Reddit mentions: The best speaker grills

First of all, stay away from sonos. They sound like garbage.

Now that that is out of the way, we've got some discussing to do.

If you want the ease of Sonos, but good sound, a pair of KEF LSX is what you want. slightly over budget, but there isn't really anything else in your budget. 'All in one' stuff like that isn't very popular, and is pretty hard to find. KEF makes some of the only stuff like that, that actually sounds decent. Honestly, they sound really nice. I like them a lot, especially for all that they can do.

If you'd rather make a 'custom' setup with bluetooth, a receiver and a pair of bookshelf speakers will be great. Will they be better than those KEFs? Yeah, but a lot of people don't want to deal with the 'hassle' that comes with setting up a system (it really is pretty easy though. put stuff where you want it and run wires). Also, it won't particularly be loads better than the KEFs.

Here's the receiver you want. It has everything you could ever need. Don't worry that it's 'too many channels'. 2 channel receivers usually don't have as many options. This one has bluetooth, airplay, wifi for streaming, etc.

With that, you'll want two speakers. I prefer bookshelf speakers. You get more for your money with them. To expand on that a bit, bookshelf speakers are usually cheaper than tower speakers for what you get. Neither bookshelf speakers or tower speakers can go all the way down, and you'll get some help from a sub with either. For example, you can get a pair of 'budget' tower speakers for around $1000, or you can step up and get a pair of bookshelf speakers that are the next 'tier' in a line, so you'll get better sound.

This is where you have options to make (not like you didn't before, but now you really do). After that receiver, you have around $700. There are two options. The first is to get a pair of bookshelf speakers. The second is to get a pair of bookshelf speakers and a sub. I would prefer just the bookshelf speakers, because you can get something much better (the 'cheapest' sub I would get is around $400) and you can add the sub in later.

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Here are your bookshelf speaker options:

I really like Ascend Acoustics Sierras. They've got a really smooth response, that's pleasurable to listen to. The Dark Cherry color is beautiful by the way.

These KEFs are really nice as well. They have a less 'smooth' presentation and more of a 'detailed' presentation. They're accurate and revealing. Loads of fun to listen to IMO. (They make a bigger version as well, but they aren't any better, and they're more expensive. Too much to get into now, but I'd avoid them).

Now, I'm going to put this pair in here, but I've never heard them. Philharmonic Mini Monitor. I can't comment on them too much, but I can speculate as well as tell you what I've heard from reviews. These are supposed to be very nice. Ribbon tweeters are very 'open' and 'airy' sounding. It's hard to explain, but it makes the sound feel very transparent. Again, hard to explain. The ribbon tweeter they use is a spectacular ribbon tweeter, so I'm sure it sounds great. They'll have tons of detail but will never sound sharp or anything.

Bowers and Wilkins 607 are a very good option. The way their system works is this: The higher the first number, the better series (607, 707 are the same size but with different drivers). The lower the last number, the bigger the speaker (607 is the smallest, 606 is bigger, etc - I have no idea why it is backwards). We were discussing earlier with towers vs bookshelves and I feel this is a good time to explain. You can get a pair of 600 series towers for $1800. However, you can get a pair of 700 series bookshelves for the exact same price, therefore get better sound quality for the same money, if you're okay with having a bookshelf. Anyways, sorry about the side tangent. I think that the 607s are very good speakers (I bought a pair for my friend the other day but he said he couldn't accept them so I returned them :( - fair enough though). They are very fun and sweet sounding speakers. I like them a lot. They also hit to a decent frequency for their size. If WAF is a concern (wife acceptance factor) I feel like these are a very safe bet. They're also in your budget.

Alright, those are some of the best options. If you'll be doing a lot of music listening, I'd pick the Sierras or the B&W because they sound very sweet and they're fun to listen to. If you're doing a lot more tv/movie stuff, the detail of the KEFs or the Philharmonics will be great for vocals.

Also, if you do any of these, you probably won't feel like you need a sub, but it might be nice. This one is the one to get.

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Here are your bookshelf and subwoofer combos. You'll want this sub as well. It's the least expensive sub I feel good about recommending at this price point.

HSU also makes speakers. I don't know much about them, but I can speculate (mine show up monday). Horns are fun and dynamic, but also provide great vocals in my experience. These would be good for a tv/movie setup rather than a music setup, probably.

Here's another pair of horn speakers. Klipsch makes good tv/movie stuff.

These other Ascend Acoustic speakers are also very good. Not as good as the sierras, but they have a similar smoothness to them. Very good speaker for the budget.

These elacs are what you want if you'll be putting them directly against the wall. They have a front port that won't be choked off if you do that. Also, they are a very warm sounding speaker. I like them a lot.

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Whoops, looks like I shot myself in the foot with this one. I told you not to get towers. There is one pair of towers that I would recommend.

Tekton Mini Lore. I've never heard them, but look up reviews. Extremely sensitive, meaning they have awesome dynamics and sound effortless. Also, they get low enough where you won't need a sub. They get lower than a decent amount of subs actually.

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"But Poly, what would you do?

I'm glad you asked.

If I wanted something 'easy' and 'no fuss' the KEF LSX are the way to go.

If I want something for music and I can't fit towers, Sierras are what I would get.

If I want something for TV/Movies, the KEF Q150 is what I would get. Vocals on those things are crazy good.

If I could fit towers, the Tektons are what I would get. Unfortunately I haven't heard them, so I cant 100% tell you that they're perfect, but look up any review and you'll get the idea.

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How does this all look?

TL:DR - I think that list looks good, maybe consider a vintage receiver. I hope this is helpful.

Most people around here are probably more knowledgable than I am, but I thought I'd chime in because I was looking at doing the same thing a few months ago. I looked at everything on that list when I was shopping around and they all seem like good options. I ended up buying

Audio-Technica AT-LP120 It was on sale for closer to $200 at the time, but it's about as much as a u-turn. I've been super happy with it and the wirecutter gave it a great review.

I ended up going maybe a bit overboard with my speakers and got KEF Q150's. I'm really pleased with how they sound, and they are a massive upgrade from my cheap old bookshelf speakers, but I think I would have been totally fine with the Q Acoustics, which were my second pick.

My main regret was that I bought a Sony STRDH190. It didn't sound bad or anything, but I just didn't really love the sound, and I felt it looked kind of ugly. I ended up going down the vintage receiver rabbit hole and bought a Sansui 4000. I love how it sounds, and I was able to pick one up for $150 on ebay after waiting a bit for a good option. I spent another $80 bucks getting it serviced. A warning: This is a slippery slope. I now have 2 Sansui receivers, a Kenwoood amp, the original Sony I bought, and one disgruntled girlfriend all living in a 2 bedroom apartment.

The drawback of a vintage receiver is the lack of bluetooth playing your Spotify playists. I bought a Chromecast Audio to handle that. I use Google Play music, but I think it integrates with Spotify as well.

​

​

Hi all. I bought these things and I think I realized I want to go a bit bigger/I kinda bought the wrong things:

Micca PB42x Speakers

Nobsound NS-15G Amp (im dumb and got powered speakers on accident, another reason to return them)

I think instead I'd like to do a set up with KEF Q150s, but am unsure what else I need. Apparently they sound better with bass (I'm in an apartment but it's a highrise with good thick walls so I think I'll be ok?) and I was thinking about going with this. I was hoping that amp up there would be good enough, but I want to be able to switch between computer/turntable/tv/maybe stream audio from a phone so I think I need a receiver.

So I guess I'm mainly looking for suggestions on accessories for receiver/amp/wires. I already have some rca to rca cables and rca to 3.5mm cables, but I assume I will also need a subwoofer cable (?) and some speaker wire + banana plugs (??!!) so I would really appreciate some help here. Help is much appreciated, cheers :)

Sounds like you would like a nice 2.1 setup that will sound better than your old stuff. 1.5 to 2k budget is very reasonable. Here is what I would look at.

AMP - Denon AVR-X1500H $300 or a Yamaha RX-V485 $400 - The Denon has Audyssey room correction to really get the most out of the speakers. The Yamaha is simple and easy to use.

Speakers - Choose one

• KEF Q150 $300 - On sale! These sound fantastic and won't break the bank. There is a lot of the same tech from the LS50 in these and it shows. I happen to be partial to the white but get whatever color you want.
  
• KEF R100 $600 - The R series for a deal. I don't know how much better than the Q150's these are but they should sound wonderful.
  
  Sub - Make things go boom!
  
  
• Rythmik L12 $560 - Small sealed and server controlled for nice tight bass.
  
• Rythmik F12-300 $700 - The next level up in the Rythmik line.
  
• SVS SB1000 $500 - One or two choice is yours. Their entry level sub
  
• SVS SB 2000 $700 - The step up...more power more volume.
  
• SVS SB3000 $1000 - Because screw it I only want one sub and fell like shaking the house.
  
• KEF Kube12B refurb $550 - If you want to be all matchy, matchy.

I would strongly recommend the KEF Q150s (speakers)
You could start with a stereo setup and upgrade over time when you appreciate and understand better.

You wouldn’t need a subwoofer because these speakers can go really low.

I would suggest getting a used Yamaha AVR in the $70-100 range or better yet a NAD C316BEE. You could get a cheap $15 TOSLINK DAC from amazon if you want to connect the speakers to the TV.

But if you are not comfortable buying used, Cambridge audio Topaz AM10 is on amazon sale for $199

Links:
Speakers

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=kef+q150&qid=1565306273&s=gateway&sprefix=kef+q&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

Stereo amplifier

https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-Topaz-AM10-Integrated/dp/B00803GSBO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=cambridge+audio+topaz&qid=1565306341&s=gateway&sr=8-3


DAC

https://www.amazon.com/Neoteck-Converter-Digital-Coaxial-Toslink/dp/B01N07LYON/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=toslink+neotek&qid=1565306409&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Edit:
Please get speaker stands to do justice to your ears and the speakers

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007P8DKDE/?coliid=I2B9E5FFVQLHR1&colid=2LH7I4PVTPHWZ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Usually more on the speakers than the receiver. Good speakers give you the best sound quality improvement.

Receivers have a radio tuner, integrated amps don't.

• Intro to home stereo systems | Crutchfield
  
• Introduction to Audio Components | Lifewire
  
• What is a Phono Preamp? | Audio Advice
  
  Used: kijiji.ca or canuckaudiomart.com locally.
  
  Canadian Speakers: Axiom Audio M3 $670 CAD internet direct, Fluance Signature $265, Paradigm or PSB such as the PSB Alpha B1.
  
  Speakers: KEF Q150 $400, NHT C Series C-3 $488, Monitor Audio Bronze 2 $650, Klipsch RP-160M $650.
  
  Project Phono Stage/Preamp if going with the Debut: Phono Box DC $150 CAD.
  
  Canadian Turntable: Fluance RT85 $665 CAD or Fluance RT82 $400 CAD. Auto stop and an optical sensor speed controlled motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation specs. RT85 will be back in stock soon. RT82 can be later upgraded to an acrylic platter when Fluance offers it soon by itself.
  
  Canadian Phono Stage/Preamp: Fluance PA10 $107 CAD.
  
  Stereo Receivers:
  
  
• Onkyo TX-8140 2 Channel Network Stereo Receiver $380 CAD
  
• Onkyo TX-8220 2 Channel Stereo Receiver $230 CAD
  
  AV Receiver if ever using with a TV even with just 2 speaekrs or later add 3 more for surround sound movies and TV.
  
  
• Onkyo TX-SR383 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver $300 CAD.
  
  Add a subwoofer later.
  
  Guides:
  
  Home Audio: Intro to home stereo systems • Zeos Tutorials, Diagrams and Videos • Guide to Home Audio • AverageJoeAudiophile's Guides
  
  Home Theater: r/HTBuyingGuides FAQ • How to Set Up a Basic Home Theater System - Lifewire • How to Set Up Your Home Theater Receiver
  
  Speaker Positioning: Speaker Placement for Home Theater, Speaker Placement for Stereo Music Listening and How to position your speakers for great sound
  
  TV Positioning: Vertically centered at eye level while seated.
  
  Also see r/budgetaudiophile and r/hometheater.

I'm going to purchase a pair of KEF Q150 speakers and I'm looking for a good receiver/amp recommendation.

The inputs will be from my computer which has a sound card and also USB of course and from my TV which has optical and 3.5mm output.

For now I'm not going all out and don't need anything that is capable of surround sound, more speakers or bluetooth. Mainly just want the speakers to sound the best I can for something under $250. I'm assuming I'll want a built-in amp for the receiver as well.

EDIT: What does everyone think of this receiver? Onkyo TX-SR383

What the u/astrnght_mike_dexter said is correct.


The recever is decent, good enough for this price range.
A good stereo system will always sound better than a mediocre surround system.


$500 will get you some really nice bookshelf speakers.


https://www.amazon.com/Wharfedale-Denton-80th-Red-Mahogany/dp/B00RDMZJ9U
https://www.amazon.com/ELAC-Uni-fi-Bookshelf-Speaker-Black/dp/B01CRYWVG2
https://www.amazon.com/Acoustics-Concept-Bookshelf-Speakers-Gloss/dp/B00D8XYH32/

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Reference-Premiere-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07G3D2C8S/

https://www.amazon.com/SVS-Prime-Bookshelf-Speaker-Pair/dp/B00PASUMV4/

https://www.amazon.com/Dali-Oberon-Bookshelf-Speakers-Walnut/dp/B07H2N5CNT/

https://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Audio-Bronze-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002LPTH92/

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX/

Put most of your budget towards speakers as they make the most difference in audio quality.

I don't know of any speakers that fit with a receiver in that 500 euros range because I don't know your market.

Kef Q150 are excellent speakers: https://www.amazon.fr/KEF-Q150-Noir-Haut-Parleur-Hauts-parleurs/dp/B071P6KQZX/

Focal Chorus is a French speaker company that makes excellent speakers: https://www.amazon.fr/Focal-Chorus-706-Enceinte-bibliothèque/dp/B001AD9R46/

A low end Denon or Yamaha audio video receiver should have bluetooth (check the specs) and may even have built in support for the music app you use. If you are using a cable box to watch TV, you run the cable box to the receiver and then to your TV.

I'm going to be buying the following:

KEF Q150 - Amazon

Klipsch R12SW - Amazon

Yamaha A S501 - Amazon

They're going to be going into my PC.

I would like to know whether i would need to buy any extra cables in order to make it all work properly? Or does everything come ready to connect in the boxes?

I'm a complete audio noob, and this is going to be my first setup, so please bare with me.

Thanks.

Okay, are these two speakers the same?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/kef-q-series-5-25-2-way-bookshelf-speakers-pair-satin-black/5913623.p?skuId=5913623

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX/

If so, then bestbuy will price match it and you will have achieved your goal of having me get KEF's hahah.

Also would the Topping MX3 be able to drive the KEF's well enough or nah? I love that the MX3 has a white version, so I don't have to vinyl wrap it

Better clarity, tighter bass. Yes, they are a different class of speaker. KEF replaced this model with the Q150s:

https://smile.amazon.com/KEF-Q150B-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX/

Thanks for the feedback! I'll definitely hold back on the subwoofer at first, and reconsider Polk - now looking at Fluance. Also will keep an eye on Canuck Audio Mart for some used deals (not in any rush).

---

Thought on these options?

• [Fluance Signature L/R] (https://www.amazon.ca/Signature-Bookshelf-Surround-Speakers-HFS/dp/B01A5UB4JU) ($270 CAD)
  
• Fluance Signature Center ($230 CAD)
  
  VS.
  
  
• KEF Q150 L/R ($400 CAD)
  
• KEF Q650c Center ($850 CAD) (this is a bit steep for me, would wait a while to get/look used)
  
  VS.
  
  
• ELAC Debut B6.2 L/R ($340 CAD)
  
• ELAC Debut C6.2 Center ($330 CAD)

I would say that this amp together with this Kef or this Klipsch would probably make you happy and get you a lot of bang for your bucks.

Edit: Sorry! I saw that I went over your budget by a little bit, but it's only about 10% more, and it probably would be worth it.

Can you guys look this over and make sure I have something worth buying? I have about $1000 to spend on a 2.1 setup for a computer desktop setup.

KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers

SMSL AD18 HiFi Audio Stereo Amplifier

Then finally one of these three.

Klipsch R-100SW 10" Subwoofer

Klipsch R-120SW 10" Subwoofer

or

Klipsch Reference R-10SW 10" 300w Powered Subwoofer

Also would I need to buy the speaker wires to set these up or do they come with wire?

Ok, sorry for the late reply. Here would be my top choices based on this.

Speakers

KEF Q100

KEF Q150

Emotiva B1


Amplifier

Yamaha A-S501

FYI it was the same price last year from nov to feb, not a bad price though: https://charts.camelcamelcamel.com/us/B071P6KQZX/amazon.png?force=1&zero=0&w=855&h=513&desired=false&legend=1&ilt=1&tp=all&fo=0&lang=fr_FR

All, head over to the KEF site. They have this deal (among others) live now.

https://www.shop.us.kef.com/q150-bookshelf-speaker.html

Edit: Looks like the deal at A4L is also live.

Edit: Deal also available on Amazon.

KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071P6KQZX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SxfWDb6CXX1AN

KEF q150 is on sell. These uniq drivers are good for nearfield listening
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071P6KQZX/ref=twister_B071SGSFWG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

KEF Q150 please.

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B0728GJWD9/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1499666902&sr=1-1&keywords=kef%2Bq150&th=1

The Q150's were $300 for months

https://camelcamelcamel.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/product/B071P6KQZX

Here's a price chart on the Amazon prices. If I were a gambling man I'd say they'd hit $300 again. Not really a deal at $350 open box IMO.

ForMusic :

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrn303bl/yamaha-r-n303-2-ch-x-100-watts-networking-stereo-receiver/1.html


https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/cantchrono5022blka/canton-chrono-502.2-6-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-pair/1.html

Or

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq150blka/kef-q150-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-pair-new/1.html


https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX

Or


https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/bosa360gba/boston-acoustics-a360-dual-6.5-3-way-floor-standing-speaker-black-each/1.html

.

Unless you want it For Home Theater too, then :

Denon S640 5.1 4K, WiFi, Bluetooth, phono input

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs640h/denon-avr-s640h-5.2-ch-x-75-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

DCM 3 piece

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Pair-of-6-5-Bookshelf-Speakers-with-2-Way-Center-Channel-Speaker-DCM-MTX/174060660626

https://www.reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile/comments/dwtwxd/dcm_tp160s_vs_the_svs_ultra_bookshelf/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

Sub

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628

Considering the ones you've already been looking at and the $300 price point, get the KEF Q150s and forget everything else.

You said "contemporary form factor" though, then proceeded to mention the Klipsch and Micca, which aren't winning any awards for design in my book. If you want something that really looks clean and modern and also has an integrated amplifier, check out the Kanto YU6.

I believe here. There's a 10" and 12" version as far as I know.

I picked up a pair of cat proof KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers to replace my floor standing scratchign posts.

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-White-x/dp/B071P6KQZX/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543161769&sr=1-4&keywords=kef&th=1

$300, almost 50% off retail.

Are you looking for powered speakers or will you have an amplifier? Because these KEF's are $300 right now and are usually $550 https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=cw18dealspage

For starters, these are $550: https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black-x/dp/B071P6KQZX

I’d ask the budgetaudiophile for a second opinion but if you have access to an amp

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX

Amazon only has the white ones on sale but you can get black on the KEF site.

KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0728GJWD9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pEW9Bb23AWPAT

https://www.kefdirect.com/specials/specials/q150-bookshelf-speaker.html

Sorry for the fugly links my phone isn’t working properly today.

There’s also some JBL powered monitors on sale, you’d have to get two of these and some extra kit, but they’re also highly regarded...

JBL 305P MkII 5" 2-Way Powered Studio Monitor (new model) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077N2GQXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hJW9BbX4SVFJC

It depends. They make grilles for specific series from a brand(like rockford "punch" woofers might be different than "power" woofers). And they make "universal" grilles.

Universal grilles are usually just three metal bars that screw into the actual enclosure, or the waffle style. But even these aren't one size fits all, or may not fit at all.

Goldwood Snap On 6.5" Subwoofer Grille Steel Mesh Speaker Black (SGM6) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074JF2WP9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xsjUDb5DY2G1C


Its a single cover so order 2. I installed my new speakers, the. Set the door panel on and traced out the speaker with a pencil on my door panel, then put the ring on the panel and marked the holes for screws. I went to ace and got three 6/32x3/8 black screws and nuts for the two sides and bottom and the top one I got a 6/32×3/4 bc there was a gap between the panel. I screwed 2 nuts on it to make up the gap. Then I put all the screws in the holes and tightened. I had to shorten the bottom one by a few threads bc it was touching the speaker base and I didn't know if it would vibrate. I then got two #4 screws (really tiny) and used a 5/16 drill bit to make two holes at say 4:30 and 7:30 on the speaker bc I found that when I shut the door with any force the grille popped off. The two small screws in the bottom keeps it in place.