Recommendations for hi-fi speakers in the $100-$400 range

[garlicman80]

I'm new to the audiophile world. I'm looking to purchase desktop speakers for my the IMac M4 that I'm purchasing. The sole purpose of the speakers is for listening to music through hi-fi speakers. They won't be used for music production. It's often unclear online which speakers are best-suited for listening to music (as opposed to music production), and it's also often unclear which speakers are hi-fi and which aren't. The price range I can afford is the $100-$400 range. Can you please give some suggestions for speakers that fit what I'm looking for.

Thanks!

 

[Robh3606]

Don't get hung up on Hi-Fi speakers. You want accurate and something you enjoy listening too. Assuming your I-Mac has a headphone jack I would go to a local music store like Guitar Center or Sweetwater as examples and listen to some powered mini-monitors. You can get blue tooth as well but they may cost more. Take you favorite music and put some of them through the paces. You can get quite the bang for your dollars in some of them and you can add a sub to many at a latter date if wanted. I used a pair of JBL 308 Mk 2's with a sub in my office for years as an example.

Rob

Studio Monitors & Speakers

Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of Studio Monitors at Guitar Center. Most orders are eligible for free shipping.

www.guitarcenter.com

 

[Paul1960]

I'm new to the audiophile world. I'm looking to purchase desktop speakers for my the IMac M4 that I'm purchasing. The sole purpose of the speakers is for listening to music through hi-fi speakers. They won't be used for music production. It's often unclear online which speakers are best-suited for listening to music (as opposed to music production), and it's also often unclear which speakers are hi-fi and which aren't. The price range I can afford is the $100-$400 range. Can you please give some suggestions for speakers that fit what I'm looking for.

Thanks!

I think you would be better off asking this question on https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/ or perhaps simply perform a search there. Or you can get surprisingly good answers asking any of the AI's this exact question. This was Grok's response https://grok.com/share/bGVnYWN5_d3151b6f-99c0-491f-939c-5c520134c7d7 and this is what Gemini said https://g.co/gemini/share/47adaa7eae58

Personally, I use KEF LS50 speakers at my desktop but the cheapest you can buy those used is around $650 and the do require an external amp which will cost around $100 at the low end. In my opinion much better sound than you can get within your budget. To enhance sound further get an external DAC for another $100-200. It is exceptional for a near field system for less than $1000.

 

[DasguteOhr]

If you want to listen to good music at a reasonable price, you can't beat Wharfdale at the moment. The Diamond 12.1 speaker is truly incredible for the money, both in terms of build quality and sound. You need a Nobsound Class D amp with MM phono stage ($120) that uses the Texas Instruments amp chip. For the money, you can't get any better.

DIAMOND 12.1

The true all-rounder, the Wharfedale DIAMOND 12.1 is a traditional standmount (or bookshelf) speaker that embodies the history and performance values of the Wharfedale DIAMOND series. The perfect ‘affordable’ hi-fi speaker, the DIAMOND 12.1 offers the best of both worlds – compact size with...

www.wharfedale.co.uk

Amp the 48volt powersupply is must have

Douk Audio NS-13G MAX HiFi Mini 2-Channel Stereo Audio Amplifier Class

Note: 1. The 3.5mm AUX output and the speaker jacks output are controlled by the main volume and bass/treble synchronously. 2. Default comes with 48V/5A power adapter, if you want higher power output please prepare another larger power adapter with high quality by yourself. Features Strong...

doukaudio.com

 

[ecwl]

My first instinct is to say that iMac M4 already comes with decent speakers with appropiate DSP so it’s unlikely that another pair of external speakers costing $100 is going to significantly beat them.

So now, you’re thinking of speakers closer to the $400 range.
My first instinct is to recommend Audioengine A2+
Mostly because Audioengine A5+ might be a stretch of your budget.

But honestly, I would just try out the iMac speakers first before buying anything.

 

[thedudeabides]

A tad above your budget but a no brainer (and a perfect fit for your needs) if there ever was one. KEF LSX II LT in graphite. List $1K. Amazon $550. Can always return for refund if you don't like. Many rave reviews from credible sources on internet. I have a pair. Use in my living room. More than adequate. Excel for near field listening. Outstanding performance / value.

 

[Kofi Baffour]

Don't get hung up on Hi-Fi speakers. You want accurate and something you enjoy listening too. Assuming your I-Mac has a headphone jack I would go to a local music store like Guitar Center or Sweetwater as examples and listen to some powered mini-monitors. You can get blue tooth as well but they may cost more. Take you favorite music and put some of them through the paces. You can get quite the bang for your dollars in some of them and you can add a sub to many at a latter date if wanted. I used a pair of JBL 308 Mk 2's with a sub in my office for years as an example.

Rob

Studio Monitors & Speakers

Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of Studio Monitors at Guitar Center. Most orders are eligible for free shipping.

www.guitarcenter.com

a pair of these LP-UNFs from Kali in - Black or White

 

[drrsutliff]

These are my wife’s office speakers connected to her computer and have very good sound. Self powered, USB and bluetooth.

Transparent Zero Plus

Vanatoo’s Transparent Zero Plus active speakers are made using the same high quality materials and workmanship that Vanatoo’s products have come to be known for throughout the industry. The speakers reproduce music exactly the way it was recorded, with solid bass, clear midrange, and sparkling...

vanatoo.com

 

[spiritofmusic]

Sorry, I read this as $100K!!! to $400K!!!
I've been spending too much time on this forum, lol.

 

[garlicman80]

Don't get hung up on Hi-Fi speakers. You want accurate and something you enjoy listening too. Assuming your I-Mac has a headphone jack I would go to a local music store like Guitar Center or Sweetwater as examples and listen to some powered mini-monitors. You can get blue tooth as well but they may cost more. Take you favorite music and put some of them through the paces. You can get quite the bang for your dollars in some of them and you can add a sub to many at a latter date if wanted. I used a pair of JBL 308 Mk 2's with a sub in my office for years as an example.

Rob

Studio Monitors & Speakers

Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of Studio Monitors at Guitar Center. Most orders are eligible for free shipping.

www.guitarcenter.com

Thanks for your reply.
I'm confused. You're saying don't get stuck on hi-fi and that I should go for accurate... Does that mean you're saying that I should actually be getting studio monitors? Aren't those for music production rather than listening to music because they produce a flat frequency response?

 

[garlicman80]

My first instinct is to say that iMac M4 already comes with decent speakers with appropiate DSP so it’s unlikely that another pair of external speakers costing $100 is going to significantly beat them.

So now, you’re thinking of speakers closer to the $400 range.
My first instinct is to recommend Audioengine A2+
Mostly because Audioengine A5+ might be a stretch of your budget.

But honestly, I would just try out the iMac speakers first before buying anything.

Thanks for the reply.

I tested out the IMac speakers and they frankly sound like crap relative to the speakers on the old IMacs with the 27 inch screens. I had a 2020 IMac and the speakers sounded excellent.The 2024 sounds tinny and the max volume is something like half as high as the 2020 IMac.

The Audioengines you mentioned both sound like good options. Only issue with the A5+ is that I'd have to spend more for a DAC, which is probably going to push the A5+ out of my price range as you said.

 

[garlicman80]

a pair of these LP-UNFs from Kali in - Black or White

Thanks, but these are studio monitors, right? Aren't studio monitors more for music production rather than listening to music?

 

[Kofi Baffour]

Thanks, but these are studio monitors, right? Aren't studio monitors more for music production rather than listening to music?

Well think about it. If the goal is to make music that sounds good, why will studio monitors not be for listening. Never understood how this false narrative gained ground.

I use a pair for my desktop space and they sound pretty awesome

 

[ecwl]

The Audioengines you mentioned both sound like good options. Only issue with the A5+ is that I'd have to spend more for a DAC, which is probably going to push the A5+ out of my price range as you said.

You can still use the headphone jack of the iMac to connect to A5+ so you don’t have to buy a separate DAC to start with. If you can stretch the budget, A5 is quite a bit better than A2.

But I agree with others that the alternative would be studio monitors. I don’t know the quality of the ones in your price range. Most people I know buy Adam or Genelec and they can be quite large. I think the local pro music stores often allow you to demo them right there so you can get an idea whether you like the sound or not.

 

[Robh3606]

Thanks for your reply.
I'm confused. You're saying don't get stuck on hi-fi and that I should go for accurate... Does that mean you're saying that I should actually be getting studio monitors? Aren't those for music production rather than listening to music because they produce a flat frequency response?

The idea that you can't use "monitors" is frankly ridiculous. Many do. The reason I said not to get hung up on HI-Fi speakers is because with your budget you will get more value and more selection looking at powered monitors. The "pro" world is way ahead of the Hi-Fi club WRT all in one powered speakers. There is a lot of competition and choices for desk tops so pricing can be very good for what you get.

Also in many cases you have a 30 day return policy and you can also audition if they have any brick and motors close to you.
That's the best case if you can audition in store so you can compare in real time. You can still take advantage of the 30 day just keep all the packaging and ask up front if they charge a restock fee so you don't get surprised.

Good Luck!

Rob

 

[bonzo75]

Sorry, I read this as $100K!!! to $400K!!!
I've been spending too much time on this forum, lol.

Same here, your post made me realize it wasn't

 

[garlicman80]

Well think about it. If the goal is to make music that sounds good, why will studio monitors not be for listening. Never understood how this false narrative gained ground.

I use a pair for my desktop space and they sound pretty awesome

I see, thanks. I suppose the question is not whether studio monitors will be good for listening to music or not. I'm sure good ones are great for listening to music. The question is: when taking hi-fi speakers and studio monitors of equal quality and total cost, which will be better for listening to music at one's computer?

I recently heard a pair of Adam A7X studio monitors. For comparison, let's take the Audioengine A5+ as ecwl suggested (see above). I know the Adam A7X are way more expensive than the Audioengine A5+, but out of curiosity, how would the A5+ compare for listening to music with the A7X? The A7X are my only reference point for studio monitors, and so this comparison would be useful for me. Of course if know hi-fi speakers of equal quality and cost to the Adam A7X, I would love to hear your comparison of those as well.

 

[garlicman80]

You can still use the headphone jack of the iMac to connect to A5+ so you don’t have to buy a separate DAC to start with. If you can stretch the budget, A5 is quite a bit better than A2.

But I agree with others that the alternative would be studio monitors. I don’t know the quality of the ones in your price range. Most people I know buy Adam or Genelec and they can be quite large. I think the local pro music stores often allow you to demo them right there so you can get an idea whether you like the sound or not.

Got it, thanks. If I don't have to get the DAC, then the A5+ are seeming like a great option.

As per studio monitors, please see my reply to Kofi Baffour (above). If you have any insight about my questions I would love to hear it.

 

[Kingrex]

Go into Guitar Center or similar and listen to studio monitors. There are good ones. My personal belief is a better to listen to studio monitor is over $400 for a pair. Your really walking the line.
Something like the Vanatoo is purpose built to sit on a cabinet and sound very good. I have one and am very surprised what can be done with it. If you set it on a stand a couple feet into the room and add a subwoofer for an additional $800, you will get shockingly good sound. And all you need is a phone to stream music to it. Nothing else.

 

[garlicman80]

The idea that you can't use "monitors" is frankly ridiculous. Many do. The reason I said not to get hung up on HI-Fi speakers is because with your budget you will get more value and more selection looking at powered monitors. The "pro" world is way ahead of the Hi-Fi club WRT all in one powered speakers. There is a lot of competition and choices for desk tops so pricing can be very good for what you get.

Also in many cases you have a 30 day return policy and you can also audition if they have any brick and motors close to you.
That's the best case if you can audition in store so you can compare in real time. You can still take advantage of the 30 day just keep all the packaging and ask up front if they charge a restock fee so you don't get surprised.

Good Luck!

Rob

Thanks, that makes sense. Though I am seeing a lot of powered hi-fi speakers (like the Audioengine A5+, as ecwl suggested - see above).

Please see my reply to Kofi Baffour (above). If you have any insight about my questions I would love to hear it.