New speakers for basic system

[giggsy1977]

Afternoon lads and lasses. I have an old hifi setup comprising of a Marantz PM4001 amplifier and a Philips CD723 cd player. They are currently connected to largeish bookshelf speakers that belonged to an Aiwa midi system. They're quite bassy speakers which I like, but although the electronics themselves are no great shakes, the speakers are no doubt holding the system back. I listen to all sorts of music and like a smooth rich sound. Should I look to floorstanders and if so, which ones? My budget is pretty limited, but I could spend more with a view to upgrading the cd player which is not much younger than the speakers. Any thoughts? Thanks. 🙂

 

[giggsy1977]

Anyone? Will to spend up to £300 as I say, they will have to allow for one upgrade. Warm, rich, bassy sound is the order of the day. Thanks.

 

[John Duncan]

Tada

Will certainly last an upgrade (or two), and that's a bargain price. Get them quick while you still can!

 

[ear]

NAH!!! its not the speakers holnding back.The pm4001 CANNOT drive floorstanders. Had one.Know it.

 

[the record spot]

Except that the 40wpc Marantz will be able to drive 92db speakers with some ease which the 1050i's are. I've a couple of 30wpc amps that drove the current 752s which are 89db, so the 4001 should be fine. More power is no bad thing, but it'll be okay with 40.

Edit - scotch that; they're discontinued now (on JD's link).

 

[matthewpiano]

The PM4001 isn't a great amp by any stretch (I once bought one and returned it within 2 days), but it certainly deserves better than Aiwa midi system speakers. It can always be upgraded at a later date to get the best out of the new speakers.

The 1050i and 1030i speakers by Q are very easy to drive and do a lot of things very well. Downside? They can get a bit ragged and the driver integration could be better. At the prices available now, though, they are a great buy.

 

[giggsy1977]

John, thanks for the reply. Do you think I would be over doing it by stretching to the q acoustics 2050? Is there much between these and the 1050's you recommend? Thanks again.

 

[the record spot]

By all accounts (i.e. the reviews I've read) the 2050 is a little more harsh sounding if pushed, which is the implication I'm drawing from them...great value at £380, or £450 for the gloss finishes, but worth bearing in mind for the amp you currently have. Plus, they're BIG speakers. They could probably do with a fair bit of room to breathe.

 

[John Duncan]

Yes the 2050 would be a step too far monetarily I'd say - better to use the extra to upgrade the amp, as others have said.

 

[giggsy1977]

Well everyone, thanks for the input! Great to get info from hifi enthusiasts, esp with experience of actual products. It's looking like the 1050's are the best option without spending too much cash. Just need to sort out the cables now...don't worry, can sort that part! Thanks again everyone.

 

[giggsy1977]

John, thought you might say that! They do look good in the gloss finish though. You're right, too expensive tho! Thanks again.

 

[giggsy1977]

Ear, the record spot and matthewpiano - thanks for the advice and info. Much obliged.

 

[the record spot]

No worries mate, you're welcome.

 

[giggsy1977]

Just seen from my localish store with the same initials as Record Spot that the 1030i's are available for a very low price of £120. As these are over a tonne less than Mr D's fine suggestion, should they be considered. I can actually see them and get local dealer support in this case. Not so with the 1050i's which look hard to get hold of. Always unsure about buying something like this over the net. Thanks again and apologies for dragging out thread!