Decent floorstander set-up for under 700 (pair)

[Broner]

Indeed, let us know how it goes.

 

[nathandb]

So I got my speakers yesterday, got them in position and started testing.

They're really amazing, i love the sound. The bass is clear, the stereo image is amazing... I'm very happy! They have yet to break in so thinks will probably only get better over time. I also ordered some new cable (van damme blue) cause my cable is pretty cheap.

Again a little off topic but I have a quick question. I own a macbook pro from "11 and most of my music is on there. Would i benefit from an external soundcard like the creative sound blaster? It's an fairly unexpensive upgrade. I know macbooks have pretty descent soundcards themselves.

 

[alchemist 1]

Hi, my name's Nathan. I'm new to the forum so I'm just gonna go ahead and post my question.

I'm looking into buying some new floorstanding speakers as i've outgrown my old BOSE 301 SERIES II. I'm only 19 years old, so I listen to a lot of different music genres. That is why i'm looking for a speaker that is capable of playing reggae, rap or hip-hop but also house or drum and bass. I prefer floorstanders because from what i've heard they deliver enough bass to leave out a subwoofer. I really liked the Teufel Ultima 40 mk2. They seem like a lot of speaker for the money. Anyway, I'd love to have your opinions on it as i don't know all the brands and speakers.

The amp i'm using is an old sony sony ta-fa5es gold. I would use them in my room at home for now but soon in my student appartment. The room they will be in is 5x5m or something.

Thanks in advance!

I'd be looking at something like Q Acoustics 2050i, although they are quite tall. Focal seems a good call.

+ 1

 

[Broner]

Ehhmm, he already bought speakers.

@Nathan: glad to hear you like the Tannoys. I, however, can't help you with your further questions.

 

[davedotco]

So I got my speakers yesterday, got them in position and started testing.

They're really amazing, i love the sound. The bass is clear, the stereo image is amazing... I'm very happy! They have yet to break in so thinks will probably only get better over time. I also ordered some new cable (van damme blue) cause my cable is pretty cheap.

Again a little off topic but I have a quick question. I own a macbook pro from "11 and most of my music is on there. Would i benefit from an external soundcard like the creative sound blaster? It's an fairly unexpensive upgrade. I know macbooks have pretty descent soundcards themselves.

How are you using the mac at the moment? From the headphone socket, not at all?

Ideally an inexpensive usb or toslink dac, if practical look up the 'Odac', a sub £100 usb dac that has an excellent reputation, plenty of other options if you look around.

In a similar situation I use an AEX into a cheap Fiio dac so I can play music from my laptop on the sofa.

 

[nathandb]

@davedotco

Yes, I just use the headphone socket with a RCA cable in the AUX connection on my amp.

The odac is just the thing I'm looking for in size. Can you clearly hear difference when you use something like that or just when you pay very close attention? I don't want to go and spend money on something if only an audiophile can hear the difference

 

[davedotco]

@davedotco

Yes, I just use the headphone socket with a RCA cable in the AUX connection on my amp.

The odac is just the thing I'm looking for in size. Can you clearly hear difference when you use something like that or just when you pay very close attention? I don't want to go and spend money on something if only an audiophile can hear the difference

Yes, it will make a substantial difference, great value for money. Though this is a hi-fi forum so some hi-fi standards do apply.

For a bit more money the HRT Headstreamer has a good reputation and there are other choices but any competent Asyncronous USB dac should work well, there are plenty about.

 

[Broner]

I use the Arcam rpac dac between the notebook and the receiver. It seems to work