Recommendations on inexpensive compact speakers for B2

[David Greenbaum]

Hi

Following a previous thread, I'm about to purchase a Brennan B2. At this stage, I'm looking to also buy a compact speaker system that will give reason sound quality for use in a moderate sized room (12' x 14') at a modest price. 

I guess this is an impossible question, but I'd be interested in members experiences as an alternative to the BSP 50. Any suggestions within a price range of say up to £250 (less if possible). Thanks.

[Leslie Brownlee]

Hi David, I'm far from an audiophile and must say I was more than happy with the Brennan BSP 50s which I got along with my over 2 yrs ago. I had them in a large sun-lounge room and they more than filled it volume sound-wise. They are great wee speakers. However, my son was producing his own music via a PC package and asked me to see how it sounded on my B2 system, and on which it did sound great. However, I pointed out on a couple of tracks that there was a slight hiss in the mix at the high end. He noticed it too when I pointed it out, and hadn't noticed it while mixing. We went back to listen to it through his KRK RP5 G3 monitors and I could hear the light top-end cymbals that were merged into a hiss via the BSP50s. If he hadn't asked me to review his tracks on my system, and I was trying to be "constructively critical", I wouldn't have been any the wiser and totally happy with my BSP 50s. This discovery led me to look for a modest upgrade of my speakers to Yamaha HFS 51 floor-standers which had great reviews for fairly cheap speakers. Reviews were favourable versus some speakers at twice the price.  So, I took a chance without hearing them, and just going by the great reviews, bought them via Amazon. I am happy to say these speakers handle the high end and the low frequencies my son's music requires. This also makes listening to my B2 library even more pleasurable without breaking the bank. Have kept my BSP 50s as able backups.

Just checked. Amazon are doing these for £179.10. I paid £189 Dec 2018. More than happy with mine.

[Daniel Taylor]

There have been raves in the audiophile press about the Dayton Audio line of speakers.  In particular, their model B652-AIR at around US$40/pair.

Moving up the scale, Elac has a good reputation for quality low cost speakers.  Their model Debut 2.0 B5.2 goes for around US175.

Yamaha and Denon also are well regarded for quality low cost speakers.

[PMB]

Hi David,

Budget allowing you could also consider the excellent MR1's from Ruark. These have an optical input so you can take advantage of the SPDIF out on the B2.

Paul

Brennan Support.

[David Greenbaum]

Hi Leslie, Daniel and Paul, and thank you very much for your thoughts and suggestions. That's certainly given me some ideas to start with. I have to say, I'm tempted by the Ruark MR1 speakers. They get excellent reviews and are compact which is what I really want. The price is on the high side (for me) although in reality not that expensive. But like the Brennan itself, the price seems to be quite tightly controlled so no Black Friday bargains out there, unfortunately.