Thanks for the comments bierfeldt! No need to connect through HDMI, Coaxial etc.. I will be connecting through digital out preferably, but analogue out will do as good if needed. As for the sound profile I like a lot of bass (Do I need a Sub?) but as I also like to listen to classical and opera with rich tones, maybe a neutral profile would be more applicable, but I definitely need to get out and listen to some equipment.

I would however be grateful for some direction at what to look at. I'm trying to read on as much as possible but still feeling quite clueless on where to start.

If its any help I like to listen to music at high volume and appreciate crisp sound! Music is definitely the main driver! Movies, gaming etc.. doesn't need to be pitch perfect!

Best Regards
Viking

caphill wrote:

Only few stereo integrated amps have hdmi connections. Classe Sigma 2200i stereo integrated is one of them. This unit is equipped with hdmi 2.0 hdcp 2.2 for simply passing through 4k video signal, spdif (coaxial digital audio & toslink/optical digital), analog xlr & rca inputs. It retails for $5500.

Hey Caphill! Thanks for the comments but I think I didnt express myself clear enough on what I needed. I'm not looking for a amp where I can connect through HDMI, connection will be through analogue or digital out. Main thing is getting a good enough amp paired with some speakars that will annoy my neighbours without giving me headache!

Best regards
Mauricio

bierfeldt wrote:

I would get out and listen to a few brands/products -

Paradigm Prestige 15B - High detail but IMO a but forward and bright. Some people simply adore Paradigm speakers and I get why, I just am not one of them. Worth a listen as they are a great speaker company and have a huge following.

B&W CM5 and or CM6 - This is a high detail, very revealing but decidedly forward speaker. The first time I listened to the CM5 it can give you those wow moments where you are going to hear things that you have never heard before but those wows can quickly transition to fatigue. With the wrong amp these can get bright.

Revel Performa3 M105 or M106 - This speaker is just slightly forward of neutral. Very revealing. Great dispersion and off access performance but they are not fatiguing (I own the M105s and after listening to all of these other than the Paradigms, they are what I picked and have been very happy. I am replacing them, but I am replacing them with a $6K standmount)

Monitor Audio Gold 50 - I love these speakers and they are dead neutral. The ribbon tweeter provides creates a bigger and more three dimensional soundstage.

Dynaudio Excite x14 - Neutral speaker that delivers a largely uncolored sound profile. What some people love, other people hate. That same, neutral, uncolored sound profile can be seen as unexciting to some while others value them for the purity of sound.

Kef LS50 - This is the darling of the audio industry at the moment and well deserved. These are also a very neutral to maybe a hair warm. Spectacular resolution but may not be ideal for you due to the fact that they work best in small rooms and don't do well when you want to turn it up to 11. But a must from listen to as a benchmark for comparison.

Wharfedale Jade 3s - This is a decidedly warm speaker. Lush sounding yet still is spectacularly revealing. A true standout if you like a warmer to slightly darker sound.

These are all great speakers and if you love any one of theme they will fit in your budget, nicely. I would also get a sealed subwoofer that is high output. I personally like the Sunfire HRS line and SVS also makes some great subwoofers for the money. Then you will need an ~100w integrated amp and I prefer an external DAC but there are some first rate units with internal DACs.

Quick budget - $1000-$2000 for a pair of standmount speakers, $250-$500 for stands, $600-$1000 for a subwoofer. ~$1500 for a first rate integrated amp. $300 to $1000 for an external DAC. This would put a range in place of $4000 with cables to ~$6000. Once you decide what you like then we can begin filling in these other parts.

Also, for listening try and take your own music. Select a range. I start off with the brightest recording I own and if it sounds good, I know I am in the ballpark. I like taking classical and some highly nuanced jazz. A female vocalist and a live recording that I know well. The goal is to push the limits of the speakers and see if you are going to be annoyed by them. Also, don't let the dealer pick all the music. They pick tracks they know sound great which is pointless unless you luckily listen to only music that sounds great on those speakers.

Also take a notebook and take notes on what you are hearing. Note things that sound different than what you are used to. It will help when you get to another dealer. Also, the speakers will sound different with different equipment and in a different space so having the notes of what you are looking for and liked can be real helpful for when you finally set things up.

If you are listening to bookshelf speakers you will not necessarily be hearing them with a subwoofer so don't focus on bass. That is dealt with separately and the right sub will ensure it is not a concern.

Dealers will haggle, even the on-line ones. If you are buying a lot of stuff you ought to be able to get a discount. The local guys know that you can just leave and buy on-line in most cases a discount to cover tax is a minimum that you should work for and then a bit more.

Each of the manufacturers usually has a dealer locator but call in advance to see what they have on the floor. The dealers will likely have other products to show you. Just listen and take notes. Decide what you like and why and then everything else will fall into place.

Good luck and happy listening.

Thanks Bielfeldt! Will definitely have a look at these!

commsysman wrote:

Viking wrote:

Hi all!

I'm totally new to the game and feeling fairly lost. I'm looking for a nice setup for my living room which is around 300 sq ft. I'm mainly looking for bookshelf speakers and an intregrated amp to play music (anything from hiphop, eletctronic to opera) and connect my TV, PS4 etc... Bluetooth or wifi connection is a must, even though I will probably use HTPC later on as main source.

What do you recommend as good setup? I dont want to spend more than 4000-5000...

Thankful for any suggestions!

Have a great day!

I recommend the Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp, which sounds wonderful and has a DAC, and huge amounts of power to run any speakers. It goes for $2995.

For speakers, I suggest the Focal Chorus 706 speakers which are excellent and cost less than $1000/pair.

The Monitor Audio Silver Series 1 also costs under $1000 and is excellent.

When using bookshelf speakers bass is always somewhat limited, so you should get a subwoofer. I recommend the SVS SB1000, which runs around $500.It is a 12" sub with plenty of power.

Will definitely have a look! Thanks for the advice!

bierfeldt wrote:

I would get out and listen to a few brands/products -

Paradigm Prestige 15B - High detail but IMO a but forward and bright. Some people simply adore Paradigm speakers and I get why, I just am not one of them. Worth a listen as they are a great speaker company and have a huge following.

B&W CM5 and or CM6 - This is a high detail, very revealing but decidedly forward speaker. The first time I listened to the CM5 it can give you those wow moments where you are going to hear things that you have never heard before but those wows can quickly transition to fatigue. With the wrong amp these can get bright.

Revel Performa3 M105 or M106 - This speaker is just slightly forward of neutral. Very revealing. Great dispersion and off access performance but they are not fatiguing (I own the M105s and after listening to all of these other than the Paradigms, they are what I picked and have been very happy. I am replacing them, but I am replacing them with a $6K standmount)

Monitor Audio Gold 50 - I love these speakers and they are dead neutral. The ribbon tweeter provides creates a bigger and more three dimensional soundstage.

Dynaudio Excite x14 - Neutral speaker that delivers a largely uncolored sound profile. What some people love, other people hate. That same, neutral, uncolored sound profile can be seen as unexciting to some while others value them for the purity of sound.

Kef LS50 - This is the darling of the audio industry at the moment and well deserved. These are also a very neutral to maybe a hair warm. Spectacular resolution but may not be ideal for you due to the fact that they work best in small rooms and don't do well when you want to turn it up to 11. But a must from listen to as a benchmark for comparison.

Wharfedale Jade 3s - This is a decidedly warm speaker. Lush sounding yet still is spectacularly revealing. A true standout if you like a warmer to slightly darker sound.

These are all great speakers and if you love any one of theme they will fit in your budget, nicely. I would also get a sealed subwoofer that is high output. I personally like the Sunfire HRS line and SVS also makes some great subwoofers for the money. Then you will need an ~100w integrated amp and I prefer an external DAC but there are some first rate units with internal DACs.

Quick budget - $1000-$2000 for a pair of standmount speakers, $250-$500 for stands, $600-$1000 for a subwoofer. ~$1500 for a first rate integrated amp. $300 to $1000 for an external DAC. This would put a range in place of $4000 with cables to ~$6000. Once you decide what you like then we can begin filling in these other parts.

Also, for listening try and take your own music. Select a range. I start off with the brightest recording I own and if it sounds good, I know I am in the ballpark. I like taking classical and some highly nuanced jazz. A female vocalist and a live recording that I know well. The goal is to push the limits of the speakers and see if you are going to be annoyed by them. Also, don't let the dealer pick all the music. They pick tracks they know sound great which is pointless unless you luckily listen to only music that sounds great on those speakers.

Also take a notebook and take notes on what you are hearing. Note things that sound different than what you are used to. It will help when you get to another dealer. Also, the speakers will sound different with different equipment and in a different space so having the notes of what you are looking for and liked can be real helpful for when you finally set things up.

If you are listening to bookshelf speakers you will not necessarily be hearing them with a subwoofer so don't focus on bass. That is dealt with separately and the right sub will ensure it is not a concern.

Dealers will haggle, even the on-line ones. If you are buying a lot of stuff you ought to be able to get a discount. The local guys know that you can just leave and buy on-line in most cases a discount to cover tax is a minimum that you should work for and then a bit more.

Each of the manufacturers usually has a dealer locator but call in advance to see what they have on the floor. The dealers will likely have other products to show you. Just listen and take notes. Decide what you like and why and then everything else will fall into place.

Good luck and happy listening.

Bierfeldt, do you know if any of these speakers are suited for wall mount? Or do I need to get stands?

Thanks and regards!

I am actually thinking of abandoning bookshelf speakers and going for regular ones. Do I get more bang for the buck going down this road? Is it a crime to place bookshelf speakers on a shelf? I can keep a distance of around 10-15 inches from the wall, but thats about it...