Seeking some advice for speakers

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I'm rather new to the Hi-fi scene, having survived on $100 computer speakers for the longest time. Now that I've actually got a space I'm calling my own, I'd like to invest in something that might actually sound good.

What I'd like my system to do is:

1) play music most of the time (everyday) and home theater sometimes (once a week or fortnight?). Infrequent as it is, I would still like some fairly decent sound when watching my movies

2) music will probably stream from iPod / NAS most of the time (lossless)

3) maybe at some time in future accommodate a 46" - 50" tv. I have a 32" now which I don't see a need to upgrade yet

Went to the audio shop and the sales guy suggested the following:

1) pairing a Denon 2310 with Tannoy DC4T or DC6T. He feels that the DC6T sounds better but feels that with my space constraints, the DC4T would sit better because at a certain volume, with only 2.1m of wall space, the Tannoy may start sounding muddled. I haven't tried either out yet because there is no stock for the DC6T, which will only ship in in May

2) splurge on my AVR and 2 front speakers first and get a cheap separate set of 5.1 for home theater (Jamo) or just not bother about the 5.1 for now

I've got a 2.1m x 5m room. The TV and the entire system will sit on the 2.1m wall.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Am wondering:

1) would the DC4T or DC6T make more sense?

2) must they be paired with subs or can I do without a sub for now? I've been told if I want to use the floor standers for theater as well, I would need a center speaker. But a center speaker plus a sub would just kill my pocket

3) if I take the alternative of splurging on the floor standers + AVR, and getting cheaper Jamo 5.1 for the sub and center speakers, would I regret it later?

Also, I'm wondering - does it make a difference where the speakers are made? I'm not keen on Made in China speakers but have a budget so I can't afford Made in UK B&Ws unfortunately.

appreciate the advice.

dl

 

[Anonymous]

are you sure you have measured the room correctly? (2.1 meters)

 

[the record spot]

Don't knock "Made in China" boxes as the vast majority are assembled in factories that are about as cutting edge as you'll find anywhere. As to your needs, yes, that room size, just over 6ft wide? Is that right?

Anyway, consider Q Acoustics as good for both music and movies. I'd ca' canny on buying higher end speakers like the Tannoys (no disrespect to the Qs as the likes of the 1050i will happily last an upgrade or two to the likes of the Leema Pulse amp), whereas the Q speakers will work with a wide range of kit and budgets to suit.

Plus Q are a British brand, but may well be built in China. Failing that, go for a UK built standmount in the likes of the EB Acoustics which is effectively a £1k box without the dealer fee to worry about.

 

[Anonymous]

actually, the room is 3.23m x 5m

2.1m is the width of the wall less 1.03m of walk way and 0.1m of curtains, so technically that's the useable wall space

I'm not sure if they carry Q Acoustics here but will probably check it out

Yes, there's a bit of trepidation for buying items made in China as they haven't been known to make the most quality of goods. unfortunately though, most items are being manufactured there these days

 

[Anonymous]

upsidesunny:

actually, the room is 3.23m x 5m

that sounds better .... am sure you will get many recomendations on this forum

 

[Anonymous]

thanks I hope so 🙂 feels a little like I'm taking a stab in the dark.

what would you recommend?

 

[Anonymous]

not too sure really as I am not clued up with the tv side of things, and only own vintage gear .... and all depends on your budget

but have a close look at the AVI 9.1 active speaker system (or similar) ... there are many who frequent these forums who own these and am sure that they will advise

 

[matthewpiano]

Start out with a pair of B&W 685 front speakers and a Sony STR-DA5400ES. This will give you excellent music replay and the basis of a superb HT system. When funds allow add the rest of the B&W speaker package and, eventually, you could even add a really good stereo amp to drive the front channels from the pre-out of the Sony receiver.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks Matthew

are the B&W685 floor standers?

I would prefer floor standers if possible because they don't need stands, are easier to place, and look better in the living hall!

 

[Anonymous]

685 are stand mounts try the 684's they are floor standers.

 

[Anonymous]

I would definitly go for full range speakers rather than sub/sats for stereo.

There are not many good floor standers under say 1000 auid - you'll get much better sound from stand mounters!

 

[Anonymous]

you mentioned sub/sats for stereo

I am not familiar with the terminology. what are sub/sats?