Entry Level- Mid Level- High End Speakers Thread - Blu-ray Forum

CRMA · 03-30-2009, 03:24 PM

There are so many different brands and styles of speakers on the market today. I am trying to educate myself on entry level, mid level, and high end.
It seems like the general rule of thumb is to start with a Polk, Boston Acoustics, or a Def Tech. I really enjoy my Polks that I own. I have not heard the TSi or the LSi models, that seem to be Polk's higher end. Are they really a step up?
I have heard of B&W, Martin Logan, Paradigm, Canton, and KEF. Never really listened to anything besides the B&Ws. How would you rate these in the Beg, Mid, or High catagories?
Thanks guys, look forward to hearing from you Audiophiles!!

SammyG · 03-30-2009, 03:28 PM

I wouldn't answer this question with a gun to my head, there will be many angry speaker owners! Look at George Lucas's HT, thats high end!

kpkelley · 03-30-2009, 03:36 PM

It's difficult to classify an entire brand as Low, Mid or High-end. For instance, Swan speakers range from 1K 5 speaker systems(entry-level HiFi) to a few hundred grand(High-End), where would you put them on the list?

prerich · 03-30-2009, 03:39 PM

That's a loaded question. There are speakers that are simply entry level (such as LG, Samsung, HTIB type stuff). However there are people that make high end stuff that also makes "entry level" speakers. (It's entry level for their market brand, but its High Mid level performance wise). The brands the OP listed all have entry level speakers as well as High-end models. If you gave me a ML Mosaic - I would place it in the solid Mid level speakers, while the CLS's are definately high end (with ML I consider any speaker with an ESL panel to be in the high-end catagory - now the question is if its entry level high-end, mid level high-end, or just plain ol' High end). You see...its a loaded question

aramis109 · 03-30-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SammyG

I wouldn't answer this question with a gun to my head, there will be many angry speaker owners! Look at George Lucas's HT, thats high end!

Hah, so true. I was upset that the OP put my Def Techs in that beginning list!

Trying to quantify and classify speakers and brands into low/med/hi-end is probably a futile effort. Time would be better spent going out and listening to what brands you are able to listen to, set down a guideline for a budget and buy the speakers that sound the best (within budget constraints) to you.

SammyG · 03-30-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aramis109

Hah, so true. I was upset that the OP put my Def Techs in that beginning list!

Trying to quantify and classify speakers and brands into low/med/hi-end is probably a futile effort. Time would be better spent going out and listening to what brands you are able to listen to, set down a guideline for a budget and buy the speakers that sound the best (within budget constraints) to you.

I was just happy he didn't say Klipsch

not that mine are high end, but when you spend a couple grand, feelings get hurt when someone says "entry level"

aramis109 · 03-30-2009, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SammyG

I was just happy he didn't say Klipsch

not that mine are high end, but when you spend a couple grand, feelings get hurt when someone says "entry level"

...it's dumb, but it's so true.

Fors* · 03-30-2009, 03:52 PM

I was feeling pretty darn good about my recent speaker purchase, but now I kinda feel like this.....

LOL!

naturephoto1 · 03-30-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SammyG

I was just happy he didn't say Klipsch

not that mine are high end, but when you spend a couple grand, feelings get hurt when someone says "entry level"

Anyone for sub-basement?

Rich

un4gvn94538 · 03-30-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forsberg21

I was feeling pretty darn good about my recent speaker purchase, but now I kinda feel like this.....

LOL!

when your watchinig a movie, does it matter? i could care less about the segregation as im enjoying every sound that comes out of my speakers.

Fors* · 03-30-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by un4gvn94538

when your watchinig a movie, does it matter? i could care less about the segregation as im enjoying every sound that comes out of my speakers.

+1, and if you knew the kind of speakers I had previously, it was a big step up! I am extremely happy with what I can hear now, as I never knew what I was missing.

Aerodude73 · 03-30-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by un4gvn94538

when your watchinig a movie, does it matter? i could care less about the segregation as im enjoying every sound that comes out of my speakers.

+ 1 !!!!

mdm1699 · 03-30-2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRMA

There are so many different brands and styles of speakers on the market today. I am trying to educate myself on entry level, mid level, and high end.
It seems like the general rule of thumb is to start with a Polk, Boston Acoustics, or a Def Tech. I really enjoy my Polks that I own. I have not heard the TSi or the LSi models, that seem to be Polk's higher end. Are they really a step up?
I have heard of B&W, Martin Logan, Paradigm, Canton, and KEF. Never really listened to anything besides the B&Ws. How would you rate these in the Beg, Mid, or High catagories?
Thanks guys, look forward to hearing from you Audiophiles!!

The sheer nerve!

Boston is NOT entry level. They may have a budget line that is comparable to Polk, Infinity, Klipsch etc but they are not entry level in terms of quality, performance.

rded · 03-30-2009, 04:06 PM

If you are absolutely satisfied with your speakers then it doesn't really matter. I say High-end or entry level should be speaker brand/manufacturer speacific- as to where your speakers fall in their line up. You can't put a price tag on satisfaction.

CRMA · 03-30-2009, 04:11 PM

I have stirred up a hornets nest!! I am not judging, but I personally like the way my Polks sound. I know it is up to each individual's personal preference. That was a good point about the High End speakers with entry level models.

aramis109 · 03-30-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdm1699

The sheer nerve!

Boston is NOT entry level. They may have a budget line that is comparable to Polk, Infinity, Klipsch etc but they are not entry level in terms of quality, performance.

lol, see?

CRMA · 03-30-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdm1699

The sheer nerve!

Boston is NOT entry level. They may have a budget line that is comparable to Polk, Infinity, Klipsch etc but they are not entry level in terms of quality, performance.

Calm down. It is a list. If your ego is hurt because I said Boston's were entry level then you need to get past it. I am trying to get different views and ideas.

CRMA · 03-30-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aramis109

lol, see?

It is not like I asked when Star Wars is coming out on Blu?

un4gvn94538 · 03-30-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRMA

It is not like I asked when Star Wars is coming out on Blu?

no but people are going to get bent. regardless of what some think, others will think differently and classify differently. just because someone thinks that thier speakers are not entry level, others will. if you want a clearer answer i would suggest contacting something like hometheater mag and ask how they classify entry, mid and high end.

rded · 03-30-2009, 04:24 PM

I think the better question would be: Is your speaker and audio gear considered HI-FI?

03-30-2009, 03:24 PM	#1
CRMA Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Home Theater Gallery:22 Blu-ray collection:156 Blu-ray reviews: 46 Trading Score:1	Entry Level- Mid Level- High End Speakers Thread There are so many different brands and styles of speakers on the market today. I am trying to educate myself on entry level, mid level, and high end. It seems like the general rule of thumb is to start with a Polk, Boston Acoustics, or a Def Tech. I really enjoy my Polks that I own. I have not heard the TSi or the LSi models, that seem to be Polk's higher end. Are they really a step up? I have heard of B&W, Martin Logan, Paradigm, Canton, and KEF. Never really listened to anything besides the B&Ws. How would you rate these in the Beg, Mid, or High catagories? Thanks guys, look forward to hearing from you Audiophiles!!

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Best/Cheapest entry level receiver?	Receivers	SellmeyourDVD	14	01-01-2010 10:45 PM
Entry Level(starter) Receivers	Receivers	zodiak	47	06-18-2009 08:30 PM
Entry-level Turntable Decision	Vinyl and Old School Music	kefrank	65	03-27-2009 12:19 AM
What classifies a HT system as entry level high-end?	Home Theater General Discussion	prerich	54	08-16-2008 10:55 AM
Entry level / value In-wall Surrounds?	Speakers	bicclick2002	1	05-21-2008 12:40 PM

03-30-2009, 03:28 PM	#2
SammyG Special Member Member since:Feb 2009 Location:Douglassville, PA Blu-ray collection:1034 Trading Score:7	I wouldn't answer this question with a gun to my head, there will be many angry speaker owners! Look at George Lucas's HT, thats high end!

03-30-2009, 03:36 PM	#3
kpkelley Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Framingham, MA 4K collection:385 Blu-ray collection:2478 Digital collection:113 Blu-ray reviews: 152	It's difficult to classify an entire brand as Low, Mid or High-end. For instance, Swan speakers range from 1K 5 speaker systems(entry-level HiFi) to a few hundred grand(High-End), where would you put them on the list?

03-30-2009, 03:39 PM	#4
prerich Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Dec 2007 Home Theater Gallery:50 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:2	That's a loaded question. There are speakers that are simply entry level (such as LG, Samsung, HTIB type stuff). However there are people that make high end stuff that also makes "entry level" speakers. (It's entry level for their market brand, but its High Mid level performance wise). The brands the OP listed all have entry level speakers as well as High-end models. If you gave me a ML Mosaic - I would place it in the solid Mid level speakers, while the CLS's are definately high end (with ML I consider any speaker with an ESL panel to be in the high-end catagory - now the question is if its entry level high-end, mid level high-end, or just plain ol' High end). You see...its a loaded question

03-30-2009, 03:52 PM	#8
Fors* Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Pottstown, PA Home Theater Gallery:160 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:142 Trading Score:11	I was feeling pretty darn good about my recent speaker purchase, but now I kinda feel like this..... LOL!

03-30-2009, 04:06 PM	#14
rded Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2008 Location:555 Naim Street Blu-ray collection:254 Trading Score:1	If you are absolutely satisfied with your speakers then it doesn't really matter. I say High-end or entry level should be speaker brand/manufacturer speacific- as to where your speakers fall in their line up. You can't put a price tag on satisfaction.

03-30-2009, 04:11 PM	#15
CRMA Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Home Theater Gallery:22 Blu-ray collection:156 Blu-ray reviews: 46 Trading Score:1	I have stirred up a hornets nest!! I am not judging, but I personally like the way my Polks sound. I know it is up to each individual's personal preference. That was a good point about the High End speakers with entry level models.

03-30-2009, 04:24 PM	#20
rded Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2008 Location:555 Naim Street Blu-ray collection:254 Trading Score:1	I think the better question would be: Is your speaker and audio gear considered HI-FI?

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals