My husband is a “speaker snob” - while I can hardly tell the difference between an IKEA speaker and his Studio Lab speakers.
I frequent thrift stores - and this is might sound bad - but the ones run by “older” volunteers typically don’t mark up higher end goods (I’ve literally scored brand name clothing that should be $200+ per item for a few bucks.
Anyway. I see speakers all the time. I came across Polk Audio speakers for $20, did some research, it appeared they were a stop brand - but when I brought them home to surprise him, it was basically a “thanks but no thanks”.
I asked him if there’s a certain brand I should be on the lookout for, and he said speakers are a complex world 😑
I’d still love to surprise him with an exciting find - we can’t afford new, high quality speakers, so I’m hoping to score a win! What things should I keep in mind while out and about? Are there certain brands that are a score either way?
Thanks!
The first test do they have decent quality binding posts where the wire attaches? If they have spring clips, the evaluation is over, they are rejected. Next, they should have some weight to them - should feel really solid. Finally, look them up online (on your phone) see if you can find a Review, or at least the original price.
Spring clips or RCA inputs maybe telltales to pass, but knurled nuts on screw posts may be a good sign. All the Henry Kloss products from KLH, AR, and Advent used them. IIRC so did Allison Acoustics. Many well liked early Boston Acoustics used spring clips…A40, A60, A70, but we don’t know what her husband would really like.
So, OP, why not ask hubby to name a few things he would really love if you brought them home? Then we have a baseline to compare to.
I have a set of Boston Acoustics A100s with a different set of binding posts on each speaker. One is a screw post and one is spring clip. I don’t know which was the original connection but they sound great and are a totally worthwhile speaker.
I sold BA at Tweeter from 1979 into the current century. The A100 was meant to fill the Large Advent spot, a 10” 2 way, with greater accuracy and utilize Roy Allison’s research into room loading. The A100II had an improved tweeter, used 5way binding posts, and really was a great performing speaker and value. Their 3 way A150ll was not that much better.
My Gen 1 Heresy with a Philips head looks like junk, but I’d lose my mind if I found them at a thrift store.
Yeah I have a pair of Ohm L’s that I absolutely love but they look a little sketchy.
i got Forte 2’s for $200 at Salvation Army store, HA!!