Comments on: Best Floorstanding Loudspeakers Under $1,600 in 2024 [Updated]

By: Mike Cornell

Mike Cornell — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:21:03 +0000

I heard the Oberon 5’s at Bay Bloor Radio during NAD’s Vintage demos and was really impressed. I’m tempted to spring for a pair, especially since they are on sale for $1200 CAD a pair now. However, the Zu’s really intrigue me. They would be considerably more expensive getting them into Canada and being a direct sales model, there’s no real opportunity to hear them first, but from your description, they sound like they may be right up my alley.

By: Ian White

Ian White — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 14:24:17 +0000

In reply to Andre Roy.

Andre,

Interesting. I will have to see if they can send me a pair.

Best,

Ian White

By: Andre Roy

Andre Roy — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 07:56:16 +0000

Hello Ian. These are all good budget towers for sure. Good job on that. I sure wish you would take the time to get your hands on a pair of Triangle Borea BR07 floor-standers. I purchased a pair for myself a year and a half ago, after trying out then shortly after selling the BR09s. Pound for pound, I have found that the 07s have the same eye opening sound that the BR03s which I also own, but with far greater impact and presence. The BR07 model have been totally overlooked by audio reviewers. They have been treated like a dirty little secret. They are one of the best all around speakers I have owned for what we can get them for, since enjoying this great hobby for the last 35+ years. Give them a listen, I’m sure you will agree. Thank you. Keep up the good work!

By: Ian White

Ian White — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 14:17:12 +0000

In reply to Doc Greene.

Doc,

Which makes them $1,700/pair. Read the headline again.

Having spent time inside that lab and anechoic chamber back in the 1990s, I can confirm that Paradigm have a very unique R&D lab in my hometown and use it very effectively.

Best,

Ian White

By: Doc Greene

Doc Greene — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 13:59:21 +0000

None of these really perform as well as the Paradigm Monitor SE8000F selling for around $849 each. This is due mostly to the best acoustic lab in the Hemisphere in Toronto Canada, and the cost of such being underwritten by the Canadian Government. I know its not fair to other countries but we can reap the benefit. I have been an audiophile for more than 40 years and I have owned just about everything including the Apogee Full Range ribbons at 8K each. Paradigm has always been amazing to me at any price.

By: MadMex

MadMex — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 19:10:53 +0000

What’s with all the tall and skinny, statuesque, budget or no budget, floor-standing speakers these days? Where did all the short and stumpy, brick house, floor-standing speakers, a la Klipsch Heresy, go? Bring back the brick house, in my expert opinion.

By: Renato

Renato — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 19:53:18 +0000

I agree with the 3050i being a great speaker but deceitful. I even contacted you before about then. I now have the Iota Vx stack driving them and what a change that was. They are very underwhelming with lower end gear and that’s probably why they don’t get the praise they deserve. They need power and good electronics behind them and they are immensely rewarding. Every little improvement I made, cables included, end up being immideatly aparent.

By: Perry

Perry — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 22:31:36 +0000

Maggies are great. I have the SMGa and they are fantastic.

If you’re skilled with wood, make some feet that will allow them to stand up a bit more straight. You’ll hear the difference.