Speaker opinions - which ones (if any) should I take notice of?

[Phil Lawton]

Looking generally at replacing my TDLs with something more substantial. As budget's an issue, the second-hand market is where I'm concentrating on. I imagine that £250-ish is around what I'm looking to spend (give or take £50).

Having hunted down a few likely candidates on eBay, I then peruse the web for opinions on each model.

But is this the way to go? For every "I love these", there's some counter-argument about how lacking in mid-range or bass or top-end the item in question has. Even makes I consider to be very respectable (B&W, for instance) draw sharply conflicting views from all and sundry.

I'm far too big and ugly to pose the question "Which speaker is best?" (because there is no sensible answer to that), but I really need to ask if I should be taking notice of every negative perception expressed about any speaker I go looking for...or should I rely on the general reputation of a brand?

Any thoughts?

[struth]

You'll need to have a listen to some yourself or you will just be listening with others ears. See if you can arrange a bake off in your area with some folk that have and willing to bring them along for the event. Supply of food and refreshments will always help

[Phil Lawton]

Is that a "no", then, Grant?

[Gordon Steadman]

You'll need to have a listen to some yourself or you will just be listening with others ears. See if you can arrange a bake off in your area with some folk that have and willing to bring them along for the event. Supply of food and refreshments will always help

Absolutely. There are speakers out there that have had fantastic reviews that I wouldn't give house room, they just don't do what I require (that includes most big Tannoys)

So only your ears can do the job.

[struth]

Is that a "no", then, Grant?

So many variables Phil. type of music, amp, room your preferences etc. list can be exhaustive. Do you like a lot of bass etc. I'd say look for some Kefs coz I like them, but others will say Tannoys. Cellestions. etc.
Tbh its difficult to know what you like. I am using Kef Cara and they are about right for me and my room at present. I have a set of Tannoy 637's that are really good but perhaps too much for my room. Also have a set of IMF supers that I like too. how about Mission 770's. should be well in your budget. nice speakers those.I just sold a set of 737's and they were mint damn near for 70£ or so. new owner likes them.

[walpurgis]

Speaker choices and preferences are totally system and environment dependant and of course personal taste comes into play. But I guess an awful sound will be that for anybody. What works in one situation can definitely sound horrible in a different context.

I'm a bit luckier (or more unfortunate?) than most, having got through an awful lot of equipment, thereby having a fair idea of how a particular speaker (or other item) may sound in my home and on my system, but most people are in the dark I reckon.

It's not unusual for good speakers to not sound impressive on first listen, but have qualities that show when you've got more used to them. Speakers that immediately 'impress', can turn out to be wearing in the long term.

[fatmarley]

What TDLs do you have and what do you like or dislike about them?

[jandl100]

I bought a pair of SD Acoustics SD1 on eBay for £222. Superb for that money, although probably as big and ugly as you are!

Also a pair of active Bowers Active Ones for £400 (wouldn't need a power amp with these so you might be able to free up some dosh).

Both excellent and worth looking out for - much better speakers than you would normally expect for that sort of money, imo.



Note - both come with a grilles to cover all the gubbins.

[Michael loves music]

Thanks to Geoffs advice I have a superb pair of Mordaunt short Pageant 2 sound amazing with my electronic music ! A chap in London is selling these speakers on eBay with the stands from John Lewis 30 years ago ! Mine are 40 years old ! Currently £6 on eBay my god I buy a second pair for the lounge

[agk]

What TDLs do you have and what do you like or dislike about them?

A good starting point.