3 Best Audiophile Stereo Systems Under $500
3 Best Audiophile Stereo Systems under $500
One of the most frequently asked questions that I get on this website and on my YouTube channel is, what system should I buy? While there is no one answer to this rather simple but complicated question, I’ve created a list of audio systems that I think you’ll love. You’ll find a link to some of the reviews I’ve done at the bottom of this post if you want to dive deeper into my thoughts on these products. Here are my 3 best audiophile stereo systems under $500.
Before we continue, I am NOT suggesting that the systems I’ll be virtually assembling here on this page are the end all be all. I’m also not touching the used space in this post. These suggestions are merely meant as a starting point for you to begin your journey. If you choose to take the plunge and purchase any of these components or complete systems based on my recommendation(s), I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
The Budget Powered Speaker Audio System
For those just starting out in the hi-fi hobby, I recommend starting with the Kanto Audio YU6 bookshelf loudspeakers. This under $400 setup is a no-brainer when it comes to recommending a powered speaker audio system on a budget. It requires the purchase of but one product, a pair of powered bookshelf loudspeakers. Powered bookshelf loudspeakers are a great way to enjoy a heightened audio experience without breaking the bank. This audio system is perfect for small spaces or those who prefer a room with fewer electronics.
The Kanto YU6 bookshelf loudspeakers retail for under $400, come in a wide variety of finish options and produce room-filling sound in all but the largest of spaces. These speakers have built-in bluetooth connectivity. This means if you have a smartphone or laptop handy, you’re ready to enjoy music right out of the box. They also have inputs so that you can connect them to your TV, CD player and turntable directly. You can even add a subwoofer for more bass which makes this a great system to build on. The Kanto YU6 powered loudspeaker is my #1 pick for the budding, budget-conscious audiophile.
The Digital and Analog Audio System for $500
It gets harder to keep things under $500 when you start adding source components to the mix, especially turntables -but it can be done. Like my first suggestion above, we’re going to stick with a pair of powered loudspeakers, only this time we’re going to “shrink” them just a bit to the Kanto YU4 powered bookshelf speakers in order to save a little bit of money.
The Kanto YU4 speakers are virtually identical to the larger YU6s. The difference? They’re a little smaller, utilizing a four inch mid/bass driver opposed to the YU6’s five and a quarter inch one. This means that the YU4 speaker doesn’t play quite as deep or as loud, so if you have a medium to large space you may need to save your pennies so you can step up to the YU6 or shop one of my other lists. But if you’re looking for a setup for a bedroom, office, den or dorm room, keep reading. The YU4s retail for $339, a mere $70 less than the YU6. That extra $50 is going to be put to good use though when we select our turntable.
Kanto YU4 Speakers
Adding a turntable to your system
Turntables can be an expensive source component when building your audio system, however, it is possible to find a good turntable at an affordable price point. The turntable I’m suggesting for this setup is a toss up. Both turntables are similar in feature set and components right out of the box. These budget turntable options can be a great starter turntable for those just getting into vinyl. Both can be upgraded down the road with better platters and cartridges which will elevate their overall performance and look considerably.
Option one is the U-Turn Audio Orbit Basic at $199 retail. This largely made in America solution is my no-brainer, go-to pick for anyone just getting started with turntables and listening to vinyl records.
Option two is Fluance Audio’s RT80 at $169.96 retail. The RT80 is largely the same as the Orbit Basic save for two key features. First, the RT80 has a built-in phono preamp which means you can connect it to other powered loudspeakers or preamps that may not have a built-in phono preamp like the YU4 does. Second, the RT80 has a selectable speed control to switch between 33 ⅓ and 45rpm record speeds. This selectable “switch” means you don’t have to monkey with the belt itself to change speeds the way you do on the Orbit Basic. Apart from those two differences, the turntables are essentially the same, as both utilize the same Audio Technica cartridge resulting in a similar audible performance. Step things up to the RT85 and you’ll likely be able to walk away from the turntable roulette.
Traditional Two-Channel Audio Systems
Building a traditional two-channel audio system at or under $500 is tricky, but possible. For starters, I know you can save money by buying used, but not everyone wants to buy used, so if you’re that person, keep reading! Unfortunately with a budget of $500 we’re not going to be going with a separate amplifier and preamplifier, but rather with a stereo receiver. Why a stereo receiver? Well, we need all of the latest tech to be available to us because we’re going to be relying on things like our smartphone for things like music streaming.
Beginning we’re going to start with the Andrew Jones’ designed Pioneer SP-BS22-LR at $117.98 for the pair. These small bookshelf speakers sound WAY better than they have any right to. In small to medium rooms these speakers put out a surprising amount of bass for their modest size and driver complement. The SP-BS22 speakers are the quintessential beginner loudspeaker and I wish they were around when I was just starting out in hi-fi because I would’ve bought them over a lot of the options that were available to me at the time.
Other alternatives that I like as well include Polk Audio’s Monitor 40 Series II Bookshelf loudspeakers at $179 a pair. The Monitor 40s are going to put out a bit more sound and bass compared to the Pioneers, but that’s what an extra $50 or so gets ya.
Another good option is ELAC’s Debut 2.0 B6.2 at $279.89. ELAC is a bit of an affordable darling right now so it’s natural for them to be on this list. However, I think for the price the Pioneer speakers are actually a little more impressive, but the ELAC speakers are more suitable for a wider range of room sizes.
Then there is Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speaker at $229.99 a pair. These simple overachievers will play loudly with little power, fill medium to maybe even larger rooms when using a subwoofer and have that signature Klipsch sound that you either are going to love -or hate. If you like to rock out and want a fun, lively loudspeaker then the R-51M is going to be the right speaker for you.
Moving on to power, we’re going to “splurge” here and go with either Onkyo’s TX-8220 stereo receiver at $199 or Sony’s STRDH190 stereo receiver at $148. Both are good options at this price point, both provide enough power to drive all the speakers on this system list to satisfying levels and both possess phono inputs for a turntable as well as Bluetooth and music streaming capability. No they cannot be upgraded, no they’re not the end all be all, but for what they are, they are surprisingly capable and good sounding.
Lastly, we’re going to add in a turntable, either the U-Turn Orbit Basic or the Fluance RT80 we spoke about earlier.
Depending on which combo you choose the total price for this system should come in at below $500 or a few dollars above.
Again, this list is meant as a guide and not necessarily the end all be all when it comes to choices available to you. But if you’re on a tight budget, are looking to buy new equipment with warranties and a return policy from brands in business and thriving in 2020, then I think this is a great place to start.
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