Choosing my first quality sound system

[equal fred]

Hi,

I love music and I am searching to buy my first quality sound system mainly for listening to music from my pc, Cd-player and in the future from LP. The distance from where I mainly listen is arround 3 feet, but I also want to hear the music from the other side of the room which is 7 feet away from the desk.

For speakers, I ended up choosing between the Klipsch RP 150M and the Klipsch RP 250F.
I am not sure if the magnetic field of the Klipsch RP 150M speakers will distort my computer screen if I place the speakers on my desk. If that's the case, I have to go for the larger floor standing speakers.

I can not decide if I should go for bigger, because my budget is 600 – 900 euros (max) 625 – 950 dollars.

As for a receiver I ended up choosing between the Denon PMA 520 AE and the Denon PMA 720 AE

I hope you can help me to make a good decision.

Can a Denon PMA 520 handle 2 x Klipsch RP 250F's or do I need the Denon 720?

I don't really care that much about how loud they can go, my main goal is clear natural sound quality and a good bass experience. Is it possible that I can achieve this without having to use a sub-woofer or can I upgrade this system maybe later next year with a sub-woofer?

Is this system combination (the Klipsch speakers and the Denon receiver) a good choice?

Many thanks!

Fred

 

[crossedover]

Consider a speaker like this http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-LSR308-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00E8CEW7I its powered so you could just pick up a good DAC or a small stereo receiver that just has the features you need.

 

[TheWarrior]

^ yeah with all the holiday deals, finding some decent pro audio monitors should be no trouble at all!

 

[fmw]

Consider adding a subwoofer. It will provide more impact than the rest of the system combined.

 

[Seth=L]

Consider a speaker like this http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-LSR308-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00E8CEW7I its powered so you could just pick up a good DAC or a small stereo receiver that just has the features you need.

^ yeah with all the holiday deals, finding some decent pro audio monitors should be no trouble at all!

Why? Why is every thread like this? OP asks a pointed question and gets redirected to something else. I can appreciate the fact that the OP may be unaware of these options but instead of answering the question at all the general response is always "don't do that, do this".

*sigh*

OP. The Premiere series Klipsch are extremely efficient (meaning they need only a couple watts and they'll reach output levels you won't consider comfortable for near field listening. Since you mentioned your requirements don't necessitate high output I can't imagine either amplifier sounding any different. The specifications from the amplifier are marginally different. It appears for the extra money you're getting mostly more connections. The topologies of these amps are exactly the same and both would serve you well.

If you don't want to get a subwoofer and you want full range sound I suggest going with the towers, which again the PMA-520AE should be more than adequate to drive.

Assuming your monitor is not an ancient bubble back CRT the speakers will cause ZERO interference with the monitor. Both the 150 and 250 are magnetically shielded, so no worries there.

All that said, and I know this seems contradictory to my opening statement, but horn loaded speakers for near field may not yield the best results. If you're using these for more than just near field they will offer more flexibility for future endeavors.

 

[crossedover]

Why? Why is every thread like this? OP asks a pointed question and gets redirected to something else. I can appreciate the fact that the OP may be unaware of these options but instead of answering the question at all the general response is always "don't do that, do this". I do believe I added a helpful option

*sigh*

OP. The Premiere series Klipsch are extremely efficient (meaning they need only a couple watts and they'll reach output levels you won't consider comfortable for near field listening. Since you mentioned your requirements don't necessitate high output I can't imagine either amplifier sounding any different. The specifications from the amplifier are marginally different. It appears for the extra money you're getting mostly more connections. The topologies of these amps are exactly the same and both would serve you well.

If you don't want to get a subwoofer and you want full range sound I suggest going with the towers, which again the PMA-520AE should be more than adequate to drive.

Assuming your monitor is not an ancient bubble back CRT the speakers will cause ZERO interference with the monitor. Both the 150 and 250 are magnetically shielded, so no worries there.

All that said, and I know this seems contradictory to my opening statement, but horn loaded speakers for near field may not yield the best results. If you're using these for more than just near field they will offer more flexibility for future endeavors.

I didn't think the OPs situation warranted tower speakers based on his room. His listening experience would be hampered. He can explore non powered speakers but based on his post, bookshelf seems smart

 

[crossedover]

3'foot min 7' foot max

 

[crossedover]

Why? Why is every thread like this? OP asks a pointed question and gets redirected to something else. I can appreciate the fact that the OP may be unaware of these options but instead of answering the question at all the general response is always "don't do that, do this".

*sigh*

OP. The Premiere series Klipsch are extremely efficient (meaning they need only a couple watts and they'll reach output levels you won't consider comfortable for near field listening. Since you mentioned your requirements don't necessitate high output I can't imagine either amplifier sounding any different. The specifications from the amplifier are marginally different. It appears for the extra money you're getting mostly more connections. The topologies of these amps are exactly the same and both would serve you well.

If you don't want to get a subwoofer and you want full range sound I suggest going with the towers, which again the PMA-520AE should be more than adequate to drive.

Assuming your monitor is not an ancient bubble back CRT the speakers will cause ZERO interference with the monitor. Both the 150 and 250 are magnetically shielded, so no worries there.

All that said, and I know this seems contradictory to my opening statement, but horn loaded speakers for near field may not yield the best results. If you're using these for more than just near field they will offer more flexibility for future endeavors.

Is my thought clear? From his distances I don t see the need for anything other than near field units

 

[equal fred]

@ crossedover & TheWarrior

Thanks for your response. The JBL and other monitors look nice but I already chose the Klipsch speakers as brand. I have considered buying monitor speakers but I'm a bit old school and am looking for ways to have a full range of sound without having to use a sub-woofer if that is possible

@ Seth=L

Thank you very much for your in depth answer. I think I will go for the towers because of the full range of sound. I am glad that the speakers are magnetically shielded. The towers will also give me more options for future endeavors as you mentioned. That is important to me.

As for the receiver I think I will get the Denon 520, but your answer made me think if a lower powered receiver would make any difference in sound quality gain? Is there a possibility that I could use let's say a 10 watt receiver but gain overall sound quality with the Klipsch RP 250F?

Fred

 

[crossedover]

@ crossedover & TheWarrior

Thanks for your response. The JBL and other monitors look nice but I already chose the Klipsch speakers as brand. I have considered buying monitor speakers but I'm a bit old school and am looking for ways to have a full range of sound without having to use a sub-woofer if that is possible

@ Seth=L

Thank you very much for your in depth answer. I think I will go for the towers because of the full range of sound. I am glad that the speakers are magnetically shielded. The towers will also give me more options for future endeavors as you mentioned. That is important to me.

As for the receiver I think I will get the Denon 520, but your answer made me think if a lower powered receiver would make any difference in sound quality gain? Is there a possibility that I could use let's say a 10 watt receiver but gain overall sound quality with the Klipsch RP 250F?

Fred

At 3' feet you are doing yourself a disservice

 

[Seth=L]

As for the receiver I think I will get the Denon 520, but your answer made me think if a lower powered receiver would make any difference in sound quality gain? Is there a possibility that I could use let's say a 10 watt receiver but gain overall sound quality with the Klipsch RP 250F?

I'd stick with something that can do a solid 50 watts just to be sure you have some headroom. I think the Denon would be a fine mate for those speakers. A mid range AVR would probably be better since you would have more flexibility and power for your money. Those little 10 watt cheap things usually lack in more than just power and flexibility, the can be noisy and downright wretched for music listening.

 

[Seth=L]

Is my thought clear? From his distances I don t see the need for anything other than near field units

It's not unclear, and it makes sense. But what makes sense to you or me doesn't always fit another individual's goals. He's giving himself a lot more flexibility by going passive and he will have fantastic speakers for future endeavors should he pursue them, and from the way he's talking he more than likely will.

 

[crossedover]

It's not unclear, and it makes sense. But what makes sense to you or me doesn't always fit another individual's goals. He's giving himself a lot more flexibility by going passive and he will have fantastic speakers for future endeavors should he pursue them, and from the way he's talking he more than likely will.

I get what your saying in regards to the op choices, but towers at 3' isn't smart

 

[crossedover]

I get what your saying in regards to the op choices, but towers at 3' isn't smart

FWIW Seth gives great recommendations , I IMHO I dont think the OP needs towers. At 3' nominal and 7' max, placement does not work. The aforementioned speakers i linked are only for thought. If you buy speakers that are not self amplified its all good, but doesnt change my mind as to what is best for your setup. When you place a multi driver speaker at the distance you describe you are inviting and unwelcome set of peaks, nulls and several other circumstances that that require careful thought. As a simple exercise try placing the tower mains 6' apart and listen. Mains need some room to image and thats not only width but listening position. Ive you calculate 7 feet and three based on your parameters, you have issues
Please dont make me do math

 

[TheWarrior]

@Seth=L so many threads are started by new members who acknowledge they are new, and therefore come here with the hopes we can either confirm what is on their 'want' list, or redirect them with a 'need' list. The room dictates the needs, and if Fred is listening that close, near-field monitors are the only solution.

@equal fred I was not trying to suggest your selections were not of respectable quality, but that your listening position(s) is so far below ideal for what either Klipsch would be able to perform well in. Crossedover and I recognized that, and offered near field monitors as a solution based on your need to listen close.

 

[equal fred]

Hi all,

I still have till the end of the month to decide what to do.
For now I have decided to rearrange the room so that there will be more distance to the speakers (the Klipsch towers). This way I will get 10 – 15 feet distance between me and the speakers. I want towers, because of the full range of sound that I love.

@ TheWarrior & crossedover

Thanks for your advise, I get what you are trying to warn me for and I think I have found a solution by creating more distance between me and the speakers.

@ Seth=L

I have looked at some mid range AVR's but most of them don't have any treble or bass control like the Denon 520. I think I can live with the headroom that the Denon 520 offers me.
Thank you for your advise!

Fred

 

[Seth=L]

@ Seth=L

I have looked at some mid range AVR's but most of them don't have any treble or bass control like the Denon 520. I think I can live with the headroom that the Denon 520 offers me.
Thank you for your advise!

Fred

Interesting. My Marantz NR1504 has treble and bass controls. Now they aren't analog, they're digital controls in the menu. In addition to the basic treble and bass controls many modern AVRs have a feature called Audessey Auto EQ. This feature will automatically equalize your speakers by using a microphone (supplied with the receiver) or you can manually adjust the multiband equalizer yourself if you want to tailor your sound. This is something the Denon 520 simply cannot do with additional devices.

All that said I'm not trying to deter you from the Denon PMA-520, I just want you to be aware of your options.

 

[equal fred]

@Seth=L

Would the Onkyo TX-8020 be a better choice than the Denon 520? (with the Klipsch RP 250F's)
I see now that I have more options

 

[crossedover]

@Seth=L

Would the Onkyo TX-8020 be a better choice than the Denon 520? (with the Klipsch RP 250F's)
I see now that I have more options

As Seth is saying, get the unit that has the features you want. With those speakers, (or most any Klipsch speaker) They are easy to drive and will play load in most rooms. The Marantz has upside with built in auto EQ, HDMI, Networking, and bass management when adding a subwoofer.

 

[KEW]

It seems like you want to stick with a basic stereo unit.
You may regret that decision later if you want to add a sub or use the receiver for Home Theater.

However, if I was buying a budget stereo receiver today, I would get one of these:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrs300bl/yamaha-r-s300-natural-sound-stereo-receiver-sale-reduced-20/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrs500bl/yamaha-r-s500-natural-sound-stereo-receiver-sale-reduced-50/1.html

They are refurbished (thus the great price), but the important thing is they are refurbished by Yamaha

You might also consider a refurbished Onkyo TX-8050:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/onktx8050/onkyo-tx-8050-80watts-x-2ch-network-stereo-receiver/1.html

I prefer the look of the Yamaha as well as their reputation for good electronics; however, this Onkyo offers some nice extras like digital input (either coaxial or TosLink) which is nice since you are using your PC as source. If you have a digital output from your computer, the digital to analog conversion can be done in your receiver, this may be useful because sometimes PC's have some electromagnetic interference/noise which could compromise the audio quality if you have analog audio inside your computer. Of course digital is much more tolerant of this interference.

I would definitely buy one of the above refurbbed units before I spent the money on a new TX-8020. I always try to avoid a company's least expensive model because I know that is where the least experienced designers, technicians, and manufacturing tools/equipment will be assigned (though that is not a problem if their QC department is good).

I would add that any AVR made today will have digital inputs.