A little overwhelmed...

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Kaikias

Enthusiast
TLDR: Information overload need help setting up stereo system from scratch for 1k or less.

Hey all

This whole thing started a few months ago when I started working for a A/V (Home theater) company while finishing my degree. After hearing what my music could sound like my little 2.1 Logitech system isn't doing it anymore.
I'm in the process of setting up my first stereo and am a little overwhelmed by what's out there, I find one thing and then all of a sudden there's 10 other things that might be better, or not. Over the last two weeks I've been researching I don't think I'm any closer to a purchase.

That said my budget is around 600-1000 (1k is pushing it but if the value is there buy once cry once right?) I'm looking for a power amp and speakers. I listen to all kinds of music, mostly classical, alt (helpful right?) and trap

- I was told I don't need a pre-amp since my music is on my computer/phone (They are the pre-amp?)
- I've also been told to spend more on speakers and power amp since they are kind of future proof (If I need anything else)
- Might have to add a sub in there as well...

For my amp I was looking at the Crown XLS 1000, it seems to do the same thing as some of the $400+ amps but is cheaper. Am I missing something?

The speakers is where I got lost, there's a million recommendations out there and everything is different- does it boil down to appearance at a certain point and quality is the same? I've narrowed it down to the following:

Wharfedale Diamond 10.1
Wharfedale Evo 2-10
Kef Q300
B&W 685
I also really like the looks of the EMP R55Ti towers but it's hard to find info on them. Any thoughts on those choices? I could also potentially get a decent discount on Kef and Marantz products so any recommendations there might be helpful, even if a little over budget.

Apologies for the long first post, hopefully I can get some info pointing me in the right direction :s
 
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
Sounds like you have been doing a little research. That is always nice to see.
Are you wanting this to fill a large living room, or a large bedroom/office, or a med bedroom/office? Are you in an apartment (how much bass can you play before the cops get summoned). You don't mention a sub, what is your thinking?
Since you will be playing from phone or computer, buying powered pro audio monitors is probably the best quality for the least money. All you would need is the monitors (and, possibly, a sub, depending on your living quarters).
Answer these and we can get more specific.

Even if you go with standard home speakers, you really want to pick out the speakers before the amp.
Also, I was not impressed when I listened to the B&W 685. They make some good products, but their 600 series isn't one IMHO.
 
TheWarrior

TheWarrior

Audioholic Ninja
KEW is spot on with the specifics. No matter how many speakers your system has, think of them as musical instruments that need to play well with every boundary in the room they are located in.

That said, a discount on KEF speakers and Marantz receivers would be an instant win in my book! You would likely consume your budget on those two items alone, but you would have adequate bass output to postpone a subwoofer until funding allows!
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
Kaikias said:
I've narrowed it down to the following:

Wharfedale Diamond 10.1
Wharfedale Evo 2-10
Kef Q300
B&W 685
I also really like the looks of the EMP R55Ti towers but it's hard to find info on them.
Click to expand...
The B&W measure poorly in the upper midrange and lower treble

I would look at the EVO and KEF from your list - the EVO 2-10 has
some nice measurements in the sensitive 200 hz - 10 khz band.

As far as the EMP/RBH R55Ti towers - there has been plenty of
info and comments on the Audioholics and AVS forums

However, here is another subjective take on them
http://www.digitaltrends.com/speaker-reviews/emp-tek-impression-series-e55ti-review/
 
slipperybidness

slipperybidness

Audioholic Warlord
Concerning the Crown amp, you are better to at least step up to the 1500 and not the 1000. There is a significant step up when you go to 1500 (I can't remember off the top of my head what the deal was on these).
 
K

Kaikias

Enthusiast
I'll look at the next step up for the crown amp.
As far as a sub goes I'll he listening at moderate levals in a medium size room, so it may not be necessary.

As far as speakers go right now I'm waiting on a quote for those kef speakers. I also have the opportunity to purchase a older set of Kef SP3500 for 150, are those worth looking at as well?

Thanks for all the info so far.
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
Kaikias said:
As far as speakers go right now I'm waiting on a quote for those kef speakers. I also have the opportunity to purchase a older set of Kef SP3500 for 150, are those worth looking at as well?
Click to expand...
I would look at the Q300 and Wharfedale Evo over them
 
lsiberian

lsiberian

Audioholic Overlord
What I'd do is save up 3k more and buy some Phils. If you aren't that patient you could save up 2k and get the Slim Phils. Why settle when you can save up a little more and get something world class?
 
K

Kaikias

Enthusiast
lsiberian said:
What I'd do is save up 3k more and buy some Phils. If you aren't that patient you could save up 2k and get the Slim Phils. Why settle when you can save up a little more and get something world class?
Click to expand...
If by a little more you mean 2-3 times my max budget :p

Honestly right now something like that wouldn't be practical- maybe when I graduate I would get something like that. In the meantime I'm looking for something that delivers good sound, music first and movies second.

So, from what I've read, the crown amp is a good choice, narrowed it down to the Q series and the Evo so I'll do some more research on those.

...Would those Kef SP3500s at 150/pair make good surround speakers (not that I'm looking for surrounds... or need them) or are they at the point where some of the newer budget offerings would do equality well or better.
 
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
I still maintain that, in your situation, you can get a better deal going with a studio monitor.
The fact that you do not need a preamp makes these a great fit. All you need is the speakers. These have adjustable input sensitivity and RCA inputs so all you need is a headphone jack to RCA cable and you are ready to go.



3-way (active, tri-amped) with a 10" woofer, these are large (21X13X14) and weigh 46lbs each, but that is all you need - two boxes:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Rokit103G2
http://everythingaudionetwork.blogspot.com/2013/09/home-recording-review-krk-rokit-rp-10-3.html

You can go to your local Guitar Center or other pro music store and check out their offerings.

I figure if you are good with a pro amp (which is a smart buy), you might consider getting the whole package. One things is for sure, your amps are matched to your speakers and you will be hard pressed to blow either (maybe impossible, but never say never).

Another option if you can't handle the yellow or the size - 8" 3-way (active, tri-amped) with concentric tweeter & midrange for $700/pr.


http://www.audioholics.com/combo-pack-ebooks/learn/speakers/bookshelf/m-audio-m3-8-studio-monitors/1704

I don't know these particular monitors, I am more about presenting another option. If you go this route, there are plenty of pro audio forums.
 
Last edited:
Georgel

Georgel

Audioholic
KEW said:
I still maintain that, in your situation, you can get a better deal going with a studio monitor.
The fact that you do not need a preamp makes these a great fit. All you need is the speakers. These have adjustable input sensitivity and RCA inputs so all you need is a headphone jack to RCA cable and you are ready to go.



3-way (active, tri-amped) with a 10" woofer, these are large (21X13X14) and weigh 46lbs each, but that is all you need - two boxes:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Rokit103G2
http://everythingaudionetwork.blogspot.com/2013/09/home-recording-review-krk-rokit-rp-10-3.html

You can go to your local Guitar Center or other pro music store and check out their offerings.

I figure if you are good with a pro amp (which is a smart buy), you might consider getting the whole package. One things is for sure, your amps are matched to your speakers and you will be hard pressed to blow either (maybe impossible, but never say never).

Another option if you can't handle the yellow or the size - 8" 3-way (active, tri-amped) with concentric tweeter & midrange for $700/pr.


http://www.audioholics.com/combo-pack-ebooks/learn/speakers/bookshelf/m-audio-m3-8-studio-monitors/1704

I don't know these particular monitors, I am more about presenting another option. If you go this route, there are plenty of pro audio forums.
Click to expand...
The M-Audio M3-8`s are out for delivery to my home today.My laptop via USB to my DAC,into the M3-8`s is my mission.
 
K

Kaikias

Enthusiast
Georgel said:
The M-Audio M3-8`s are out for delivery to my home today.My laptop via USB to my DAC,into the M3-8`s is my mission.
Click to expand...
Definitely let us know how you like them. They look much better then the yellow :D
 
B

beakergeek

Audioholic Intern
Kaikias said:
TLDR: Information overload need help setting up stereo system from scratch for 1k or less.

Hey all

This whole thing started a few months ago when I started working for a A/V (Home theater) company while finishing my degree. After hearing what my music could sound like my little 2.1 Logitech system isn't doing it anymore.
I'm in the process of setting up my first stereo and am a little overwhelmed by what's out there, I find one thing and then all of a sudden there's 10 other things that might be better, or not. Over the last two weeks I've been researching I don't think I'm any closer to a purchase.

That said my budget is around 600-1000 (1k is pushing it but if the value is there buy once cry once right?) I'm looking for a power amp and speakers. I listen to all kinds of music, mostly classical, alt (helpful right?) and trap

- I was told I don't need a pre-amp since my music is on my computer/phone (They are the pre-amp?)
- I've also been told to spend more on speakers and power amp since they are kind of future proof (If I need anything else)
- Might have to add a sub in there as well...

For my amp I was looking at the Crown XLS 1000, it seems to do the same thing as some of the $400+ amps but is cheaper. Am I missing something?

The speakers is where I got lost, there's a million recommendations out there and everything is different- does it boil down to appearance at a certain point and quality is the same? I've narrowed it down to the following:

Wharfedale Diamond 10.1
Wharfedale Evo 2-10
Kef Q300
B&W 685
I also really like the looks of the EMP R55Ti towers but it's hard to find info on them. Any thoughts on those choices? I could also potentially get a decent discount on Kef and Marantz products so any recommendations there might be helpful, even if a little over budget.

Apologies for the long first post, hopefully I can get some info pointing me in the right direction :s
Click to expand...
Definitely audition the speakers using a source material you are really familiar with. Of your choices I like B&W. There are a lot of recommendations, that's why listening before you buy is best. Some internet companies will even ship and let you audition before you buy. Good luck!
 
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