Help me to choose speakers !!!

[zieglj01]

I was thinking more like this one: HK 3490 - 120 wpc (keep in mind these are
Harman Kardon Open Box HK 3490 Stereo Receiver in Stereo and Surround Sound Receivers | JR.com

AH review confirms it's great value: harman/kardon HK 3490 Measurements and Analysis — Reviews and News from Audioholics

That would be my choice - and in home trial/audition, is the way to go.

 

[Hovak]

OK, here is a configuration for your advices.

Focal Chorus 807V - $800

Music Angel MINI YAYI KT88 Mono Block Integrated Power Amplifier Pair with KT88 Tubes.


Would this be a good choice ?

 

[Hovak]

The thing is, I really like the sound of Tube amps and no matter what brand I'm gonna get, I want it to be a tube amp, not solid state.

 

[Hovak]

It could be worse. It could be 500 for speakers, 800 for amp, and 1200 for speaker wires.

I am not gonna spend $1200 on cables, when my whole equipment is gonna cost $1300, but I'm definitely not gonna use cheap cables from Redioshack .

Thanks anyway

 

[Hovak]

Here is the amps I am talking about.


Music Angel MINI YAYI KT88 Mono Block Integrated Power Amplifier PUS | eBay

 

[ahblaza]

Here is the amps I am talking about.


Music Angel MINI YAYI KT88 Mono Block Integrated Power Amplifier PUS | eBay

These are coming from China? $208 shipping?

 

[slipperybidness]

Here is the amps I am talking about.


Music Angel MINI YAYI KT88 Mono Block Integrated Power Amplifier PUS | eBay

Here's the deal, solid state is technologically superior. End of story.

However, I'm not going to try to talk you out of your preferences, as that would be a losing battle.

However, those amps???? You mean those particular amps from that Ebay auction? Or you have a source to buy those same models locally?

If it were my $, I would run from that Ebay auction like the plague. Look at their feedback, they are in Hong Kong. Shady at best. Good luck on customer service or even English.

 

[Hovak]

Here's the deal, solid state is technologically superior. End of story.

However, I'm not going to try to talk you out of your preferences, as that would be a losing battle.

However, those amps???? You mean those particular amps from that Ebay auction? Or you have a source to buy those same models locally?

If it were my $, I would run from that Ebay auction like the plague. Look at their feedback, they are in Hong Kong. Shady at best. Good luck on customer service or even English.

No I'm not saying I wanna buy those particular ones from Hong Kong and pay 208 for shipping only. I am trying to find those ones locally.

I don't mind having a good solid state amp, that's why I am posting here to talk to you guys and make a final decision. I am not that closed minded to not to listen to what you guys recommend, otherwise it would be a waste of my and yours time.

 

[Hovak]

Some people say that those Focals will sound better with solid state amp.

What you guys think ?

 

[ski2xblack]

Some people say that those Focals will sound better with solid state amp.

What you guys think ?

Define "better".

Objectively speaking, we know with more certainty what we'll get using a ss amp. But if you have a thing for the lyrical, euphonic distortion of tubes (which is more pleasant that slipperybidness may wish to admit), it may not sound better to you.

 

[zieglj01]

OK, here is a configuration for your advices.

Focal Chorus 807V - $800

Music Angel MINI YAYI KT88 Mono Block Integrated Power Amplifier Pair with KT88 Tubes.

The Focal is a nice one - I would still try the Harmon Kardon first.
As far as tube amps - I will leave that up to you > I do not expect
a magical-mystery tour transformation.

 

[slipperybidness]

Define "better".

Objectively speaking, we know with more certainty what we'll get using a ss amp. But if you have a thing for the lyrical, euphonic distortion of tubes (which is more pleasant that slipperybidness may wish to admit), it may not sound better to you.

I didn't mean to say that tubes are not pleasant. My point is from a purely technical aspect the SS amps are superior. I am currently looking into building a tube amp myself, even though I know the limitations, advantages and disadvantages of each type. It's fun and it's fun to compare and I would never want to take that aspect away from anyone that is interested. When tubes are pushed past there limits, they tend to not be as harsh as ss past it's limits.

We all agree that flat FR is great on speakers but it is possible for a flat speaker to not sound good to some ears. Same concept applies to SS vs tube amps.

If you are handy with a soldering iron, I would seriously consider something from bottlehead or oddwatt over the ones you showed.

 

[ski2xblack]

Yes, slip, we're on the same page.

Hovak, if you just gotta do tubes, given your $1300 total budget, I suggest you look for something used. Good gear holds it's value, and you can typically extract your investment back out should you not hit that serendipitous musical combination of factors. Chances are that won't be the case with that flea-bay chi-fi gear.

I would keep my eyes peeled on craigslist and the 'gon for something along the lines of LAB3's system described a few posts ago. Big ol' Klipsch and McIntosh is right up my retro-grouch alley, although that specific combo would probably bust your budget. Maybe. If you're lucky, maybe not. There are other vintage amps that hold their value but aren't as inflated as Mac.

Good luck with it.

 

[Hovak]

Thanks guys, I'll definitely keep your advices in mind.

One more question.

I recently bought great RCA and 1/4 Jack gold plated connectors and because I am good at soldering, I'm trying to build the cables myself.

Is there any place that sells good quality cables by feet without connectors ?

 

[KEW]

Thanks guys, I'll definitely keep your advices in mind.

One more question.

I recently bought great RCA and 1/4 Jack gold plated connectors and because I am good at soldering, I'm trying to build the cables myself.

Is there any place that sells good quality cables by feet without connectors ?

Try monoprice.com

 

[slipperybidness]

Thanks guys, I'll definitely keep your advices in mind.

One more question.

I recently bought great RCA and 1/4 Jack gold plated connectors and because I am good at soldering, I'm trying to build the cables myself.

Is there any place that sells good quality cables by feet without connectors ?

I really don't think you can go wrong with either of these, parts express ships pretty fast:
Parts Express: the #1 source for audio, video & speaker building components
Speaker Cable at Blue Jeans Cable

 

[Hovak]

Thanks guys, I found what I was looking for ...

 

[Hovak]

Audioquest G-snake Braided Bulk Cable sold by The Foot | eBay


Any of you guys is familiar with this cable ? is it good for RCA to 1/4 Jack ?

 

[shadyJ]

These are my personal favorite, and thus far I have not found a speaker wire that were as revealing while not losing the essence of the music, which is a balance lost on so many inferior brands- all while keeping a stylish, elegant appearance. Highly recommended!