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December 30, 2012 - 2:36pm
#1
First vinyl set-up recommendations
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we've reviewed a lot of the models you have listed, or a few similar:
http://www.stereophile.com/content/tannoy-mercury-v1-loudspeaker
http://www.stereophile.com/content/wharfedale-diamond-101-loudspeaker
http://www.stereophile.com/content/dali-zensor-1-loudspeaker
http://www.stereophile.com/content/boston-acoustics-25-loudspeaker
The turntable you have selected is certainly competent. You can make some upgrades in the future that will have a positive impact; Ortofon OM20, OM30 or OM40 styli, Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter, and a Pro-Ject Speed Box.
I don't know if you can get the Music Hall A15.2 integrated amp in the UK or not, but it should get serious consideration. You would be able to also connect your laptop and TV to it.
As far a speaker placement goes, it is often a function of the speaker design as to best placement. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and then experiment.
Good Luck and enjoy!
I think the speakers on your list are fairly good, but some of them are so small they will not give you ANY bass at all, and that is a mistake.
The M.A. BX2 is probably the best IMO, and the Boston A26 is also fairly good. If you wanted to go with Wharfdale, the 10.2 would be the best.
The Marantz PM6004 is the amplifier I would choose (from that list), although the Music Hall A15.2 is much better IMO if it is in your price range in the UK.
All rear-ported speakers need to be placed at least 16 inches from the rear wall or they will have an unpleasant "boominess" to their sound.
If you want to place them closer than that to the wall you need some front-ported speakers. KEF makes several speakers that fall into that category, such as the C3 and Q300. The Monitor Audio BX2 is also front-ported. Most of the others are rear-ported, so that is something to consider.
I have the Marantz pm5004 and MA BX2 speakers and am quite happy with them. If possible I would recommend finding a local store wher you can listen to some of the items you were looking to purchase. I do not use the Marantz's phono stage so I can not say how good it is, I use the Music Fidelity V-LPSII with a Music Hall mmf2.2.