Passive Speaker Suggestions ($500-750)

[rukuknux]

I’m looking to upgrade to some new speakers. My budget is $500-750 USD, and I’m looking into new passive bookshelf speakers (since, generally, floor standing speakers aren’t great at this price point, however if there are some that are good at this price then feel free to say so).

I’ve narrowed my selection down to the KEF Q350, and the Polk R200. If there’s something better in this price range, please tell me (and don’t say “just buy used!”) I’m also going to be buying a subwoofer soon, regardless of whatever speaker I get, so bass won’t be much of a deciding factor. I mainly listen to rock and electronic, if that matters. Mostly vinyl records and streaming from Bluesound Node. If I’m missing anything, I’ll answer any questions. Thanks.

 

[Doenerkunde]

Elacs Debut Reference 6.2 are a crowd favorite I would definitely add to your list:

Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 Speaker Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 bookshelf speaker. It was kindly purchased new and drop shipped to me for testing. The DBR-62 costs US $600 a pair from multiple sources/dealers. The DBR-62 comes in black and walnut finish or the distressed Oak and...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I have them myself and am very pleased with them. Good construction value for the money too (die cast driver chassis, doubled baffle, braced cabinet, elaborate bass reflex port).

The KEF Q series might get updated soon, as it was released in 2017. The iteration before that was released in 2010. You might get a good deal on the Q350 or be able to pick up it´s sucessor if you wait a little bit.

The Polk R500 floorstanders look promising and can be had for 650€/pr in Germany. Don´t know about their street price in the US.

Polk Audio R500 Tower Speaker Review

Polk Audio R500

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

 

[rukuknux]

Elacs Debut Reference 6.2 are a crowd favorite I would definitely add to your list:

Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 Speaker Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 bookshelf speaker. It was kindly purchased new and drop shipped to me for testing. The DBR-62 costs US $600 a pair from multiple sources/dealers. The DBR-62 comes in black and walnut finish or the distressed Oak and...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I have them myself and am very pleased with them. Good construction value for the money too (die cast driver chassis, doubled baffle, braced cabinet, elaborate bass reflex port).

The KEF Q series might get updated soon, as it was released in 2017. The iteration before that was released in 2010. You might get a good deal on the Q350 or be able to pick up it´s sucessor if you wait a little bit.

The Polk R500 floorstanders look promising and can be had for 650€/pr in Germany. Don´t know about their street price in the US.

Polk Audio R500 Tower Speaker Review

Polk Audio R500

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

I don’t see the KEF Q series getting updated for at least another 2 years, so personally I wouldn’t wait to purchase if I were to choose that. Thanks for the recommendations however!

 

[SynthesisCinema]

I don’t see the KEF Q series getting updated for at least another 2 years, so personally I wouldn’t wait to purchase if I were to choose that. Thanks for the recommendations however!

You should see new Kef Q Meta shipping end of this month so don´t buy the old version! It`s a completely new design with Meta drivers and new crossover design, but other than that there is no information yet which models will follow and have they put more effort in the "lively" cabinets this time. Jack Oclee-Brown working with limited budget so can´t expect too much for entry level speakers. The announcement should happen very soon.