Advice needed - hifi/speaker system for Ipod

[admin_exported]

Hi guys,

I am a complete novice when it comes to audio systems and badly require some help from those with knowledge. I am looking for some equipment to play my Ipod through - I am a massive music fan and this will be the sole use of the hi-fi/speakers.

I have a budget of up to £400 and have been looking at hi-fi systems and separate speakers/amps, however, I can honestly say I am none the wiser to which I should go for. Any info or help would be greatly appreciated.

If I went for speakers and an amp please could somebody explain the setup and the wires required etc.

Cheers

 

[Andrew Everard]

I'd buy a Denon RCD-M38DAB, which is a Denon D-M38DAB without speakers. It'll cost you around £200 or a bit less and will take a digital input from the iPod using the standard white sync lead. Use it with a pair of Tannoy Mercury V1 speakers, at £150. Add in two lengths of speaker cable, at a couple of quid a metre or so, and you're in business.

 

[audioaffair]

A good recommendation - we've tried the V1 speakers with the TEAC CRH-258i as well which is a good combo. I can also recommend the QED J2P as a good cable for your iPod which comes in a choice of blue red or white to match the iPod.

 

[Andrew Everard]

audioaffair:I can also recommend the QED J2P as a good cable for your iPod which comes in a choice of blue red or white to match the iPod.

Except that's an analogue 3.5mm-to-two-phono cable, and not required with systems offering a direct digital input from iPod, such as the Denon.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your replies - greatly appreciated.

I certainly like the look of the Denon RCD-M38DAB and V1 speakers - I am going to look into purchasing these.

The Aktimate Maxi iPod Active Speakers (http://www.audioaffair.co.uk/Aktimate-Maxi-iPod-Active-Speakers-Pair/product_3366) also caught my eye when browsing - are these more for use with a desktop computer rather than to use within a large room?

Also, what is the difference in quality between the Denon and V1 speakers to something like a Sony CMTBX77DBI Mini Hi-Fi (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-CMTBX77DBI-Mini-Hi-Fi-iPod/dp/B003L5DVVG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291728986&sr=8-1)

Thanks for your time, and sorry for my lack of knowledge!

Simon

 

[Anonymous]

shiftedcrazy78:
Thanks for your replies - greatly appreciated.

I certainly like the look of the Denon RCD-M38DAB and V1 speakers - I am going to look into purchasing these.

The Aktimate Maxi iPod Active Speakers (http://www.audioaffair.co.uk/Aktimate-Maxi-iPod-Active-Speakers-Pair/product_3366) also caught my eye when browsing - are these more for use with a desktop computer rather than to use within a large room?

Also, what is the difference in quality between the Denon and V1 speakers to something like a Sony CMTBX77DBI Mini Hi-Fi (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-CMTBX77DBI-Mini-Hi-Fi-iPod/dp/B003L5DVVG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291728986&sr=8-1)

Thanks for your time, and sorry for my lack of knowledge!

Simon

ok in my opinion the Denon out performs the Sony by a country mile. Andrew gave you good advice, I think the Denon will give you everything you require.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your input -

With the Denon would I be able to add extra speakers in the future?? (ie. floor speakers).

Cheers

 

[Andrew Everard]

Yes, but by that point you might be considering a better system to drive the speakers properly and get an improved sound. Something like this, for example...

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks again for your advice - I have decided to purchase the Denon D-M38DAB without the speakers as recommended.

I have been browsing online and have found some reasonable deals whereby you get speakers with the Denon as follows;

Q Acoustics 2010 - £319

Wharfdale Diamond 10.0 - £315

Mission MX1 - £339

Q Acoustics 2020 - £349

Please can you give me some info on how these speakers rate compared to eachother and the V1s that you recommended?

Thanks again,

Si

 

[Anonymous]

Hi guys any advice on the above comment?

Cheers

 

[Binman]

Hi,

I've got an older Denon 31 mini, and although its good, I just
needed more power, so its been relegated to the bedroom. If you wanted to upgrade your speakers to something
bigger than small standmounts, the Denon 38 may struggle, although it does have more power than my Denon. I would try and listen
to the Denon before purchase.

If I had £400 to spend I would look at buying a budget seperates system. As well as the amp + speakers, you would need 2 lengths of speaker wire, and some form of Ipod dock. The negative side of this would be (probably) a lack of remote for the amp, no radio, no CD player which the Denon has. Have a look in Superfi or Richersounds if you have a store near you for an idea of budget separates set ups

I would also recommend looking on ebay for a second hand amplifier.

 

[audioaffair]

Andrew Everard:
audioaffair:I can also recommend the QED J2P as a good cable for your iPod which comes in a choice of blue red or white to match the iPod.

Except that's an analogue 3.5mm-to-two-phono cable, and not required with systems offering a direct digital input from iPod, such as the Denon.

Andrew - good point. I was recommending the Teac on sonic properties alone. Having said that I'm fully aware the Denon is a superb system and recently won the prestigious system award.