What Hi-Fi for a newbie?

[admin_exported]

Hi. I've been looking to get a decent set-up now for years now and I just wanted to ask what you guys thought of what I have in mind.

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Project Debut Esprit

Harman Kardon HK3380 Stereo Receiver (I've come across one of these for £150)

B&W 686 Speakers

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I'm interested in hooking this up to my TV sometime in the future but at the minute I just want to play records. I'm pretty set on getting that turntable but was interested in what you thought of the rest?

Will it all work together? 

Do I need a phono pre-amp?

Thanks for your help! 

 

 

 

 

[Andrew Everard]

Yes it will work fine together, and no you don't need a phono preamp - the HK has one built-in.

 

[Anonymous]

i'm not familiar with the HK receiver (is it hifi or AV?) but for that money you could get something i'd imiagine would sound better for stereo reproduction such as one of the budget Nad amps (315, 325) or something by Marantz, Rotel or Cambridge Audio. Though to be fair many wont have a phono stage.

To be honest the budget end of the market is for me the most exciting. So much sound can be had for so little cash. Even more if you venture second hand.

My 8000a was £150 from a reputable hifi dealer with 3 months warranty and would doubtless blow the HK out of the water in terms of detail and transparancy - though its far from perfect.

Just a thought, appologies if the HK is something special as I said I've not heard of it.

The 686 didnt achieve a glowing review from WHF: http://whathifi.com/Review/BandW-686/
But it all comes down to taste and i'm sure they're still great hifi speakers. I do quite like the top end B&W produce with their nautilus derrived tweeter technology, very sweet and crisp (not sure if the 686 has this though).

 

[Anonymous]

As AR mentioned you should define whether you are looking to get surround sound from you amp or stereo sound.

 

[plastic penguin]

I concur with the others. Are you looking for surround sound or stereo? You can simply hook you TV into a conventional stereo with great effect.

On paper your choice looks fine, although you don't mention your budget.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks all for your help. Some useful comments.

My budget is about £750 and I'm looking for an amp that my turntable can sit on as I don't have much space. TheÿEsprit is about the same size as the HK and it also looks good - I know, not the best reasons to buy an amp.

Maybe these speakers instead? http://whathifi.com/Review/BandW-685/ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

I dont have much experience with turntables, etc however I know from my fathers system that:

1) Turntables require good isolation to avoid vibrations, etc which cause decreases in sound quality

2) Hi Fi components require "breathing space" and perform better on their own shelf, etc.

 

[Anonymous]

You are going to overheat the amp sitting anything on it, this really is a bad idea and i would think twice before you make such a costly mistake.