Best value speakers available

One way of looking at speaker value is how it contributes to the sound quality of the playback system as a whole. I believe that the source and amplifier contribute more to overall sound quality than the speakers do, so at any given system price point, at least to some extent, the cheaper the speaker, the better the sound.

I've always liked the value offered by the formerly ubiquitous 8 inch, two-way, acoustic suspension bookshelf speaker (Linn Index, original Klipsch KG2, AR 18, etc.). Large enough to move some air, with a good source and amplifier, this type of speaker can make satisfying music. Being broke after buying an LP12/Basik Plus/Basik/Naim Nait setup, I used some cheap Jensen's borrowed from my older brother for several months, and even they sounded great. I'm still enjoying the 8 inch, two-way in the form of Linn Saras.

turbo induction fan transponder and the Kharmadorfer 7.8" mid surround bass woofer, has to be considered a top contender. At $14.95 it will rock your world, baby!

PSB Stratus Gold i's.

This is all very subjective. Nevertheless, audiophiles seek the best possible [flat, detailed] reproduction of the original recorded sound. After experimenting with several different systems (B & W, Martin Logan, Maggies, among others), I decided to risk a blind purchase of the Newform Research R630 pair (the 30-day return policy helps a lot in that decision).

Not only am I very happy with the result, but I believe that they will sound better still in a bigger room, in my next house. There is nothing comparable in the market, in their price range. To get the same good result, I'd have to go up to B & W's Nautilus 803, at $5,000/pair.

I have to agree with some of the postings above. I've been out auditioning speakers up to 10K and I haven't found anything as consistently musical and satisfying as the Harbeth Compact 7. They totally sound "right" and are soooo engaging. Deepest bass is not there but from 40hz up this is, IMHO, a very difficult speaker to beat. Above 10K I recently heard the Wison Sophia which is very, very nice.