Hi there First of all, I appreciate that the forum recieves many requests like these, so thanks in advance for any responses. Having gone through numerous cheap all-in-one systems over the years, I figure that it is time to do my music collection justice and invest in some decent audio equipment. Having spent some time looking into it, I have decided that I could really do with some advice. My conditions are as follows - As it stands my maximum budget is around the £650 mark (just bought a house) - Most of music is on cd and on ipod/mp3 player, although I have a lot of vinyl and would be looking to connect a turntable in due course - I listen to a mixture of hard rock, blues, country and folk - The system will be in a lounge/dining room which is 5m by 12 m Having been to a reputable, independent hi fi dealer in the Milton Keynes area, they suggested that I would be wise to invest in a good set of speakers and an amp, and to use my existing sony blu-ray player for my cds until I can afford a decent separate. This also has the advantage of letting me use the amp and speakers when watching films etc. The package they offered was: Rotel 04 SE amp, Monitor Audio Bronze BX2s, pair of speaker stands, connectors - all for £630 Would this be a good option, or would I be better looking for a package which includes a cd player? For example, I have spotted the same speakers with a Marantz PM 6003 amplifier and CD6004 Cd player for £649 online. I would rather buy 'in person' from the individual who has offered me their time and expertise, but if the saving is significant I could be tempted. Also I dont like the idea of buying second-hand online as I have had bad experiences before. One last thing - I live in Aberystwyth, so my ability to go to lots of places to try things out is limited! Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I apologise if I have said anything daft/ ignorant. Any pointers would be much appreciated.
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Do you stream hi-res music or download hi-res tracks? We want your opinions!
Advice for an unsure newbie
- Thread starter admin_exported
- Start date
How important is CD sound quality to you, how long will it be until you can afford a separate CD player...presumably you'll also be saving up for a turntable and phono amp (unless the Rotel has one)?
Personally, I would audition the equipment with the CD player you want with the intention of getting it all in due course - then you know what you're aiming for and its a matter of time before you can afford it all. However if that time is too long, then you may be better looking for cheaper separates so you can get the CD player now.
Another option would be to use your ipod if indeed its actually an ipod, rip your CDs to that, initially playing via the headphone socket into the amp, then saving up for a docking station and DAC in order to stream the digital music from it.
Another option again, assuming you have a PC is to rip your CDs to a PC, then get something like a Squeezebox Touch which will plug into the amp and stream the digital music from your PC...all food for thought.
The sound quality of CDs played via the blu ray player wont be bad, but will be bettered with a half decent 2 channel CD player.
Personally, I would audition the equipment with the CD player you want with the intention of getting it all in due course - then you know what you're aiming for and its a matter of time before you can afford it all. However if that time is too long, then you may be better looking for cheaper separates so you can get the CD player now.
Another option would be to use your ipod if indeed its actually an ipod, rip your CDs to that, initially playing via the headphone socket into the amp, then saving up for a docking station and DAC in order to stream the digital music from it.
Another option again, assuming you have a PC is to rip your CDs to a PC, then get something like a Squeezebox Touch which will plug into the amp and stream the digital music from your PC...all food for thought.
The sound quality of CDs played via the blu ray player wont be bad, but will be bettered with a half decent 2 channel CD player.
plastic penguin
Well-known member
- Apr 28, 2008
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Hi there
All the brands mentioned are fantastic but are all very different, in presentation terms. Now you say you're limited when it comes to outlets - do you live in West Wales or Milton Keynes?:?
You need to really get out and hear some different makes and decide. If you really can't then you need to decipher what sound you're looking for: Smooth, warm, neutral, bright...
Remember if your speakers are bright, depending on room acoustics, then you'll need to reel back in any brightness etc etc.
All the brands mentioned are fantastic but are all very different, in presentation terms. Now you say you're limited when it comes to outlets - do you live in West Wales or Milton Keynes?:?
You need to really get out and hear some different makes and decide. If you really can't then you need to decipher what sound you're looking for: Smooth, warm, neutral, bright...
Remember if your speakers are bright, depending on room acoustics, then you'll need to reel back in any brightness etc etc.
There are some bargains to be had around now if you don't mind splashing a bit of cash before Christmas. Speakerwise one of the better deals I have seen is the Epos M12i at £299 (normally around £550). Amplifier wise some people on this forum are recommending the Onkyo TX 8050 - this looks like a good future proof solution since it has tuner, phono input, networking capability, internal DAC, iPod connection etc. The Onkyo can be had for £299.
PS ... here is a link to a forum post on the Onkyo http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/onkyo-tx-8050-network-stereo-receiver-home-test-impression
PS ... here is a link to a forum post on the Onkyo http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/onkyo-tx-8050-network-stereo-receiver-home-test-impression
5 x 12 metre room seems big to be recommened standmounted speakers. I may be wrong but they might struggle to fill the room.
Thank you all for reading through my rather large, and somewhat gabbled, post and responding. It is greatly appreciated.
As regards to where I live - I am based in West Wales, but go back to Milton Keynes often to see my parents.
It is quite clear that I really need to make the time and go and listen to a range of options with a selection of my favoured tracks. I have got an ipod (and creative zen), so, as suggested, it might be a good idea to connect this up to the amp, and then progress to a dock in the medium term.
As regards to where I live - I am based in West Wales, but go back to Milton Keynes often to see my parents.
It is quite clear that I really need to make the time and go and listen to a range of options with a selection of my favoured tracks. I have got an ipod (and creative zen), so, as suggested, it might be a good idea to connect this up to the amp, and then progress to a dock in the medium term.
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