"Get up to 40% off Ekster wallets this Christmas when you use my link or discount code shop.ekster.com/cheapaudioman CHEAPAUDIOMAN" PSB Imagine XB Bookshelf speakers - howl.me/cgXfkhsyNSX Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary bit.ly/3CMjiT0 Emotiva B2+ bit.ly/3zNZltO Support the Channel by Shopping on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Cheap Audio Man Store Front shop.howl.me/cam Join the best hifi community out there! www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqouBa5pcIw Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5

It's an honor to just be nominated to this list and all great list of speakers. Congratulations to the winners 🏆

Let’s take a second to appreciate the festive background 🎉

I bought the PSB Imagine XB bookshelf speakers and matching center channel and they are fantastic! I am very happy with the sound quality and sound stage. Got them on sale for 20% off. Thanks, they are awesome!

Thanks Randy. Though I appreciate and enjoy some other reviewers showing off viewer’s high priced systems, many audiophiles may never hit that point of acquisition in the short term (or longer) or even desire to do so based on math, subjective preferences and lifestyle priority. Hoping you will consider doing an occasional CAM viewer system share as I believe this would be of value, good entertainment and aspirational drive for those new to the fold or, for those who simply do not want to break the bank to enjoy some sonic nirvana. Considering all of the affordable high-quality options out there, the audiophile arena is anything but VIP access so kudos to you and your channel for widening the gateway. Cheers!

Nice selection. Coffee started at 4:30 and was rushing until now. Had a Coke to watch. Beautiful stockings, hung on the mantle with care.

Randy, Your the most straight forward honest guy about audio components, and I’ve based my purchasing options on your opinions, I do have a piece of music to add to your beta test list. J.S Bach Toccata and Fuege in D. This will truly test the range, clarity, sounds stage, and presence of a system

So happy to hear you mention the B2+ since your initial impression . Bought them day after they came out to replace B1+ as main fronts . I have loved them . They do rock , jazz , and Daft Punk like no other bookshelf . They continue to show me things I’ve never heard before in music I’ve listened to for years . I put together some build it yourself furniture last night and put on some soft jazz to keep me calm as the furniture was gonna make me angry guaranteed . Found myself paused just listening to how amazing the B2+ sounded and not putting on ten thousand small screws in the furniture using the magazine sized instructions . What a great speaker .

@surfer8210

Жыл бұрын

IKEA strikes again…!!

I can relate to the AMT tweeters. I recently purchased a pair of Dayton Audio B452-AIR speakers with the AMT tweeters. Paired with a subwoofer, these sound crisp and clear. I filled up the cabinets with poly filling and it smoothed out the mids nicely. Probably the best sounding pair of speakers I've heard for $40/pair.

Wow Randy,between black friday/thanksgiving/Xmas sales and no more than 6 stockings on the mantle to fill for Santa you still bang out great content,top channel award goes to....CAM😉😁

Video quality is looking so good! Keep up the great work, Randy!

You’re my audio measuring stick. Very meaningful. I gauge equipment through your reviews and comparisons. Maybe I do a systemic error, but it’s easier to correct at the end. 😂

Great video, Sir! I love the background and camera quality. 👌

Thank you again for your reviews and insights that continue to help me improve my journey down the auditory rabbithole. However, my SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers are my endgame speakers, for now. Thanks as always for your time, effort, and assistance.

I bought a pair of the Emotiva B2+ immediately after the initial CAM quasi-review, and have been happy with them for months. I liked them so much in my office that I tried them in my living room and they didn't do so well with a large area unless you're using a subwoofer. I love electronic music, and IMO these beefy bookshelf speakers are best when used in a near-field monitoring setup.

I just (12/11/22) saw the Sony SSCS5 speakers on sale for $98 at Amazon. Total surprise. Decided to give them a try and compare against the speakers I bought earlier this year, also based on your review. Thanks!

Still have my discontinued Emotiva Airmotiv 6s powered monitors that are 210 watts per speaker and are really impressive on my computer system. Same design as the B2+ but powered. RME adi-2 dac fed by balanced xlrs. Fantastic!

Hi Randy! 🙂 I went with the B1+ due to space issues 😮 but I'm sure I won't be disappointed as they replace my 20+ year old DBX speakers. 👍🏽👍🏽 I used the affiliate link to get you that cup of coffee 😋😁 . . . Cheers & Happy Holidays! ✨✨

I got a couple Wharfedale floor standing speakers back on a major sale because of a video you made. Loved them over the Elac I had prior (didn’t like the warmth of the elac). Loved your recommendation. Now, I find myself saving a lot again on another Wharfedale, this time for monitoring my work. I didn’t know you would mention how you used it yourself for referencing these days, but I was so happy to hear that you do. Sold! Now, to figure out a good amp setup 🤔 If you happen to catch this and have time to reply, I would love to hear what you use or recommend. 🙇🏻‍♂️ awesome stuff man!

Thanks for all you do, an honest approach to how to buy speakers, and where to place and use them. Thank you.

I love these “best of” vids!

I was hoping you had a powered speaker of the year included in this video...thanks for your knowledgeable and entertaining videos

@DavidEVogel

Жыл бұрын

An active subwoofer uses a class D power amplifier. So called "hi-fi enthusiasts" prefer a class A or B power amplifier. Could this be the reason?

Looking very Xmassy, Randy! Happy Christmas to you and yours :) and Happy 2024 :) Edit: Er 2023 - why did I type 2024?

I just bought a elac bs41 pair to use with a smsl sa300 with my desktop. They're a bit big for computer speakers but I can make the room. My venerable Yamaha computer speakers needed replaced.

My CAM inspired system, listening to right now: WiiM mini (paid $69) connected by optic to Aiyima T9 ($98.99) with tubes rolled to 5654W ($23) feeding Sony CS5’s ($109). Amazon music or Spotify direct WiFi into the WiiM. Spectacular near field, relatively low volume sound all in for under $300. Still amazes me how good this sounds for the price.

I got a KRK ROKIT RP7 G4 7 bundle on Black Friday. Great monitor speakers for recording/mixing or music listening. Also really good connected to a DAC for Gaming and Movies/TV. Not exactly a XMAS stocking stuffer, but great speakers

Since I have found your channel you are becoming a dangerous influence on my wallet. It takes great strength to not click that buy button on the B2+!

I have the Elac. Versus a soundbar. Its fantastic and I compare it to the UniFi 2.0. that I bought based on your recommendation. Great stuff.

omg randy beautiful backdrop I LOVE IT!

Randy I been using the Elac and I love it.

Dude. I have my home theater. I have my dedicated stereo setup. Both are covered. But i do have a third system (stereo) that could use some lovin. Definitely considering these Emotiva bookshelves

I've come to the point where I don't care about "super big bass" from a so-called bookshelf speaker. I believe if they're trying to do too much on the low end, that means they're taking something away from the mid-range. So if it starts to roll off at around ~65 Hertz , I can live with that by crossing over to a sub around that limit.

Woohoo, I bought the B2+ last week plus the TA1 integrated amplifier, ERC-4 CD player and XS8 subwoofer. Just got notification from Emotiva that my 4 items were shipped today!

@matthewharhai4039

Жыл бұрын

Gonna be a sweet system for my bedroom with my SVS Prime Pinnacles and Prime Towers in my living room with Denon x3700h, Denon CD player plus dual SVS SB-2000 Pro Subs.

@jeffotten197

Жыл бұрын

Good choice! This past year I've had the TA1 and ERC-4 hooked up to Elac UniFi 2.0's and an older Polk Audio sub and just love it.

@matthewharhai4039

Жыл бұрын

@Jeff Otten Wow, what a magical, synergistic combo! Makes me even more excited to get mine. Thanks for the comment! When I looked at Emotiva, I could see quality and the price is so reasonable.

@amybusel2819

Жыл бұрын

Hey Matthew, Let us know how that turns out once you connect it all ?

@matthewharhai4039

Жыл бұрын

@Amy Busel Will do. Bought a streamer and cables ahead of time.

I have been saving for SVS Ultra bookshelves to pair with my Ultra center in my second system, but budget has had me looking at the Primes instead. How do you think the B2+ compare to those?

Surprised there was no CSS audio in this list.

Digging the sexy fireside chat look! 😂

Hi cheapaudioman, I absolutely love your reviews so please keep them coming. I want to put together a system for a small space (around 70sq/ft), the goal is to be able to listen to good HiFi music but I also want to create a good surround system set up for movies. What do you recommend because the space is too small for both systems? Thanks in advance.

Great choices. I’m going to have to audition the Emotivas somehow.

Randy: What is your humble opinion on the top five (or so) speaker stands that can work with variety of speakers. An effective way to get a compact ie bookshelf speaker system to sound much better is to… get the speakers off the bookshelf, off the coffee table, off the countertop, or off the floor…. to position them better in the room and decoupled from whatever surface the turntable and electronics are on? Using a choice like your “Speaker of Year 2022” above to test some stands that don’t cost more than the speakers themselves may lead to many folks being happier with “their speakers.” The problem perhaps not with "their speakers" but that speaker stands were considered an optional accessory when they acquired speakers. Speaker stands should be considered part of the sound system as important as other components? This may need a video? PS: What kind of coffee do you drink? Maybe we need a cheap and high-value coffee review?

Got a pair of vintage Monitor Audio Gold One. These tiny speakers sound like giants!

Too bad you went for the Denton 80th instead of the 85th which are amazing! Paired with the PS Audio Sprout 100, the are revealing, engaging, exciting! Pair them with a tube amp and they are sweet, relaxing and embracing! Gotta love'em!

I was so tempted to pick up the BS41 when they were on sale for $80 but I had nowhere to put them and buying like that can really add up fast. I'd rather put it towards a J2

Randy….just an FYI the imagine XB is on a huge sale on PSBs website. They are now 499.00 Canadian at this moment. I just bought a 5.0 system with the xb’s front and back….the center channel is also on sale. Insane value. BTW best audio reviewer out there! Grab a cup of coffee Randy and pat yourself on the back.

Hi from new Zealand!I'm just wondering if you ever reviewed the elac B's 203.2?if so what were your thoughts.?

I would love to hear the Emotiva and don’t doubt it’s fantastic, but man oh man I wish they would try some different finish options or something

@ElbowsUnique

Жыл бұрын

I was going to say the same. I hate the look. But those Wharfedale Dentons, damn, chef's kiss.

@johnbeyers4104

Жыл бұрын

I have had my eye on the 80th Anniversary Dentons for a while now - They don't look like an inexpensive speaker. But, frankly, my 20+ year old JBL Control CM42 monitors look way better than the Emotiva - and they sound pretty decent for what they are.

@jimbob3030

Жыл бұрын

My Darth Vader designed jbl studio 590's even think those are ugly and outdated looking.

Merry xmas, Man. Is this an green screen behind you? I have been watching your cheap watches channel but this is my first time here. Revently got me an obsession about watches ,never had that before. But i have to get me new speakers.

Do you think the vista spark integrated amp would be efficient enough to power the wharfdale Denton 80th anniversary speakers?

Video looks great! Nice setup upgrade!

@cheapaudioman

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for noticing. I"ve been trying to get a bit better with my production

Is it weird that I have a crush on you? You are so awesome. Your videos have really improved so much. Now I own more speakers than any chick should own - some still in boxes. Also - never knew I needed a DAC until you. Keep on making my day.

My setup of Wiim Mini > Geshelli J2 > SMSL ao200 > Emotiva B2+ with RSL Speedwoofer 10s MKii sub has been absolutely amazing. I highly recommend this setup for anyone looking to spend around $1500. Its great for both music and movies. Thanks for all the recommendations this year, I wouldn't have found it without your channel!

@jeffsloane8628

Жыл бұрын

This is a killer system. Nice job putting these winners together.

@scenic6322

Жыл бұрын

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 I got it from their website. I was on a mailing list for when they come available. I just looked and they are in stock right now if you are trying to get one.

Hi. Can the PSB be placed close to wall, What’s your experience? How about when paired with a Sub?

How would you compare the SOY with the Wharfedale EVO 4.2? I’m trying the 4.2s out but can’t decide.

That PSB is now at the same price that the Polk R200 is at when it is on sale. That being said? Which do you think is the better speaker kind sir?

Randy, which would you prefer B2+ or T0+?

Great video quality!

How would you say the TZero+ compares to the B2+?

Looking sharp in that shirt bro.

PSB XB's used to be $500, as when I first purchased them. Are they worth their new price? Easily... Yes! (Pair with NAD? Wonderful.)

Do you check out dj amplifier s and speakers and if so what brands

What's a good bang-for-buck active bookshelf speaker, for $2-300? Ideally available in NZ! Using it for music on the desk, and may be another (or more recommended pair) for a turntable

@TerryPagel

Жыл бұрын

+bugjuicer I love my Presonus Eris speakers. I hear great things about the new Kali monitors. I'm hoping Randy will take a look at them in 2023. I'm ready to hear about other products... I've had some monoprice that were great. I also had some Mackies that i returned. They were too mushy and impossible to place instruments in the soundstage. I've also had Alesis monitors which were above average just thin on the bottom. Most cheap powered monitors crap out after a couple years. Two of mine went bad at the headphone input switch.

I'm sure everyone knows this, but it is the avowed policy of the US Postal Service that, if you find a wallet and it has an official address anywhere inside it (such as on a driver's license) you can drop the wallet in any USPS Blue Box and they will return it to the owner for free. You don't have to put the wallet in any packaging and you don't have to put postage on it.

I watched twice including the Ekster wallet ads

Great Stuff!!!

Merry Christmas Randy! I have grabbed so many cups of coffee this year it's ridiculous. What do you think of Lux Æterna? And should Metallica do a Christmas album? 110 degrees here in Oz for Christmas. No snow angels here. \m/ Someone should make a Rocktopus emoji. Cheers Travis

Speaking of Geseli what's up with the Zoofa Integrated Amp?

Great stuff C.A.M.!

😊 Cozy set.

I finally pulled the trigger on the B1+ as soon as their price came back down. They arrived yesterday and sound a lot better than my Klipsch R41M speaker. As soon as the C1+ and T1+ go on sale or have a price drop back down to their previous pricing, I'm buying them. Thanks a bunch for your recommendations.

The Wharfedale Denton's have MUCH better build quality than the Emotiva B2+......

hi, can you tell me what speakers with the amplifier built in would you would recommend that gives you the most bang for your buck? $300-400 range, thank you

@DavidEVogel

Жыл бұрын

$400 gives you $200 for speakers and $200 for a power amplifier. Where is the pre-amplifier? Your budget is way to cheap.

Dang Randy… did you get a stylist? New walking regimen? You look healthy!

If anyone’s interested, the Sony SSCS5 is now $98.00 on Amazon as of 12/10/22!

Cheapaudiomans video quality doesn't look cheap. I notice a visible upgrade.

This video seems a lot quieter than normal. Would appreciate higher volume for those of us watching KZread while active / without headphones

They PSV XV do get really good reviews from many individuals with spendy systems.

Can you review new items in 2023? Possibly add some powered speakers. I would love to hear your thoughts on the Kali 6 something powered speakers. Also, it's hard to separate the ratings on this channel. To often, value skewed the results. You'll say something like, "i don't like these at $500, but i love them at $300." So, you don't like them? Possible keep a list based on value and one on performance without taking price into the equation.

"increasing their prices like everybody" lol! From my shopping around, RSL speakers was the only company this year that didn't do a single price increase. they actually re designed their budget line and brought the price DOWN!

Emotiva B2+ are now $686 no longer $499 three weeks after this video came out - really don't understand the pricing. Hey, what about the Paradigm SE Atom's you once reviewed?

Why his videos get clearer as time goes on? More subscribers, and the cheap audio man is movin’ on up finally got a piece a the pie? He got that fancy camera now.

New shirt Randy, maybe an xl

Thanks!

Has anyone ever compared the Imagine XB to the Alpha P5?

does this mean your opinion on the diy kits has changed?

I thought for sure it was going to be the Polk R200.

I wish I could post a pic of my cup of coffee.

Cheap audio has our backs when we don’t want to spend and arm and a leg on great audio equipment. Btw what are the best speakers under 200 right now?

Just saw the psb's for 499 on the company site

Would you pair those Dentons with the little Black Ice Audio amp in a desktop situation?

@brianelgin272

Жыл бұрын

The FX10? BI claims it can easily drive 89dB rated speakers and it uses EL84 tubes so it should be able to drive the Dentons to about 95dB. But there might be a fair bit of distortion in the sound at that level. I think if you limit the volume to 92dB that would leave enough headroom for the amp and minimize distortion. 92dB near field on a desk is pretty loud as well. Just MHO.

@mikes121

Жыл бұрын

@@brianelgin272 I was going to say, 95db on a desk might be a bit much. Thanks for the input.

@brianelgin272

Жыл бұрын

@@mikes121 Glad you agree, but I wasn't sure what you're expectations were. In my experience with a well designed topology, tube amps have greater headroom and dynamic power delivery so the 10W FX10 and a little tube rolling could result in an amazing sound for your desk.

The Sony SSCS5 $98 on Amazon right now.

Before watching I'm assuming it's going to be an Emotiva speaker.

I thought the elac uni-fi b5.2 was going to be the speaker of the year as it at your the top of your recomendations on the description

@cheapaudioman

Жыл бұрын

this is geared towards speakers I reviewed this year

Emotiva b2+ vs Polk r200?

Hey all! Another youtuber I subscribe to (Matt Koykendall) mentioned that the SS-CS5s are on sale for $98 at Amazon right now.

Why aren't these awards called the CAMEOs? Cheap Audio Man Exceptional Option Awards.

Not related to this video but the Wiim pro is on sale at Amazon as of this morning

@mikelanier5617

Жыл бұрын

Thanks coop I need the coax digital output so I'm returning the mini for the pro. I use it on my patio system with a SMSL AD-18 connected to a Schiit Modi dac and it works and sounds as good as my Bluesound Node that I have on my main system. 👍

You look good in 4k Randy

Just saw Sonys are $98 on Amazon ! Probably gonna pull the trigger

Thanks

@cheapaudioman

Жыл бұрын

thanks so much for your support! really appreciate it

Everyone feels the effects of inflation, including speaker manufacturers. That's part of the reason prices are going up.

I need to apologize, sir, for questioning you and your sponsors. After thinking about it, I appreciate you and your videos and if the sponsors keep the vids alive, more power to all of us. SORRY