New to HI-FI - budget system - advice needed

[admin_exported]

Hello, everybody!

My name is Rok, i'm from Slovenia, and im new to HI-FI scene... up until now i've been using various Philips "micro hi-fi" and latelyup Cambridge audio 5.1 system ( old as hell, probably worth 20$). Now, I decided to move one stair up and buy myself a decent hi-fi/AV system for the buck. My budget is around 550$. I am almost sure to go with Stereo system, at least for now... it might be permanent, though.

Speakers are a nobrainer, since there are a lot of reviews on this site... i decided for Wharfedale diamond 10.1.

But as for amp... i am not sure if i should buy dedicated amplifier, or AV reciever, new or used... AVR interests me very much, since it has optical in, so i dont have to buy additional DAC( integrated soundcard - with optical out), but im not sure, if i can get something good for 300$? Can you help me anyhow?

 

[AL13N]

$300/£190 is pretty tight. At that price the Cambridge Audio 340A SE would be a safe option.

Of course there's always the second hand route, but that opens up so many worthy contenders I'll leave the recommendations to others!

My advice would be visit as many local dealers as possible and test Ex Dem Amps within your budget. That way you have the safety net of returning it if you're not happy with the sound in your home setup, and have a guarantee if you do like it and something goes wrong.

Good Luck

 

[Anonymous]

Maximum is somewhere at 220 pounds, i think... I was looking around for older recievers, but i cant test them, since i havent got my Wharfedales yet... I dont really care too much about all the new functions and HD stuff... I would just like a good sounding system for my budget, functions dont overly concern me... If i can get better DAC/amp combination for the buck, im going for it! But you need to lead me, im lost 🙂))

 

[matthewpiano]

Personally I'd save £100 by going for the Diamond 9.1s and put the money towards a better amp. I think your amp choices would widen considerably with an extra £100 to spend.

 

[AL13N]

BlockhdT:Maximum is somewhere at 220 pounds, i think... If i can get better DAC/amp combination for the buck, im going for it!

What is your source? CD, DVD/Bluray, PC/Mac?

 

[Anonymous]

My source is PC. I would also watch DVDs and HD, but i dont mind being without Surround. Quality stereo does it for me!

 

[ear]

yes the 9.1 are better than the 10.1 IMHO

 

[ear]

better sounding I mean

 

[AL13N]

BlockhdT:My source is PC. I would also watch DVDs and HD, but i dont mind being without Surround. Quality stereo does it for me!

Your OP states "My budget is around 550$". If this is US dollars, that's around £350 right now (x-rates quote). That's very tight for a good DAC/Amp/Speakers combo. Especially as your using a PC, I would strongly recommend checking out the Audioengine A5 speakers plus a good pair of stands (Soundstyle Z2).

The A5s come with all cables included and even have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Other than that, I repeat my original advice for ex-dem/second hand. You may have a long hunt but the rewards may well be worth it.