I like to go thrift shopping. We humans are quite wasteful, so it's good to re-use what we can. That can apply to audio gear too.
We know that good measurements correlate strongly with user preference. So if an old model measures well, barring any mechanical issues, it should sound as good today as years ago. Rather than always recommending new speakers, I thought it might be good to amass a list of older products that we know measure up to modern standards.
I'll sometimes see someone mention an old speaker I've never heard about and be surprised that it measures quite well. By old I don't necessarily mean 'vintage,' mind you. Instead, I mean any speakers that aren't being made and/or advertised any more. It may be a product from 10 years ago, or it may be a recently discontinued model. Going the thrifty route could help people get the same enjoyment they would out of a recent speaker for a lot less money.
So if you know of an old speaker that measures well, share it here, preferably along with current used or street prices so people can see how much of a deal they're getting.
I'll start with one speaker with impressive measurements I didn't know about until a few days ago: The Infinity IL60. Extends past 20 Hz, is ruler flat throughout most of its frequency response, and has smooth directivity.
It's hard enough to find a speaker that's actually full range, let alone with measurements this flat and directivity so smooth. I see a pair on eBay right now for local pickup in Colorado for $400. Another one with shipping for $1000, which still seems like a steal. You might be able to find them even cheaper on Craigslist or the like.
(With enough recommendations, I could potentially make this first post into a proper list format.)
We know that good measurements correlate strongly with user preference. So if an old model measures well, barring any mechanical issues, it should sound as good today as years ago. Rather than always recommending new speakers, I thought it might be good to amass a list of older products that we know measure up to modern standards.
I'll sometimes see someone mention an old speaker I've never heard about and be surprised that it measures quite well. By old I don't necessarily mean 'vintage,' mind you. Instead, I mean any speakers that aren't being made and/or advertised any more. It may be a product from 10 years ago, or it may be a recently discontinued model. Going the thrifty route could help people get the same enjoyment they would out of a recent speaker for a lot less money.
So if you know of an old speaker that measures well, share it here, preferably along with current used or street prices so people can see how much of a deal they're getting.
I'll start with one speaker with impressive measurements I didn't know about until a few days ago: The Infinity IL60. Extends past 20 Hz, is ruler flat throughout most of its frequency response, and has smooth directivity.
It's hard enough to find a speaker that's actually full range, let alone with measurements this flat and directivity so smooth. I see a pair on eBay right now for local pickup in Colorado for $400. Another one with shipping for $1000, which still seems like a steal. You might be able to find them even cheaper on Craigslist or the like.
(With enough recommendations, I could potentially make this first post into a proper list format.)
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