2025 Advice for stand mount speakers for Technics SA-C600

[Lorenita]

Hi there,

I know different threads have been posted but lasts ones only from February 2024. So I would like to have some updated info at present,

Now, I am planning to buy the Technics SA-C600 but still not sure about which speakers to pair it with.

My short list is:

PCM Prodigy 1
KEF LS50 Meta
DALI Opticon 2

The first two I have already listened to at the shop, and I must say I am quite confused now. It seems that it very much depends on the type of music that I prefer one or the other. For commercial and upbeat music I find the KEFs a bit too bassy and the PCM Prodigies more natural, whereas maybe for other styles the KEFs sound more indulging.

The issue is that actually after reading a lot online I thought I would go for the DALI Opticon 2. However, they were not yet available at the store yet. They will be there next week, so I will have another round of listening next Wednesday. In the meantime I would however like to have some opinions. The room is quite square, about 20m2.

Then, also, maybe a stupidity, you will tell me, but I got a bit disappointed when I found out that the KEFs are made in China whereas the PCMs and DALIs are respectively UK and Denmark built. Should I let this weight in my decision?

Price-wise the PCMs would be 1,390€ whereas KEF and DALI have Black Friday discounts and would be 1,180€ and 990€

Thank you so much for sharing your views.

 

[nopiano]

PMC are indeed British made, and the Prodigy is very much their budget line, lightweight construction keeping the costs down. I like the ones I’ve heard, and I think they’re tidy looking too.

KEF are long established in Kent, England but only their very expensive Reference series are made in the UK. No need to fear the LS50 which would probably be twice the price if made here. They are exceptionally well balanced if you can give them a bit of space, but they’re hopeless on shelves - they need decent stands.

The Dali will be different again but I’m not familiar with them, other than from reviews. Try to hear them, especially as they’re good value where you are.

You’ll see many other review in the main WHF website pages, but I’m reluctant to suggest others without knowing what’s available wherever you live.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Al ears]

Surely an ideal match would be Technics own SB-C600 speakers?
These were specifically designed to partner the SA-C600

 

[Lorenita]

PMC are indeed British made, and the Prodigy is very much their budget line, lightweight construction keeping the costs down. I like the ones I’ve heard, and I think they’re tidy looking too.

KEF are long established in Kent, England but only their very expensive Reference series are made in the UK. No need to fear the LS50 which would probably be twice the price if made here. They are exceptionally well balanced if you can give them a bit of space, but they’re hopeless on shelves - they need decent stands.

The Dali will be different again but I’m not familiar with them, other than from reviews. Try to hear them, especially as they’re good value where you are.

You’ll see many other review in the main WHF website pages, but I’m reluctant to suggest others without knowing what’s available wherever you live.

Welcome to the forum!

Thank you so much! Yes, I am indeed curious to hear the Dali speakers. I will let you know as well as my final choice
🙂

 

[Lorenita]

Surely an ideal match would be Technics own SB-C600 speakers?
These were specifically designed to partner the SA-C600

Thanks. Sure, that was indeed my first thought as well. However, after reading and also hearing opinions in the shop, yes, they might me made for the equipment, however sound and quality seem to me more basic. That is why I started looking at the other options and suggestions.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks. Sure, that was indeed my first thought as well. However, after reading and also hearing opinions in the shop, yes, they might me made for the equipment, however sound and quality seem to me more basic. That is why I started looking at the other options and suggestions.

Glad to hear you actually auditioned them, you need to do that with speakers preferably in your own home.
Many will suggest others no doubt but it you cannot audition them then it's pretty meaningless

 

[Fandango Andy]

Hi there,

I know different threads have been posted but lasts ones only from February 2024. So I would like to have some updated info at present,

Now, I am planning to buy the Technics SA-C600 but still not sure about which speakers to pair it with.

My short list is:

PCM Prodigy 1
KEF LS50 Meta
DALI Opticon 2

The first two I have already listened to at the shop, and I must say I am quite confused now. It seems that it very much depends on the type of music that I prefer one or the other. For commercial and upbeat music I find the KEFs a bit too bassy and the PCM Prodigies more natural, whereas maybe for other styles the KEFs sound more indulging.

The issue is that actually after reading a lot online I thought I would go for the DALI Opticon 2. However, they were not yet available at the store yet. They will be there next week, so I will have another round of listening next Wednesday. In the meantime I would however like to have some opinions. The room is quite square, about 20m2.

Then, also, maybe a stupidity, you will tell me, but I got a bit disappointed when I found out that the KEFs are made in China whereas the PCMs and DALIs are respectively UK and Denmark built. Should I let this weight in my decision?

Price-wise the PCMs would be 1,390€ whereas KEF and DALI have Black Friday discounts and would be 1,180€ and 990€

Thank you so much for sharing your views.

when it comes to pairing speakers with an amp, providing they match technically, which usually means do they have enough power, there are two more important factors. Your ears and your room. everyone has their own personal preferences, and every room sounds similar.

you have done the right thing by auditioning, amazingly most people don't! The only other thing you can do is see if you can borrow a pair to try at home.

 

[nopiano]

Your ears and your room. everyone has their own personal preferences, and every room sounds similar.

Did you mean to say that every room sounds different?

 

[Fandango Andy]

Did you mean to say that every room sounds different?

That's exactly what (I thought) I said. Must have had momentary lapse in sanity. 🤦

 

[gasolin]

Dali menuet can be had for a good price

Dali MENUET Bookshelf Speakers - Black (High Gloss Lacquer)

A small, powerful loudspeaker with great musicality that sets new standards for sound and performance from a compact speaker.

petertyson.co.uk

 

[Lorenita]

Hi there,

I know different threads have been posted but lasts ones only from February 2024. So I would like to have some updated info at present,

Now, I am planning to buy the Technics SA-C600 but still not sure about which speakers to pair it with.

My short list is:

PCM Prodigy 1
KEF LS50 Meta
DALI Opticon 2

The first two I have already listened to at the shop, and I must say I am quite confused now. It seems that it very much depends on the type of music that I prefer one or the other. For commercial and upbeat music I find the KEFs a bit too bassy and the PCM Prodigies more natural, whereas maybe for other styles the KEFs sound more indulging.

The issue is that actually after reading a lot online I thought I would go for the DALI Opticon 2. However, they were not yet available at the store yet. They will be there next week, so I will have another round of listening next Wednesday. In the meantime I would however like to have some opinions. The room is quite square, about 20m2.

Then, also, maybe a stupidity, you will tell me, but I got a bit disappointed when I found out that the KEFs are made in China whereas the PCMs and DALIs are respectively UK and Denmark built. Should I let this weight in my decision?

Price-wise the PCMs would be 1,390€ whereas KEF and DALI have Black Friday discounts and would be 1,180€ and 990€

Thank you so much for sharing your views.

UPDATE: It took a bit longer then expected as the shop did not receive the DALI Opticons until last Thursday. So, I went on Friday for an extensive listening session of the 3 mentioned models. I must say it was great. Whereas in the first place I listened to the KEFs and the PCMs in the showroom, this time they had set it all up in their dedicated listening room, like a living room, and I could take my time to pick the tracks, listen and compare. If there are readers from Portugal here I full-heartly recommend ON-OFF in Areeiro, Lisbon.

So, my final judgement after listening to them in this order:

1. DALI Opticon 2: WOW! Love at the first sight, well, hearing! 🙂
I did not expect this, after I had heard the KEFs and PCMs before I was afraid that I might be disappointed with the DALIs after all, but no, they exceeded all expectations: I found the sound really indulging, immersive and surrounding while still clean and natural at the same time. They perform equally good in all different music styles tried. I only had some doubt with the slam sound in Prince's - Kiss, but maybe it sounds the same on the other speakers... I am in love, but let's continue to compare, and change speakers:

2. PCM Prodigy 1: Yes, sure, as I already knew: nice sound, very clean, very clear and natural. Great speakers, but missing the feeling of being surrounded by the sound. As the man from the shops said: "they are very much frontal". I like the sound though, do not yet reject them... Moving on to the KEFs. Let's see.

3. KEF LS50 Meta: First remark, when saying love at the first sight, it is oh yes, they are so beautiful! Here we had the white version, and they are special, a jewel when it comes to decoration in a living room. OK, to the listening. Yes, they are powerful, potent, indulging sound, but to my taste maybe just a bit to strong, like "bassy" in an artificial way. I already had that feeling the first time, especially compared to the PCMs, and, yes, still, again, also in this setting. Nice, but a bit too much.

So, finally, with a bit of pain, because the KEFs are really beautiful and the PCMs might have the natural studio-level sound, but definitely my final choice are the DALIs. I was very surprised and happy with their performance, constant in all music styles. I think they are the perfect balance between the KEFs and the PCMs. I got the lack ones, all OK, as I had a pair of black Technics until now. They will be home delivered and installed together with the Technics amplifies next week.
🙂