Maybe I could push it to $1,000 for the speakers and receiver. Maybe.
Just getting started on a budget and need bookshelf speakers/receiver now
I am poor and need some bookshelf speakers and a receiver, all for around $600-$700. I know this is a surely a travesty for most of you because you are professionals, but... I have to start somewhere and won't come into much more money anytime soon. I currently have Infinity Reference 2000-3 speakers and a Yamaha RX-395 receiver. I listen to CLASSICAL music and OPERA. I'd like to have the speakers and a receiver that can handle bluetooth, my cd player, the tv and computer. I've looked at Kanto YU6, Cambridge Audio SX-60, ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 and MartinLogan Motion LX16. But I don't know if these speakers are better than what I've got (I have to think they are since mine are ancient). I know you will probably say "just save your money," but that won't work. Can you please help me?
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Go listen to the small Ushers S-520. Also there are multiple KEF, Paradigim, and the list goes on. Your ears will tell you what you like, and so much is based on the equipment that is plugged into the wall. One thing I find is the equipment built for theater AV will not be as pleasant. From what I am told that to get the licensing for things like THX, Dolby and other AV system requirements that they list on the front the company pays a handsome fee and so to keep the cost of the unit where they need it, they sometimes cut the corners on the materials. If this is just for music try to avoid the theater based electronics. I likely would put a little over half into the speakers and then work on the electronics as a rough start although you may find a bit more goes into the speakers in the begining. So replace the infinity first. And just because equipment is old doesn’t mean anything with some companies. I know people with very old equipment and incredible sound. Do you have a good place to go listen? Some high end shops do a used or consignment. And remember to let them know your room characteristics. I have seen Totem, and Vienna that you can get for that kind of money in used speakers, and depending on how they were used they can often sound new without the break in period. Just be a smart shopper and ask questions. You can also look online at places like US Audio Mart, or on this sight in the selling section. It is not just how much you spend, but how you match your gear. You can spend thousands and still have mud. I have a pair of KEF 350 as one set and they were around $500. They aren’t amazing, but in the room they are in they work well. I also have an older set of Paradigms that I like for more classical and folk. You can find something just do a little research and get your ears to a shop if you can. |
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Don’t overlook Klipsch bookshelf speakers in this price range. For $550/pr there are the RP 600M. Folks like these because they give a well balanced (between mids and highs), clear sound even at volume and also surprisingly dynamic...an enjoyable and fun sounding speaker. They might be slightly fussy about how you mount them...a solid flat surface...and nothing a little blu tac wouldn’t cure. Or you could think about buying your amps and speakers in one shot. What about Klipsch "The Sixes". Powered speakers with good quality amps already built in. Bluetooth ready. Only one analog input though, but you can stream through them in a snap. Also well received for the listening quality. $722/pr. A long time down the road you could add a small self powered sub to either and be in business (The Sixes have a sub out jack). Scope them both out on Crutchfield. |
This might work for you and is within your budget. Music Direct has the well regarded
Wharfedale - Diamond 10.2
speakers on sale for $299. You can get a Yamaha
A-S501
Integrated on Ebay for $349. I've never heard either, just an option from good companies. https://www.musicdirect.com/speakers/wharfedale-diamond-102-bookshelf-speakers-pr-awfdia102blk https://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-A-S501-170-watt-Stereo-Integrated-Amp-DAC-with-sub-out-AUTHORIZED-DE... |
So you can go to a dealer, and buy new, and it will sound great because you’ll be able to hear it all first, and make sure it sounds great. Or you can buy used, and save a ton of money, but then you have to resell stuff that doesn’t work. Problem is, unless you buy local, the shipping costs are going to take most of your cash, so used isn’t much help. If you are buying local, though, then many sellers are more than happy to share their thoughts and knowledge, and that includes letting you come and listen, before you buy. That’s true of dealers too: many hifi dealers do it because they love music. I’ve gotten used kit from dealers that had upgraded their big spending clients. (I am a very little fish). Don’t rush. Unless they’ve been abused, speakers don’t really get worse with age. I have a set of 20 year old meridians and they are the most amazing thing I’ve ever heard. So that's $25,000 of speakers (in 1995 dollars) for ~$1400. I can't give you specific recommendations for Opera. But for me, buying used has been very rewarding. |
I can only speak in reference to NAD gear mentioned by other posters. If you pursue that route look at sites that have the NAD 3020 integrated amp for sale. That amp has been out of production for quite some time but in the used market you may be able to find one that is in excellent condition or has been refurbished. The 3020 was a big dog killer in it's day because of it's performance compared to amps costing much more. If you do decide on a NAD pay close attention to the speakers to be used with it. Some sound not good like Klipsch and others. NAD and PSB were or are kinda like sister companies. PSB mates well with NAD stuff. PSB offers many lines in terms of price. |
Check out Creek integrated amps they match well with a lot speakers like the PSB suggested above or many British type speakers. Also read some reviews on LSA speakers you can pick them up dirt cheap now, 2 or $300 and the sound like $2000 monitors. If you can find them Alon petites or XLS Sking ninja modded speakers for 2 or$300. Leave $100 in your budget for some decent used pair interconnects, and some diy speaker wire. You would be surprised what you can do with 7 or $800 if buying used with matched speakers and components, good luck |
