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February 11, 2015 - 3:02pm
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Recommend for entry level set up
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Suggestions:
Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 or 10.2 speakers.
Focal 706V and 806V speakers
Monitor Audio Silver series 1 speakers
You will need an amplifier unless you are talking about getting powered speakers (with their own built-in amplifiers).
The Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 is a good amplifier for only $350.
The Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers also go for $350.
amazon has the diamond 10.1 for $300. which amp would you pair with these? thanks
thanks
I would get the Music Hall 15.3 amplifier, which is outstanding...but that is $549.
If that is more than you want to spend, then I would go with the NAD C316 or the Cambridge Topaz mentioned previously.
Cambridge, NAD, Music Hall and Musical Fidelity all make quality, inexpensive electronics. I used to have a Cambridge integrated and loved it.
The Wharfdale has a sensitivity of only 86dB, so depending on the size of your room and listening habits, you might want something with more power vs. less. If you like it loud or have a large room, the Focal's have a 90dB rating and will need much less power to drive to volume. I have Focal's now.
If you listen mostly at your desk/home office, you could also consider something like the AudioEngine a5 powered speaker ($399) and their D1 DAC ($169). In this case your Mac's USB output goes to the DAC and you connect it straight to the powered speakers. You can use the D1 DAC's headphone jack to get better sound performance than from the Mac directly.
hi - i think for that money, active studio monitors will take you to another level then hi-fi separates. I, for one, would look at a cheap audio interface which also has a headphone out for your headphones (Behringer, Focusrite), and a pair of active studio monitors like Yamaha HS5 or (Adam A5X if you like a sharper sound). I will murder them wharfedales and stuff.
thanks for your input.
SHP - the AudioEngine A5+ and D1 DAC look like a good choice for desk listening. I found out about the KEF X300A. Should I go that route? or separate system so that later on i can upgrade each part later?
Rainsoothe - can you specify which interface you refer to? like which model? thanks
commsysman - I'd also need a DAC to go with NAD C316?
Hi Sky
I haven't heard auditioned those KEF's or the AudioEngines. But here's a review of the KEF. http://www.whathifi.com/kef/x300a/ They felt the KEFs were possibly too big for desktop listening, lacked enough options for inputs (USB and headphone in jack) and a remote control. But overall solid rating for sound. If you can't audition at a dealer near you, KEFDirect.com lets you buy online with a 30-day trial, just like AudioEngine does.
As you mention, with the KEFs you're paying for three things - a speaker, a DAC and an amp - making upgrades more expensive because you can't sell the one component you're replacing. My (totally uninformed but that won't stop me from sharing it) feeling is that the KEFs would have less re-sale value than the other recommendations listed here.
That NAD CC316 would require a DAC. If you want a DAC-and-amp-in-one, the NAD D3020 fits the bill and has a headphone jack. The Cambridge Topaz would also require a DAC. http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NAD3020 Other options include the Musical Fidelity V 90 (http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MFV90AMP) and the Wadia http://www.amazon.com/Wadia-PowerDAC-Digital-Integrated-Amplifier/dp/B0038WWJDI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1424629582&sr=8-2&keywords=wadia+121
Scott
If you want to go with powered speakers, the Audioengine 2 speakers are very good; I have them for my desktop computer.
The PSB powered speakers are better, for slightly more money.
A small subwoofer is a must either way, unless you want zip zero nada bass.
The Audioengine D1 DAC is inexpensive and good.
The separate amplifier and speakers has several inputs and would allow you to upgrade the speakers later if you decide to. I would suggest that route; much more flexibilty.