Newbie needs suggest on first music system

[Zhifeng]

Hi Audioholics,
I am new to the audio world and this would be my first music system. I did try to read some articles but cannot really figure out the right solution, here is what I need:
1. Source: I will spend half/half time on TV/movie and music but most of the times I will watch online streaming movies and use iphone to play mp3 music. So I suppose I won't need a surrounded system and probably wireless connection to my phone is a plus.
2. My room size is about 550 sqft and there is not too much space for the speakers since the TV is above the fireplace which is at the room corner. To be honest I found small speakers are good enough in this case but I am just wondering if floor stand speakers can be even better(which also looks better)
3. Budget: I don't mind used ones and new ones are fine as well. My budget is $1000.
BTW, I have a bookshelf speakers(CambridgeAudio S30 + Topping tp30) connected to my computer but it turned out to me that no better than low end bose speakers. This is according to the research by myself last time and got no luck, so I'd better ask suggestions this time
My questions are:
1. If two channels are enough in my case ?
2. I don't need blueray player, is that a receiver is the only I need other than speakers? Shall I get a bluetooth receiver if so?
3. Is floor standing speakers sounds like a good choice ?
4. Could you please help suggest a proper set of system to fit my real need ?

Thanks in advance.
Zhifeng

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

So I suppose I won't need a surrounded system
1. If two channels are enough in my case ?

If you don’t need surround sound then yes 2 channels is enough.

2. I don't need blueray player, is that a receiver is the only I need other than speakers? Shall I get a bluetooth receiver if so?

Yes, a receiver and speakers are all you need. There are stereo receivers and even integrated amplifiers on the market, but if you want Bluetooth you’ll probably have to get a regular AVR surround sound receiver, AFAIK they are the only ones with Bluetooth. Of course, this means it’ll have lots of other features that you will never use.

3. Is floor standing speakers sounds like a good choice ?

I’d suggest a good pair of bookshelf speakers with a separate subwoofer, one that’s at least 10”. There are lots of technical reason such a system is preferable to large floor-standing speakers, which I won’t go into unless you’re really interested.

I’ll let others make equipment recommendations; that’s not my forte. $1000 is a pretty tight budget for both electronics and speakers.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[agarwalro]

So I suppose I won't need a surrounded system and probably wireless connection to my phone is a plus.

550sq ft. and no room for speakers? Space issues aside, since you already have the S30's, why not get an LCR set and receiver? If you don't want a sub, you can at least get 5.0 sound. Unless, your intent is to get rid of the S30/Topping setup.

To be honest I found small speakers are good enough in this case but I am just wondering if floor stand speakers can be even better(which also looks better)

Floorstanding speakers will give a fuller sound for music, even acceptable for movies. Bookshelf speakers will require a sub to give a similar low end feel. If you like the floorstanding speaker aesthetic, we can stick with that.

1. If two channels are enough in my case ?

2 channel or surround is your call. You can definitely pick up better gear by sticking to a 2 ch setup.

2. I don't need blueray player, is that a receiver is the only I need other than speakers? Shall I get a bluetooth receiver if so?

There are receivers with Bluetooth and Airplay built in. That said, both are lossy formats as are the MP3s on your iPhone. Ideally, you'd use uncompressed sources (CD or HD Audio) or lossless compressed sources (FLAC).

3. Is floor standing speakers sounds like a good choice ?

If you intend to get a subwoofer, then you can go either way. If no subwoofer, then floor standing is preferred.

4. Could you please help suggest a proper set of system to fit my real need ?

Why yes, for this is the funnest part . Here are my picks.

Surround starter (add sub eventually):
$250 Denon X1100
$608 Ascend Acoustics CMT-340
$325 Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 Center (or not for 4.0 with phantom center)
Existing S30 as surrounds

2 channel (forever):
$280 Yamaha S500
$750 EMP Tek R55Ti

 

[agarwalro]

Based on Kew's review of the Klipsch RF62 ii, these with the Denon/Yamaha will be pretty kick ass.

$800 Klipsch RF82 ii