Laptop Hi-Fi

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I started out with a set of Logitech Z323 for my laptop. But i soon outgrew them and started missing the bass. Then spent the better part of the fortnight pondering over various options between offerings from Logitech and Altec Lansing. (Stuff i considered was the Logitech Z523, Z2300 & Altec Lansing FX5021)

Almost finalized on the FX5021 when i had an epiphany and thought of going in for separates.

My room is really tiny and my laptop/ipod are the only source units for the equipment.

Chanced upon the Tannoy F1 Customs for 80 quid at Richer Sounds and fell in love with them. I am now pondering over the amp.

Am considering between the Tangent Amp50 for 50 Quid and the Cambridge Audio A1 Ver.3 for 80 Quid but i would love to have your suggestions in bettering the amp choices for less ( pre-owned)

My requirements,

• Should complement the Tannoys
• Ability to connect a sub
• I'm looking for pre-owned receivers but am currently clueless about what and where to look for them.

It'd be great if someone could point me out in the right direction please.

Many thanks in advance,

Cheers 🙂

 

[idc]

Hi squalo. I cant help much over the choice of amp, but why do you want/need a sub if your room is so small?

Have you considered powered speakers for your ipod/laptop to connect to, such as by Audioengine or Samson?

What about a docking speaker system for your ipod? There are loads reviewed by What Hifi.

How do you intend to connect separates to the laptop?

 

[Anonymous]

hi idc,

I have never given powered speakers like Audioengine a shot. Considering their price of around 250 Pounds on Ebay, they are way out of my budget.

I love stability in my equipment, so having the option to connect a sub is more for my peace of mind than anything else.

Ipod docking stations just don't come close in terms of the price-to-performance aspect. So, at the end of the day, I might get what suits my wallet best and then take a call a few months down the line

Cheers 🙂

 

[idc]

The Audioengine A2 is £130 and the Samson Studiodock3i is £110. Price per pound they rate very well indeed, better than docking stations, so I understand your reluctance there.

As for your original suggestion, I take it that you near a Richer Sounds so you could maybe get an audition or do a deal with your budget? Cambridge tends to be regarded better than Tangent.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, I am based in Guildford where there's a 'Richer Sound' store.

They have a Tangent Amp100 for 50 Pounds at Reading (Open Box) and a Cambridge Audio A1Ver.3 for 80 Pounds (Boxed) at their Guildford Store. Which one do you suggest to pair with the 'Tannoy F1 Custom' that are available there for 80 Pounds.

Thanks for the quick response.

Cheers 🙂

 

[jimdonnelly]

I would go with the Cambridge but get them to give you a listen with your ipod connected. They probably do not have a demo room but you will get a flavour even on the shop floor.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi jim,

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Unfortunately, they don't have a demo room and if i had a better deal someplace else, i'd go thr.

I was very tempted by the open box deal on the Tangent Amp100 @ 50 Pounds.

Any pointers as to why you think the Cambridge is a better choice? I need the amp for just a year after which i'll upgrade. But i want peace of mind, hence the decision for a new amp

Waiting to hear your thoughts on this.

Cheers 🙂

 

[jimdonnelly]

I just think that the Cambridge is a better amp and you are more likely to be able to sell it come upgrade time. I also don't like open box deals, I prefer new. Although there are plenty on the forum who are happy to buy second hand, open box, ex demo etc. If you are happy to buy second hand then you should check out e-bay where you will get a lot more for your money.

 

[idc]

To go back a bit, you have titled this thread 'Laptop Hifi'. So how do you plan to connect your laptop to your hiffi? Or are you going to use the ipod as the source?

 

[Anonymous]

I was hoping to connect it using a 3.5 mm pc to RCA cable (Sorry, I don't know the technical name for it)

The same cable would be used to connect the Ipod. As My Laptop would be my primary source, I titled the thread - 'Laptop Hifi'.

@ Jim,

I really do not mind used or open box stuff as long as the price is right for a decent amp that saves me some money.

Cheers 🙂

 

[jimdonnelly]

Check out e-bay. You will get a better amp for our money and will probably be able to get some money back when it is trade in/selling time.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.