Lonks wrote:

Hi,

So I know nothing about audio whatsoever. My crappy Sony mini system broke after 12 years and it's all I am used to. 240 watt speakers, crappy as system that cost about $300 but the sound it produced filled the room.

I am wanting to put together a component system and I am in NZ so my only options are pretty slim.

I have decided to go with a Marantz integrated amp and cd player model numbers

Integrated amp PM5005 and cd player CD5005

I was going to go with Denon (have a Denon cassette deck) but have been told Marantz (even though they are the same company), is a more premium brand and produces a slightly better sound.

But I am stumped on speakers. I get into all these specs and am like "duhh, I have female brain".

I am considering the Wharfedale Diamond 220 -

http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/tv-and-audio/blu-ray-and-home-theatre/speakers-and-sound-bars/wharfedale-diamond-220-bookshelf-speakers-white.html

or

B&W 686

http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/event/christmas-gifts/entertainment-enthusiast/bowers-and-wilkins-686-series-2-bookshelf-speakers.html

Now my needs having nothing to do with home theatre, I don't care. I am not an audiophile so I don't think I need like $10,000 speakers.

Could anyone give me some suggestions or pointers? I tend to think the B&W speakers must be better because they cost more but is that true? I only listen to like punk/metal/indie stuff so it's not like I need amazing features, just something better than a crappy mini system.

Cheers for any advice.

I personally would recommend the Wharfedale 220 speakers, which are very good-sounding. Those also come in rosewood and walnut finish if you don't want white. I'm sure the dealer could order them that way if not in stock.

IMO the B & W 686 speakers would sound about the same, but B & W speakers are always way overpriced for what you get IMO.

I think your Marantz choices are very good; I can recommend that you go with them. I don't know what price the PM5005 amplifier is available for, but the Rotel RA630 amp listed there on the same website as the speakers for $1087 would be an even better one.

Either way, you will no doubt be very happy with the sound compared to what you had before.

Lonks wrote:

Thanks for your advice.

I went and listened to the speakers today and the Wharfedale seemed far more impressive than the B & W's to my untrained ear. I know nothing about speakers but they just sounded like "bigger".

We were quoted $1032 for the RA-630 amp so I think we might go for that, he said the main difference between the 2 Rotel Int Amps are one is 40w and one is 60w. I would imagine that's a good enough difference to opt for the slightly more expensive RA630

It sounds like you are on the right track there. 40w might be enough, but if you ever get some larger speakers down the road, the 60W amp will give you more options.

Hi, I'm very new to this site, so forgive me for not posting in the right place. I don't even know how to start a new thread. Anyway, I have always had the utmost respect for audiophiles like those here on this site. They are so knowledgeable about so much. Anyway, I have two vintage KLH Model 32 Loudspeakers, both are not in great shape on the outer box, but most likely at least one of them are in very good speaker sound condition. I have them for sale as a repair project on e bay and would like advice on how to market them better. At this moment, there is one bid on them for $19.99. Can anyone give me advice for blogs or sites that I can get some traffic in the last few days of the listing.
KLH Model 32 Vintage Speaker Pair Audiophile Loudspeaker - UNTESTED
(331747038007)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331747038007?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

A BIG THANKS and Happy New Year!

I also have a Hifi rack in metal that I know people are interested in, because there are 5 watchers. No bids, yet, so let's see what others are thinking. By the way, can anyone tell me why these racks are so good.

I am sorry if I replied to someone's response and my response is not relevant. I just couldn't figure out how to start a new thread or how to find the category that was the one for me to post.

The Sound Organisation Stereo Hifi Stand Hi End Metal Rack Equipment 2 shelf
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331746952126?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Not sure if you purchased anything yet but I have the Marantz Amp and CD player. I listen to a lot of the same music you do and I think the Monitor Audio Bronze BX2's work great with the Marantz stuff. They are a bit more then the Wharfdales but if you can find somewhere to listen I would recommend those. I think MA updated the BX2's to a new model, the Bronze 2 but they cost the same.