Mini Audio System

[Deleted member 86764]

I'm probably going to buy myself a nice little budget audio system for my desk / lounge (I haven't quite decided where I'll put it just yet) and I'm wondering if anyone on Beyond 3D has any idea of decent audio equipment? I'd quite like some kind of network receiver with amp and some nice quality speakers to go along with them.

My budget is around £400 - £500 (€500 - €625 / US$570 - US$710).

I'm currently thinking either the Marantz MCR511 or the Denon CEOL RCD-N9 as the receiver:





For the speakers, it'll probably be either the Q Acoustics 3020 (in white - why are the white ones more expensive than the blacks??), or the Wharfedale 220s:





I'm currently thinking the Denon with the Q Acoustics looks like a really nice match for the moment but would appreciate if anyone with more knowledge than I can suggest something better.

If I can stretch my budget far enough, I'm also looking at a Pro-Ject Essential II turntable, but that might have to come later...

 

[orangpelupa]

That looks huge.

 

[Deleted member 86764]

I think they're all pretty small. The receivers are about 30cm in width and the speakers are only bookshelf speakers. So nothing massive.

Anyway, I'm treating myself for reasons I wouldn't want to describe here.

 

[orangpelupa]

Yeah I mean the receiver. Is that receiver have a bunch of network features? I'll Google it in a bit. Wirelessly playing music from phone feels good when tired, and just want to relax. Dunno with audio quality, I'm not an audiophile. But it sounds fine.

Although nowadays network features is not really needed with Spotify on various devices and even better with xbox voice command.

Speaker with clone or multi channel feature also can be nice to be placed on multiple room. At least according to ars technica review of Sony network speaker.

This thing and anything similar: http://arstechnica.co.uk/gadgets/20...peakers-are-out-to-knock-sonos-off-its-perch/

 

[orangpelupa]

Your denon seems nice http://www.trustedreviews.com/denon-ceol-rcd-n9-review

Almost Full featured jack of all trades master of everything (only missing hdmi arc)

Edit:
Hdmi arc can considerably reduce cables and the need to use remote to switch inputs.

 

[Deleted member 86764]

Yeah I mean the receiver. Is that receiver have a bunch of network features? I'll Google it in a bit. Wirelessly playing music from phone feels good when tired, and just want to relax. Dunno with audio quality, I'm not an audiophile. But it sounds fine.

Although nowadays network features is not really needed with Spotify on various devices and even better with xbox voice command.

Speaker with clone or multi channel feature also can be nice to be placed on multiple room. At least according to ars technica review of Sony network speaker.

This thing and anything similar: http://arstechnica.co.uk/gadgets/20...peakers-are-out-to-knock-sonos-off-its-perch/

Funnily enough I was looking at the Sony SRS X9, as you can get them for a good price on eBay.

I'm kinda thinking about getting into vinyl though and those devices aren't great for supporting vinyl players.

 

[Deleted member 86764]

Your denon seems nice http://www.trustedreviews.com/denon-ceol-rcd-n9-review

Almost Full featured jack of all trades master of everything (only missing hdmi arc)

Edit:
Hdmi arc can considerably reduce cables and the need to use remote to switch inputs.

The speakers I've picked out have had similar positive reviews for them too:

http://www.whathifi.com/q-acoustics/3020/review
http://www.whathifi.com/wharfedale/diamond-220/review

What HiFi seem to suggest that the Wharfedales are better, but I just don't think they look as nice. The problem with them is they're bi-wired and the Denon doesn't have the bi-wire ports on the back. I'm not sure if that'd effect the sound quality...

So I'm definitely thinking the Q Acoustics are a better match.

I don't know whether a proper separates system would be better. I'd be able to build on them over time too.

 

[Deleted member 13524]

Some years ago I was very tempted on the legendary JBL Control One because of their versatility (can be used outside) and very low price in exchange for great quality.
Your budget seems to allow for better options in the sound quality department, though.

 

[Deleted member 86764]

Oh yeah, those look decent. How can they be used outside? I imagine they'd need to be connected to an amp?

I got my partner's son a Bose Soundlink III for Xmas and I was impressed with the sound quality, so I started looking at similar Bluetooth speakers that are mobile. The Bowers and Wilkins T7 was the first one I've been tempted with. So I started researching the speakers and thought that a Sony SRS X77 might be better as it's cheaper and has nearly twice the output. That then became the SRS X88 or for a similar price on eBay the X99.

Now I'm finally looking at these small hifi systems, as I suspect the sound will be better than those Sonys. Should have better stereo separation too.

I'm probably going to order the parts this week, so fingers crossed will have the system up-and-running by the weekend. If I'm proud and made the right decision, I'll post a picture.

 

[Deleted member 13524]

Oh yeah, those look decent. How can they be used outside? I imagine they'd need to be connected to an amp?

They're normal passive speakers, but they're weather proof.

 

[entity279]

Not reading the whole tread here, but for a very small size and included amps, I found the Ruark mr1 to be unbelievably good.

 

[Deleted member 86764]

Those look interesting. I guess they're bluetooth and don't require an amp?

If I'm reading the Amazon advert correctly, they're only 20w.

 

[Jawed]

Curious why you haven't mentioned Minx Xi at £370 or less:

http://www.whathifi.com/cambridge-audio/minx-xi/review

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FDSLS64/?tag=b3d-21

It appears to do everything you need once you add speakers.

£300:

http://www.richersounds.com/product...yers/cambridge-audio/minx-xi/camb-minx-xi-blk

The reviews on Richer Sounds are worth reading: terrible app.

I dare say that Richer Sounds could be the best place for user reviews generally speaking.

 

[Davros]

You need one of these, nice and portable

 

[Deleted member 86764]

I've got the hairdo, so I'm halfway there.

 

[Deleted member 86764]

Curious why you haven't mentioned Minx Xi at £370 or less:

http://www.whathifi.com/cambridge-audio/minx-xi/review

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FDSLS64/?tag=b3d-21

It appears to do everything you need once you add speakers.

£300:

http://www.richersounds.com/product...yers/cambridge-audio/minx-xi/camb-minx-xi-blk

The reviews on Richer Sounds are worth reading: terrible app.

I dare say that Richer Sounds could be the best place for user reviews generally speaking.

Probably a little out of my price range, especially if I want the turntable too. Might have a look to see if I can get it in a bundle (hopefully white too)...

 

[Deleted member 86764]

Well, I ordered the Denon, the Q Acoustics, and the Pro-Ject turntable. All arrives tomorrow.

Hopefully it's all decent.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[Deleted member 86764]

Apparently you need to have a phono preamp for the Essential II turntable, as the Denon doesn't have one built in. That's the sort of thing that I wish I knew before I made the purchase! I plugged the thing into the Analogue input and it didn't make a sound. Frustrating, but it's a lesson learned.

Looks good and sounds very nice.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[Malo]

Thousands on high end audio/visual equipment and all you do is watch plants die slowly on the TV.