101 replies to this topic

[Nathanas]

Hi all. I was directed here from someone at whirlpool who said that i would find excellent help here. The fiancé and I are moving out of a unit and into a house soon and it will be time for a complete stereo overhaul. I'm wanting a turntable and a component tape and cd deck. I'm not sure what type of receiver i'll need to best compliment this. I also want to have my ps3, 360, wii, HDTV and pc or Mac running out of it. I have no idea when it comes to high end equipment but I'm prepared to spend a reasonable amount on the set up. I want some killer speakers also so if anyone can help me with this that would be great. My vinyl, cd, music output is most important to me but I also want dvd's and tv to sound good also.

Edit; not interested in 5.1, I just want two nice pillar styled speakers.

Edited by Nathanas, 10 April 2012 - 10:46 PM.

[datafone]

Well, this would be best in 2 channel discussion rather than Home Theatre.

I know little about HT, but for stereo you will want a nice stereo amp.

Get the speakers first, ones that you like the sound of, and that work in the space you will put them in. Then research/listen to a variety of amps, and get one that works well with the speakers.

Edit:Nathan? I should add....get the best speaker you can (that you like the sound of), they will be the most defining component in the chain.
Also, be careful not to get caught by the Wow! factor, some speakers might grab your attention big time straight up, but may end up being fatiguing over longer listening times.

Edited by datafone, 10 April 2012 - 10:53 PM.

[Nathanas]

Ok thanks. So I will need a stereo amp, cd and tape unit plus another receiver for the digital stuff- ps3, HDTV etc?

[mikizee]

Welcome! I was the one over at Whirlpool.

We'll see if we can get this thread moved over to 2 channel discussion where you might find more help. But you said over at Whirlpool your budget is $5k? You can get a great stereo system for 5 grand. My advice is not to rush it, take your time researching.

[Nathanas]

Sounds good mate. I'm in no rush. Yes budget is around 5k possibly a little more. If I can find second hand stuff that would be ok with me, I suppose being able to test drive the units may be an issue there though. In regards to speakers, which do reccommend?

Edited by Nathanas, 10 April 2012 - 10:58 PM.

[datafone]

Ok thanks. So I will need a stereo amp, cd and tape unit plus another receiver for the digital stuff- ps3, HDTV etc?

So, let me get this right, you still want surround for TV and the PS3?

If that's correct, you will be looking at a HT Receiver that allows pass though (I think that's what It's called) to run a stereo amp in conjunction with it. I have little idea about HT stuff, but others will clarify this if it is indeed what you are looking at.

[Nathanas]

Sorry datafone there was some miscommunication here mate. I don't care for surround I just want to be able to have everything running through the speakers.

Edited by Nathanas, 10 April 2012 - 11:02 PM.

[datafone]

Ah, OK

Then we just need a nice pair of speakers to suit, and a stereo amp the works well with them

Edit:Umm.. that's a amp that has enough inputs to satisfy the various front ends.

BTW, welcome to SNA.

Edited by datafone, 10 April 2012 - 11:05 PM.

[Nathanas]

Cheers! Sounds good. Out of interest, does people's musical taste influence the gear they buy? (certain speakers for certain styles etc)

[datafone]

Defiantly, Nathan.

Like Jazz lovers with Horns and single ended valve amps

There are speakers that are very good all-rounders, Lenehan Audio is an obvious favourite of mine.

Edit:But this is why it is important that you get to audition as much gear as you can, maybe even a few members here that are local to you can let you listen to stuff they have.

Edited by datafone, 10 April 2012 - 11:17 PM.

[Nathanas]

Thanks mate. A guy over at whirlpool has been suggesting some stuff based on my budget so far. It is as follows.

Suggestion 1 (Full RRP = $4996)

Castle Knight 5 – $1799
NAD C356 – $899
Arcam CD17 – $1199
Rega P3 – $1099

[perthpete]

possibly should consider (or rather expect) to spend over 50%-70% of the budget to be spent on speakers... always possible to 'slowly' upgrade the other components opver the years, but speakers tend to be a bit more longer term .. (well, not for everyone I guess:p)).

But definitely go out to as any hifi / audio shops as you can and just say you want to listen to speakers (in your budget range) ... Absolutely the first part of the journey I'd say:-)

[triode12]

If y

Sounds good mate. I'm in no rush. Yes budget is around 5k possibly a little more. If I can find second hand stuff that would be ok with me, I suppose being able to test drive the units may be an issue there though. In regards to speakers, which do reccommend?

I would definately recommend getting most of your things second hand as you can pick up items that cost a lot more new for a fraction of their price. i.e. you get higher quality/level of gear for the same amount of money over purchasing new.

e.g. There is a pair of Sonus Faber speakers with stands for $1.5K (negotiable) in the for sale section of this forum which are IMO extremely good value.

http://www.stereo.ne...with-sf-stands/

Like Datafone has said, it all depends on your listening taste. What kinds of music do you like?

Edited by triode12, 11 April 2012 - 12:55 AM.

[Nathanas]

Second hand might be the way to go then. I'll be listening to heavy/ black/ death metal on them predominantly.
Something with a good treble range would be my prefered speaker.

[triode12]

Good Morning Nathan,

Do you listen to other types of music besides Heavy Metal? something along the lines of Jazz, Classical, New Age sort of music?
If not, will you forsee or be open to those sorts of music once you have a good system up and running?

Sorry for the Spanish inquisition but it will help us in determining what sort of buying advice to offer.

[Batty]

You probably won't like the Castles then, they can be quite laid back. Try to listen to Aussie speakers as they seem to give better bang for buck - maybe some VAFs. But they could end up blowing your budget Look or around $2500 for the speakers and maybe a Redgum 'sonofagum' amp.

[Nathanas]

Other genres will find their way through the speakers. I listen to a lot of Neo classical and traditional folk/ medieval music also. Indie rock and mid 90's hip hop sometimes also.

[Batty]

I'm running a pair of Castle Howards and they definatly prefer simpler music, don't get me wrong they do rock well too. I can listen to them all day, on saturdays we usually hit random song on the squeezebox and let her go for most of the day. Music in the collection ranges from classical to metal and just about anything in between except country and western. Great speakers, but can be a bit choosy when it comes to amplification. You really will need to listen before you buy.

[Nathanas]

Cheers batty. I checked the vaf site and for $2799 I could get the dc-x-g4mkII's. Not sure
If I can find them in Brisbane to listen to however.

[houdinifangs]

Thanks mate. A guy over at whirlpool has been suggesting some stuff based on my budget so far. It is as follows.

Suggestion 1 (Full RRP = $4996)

Castle Knight 5 – $1799
NAD C356 – $899
Arcam CD17 – $1199
Rega P3 – $1099

Don't think you could go wrong with the P3. The rest on that list will require more consideration. I'd concentrate more funds on the speakers and amp. Also those prices are full RRP and you should be able to do much better; especially if you purchase a whole system. I'd push for at least 10-15% off.

Eg: http://clefhifi.com....products_id=753

Which is about 13% off without trying...

For 5k new I'd consider a Creek amp, Monitor Audio Speakers and the P3.

[Juicester]

Agreed - Monitor Audio Rx8s would fit the bill for his music tastes imho... Maybe partnered with a Rega Brio-R....

[Arg]

"tape"? You want a cassette tape deck?

[Nathanas]

Yep. I've got an old silver Marantz -sd242 but I figure everything will be black in the new setup so I wouldn't
mind getting a black tape deck. (I collect a lot of tapes also, many early demos are on tape etc.)

I'll get out and listen to the rx8's this week!

Edited by Nathanas, 11 April 2012 - 05:55 PM.

[GregWormald]

While some people prefer different sorts of speakers for different music, my preference is for speakers that are 'neutral' and sound good with everything.

The speakers will determine, more than any other component, the overall 'sound' of the system, but don't get caught into thinking you can skimp of any other part because of that. From the sources to the pre-amp (or HT receiver) to the amp, once the quality you value is gone, it cannot be recovered. So balance in the system is very important.

Because there are so many different qualities in music reproduction that different people value, the only way to determine what you like is to listen to lots of options. The more time you spend sorting out what is important to you (full range, great mid-range, imaging, etc.) the more likely you are to get it right for you.

As Mike said $5K will get you a very nice system, especially as you are prepared to buy used.

Greg

[Nathanas]

Thanks Greg. So if I could buy an ideal second hand set up, what would you suggest?

[GregWormald]

Thanks Greg. So if I could buy an ideal second hand set up, what would you suggest?

There is, unfortunately, no such thing!

I suggest you get out to the shops, and ask around here for people who are prepared to let you listen to their systems, until your individual preferences start to become clear. It's been a long time since I had only $5K to spend on a whole system, so specific brands or models are not something I can help with.

Once you have worked out your preferences, there are lots of people here who can respond meaningfully and steer you to good value. Without those preferences, you will be getting advice that suits the person giving it.

Greg

[houdinifangs]

Have a poke around the classifieds here as there are plenty of amps and CD players within your budget. Not a lot of choice with speakers ATM but they come and go regularly. Most of my system has been sourced on this forum from 4 different states. Just make sure you know what your after and be ready to pounce...

[sjay]

i peiced together a PMC/Musical Fidelity setup for about that price via here and another board, it was in fact a little over 5k but not too far off and that price included cables etc...end result is a system i am very happy with although i blew my original budget out by more than i care to admit.


ps: i second that recomendtion to buy second hand high end gear, its very hard to pass up on some of the bargains around here

good luck and welcome to the board.

sj

Edited by stephenj, 11 April 2012 - 09:18 PM.

[RockandorRoll]

So you realize that if you want your Xbox , tv, pvr etc to run through your 2 channel system it will have to use the RCA jacks and not the hdmi outputs. It means all your devices will run hdmi into the tv and you use the RCA out from the tv into the amp. I'm not a fan of that setup and hence opted to keep my AVR as a pre amp, maybe something to consider if running HT style gear with 2 channel gear

Or you could use a peachtree amp which has digital inputs?

I'd go
Top of the line peachtree I nova (or whatever it's called)
Focal 700 series floorstanders (great for metal ime)
Entry level rega or project TT (or something 2nd hand)
Oppo blurry player and use digital outs to peachtree to double as cd player/transport
Don't know where the hell to find a cassette deck these days

That kind of gets around most issues, the other option is a good dac to control all digital devices and then 1 output to a stereo amp like a NAD 375

[GFuNK]

Or you could think about the nad c390dd digital stereo amp...

[Batty]

I have a denon cassette deck you can have for what I paid $0 plus postage.

Sent via Tapatalk and Xperia Arc.

[Nathanas]

There is a lot to take in on this forum! I was aware that My hd devices would run into the tv for visuals, I wasn't sure how I would get the sound out. At the moment I use rca into a digitech multi box thing. I'm not sure I'm a fan of the RCA out from tv setup either rock. Would I need to go from the optical out into something to optimise sound? I haven't seen many high end amps/receivers so I not sure which is the best way to run sound out of the tv?

Batty that is a generous offer. Thanks heaps. I will take you up on that.

Edited by Nathanas, 12 April 2012 - 09:49 AM.

[Arg]

Would you be interested in a speaker kit where they supply everthing, including the front baffle, but you have to build the back and sides of the two speaker boxes?

[Nathanas]

Possibly. I failed manual arts but I have a mate who is an absolute wizard when it comes to building things, fixing cars, guitars etc. If it saves me money and allows for nicer speakers then yes.

[Nathanas]

Rock I'm checking out the focal site. Should I be looking at the chorus 700v's?

[Batty]

There is a lot to take in on this forum! I was aware that My hd devices would run into the tv for visuals, I wasn't sure how I would get the sound out. At the moment I use rca into a digitech multi box thing. I'm not sure I'm a fan of the RCA out from tv setup either rock. Would I need to go from the optical out into something to optimise sound? I haven't seen many high end amps/receivers so I not sure which is the best way to run sound out of the tv?

Batty that is a generous offer. Thanks heaps. I will take you up on that.

PM me your address and I'll get a price from Auspost or see if I can get cheaper freight through work as we use Toll heaps.

Sent via Tapatalk and Xperia Arc.

[RockandorRoll]

Or you could think about the nad c390dd digital stereo amp...

That's how I'd do it as it solves all problems

Only problem is it costs 3000 and by the time you get speakers you won't see much change from 5000. Leaves nothing for sources etc.

Still though, that's what I'd buy. Hdmi inputs, RCA inputs and a tonne of digital inputs, sub crossover control, great dac, good power. Perfect for this application

Nathan: I'd look at either the 714 or 726 iirc. I think speakers will be something you choose personally. But from the few I've heard the simple Focals sounded the best for poorly recorded death metal which I listened to a lot. Other better speakers tended to over do the detail and missed the overall picture of the music IMO

Edited by RockandorRoll, 12 April 2012 - 12:22 PM.

[houdinifangs]

Check out Emotiva. I find their website tacky but they are very well regarded for what they do.
http://shop.emotiva....s/products/usp1

You could land a healthy 300w power, Pre and DAC for around $1500 + shipping.

[Nathanas]

My fiancé drooled over the peachtree. She loves the deco style. It would probably compliment
our interior design perfectly. The nad c390dd looks good too. I suppose my second hand hunting
could begin here...

[Arg]

Would you be interested in a speaker kit where they supply everthing, including the front baffle, but you have to build the back and sides of the two speaker boxes?

.... If it saves me money and allows for nicer speakers then yes.

OK. Cherry-picking suggestions from others, I suggest:

TT: Rega P3 $1100
CD: Emotiva ERC-2 $450
Tape: Denon gift $0
Pre: Emotiva USP-1 $450
Power: Emotiva XPA-2 300W $800
Speaker: Gedlee Abbey 12c kit $2800

Hmm, that's $5600 plus shipping and tax, so I guess I blew your budget. But OTOH the blend of power/dynamics and refined engineering could be a pretty special match for your wants.

cheers

[Nathanas]

I could go a little over budget....

Edited by Nathanas, 12 April 2012 - 01:55 PM.

[Drizt]

Speaker: Gedlee Abbey 12c kit $2800

Would love to hear a set of the abbeys

[sjay]

I could go a little over budget....

well known last words around here......

[Batty]

So true.

Sent via Tapatalk and Xperia Arc.

[audiohobbs]

Not sure why you would not like the TV -> RCA Out -> Amp option. I use it, partly because my amp is chock-full on its inputs and partly because if you try using HDMI for picture and RCA for sound then synch problems can arise. Works without any problem at all for those devices that put sound out to the TV and for the TV itself, of course and the sound is, it goes without saying, several thousand percent better than the TV speakers can put out. No reason not to use this solution AFAIK.

As for the system itself, I would err on the side of spending most on your speakers and roughly equal amounts on everything else that you wish to buy. I am curious about the cassette deck, too, unless you have things to convert, but I still have mine (albeit going into my second system) so who am I to wonder? :-)

There is another possibility; you can quite easily pick up excellent gear here on SNA for far less than new prices and if a system came up for less than $1k that gives a good sound then you have money left over for software. Or to save toward upgrades and trade ins further down the road. One advantage of that approach is that you get a feel for a good system and you can decide what you would prefer based on that. It may be, too, that you like the sound enough to live with it.

I have some B&W floor speakers (one owner - me) that I am 90% certain to be putting up for sale on here; I also have an old but excellent-sounding Arcam CD player (one owner) and an Arcam Alpha 9 amplifier (I bought that from another SNA member a while ago). The latter needs work, though - one channel has gone awol - but I would not be asking much for that: a nominal $150 or so.

Anyway, not pushing, just suggesting. Always good to have options, I feel.

Cheers,