Hello,
I am in the lucky position of being able to buy a new system from scratch. At the moment I am using an old sony surround system and airport express to access my music (all ripped in 256/320kps to iTunes). I also have all my CDs, but find I don't use them much. I have lusted after a great quality audio system for ages - now is the time!
My one good quality purchase so far is a pair of Sennheiser HD595s which have highlighted the performance increase possible, even with compressed files. I am looking to buy a good quality system that will last for years. In terms of preferences I enjoy the Sennheiser's sound but would rather buy speakers (and system) with a richer, warmer sound; I find the Sennheisers a little soulless and lacking in excitement. I listen to a wide range of music: opera, alternative, classical and rock/pop.
I recently auditioned the Monitor Audio BX2s and BX5s biwired with both Arcam Solo Neo and a top end Denon AV amplifier. I found the Denon too forward and not sufficiently integrated (I felt the highs stood out too much). I loved the Arcam sound particularly with the BX5s.
I am going to include a Sonos S5 with ZP plugged into amp for a second room.
For the living room (16 x 12ft) I would ideally have a system that could play 5.1 for blue ray and TV. However, my first audition would suggest that I wouldn't get the same musicality with such a system. I am more concerned with music than movie surround.
My budget is limited to a max of £1500 for everything (possibly less the Sonos) I am therefore interested in end of line/used products, particularly to get the best speakers possible.
So then, a blank sheet of paper and lots of questions:
1. Which speaker manufacturers offer the greatest warmth and relaxed sound? ( I find some just a bit 'tinny' sounding)
2. There are some great deals on Monitor Audio BR5s at the moment; would these sound similar to the BX5s? ( I prefer the look of floor standers and thought they were (slightly) better than the BX2s.
3. Is there a (reasonably priced) AV amp that would offer a more 'Arcam' type sound? Anyone heard the new Onkyo TX-SR608?
As a newbie to this world, I would appreciate any advice you guys have. Thanks!
I am in the lucky position of being able to buy a new system from scratch. At the moment I am using an old sony surround system and airport express to access my music (all ripped in 256/320kps to iTunes). I also have all my CDs, but find I don't use them much. I have lusted after a great quality audio system for ages - now is the time!
My one good quality purchase so far is a pair of Sennheiser HD595s which have highlighted the performance increase possible, even with compressed files. I am looking to buy a good quality system that will last for years. In terms of preferences I enjoy the Sennheiser's sound but would rather buy speakers (and system) with a richer, warmer sound; I find the Sennheisers a little soulless and lacking in excitement. I listen to a wide range of music: opera, alternative, classical and rock/pop.
I recently auditioned the Monitor Audio BX2s and BX5s biwired with both Arcam Solo Neo and a top end Denon AV amplifier. I found the Denon too forward and not sufficiently integrated (I felt the highs stood out too much). I loved the Arcam sound particularly with the BX5s.
I am going to include a Sonos S5 with ZP plugged into amp for a second room.
For the living room (16 x 12ft) I would ideally have a system that could play 5.1 for blue ray and TV. However, my first audition would suggest that I wouldn't get the same musicality with such a system. I am more concerned with music than movie surround.
My budget is limited to a max of £1500 for everything (possibly less the Sonos) I am therefore interested in end of line/used products, particularly to get the best speakers possible.
So then, a blank sheet of paper and lots of questions:
1. Which speaker manufacturers offer the greatest warmth and relaxed sound? ( I find some just a bit 'tinny' sounding)
2. There are some great deals on Monitor Audio BR5s at the moment; would these sound similar to the BX5s? ( I prefer the look of floor standers and thought they were (slightly) better than the BX2s.
3. Is there a (reasonably priced) AV amp that would offer a more 'Arcam' type sound? Anyone heard the new Onkyo TX-SR608?
As a newbie to this world, I would appreciate any advice you guys have. Thanks!