My wife rarely comments on things and she said she's really impressed with the clarity. $1400 well spent. Now I'm looking at replacing my BIC PL200 subwoofers (yes two of them) with some HSU VTF-2 MK5s to clean up the bass.

The CAM discord is where it's at, all the way down to the terrible dad jokes

I always feel that my choice of speakers are in direct relationship to the receiver/ integrated or amp that they are being paired to...i.e power rating, ohms etc etc......then the budget aspect comes in.....period.

I aways remind people of program material, no one knows what sound reinforcement music sounds like, rock, electronic, dance and rock off-shoots are all sound reinforcement (SR) music, so it is easy... buy the speaker that matches your idea of what YOU think it should sounds like. Acoustic music, however, is completely different, accuracy is all important, we all know what a delicate ride cymbal sounds like, what a high hat sounds like, what a live vocal sounds like, what a violin/cello/viola/oboe..exc...sounds like. Then we have really good tone controls to have one system for all music. Just a little EQ makes a huge difference. And if you are a big bass lover, a sub can add what you need, and turn it off when you don't need it. In 2023 I don't understand the lack of equalization in home music systems, we should have digital stereo graphic EQ in the 15 to 31 band per channel in our DACs pre analog. This device while still in the digital realm is proven every day by recording studios fine tuning and crafting sounds. IF not graphic EQ, the parametric EQ while in the digital realm. Why? And for those still listening to vinyl and tape, some great EQ like the recording studio's use will add that final warmth that may be missing. EQ and mixing levels are the two most used features in a recording studio to balance a mix and make it sound wonderful to the engineers objective. Then for those who want to simulate a concert hall we need rear speakers with delay and reverb processing NOT surround sound; with reverbs and delays YOU control the size and shape of the concert hall. No studio recording is going to sound like the concert you went to in a large auditorium, but with two speakers in the rear playing just delays and reverbs, your listening experience can be enormously enhanced to your level of liking.

Need a good recommendation on high sensitivity speakers that won’t break the bank, higher the better starting at 95??? Thanks again for good advice. Please review a pair of Schiit Gjallahorns as monoblocks.

I'm lucky to have access to easy to reach 2nd hand speakers, at least in a relatively lower budget. The downside is ending up with more speakers than 10 people would ever have in their lifetime lol

Craigslist is your friend. I've put together a whole system used and the savings have been very deep. Just be patient.

Amazon all the way

I would say that finding a speaker that plays down into the twenties is extremely difficult to find

Hi Randy. It took me 14 years to find the right set of speakers for me. I spent a fortune during the quest....

An audiophile needs to be a recording engineer and understand the engineers' techniques in shaping the music if the audiophile truly wants to control the sound they have in their listening room. ( see my other comment).

Yeah Crutchfield is great but as you said be careful about what you return… I know it’s my fault. During the early days of the pandemic I bought a few towers (singles not the pair) as I wanted to see which I liked … yeah they took them back but as Randy said they cut me off. Can’t buy anything from them again for life. Lol.

Hey Randy! It would be awesome if you could review the Black Ice Audio FOZ SSX Sound Stage Expander. It seems like it could be great! I used a similar type product on expanding the soundstage and it can make speakers sound more neato!

Thanks for coming up with a plan for my day Cinnamon rolls coffee and the alien movies!!!

Good advice 👍 Please do a review on the Rolls Bellari Vp549. There is very little talk about it on KZfaq and have been really tempted on getting it.

Great! They are being delivered today. It's all your fault because I ordered the Jamo's because of one of your prior reviews. How could you do this to me? LOL

GREAT video! I did wonder about your comments re: the goal of a low-30's speaker, given your previous praise of the Sony SSCS5's, given it's spread of 53Hz-50kHz. I'm guessing it's because the CS5 is a 'bookshelf speaker', but the comment caused me to reconsider that choice. But DANG IT! I can't find the "Buy you a cup of Coffee" button! (at the bottom of the video???) Where the heck is it??? Thanks!

Imma get my hearing tested beforehand. Prolly got some high frequency issues.

Review videos are worthless, hearing for yourself is the only review you need.

A better hifi journey can be had with the knowledge from these videos and a nice cup of coffee from my ninja coffee maker, which I purchased with the concepts elucudated from this video! Good job Randy...

What! Isn't that a Navy coffee mug? Were you on a Navy ship???????

Another point of consideration, you may prefer the budget speaker over many of the more expensive, "higher end" as well. It depends on room, taste, equipment, even expectations. While many brands have a different sound, something new may sound not as good until you give it a chance, or time to let your brain adapt and able to highlight what it does well. You may then prefer it over another presentation, or be happy to flip one for the other depending on music. But if you really can't stand a speaker and can explain why, probably no amount of adjustment will help. So a 30-60 day return window is good to have. No return or 15 day usually turns me away unless I know I will like it. Then, once you have a system you like, particularly the speakers, if you happen to move to another house, apartment, etc., you may find its previous charm no longer applicable. Speakers can sound that different from one room to the next for a variety of reasons. I also prefer small speakers and can add a sub. After you have handled enough big speakers, you'll come to appreciate that size does matter, and that smaller dongles may be advantageous if not outright preferred.

I was wondering if you checked out the Zen Dac V2? I've been looking at it for a little bit and have really only heard good things about it, but not sure if I can justify dropping $299+tax CAD on it, definitely would've picked it up for the OG price but I learned about it too late.

Somebody please give me some recommendations for a speaker that has a true sensitivity higher than say 90 or 91db...other than a Klipsch or Tekton. Something under say $1700 but the cheaper the better. A few of the speakers I already own that I like are the Polk R200's, the Wharfedale Linton's, and I even like the old Infinity IL40's I have. So I'm looking for a higher sensitivity speaker with at least the SQ of the 3 I mentioned..although I would prefer they sound better with more dynamics due to sensitivity. I don't find the Linton's to be up to their rated sensitivity spec. Thank you for any suggestions 👍

You mean we aren't all like a certain audiolab guy who buys 6 figure speakers on his "audio journey"...

Is 4 Elac B5 Debut (not b52) 1 Elac Debut C5 center (not c52) 1 Elac s8 (8” sub) worth 300 used? These ones are all discontinued since the debut 2.0 released.

I thought you were going to talk about the Sony speakers. Drats!

I buy all of my speakers from the dude in a van but not in an alley. I also buy gas station sushi. Can't wait to listen to my new speakers as soon as I get released from the hospital. Food poisoning sucks.

Randy, what would you recommend for a center channel speaker for a cinema 60 VAR. Thanks Bob

Thanks for advice

Did you make this video for me?! I feel like you made it for me…

Don't buy pre made speakers or diy kits. Design your own and get more for your money. For $200 I can build monsters

I have a $300 budget for speakers. I don't have a lot of space away from the wall ( I'm probably working with about 9 inches max. ) And I want a non-fatiguing all day speaker ( I'm afraid to go too bright. ) I'd also like some bass but in a reasonable amount not overly muddy but not thin either. My dream speakers would be the Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 or Debut Reference but those are way outside my budget. Is there a poor man's alternative? Do you think the first-gen Uni-Fi would work despite the rear port? or should I look at the Debut 6.2 despite it's thin bass? Any sugesstions?

Lotus 123 for vintage gear analysis; Excel for newer gear.

Before upgrading your speakers try upgrading your speaker wire, if you still want to upgrade after you’ve still got better speaker now😊

Someone with who has a HIFI channel telling people not to buy speakers? Light in the darkness? Honesty online? Dude, you just earned some serious street cred. How can i not watch now? Telling my friends. Damm good show! Convince me i am wrong. Hey Jordan Peterson, check this out. There is hope.

What is everyone's 'cheap audio'' set up? I have the Aiyima A07, Aiyima Dac 02, and a pair of Elac Bs41s. All this for under $250. Any recommendations for a set of used speakers? I had a pair of polk monitor 5Bs back in the day so I've been into mid-fi for a while.

Great advice Randy. Haste makes waste.

Stay on budget: wanted a pair of LRS, got a pair of Sonys…

In the late 70's, I would scour the audio catalogs lusting over various high end cartridges, Phase Linear amps, etc....

Find out what sounds best to YOUR ears. I guarantee you will save a ton of time and frustration figuring this out first. So many reviewers like a particular sound (flat, V-shaped, bottom heavy, clinical etc.) Find out what works for you. Personally I like the sound of the Focal Utopia for headphones and the Kef LS50-meta for bookshelves, with a cutoff at 100 and have my SVS SB4000 sub take the low-end. IS this the setup for you? Hardly. Find out what you like to listen to, everyone is different.

when I first started watching you're videos I thought to myself "Uh look at this idiot trying to review stuff there is already tons of other reviewers out there stick to you're damn day job" But.... You have grown to be my favorite reviewer right behind Zeos. Keep up the good work :-)

*Straight Talk. KUDOS!*

A L I E N, Ridley Scott 10 times better than Aliens, hands f@#%ing down. Not even close.

But what about us vintage buyers? What is to save our wallets?