Need help for sereo system under 1400$

[louisvl10]

Hello

I'm some sort of audiophile noob, that's why I ask for advice here.
I live in Belgium, my budget is €1000 or ~1400$.

Let's start with my actual setup:
- PC with Asus Xonar Essence STX
- AKG K271 Mk.2
- Audio Technica ATH-CK7
- Razer Mako ( great value )
- iPhone and iPod Classic
- HeadRoom Total Airhead headphone amp

I'm looking for a very neutral sound, as close as possible to my actual headphone.
I like the Karman/Kardon HK 3490 amp, available for €379 or ~535$ here.
But I can't can't choose the speakers... They need to be bookshelf size for on my desk.
The Sierra-1 speakers seem to be what I'm looking for, but do they ship to Europe?
If they don't ship to Europe are Klipsch RB61 Mk.2 speakers also suitable for what I want?

All your advice is welcome!


Thanks in advance!!

 

[GranteedEV]

Rather than spend $500 on a stereo receiver (which are basically redundant to an extent), why not purchase active (self powered) loudspeakers?

I recommend a pair of JBL LSR 2325s (or 2328s if you're willing to fit them on the desk). Remember, these prices are each, so a pair is double the cost.


Another great one is the LSR4326 Pak.

I honestly don't think you can do better for speakers of that form factor at that general price point. The bigger you go, the more output you will get, at the cost of size. I think the 4326 is the perfect size for a desktop.

There is a 4328 Pak too. It's essentially the same speaker as the 2328, but it has all the extra equipment for optimal setup, which makes a difference in final sound quality. It also has superior amps so it can go louder. That's really the major difference between the 43 and 23 speakers. The last digit is the size of the woofer, so a 4328 has an 8 inch woofer - purty large speaker if you can imagine.

For deep bass, a sub or two or three is the best way to go, rather than straining your mains.

Another brand on the same website which you may as well consider would be Genelec.

I strongly recommend active loudspeakers, especially with waveguide tweeters and pro monitor intended application.

 

[louisvl10]

Thanks for your research on European stores
The LSR4326 Pak speakers seem to be perfectly suited to my needs.
But are they so much better in terms of sound quality than a receiver+speakers ?
Because I'll maybe use this setup later as stand alone, not connected to my computer, for in my future living room.

 

[gpost3]

If you plan to use them for living room later then consider an amp and passive speakers.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mission-MX1-Speakers-PAIR-Black/dp/B004D4DSR6

Pair it with any decent $300-$400 receiver and you still left with plenty $ to spend on a nice subwoofer.

 

[GranteedEV]

Thanks for your research on European stores
The LSR4326 Pak speakers seem to be perfectly suited to my needs.
But are they so much better in terms of sound quality than a receiver+speakers ?
Because I'll maybe use this setup later as stand alone, not connected to my computer, for in my future living room.

It'll do wonderful as a stand-alone setup. The amps are harman/kardon anyways.

The main value of a stereo receiver would be source switching.

And if you get a good surround receiver with decent preamp-outs, you can hook it up to these, while letting its internal amps drive surrounds etc.

 

[louisvl10]

It'll do wonderful as a stand-alone setup. The amps are harman/kardon anyways.

The main value of a stereo receiver would be source switching.

And if you get a good surround receiver with decent preamp-outs, you can hook it up to these, while letting its internal amps drive surrounds etc.

Ok, you convinced me
I found them on a french store for 650€ (musikia.com) , I'd like to link them but I don't have enough posts on this forum. I'm not sure if they're sold per piece or as a pair, I asked them via e-mail. Still waiting for reply.
I already bought my headphone (AKG K271 Mk.2) 2 years ago there for 120€, while this headphone was minimum 175€ anywhere else 2yrs ago.

What would be a good subwoofer to use with the LSR4326P speakers?
A cheaper alternative to the LSR4312SP sub, or is this sub really worth is price?
I'll upgrade to a sub later, or maybe earlier if it's not too expensive.

Thanks for your advice !!

 

[GranteedEV]

Ok, you convinced me
I found them on a french store for 650€ (musikia.com) , I'd like to link them but I don't have enough posts on this forum. I'm not sure if they're sold per piece or as a pair, I asked them via e-mail. Still waiting for reply.
I already bought my headphone (AKG K271 Mk.2) 2 years ago there for 120€, while this headphone was minimum 175€ anywhere else 2yrs ago.

What would be a good subwoofer to use with the LSR4326P speakers?
A cheaper alternative to the LSR4312SP sub, or is this sub really worth is price?
I'll upgrade to a sub later, or maybe earlier if it's not too expensive.

Thanks for your advice !!

If you're willing to build a sub yourself DIY, that would be your best bet. A few 10" seas prestige drivers in transmission lines might be perfect, and should be easy to source around where you are.

If I had to name something, I'd recommend looking through these guys' catalogue:

http://eu.lsound.no/default.aspx

And remember, three lesser subs will probably get you the best sound quality in-room than one great sub. So budget accordingly so that you can get two or three. For now though, just go for the two mains, and then upgrade slowly and steadily as you go along

And be sure to let me know what you think of the JBL LSRs once you get them!

As for the JBL sub, the biggest pro for it is that you don't need any electronics IE receiver in between to hook it up to the LSR mains. It also seems to have a lot of output. I can't comment further on it because i've neither seen it measured nor heard it, but JBL is a good brand either way. I just can't say definitively whether it's a great deal since I don't know a thing about it. I'm inclined to DIY and Internet Direct subs so I can't say if it's worth the asking price - maybe it is. The good thing about JBL is that they do post reliable specs like max SPL etc so you might be able to do a bit of a comparision.

I wouldn't spend too much on a single sub if it means sacrificing multiples, though.

I will say that it seems to lack the deepest extension based on the JBL specs. The SVS PB12Plus DSP for example would extend deeper with i believe comparable extension, but not as advanced room mode correction EQ.

 

[louisvl10]

You're right, I'll just wait and get my 2 mains first.

I'm buying these speakers in the beginning of september, don't have money for it right now :/

Anyway, thanks for your help!
Of course I'll post a small review on the forum once I get them, and maybe an unboxing video.