Strictly speaking, this may not be a "hot deal," because it's only 10% off the regular price. Also because when these speakers were first introduced they were routinely selling for $50.
Nevertheless, for anyone contemplating a new pair (or more) of cheap bookshelf speakers, and if value and sound quality are your top priorities (in brand new), this speaker should be at the top of your list. I have a pair of these, and over the past year and a half or so have compared them side by side with the Paradigm Atom (v2), two different Energy models, a Mirage, and also a small Klipsch (can't recall models). All much more expensive speakers, and all either not as good sounding or certainly no better than these Insignias.
I don't really need more, but I'll probably pick up another pair at this price. Even at full everyday BB price, these are still a great value. Remember to break them in properly for at least 100 hours before "listening" to them.
I have a pair of these and another set sitting unopened in garage. They are heavy wood case speakers, not bad. Got them becuase of review that the speaker material and the people who make these for BB also make their other brand selling at higher price for same speakers. I hooked up my B&O redline speakers and the B&O are definitely much better sound.
If you mean the B&O Redline 140 speakers...just out of curiosity, how much were/are a pair of these, new? I'm guessing probably $300, including shipping because I don't think you're going to find these in a store very easily. I'm talking about and comparing NEW speakers. If we're going to compare the value of used speakers to the value of new speakers, that opens up a large can of worms.
It's certainly possible to find better used speakers than these new Insignias for around $75, but I'm guessing, even so, it might be more difficult than one might think.
cga said: If you mean the B&O Redline 140 speakers...just out of curiosity, how much were/are a pair of these, new? I'm guessing probably $300, including shipping because I don't think you're going to find these in a store very easily. I'm talking about and comparing NEW speakers. If we're going to compare the value of used speakers to the value of new speakers, that opens up a large can of worms.
It's certainly possible to find better used speakers than these new Insignias for around $75, but I'm guessing, even so, it might be more difficult than one might think. Actually the redline 60 loudspeakers. I dont recall price as it was 20 yrs ago and i didnt pay retail for them, but picked them up directly from B&O warehouse, as I worked for a mag publisher who got equipment at cost. I sold off my B&O equipment, as I havent needed a turntable in quite a while, even though the one I had, had the tangible arm that moves across the vinyl. One thing I wouldn't sell was the speakers.
I was just stating the results of my little test, as I hadnt played the redline speakers in quite a while.
JaxFL: Thanks for the information. Those Redline 60 speakers look very interesting. Have to admit I'd never heard of them.
I believe the Insignias aren't taken seriously for several reasons. First, because as far as I'm aware only BB carries them (not exactly a badge of honor)--second, because Insignia isn't exactly a well respected brand name--and finally, because even at full price they're so cheap. But they're quite well known amongst audiophiles on a shoe string budget.
I find I agree with you on most things electronic...but not on the NS-B2111. I bought a pair when they first came out based on the early audiophile reviews....many folks thought they were rebadged KEF's...with which they bear some physical resemblance.
Perhaps I was hoping for too much, but even after a several week's break in I was very unimpressed. Honky, screechy highs...and some real problems in the crossover region. I could also hear the "box" more than in the better inexpensive speakers. I am not doubting that some folks at least as critical as me like them. But I did not.
I think that for the $80ish including tax that these go for now you could do better with some of the recent online deals on Energy, Polk...or some of the closeout "Audio Pro" stuff like the Black Pearls or Ego 212s on eBay.
And I, too, usually agree with your electronically related posts. I don't consider myself an expert in what we used to call hi-fi, and stay as far away from the "audiophile" moniker as possible, mainly because I don't like being labeled. The word snob also comes to mind. But I have had many receivers, amps and speakers over the years and enjoy listening to music and movies on various systems. And that's going back more years than I'll admit here.
Anyway, discussing speakers, amps, and receivers is remarkably similar to political and religious discussions. Think you know what I mean...
Generally speaking, there are two basic schools of thought on the matter at hand. Those who like mellow, subdued sound (a la Paradigm and Harmon Kardon) and those who like something a bit brighter (NAD and Mirage, for example). I'm in the latter camp. It's been my experience that it's impossible for one group to convince the other of their error . I, for one, consider the warmth and lack of mid and high brilliance (HK, Paradigm, etc.) a shortcoming...an inaccuracy. My friends on the other side, and on the other hand, complain of headaches and toothaches when subjected to the kind of sound I (and others!) prefer. The Insignias are on the bright side--which is what I like. Who's to say who is right.
And that, as they say, is that: or never the twain shall meet.
I have been looking at these for awhile. It's tough to give them a serious listen in a Best Buy store of course. They are cheap enough to roll the dice on. However, I saw the Paradigm CINEMA MICRO V3s for $98 at 6th Ave. near me.Which I thought was a decent price. Also, I have seen some deals lately for Energy Take 5 that are worth considering albeit more then the $73 or so the OP has called out.
cga said: The Insignias are on the bright side--which is what I like. Who's to say who is right.
When I listened to them at BB I thought they were a bit "recessed" compared to polk tsi100 and R15 which I did find bright! But I'm just getting started at this audio thing, and I'm on my first receiver )
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