Floor-standing Speakers (and Amplifier) Recommendations for ~$2,000

[Emospence]

Hello, I am currently in the market for a pair of floor-standing speakers, and am looking to spend not more than $2,000 on them. If an amplifier could be included within that budget, so much the better! New is preferred.

They will basically be all-purpose (music, movies, games), with a priority on music, though I may add a subwoofer down the line for movies and games.

I live in a 3-room HDB. These will be used in a fairly large (~33m²) open living/dining/study area, with the main listening spot (sofa) approximately in the middle of that space.

Some options I am looking/have been told to look at are:
-ELAC
-KEF
-Wharfedale
-Yamaha NS-555

For amplifiers:
-AIYIMA
-Loxjie A30
-SMSL
-WiiM Amp/Pro
-Yamaha A-S501

Any recommendations are welcome. Specific models would be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dreamaurora]

Hello, I am currently in the market for a pair of floor-standing speakers, and am looking to spend not more than $2,000 on them. If an amplifier could be included within that budget, so much the better! New is preferred.

They will basically be all-purpose (music, movies, games), with a priority on music, though I may add a subwoofer down the line for movies and games.

I live in a 3-room HDB. These will be used in a fairly large (~33m²) open living/dining/study area, with the main listening spot (sofa) approximately in the middle of that space.

Some options I am looking/have been told to look at are:
-ELAC
-KEF
-Wharfedale
-Yamaha NS-555

For amplifiers:
-AIYIMA
-SMSL
-WiiM Amp/Pro
-Yamaha A-S501

Any recommendations are welcome. Specific models would be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

Dali Oberon 5 is good too.

Don’t rule out new old stocks, you can get very good Cabasse and Acoustic Energy floorstanders under 2k if you don’t mind.

 

[cochran]

Amp u can consider Loxjie A40 as well.

 

[yves]

2k for speakers, you can look for Acoustic energy, Q acoustic, monitor audio and etc.

 

[Emospence]

Oh and I forgot to mention, brands/models that can be auditioned here would be great!

 

[yapks]

When working with a limited budget for both a floorstanding speaker and an amplifier, many people tend to prioritize the speaker, often compromising on the amplifier. However, this can lead to issues, as a budget amplifier may struggle to drive a large floorstanding speaker effectively. Instead, consider opting for bookshelf speakers paired with a subwoofer.

Bookshelf speakers typically place less demanding requirements on the amplifier compared to floorstanders, allowing you to achieve better sound quality with a more affordable amp. Additionally, a subwoofer is likely to deliver deeper and more powerful bass than a small amplifier driving a large floorstander. This combination can offer a more balanced and impactful listening experience within a budget.

 

[yves]

Oh and I forgot to mention, brands/models that can be auditioned here would be great!

You can visit Alpha Audio and look for David to recommend Q Acoustic, Elac, Acoustic Energy, and others, or Alan of AV1 for the range of speakers, or else look for Chris at City Electronic for Wharfedale, mission, and other. X Audio seems to have some clearance for new old stock Acoustic energy and other display sets, call Swee to ask.

 

[dreamaurora]

When working with a limited budget for both a floorstanding speaker and an amplifier, many people tend to prioritize the speaker, often compromising on the amplifier. However, this can lead to issues, as a budget amplifier may struggle to drive a large floorstanding speaker effectively. Instead, consider opting for bookshelf speakers paired with a subwoofer.

Bookshelf speakers typically place less demanding requirements on the amplifier compared to floorstanders, allowing you to achieve better sound quality with a more affordable amp. Additionally, a subwoofer is likely to deliver deeper and more powerful bass than a small amplifier driving a large floorstander. This combination can offer a more balanced and impactful listening experience within a budget.

I concur. IMO, for a decent floorstander setup need around 3k+.

1.5-2K for speakers.
1-1.5k for integrated amp with DAC.
100-300 for cables and power cords.

 

[yves]

I concur. IMO, for a decent floorstander setup need around 3k+.

1.5-2K for speakers.
1-1.5k for integrated amp with DAC.
100-300 for cables and power cords.

Otherwise, go for the used one to get the best value. There are many good speakers and amps in the used market.

 

[yapks]

Higher-end products are often available at substantial discounts in the second-hand market or as old stock from retailers. Although they may not be the latest models, they frequently outperform newer, lower-end products that might be priced higher. If these used items or older stock are in good condition, they can offer significantly better value for your money compared to purchasing new but lower-quality products.

 

[yves]

Higher-end products are often available at substantial discounts in the second-hand market or as old stock from retailers. Although they may not be the latest models, they frequently outperform newer, lower-end products that might be priced higher. If these used items or older stock are in good condition, they can offer significantly better value for your money compared to purchasing new but lower-quality products.

Yeah, used ones are letting go at almost 50% cut from new ones and it is not uncommon to see people selling off due to impulse buying or other issues. Most of the time these speakers are like new and probably have almost zero defects and run in already.

 

[dreamaurora]

Higher-end products are often available at substantial discounts in the second-hand market or as old stock from retailers. Although they may not be the latest models, they frequently outperform newer, lower-end products that might be priced higher. If these used items or older stock are in good condition, they can offer significantly better value for your money compared to purchasing new but lower-quality products.

Yes, I am so glad I got my current 2 pairs of speakers for significantly less than their RRPs. They had been sitting in the warehouses for more than one decade before I purchased them, but they were still at perfect condition.

Anyway, for the benefit of OP, I will list some of the current clearance deals currently available around 2K for floorstanders

Acoustic Energy AE509 speaker Clearance Sales @ $1,800 (UP$4,200) from X Audio
Cabasse Majorca MC40 - $1500, Cabasse Egea 3 - $1888 from GadgetLabs on Lazada
SVS Prime Pinnacle - $1548 from SVS Lazada Store
Monitor Audio Silver 500 - $2275 from Monitor Audio Lazada Store

Think all these speakers should be quite good enough not to think of upgrades for a long time.

 

[phantomsri]

Side question, - What you guys think about triangle borea br08. Last month I saw price drop in Lazada under $1000. I waiting to see if price drop for this 11.11

 

[dreamaurora]

Side question, - What you guys think about triangle borea br08. Last month I saw price drop in Lazada under $1000. I waiting to see if price drop for this 11.11

I auditioned the various bookshelf range of Triangle. If you prioritize mid, you would like the Borea.

Personally I would rather top up a bit more to get the bookshelf Esprit Comete + a sub. Current pricing of Esprit Comete is $780 in Lazada. Quite a big jump in performance from Borea range to Comete.