Budget Hi-Fi Systems

[admin_exported]

Hey guys,

I want to buy a budget price Hi-Fi and I have been thinking in two possible options:

OPTION 1

amplifier ROTEL RA-04 + CD player ROTEL RCD-06 + speakers B&W 685

OPTION 2

amplifier MARANTZ PM6003 + CD player MARANTZ CD6003 + speakers EB Acoustics EB1

Please, do not look at the price since is almost the same. Moreover, both options have gotten awards recently.

Which is your recommendation ? Why?

Thanks,

J.L.

 

[d_a_n1979]

What would be handy to know is:

- What music do you listen to?
- What size room would you have the system in?
- What speaker cable and interconnects do you think you'll be using?
- Will you be using speaker stands; if so, which ones?

Personally, for my taste in music and my hearing I'd be going for the Rotel/B&W combo straight away. Superb synergy, great speakers (I still stand by that you'd have to spend twice as much if not more to better the B&W 685's for their overall soundstage and depth of bass) and the system overall would be a good investment. Would be fine covering all sorts of different music tastes but also very upgradable at the same time.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Dan,

Thanks for your quick answer. The info you requested me is the following:

- Blues and Jazz mainly

- 15 m2 = 160 ft2

- MIT EXp 3 speaker cable and ECOSSE Nu DIVA interconnects

- Yes, B&W FS-700/CM

Regards,

J.L.

 

[Cypher]

I think you should go with option 2. The Marantz pairing is more engaging and a more musical listen. Instead of the EB acoustics you could also check out the Dali Lektor 2 or Arcaydis DM1 speakers but only because they're cheaper

The EB acoustics should be awesome.

 

[Frank Harvey]

I've not heard the EB Acoustics speakers, but I would agree that the second system would suit you better - the Rotel/B&W system is better for rock/indie/electronic music, something that requires more clout and immediacy.

 

[d_a_n1979]

As above

Now you've let us know what music you listen to I would be going with the Marantz combo but would agree that you'd need to demo the Dali Lektor 2's as well.

Dependant upon your budget you could look at the new Monitor Audio RX1's and 2's but you'd need to budget for decent stands with these as well as getting the speaker/interconnect cabling right.

 

[matthewpiano]

For jazz I think you would struggle to beat the Marantz 6003 components. They are very musical indeed. In addition to the speakers already mentioned I'd strongly recommend auditioning the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s which seem to work very well with the Marantz stuff.

 

[the record spot]

Alternatively, pop a pair of Q Acoustics 2020s on the end of the Marantz kit - you'll get the detail jazz calls for but with a bit of added muscle from this excellent speaker.