New Buyer Paralyzed with Indecision and $5k…


Hi there,

Looking for some advice.

Currently streaming from my computer to AudioEngine 5’s and an 8” Definitive Technology sub.  Enjoy Rock, acoustic, female vocals and some pop.  Room will be about 30’x16’ with high arching ceiling (20’).  


Looking for something that hits hard...that I can feel when I’m home alone and will also fill the house with quality background music when I’m not.  While I am far from a critical listener and do not have any type of trained ear, I can get into comparing and looking for the differences in songs from different sources and such.   I would probably favor something that rocks over accuracy though.  Hoping that with this budget I can come close to getting both.


Equipment:

I thought I was set on some entry level Zu speakers.  I liked the feel of company, reviews, return policy, price ($1k) and that they are made in Utah.


Zu recommended the Rogue Sphinx and I liked that they too were US made and seem to get solid reviews.


A shop in Seattle carried the Sphinx but wasn’t able to demo it for me and pushed the Cronus instead.  They also were not a fan of the Zu’s and pushed their Monitor Audio Silver 200’s which I thought sounded decent for streaming from my phone.  The experience knocked down my enthusiasm for what I thought I wanted and I walked out empty handed.


The same day I went to a much more “posh” audio store and I was shown the Do-it-All Linn DSM Majik, for $3k.  While I am not generally a fan of Do-it-All products, I have to admit I liked the simplicity and overall operability for whatever that’s worth.  They streamed tidal through some Linn speakers bu they didn’t WOW me. 


With the sales pitch and frustration of just wanting to get some music going in my home I was close to pulling the trigger on it.  Again, I walked out empty handed though, unsure what to go with.  


My needs:

I will be steaming for the time being.  

I have no interest in Records at this time.

I want to be able to connect my TV to this system.

Possibly interested in adding subs to the system later on.


Any quick thoughts?

Thanks for reading!



gshack

Showing 1 response by mapman

Lot’s of good choices out there so confusing at first for sure.

Rogue Sphinx is a very good choice.

If it were me I’d be looking at OHM Walsh speakers again in your case.


https://ohmspeaker.com/

I’d advise anyone already nervous to steer clear of tube amps, which have many special considerations, but if tubes are what float your boat then go for it.