Entry level advice

[admin_exported]

I have been wanting to upgrade to something approaching hi-fi for a while. I realised that i spend so much of my time listening to music but do so out of computer speakers(i imagine quite the cardinal sin around these parts). I have done some research and have come across the very positive reviews of the Denon dm37. I was very close to buying this recently when i spotted a good deal for it and some Monitor audio BR1s for £300. However a friend  advised me that since i rarely listen to music on a CD the same money would be better spent purchasing an amp, speakers and quality interconnects. He advised cambridge audio for the amp. Do you think this is the best way to go?

I can appreciate there is a lot of personal taste about buying audio equipment but any advice would be most appreciated!

 

[Messiah]

Hi Mark,

So can we assume your music is all PC based??

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply, music is nearly entirely PC or Ipod based, at reasonable bit rates >192AAC.
I was thinking more of using the ipod with the Denon, but this isn't cast in stone.

 

[Messiah]

Depends on the quality you are happy with really. If the Denon sounds good enough for you then go for that! It obviously has more features than just an amp and speakers that you may use.

I would try the Denon first and if this sounds great then get it. If you are not happy about it then it is down the dangerour road of HiFi nirvana!! You have been warned!!

(For overall quality this is the way to go.)

 

[daveh75]

might be worth considering some active speakers, such as audioengine a5

 

[Messiah]

Yeah - good point!!

 

[daveh75]

or even something from the fatman i tube range

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks again for the help, i hadn't even considered anything like the fatman i tube (will look into it). My other concern with the denon and something that might apply to other smaller systems, would it fill a large room on occasion? i'm not talking ear shattering and neighbourÿaggravatingÿvolume- but the speakers did look quite small (although bigger than what i currently have!) Any advice on this although i can see the obvious difficulties with trying to describeÿloudnessÿin writing.

Thanks for the help so far,

Markÿ

 

[Messiah]

I think it will fill the room but the quality may suffer at high volumes. Although if you use the MA speakers they should be able to handle it fine.

 

[Anonymous]

The advantage of going for a separate amp and speakers, compared to an all in one system, might be that your can upgrade as time passes, or adapt the system if your needs change. You can't do either of these with an all in one machine. Also, I think that separates tend to be a little more reliable and last longer. I have never regretted buying separates, but all in one systems, that's another story.............

 

[Anonymous]

My advice for any PC based set-up is to go active:

For just over £300, you can get these speakers which, to my ears, delivers music more accuratly than even my £2k system. They are, put simply, fantastic. http://www.imuso.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?StockCode=ST00627

If you are looking at spending more, please look at the AVi ADM9.1 speakers: Absolutly cracking speakers for the money, and delivered one of the best sounds I have heard on a sub £10k system. http://www.sonos-uk.co.uk/products.aspx?s=21028655_0

If a separates system is your type of thing though, check out the new Cambridge Audio DAC Magic with its USB input: http://whathifi.com/Review/Cambridge-Audio-DacMagic/ and then look at the Audiolab 8000S amplifier (Superfi do it discounted at the moment) http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/2387 And then for the speakers, try these Quads: http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/3226. String together with QED interconnects and you have one awsome system!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the ideas. i suppose my basic question was am i going to get better for my money if i go down theÿseparatesÿroute rather than the all in one. Certainly have a lot to think about now. Will go away now and do a little bit of research but might have a few questions when i come back.

Regards,

Markÿ

 

[the record spot]

Buy a P3. *cough* [;D]