Question Budget speakers for Pioneer A400?

[ktie2]

Hey all,

Getting into hi-fi for the first time and recently picked up a Technics SLBD22D turntable and a Pioneer A400 amp. Sounds great even through my cheap and cheerful headphones, but looking for suitable speakers ideally no more than £150 max. I’ve seen lots of conflicting suggestions, but have narrowed down to a few being sold nearby, all for under £100:

Mission 731
Mission 732
Mission 70 MKII
Mission 751
Wharfdale Diamond 9.1

Ideally looking for a warmer sound — which of these would you say is most suitable and would pair well with my amp?
Or any better suggestions for speakers within my budget?

All help is appreciated!

 

[Al ears]

Welcome to the forum.
I'd take the most recent, the Diamond 9.1s myself.
Can you get to look a t condition of the others?

 

[ktie2]

Welcome to the forum.
I'd take the most recent, the Diamond 9.1s myself.
Can you get to look a t condition of the others?

Unfortunately, while they’re being sold somewhat locally, all listings are too far to travel just to test or check condition. From photos and description they seem in good condition, though that’s the risk I’ll take with second hand equipment I suppose — would you say the Diamond 9.1s would pair best with the Pioneer A400? I’ve heard good things about them for the price, but also seen some people recommend Mission as best to pair with Pioneer A400.

 

[plastic penguin]

Unfortunately, while they’re being sold somewhat locally, all listings are too far to travel just to test or check condition. From photos and description they seem in good condition, though that’s the risk I’ll take with second hand equipment I suppose — would you say the Diamond 9.1s would pair best with the Pioneer A400? I’ve heard good things about them for the price, but also seen some people recommend Mission as best to pair with Pioneer A400.

There's no reason why the 9.1 shouldn't work well. I used to own a older Pioneer and had them with various Wharfedales for 17 years.

 

[twinkletoes]

For me it would be be mission purly personal choice on my part always liked the sound.

Though not on you list if you want mission there’s a lovely pair of 702e on the big E right now for 30quid. And some 700s for 50 quid don’t know why the smaller speakers are worth more but there you go. The baby 700s are a very warm listen

 

[matthewpianist]

In good condition, the 751s (original, not the 'Freedom' version) are the ones I'd go for in a heartbeat. I have personal experience of the combination with a Rotel RCD965BX CD player - it was a go-to combination when all 3 components were new, and it can still compete with anything budget-midrange today.

 

[Al ears]

I would agree with @matthewpianist , out of your list the ones worth investigation are the 751 and the Diamond 9.1, however as stated condition is everything so you take a chance if buying without being able to inspect them but should be able to sell on fairly easily if not to your liking.

 

[plastic penguin]

I would agree with @matthewpianist , out of your list the ones worth investigation are the 751 and the Diamond 9.1, however as stated condition is everything so you take a chance if buying without being able to inspect them but should be able to sell on fairly easily if not to your liking.

No experience of Mission speakers but always come with glowing owner reviews, which, I'm sorry to say, I trust more than mag reviews. Not being cynical just years of experience.

I would also look at old Dynaudio Audience 42 & 52.

 

[matthewpianist]

No experience of Mission speakers but always come with glowing owner reviews, which, I'm sorry to say, I trust more than mag reviews. Not being cynical just years of experience.

I would also look at old Dynaudio Audience 42 & 52.

Dynaudio is a good shout. The DM2/6 (which I still have) are a cracking little speaker.

 

[plastic penguin]

Dynaudio is a good shout. The DM2/6 (which I still have) are a cracking little speaker.

Dyns should have the all-round performance to make the Pioneer sing, and give the OP the smoothness he craves.