I'm setting up a hi-fi system for my bedroom. It's a small room, 12 squaremetres. I'm going to use it for music listening, gaming and films. I have a DAC (Teac UD-H01) and speakers (Monitor Audio BX2). I had a stereo receiver but it wasn't very good so I sold it. I want a midrange amp that can deliver good sound at a reasonable price. I want to spend 750 pounds at most.
What I want: Exciting, energetic sound with enough punch and attack. But I may also listen to relaxing music sometimes. I want good bass because it makes games and films more fun.
Marantz is obviously the cheapest. Could it be because it lacks some attack and is dull? Some say it's too warm.
Arcam is said to be a good amp, but then some say it's too clinical and laid back. Some say the bass is boomy.
Creek Evolution 50A is said by many to be the best amp in its price range, and to me it just looks amazing. Such a beautiful device. But I wonder if it would be overkill for a small bedroom?
I will audition the Marantz and Arcam myself, but I can't audition the Creek. Why, you may wonder. I live in Turkey and it's easy to find Marantz and Arcam products but Creek is only sold by one hi-fi store in the capitol, Ankara (also the importer). It's ridiculous but the owner says it's because hi-fi stores in other cities want too much profit. Maybe he's right though, because he sells Creek products as the same price in the UK. Usually we pay more than you guys.
My speakers, the BX2s are said to be bright by some. I agree but they never sounded harsh to my ears, I enjoy their sound. There's better speakers though, you get what you pay for after all. But I'm not thinking about changing them for now. Some say BX2s are a good match with Arcam.
What do you think?
What I want: Exciting, energetic sound with enough punch and attack. But I may also listen to relaxing music sometimes. I want good bass because it makes games and films more fun.
Marantz is obviously the cheapest. Could it be because it lacks some attack and is dull? Some say it's too warm.
Arcam is said to be a good amp, but then some say it's too clinical and laid back. Some say the bass is boomy.
Creek Evolution 50A is said by many to be the best amp in its price range, and to me it just looks amazing. Such a beautiful device. But I wonder if it would be overkill for a small bedroom?
I will audition the Marantz and Arcam myself, but I can't audition the Creek. Why, you may wonder. I live in Turkey and it's easy to find Marantz and Arcam products but Creek is only sold by one hi-fi store in the capitol, Ankara (also the importer). It's ridiculous but the owner says it's because hi-fi stores in other cities want too much profit. Maybe he's right though, because he sells Creek products as the same price in the UK. Usually we pay more than you guys.
My speakers, the BX2s are said to be bright by some. I agree but they never sounded harsh to my ears, I enjoy their sound. There's better speakers though, you get what you pay for after all. But I'm not thinking about changing them for now. Some say BX2s are a good match with Arcam.
What do you think?