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Is Budget Audiophile an oxymoron?

I would like to spend as little as I can get away with for bookshelf speakers, which would be driven by a Yamaha RX-V385 connected to a 65", current model, TCL

We use the TV infrequently; however, when we do use it, it is used to watch a movie. Blu-ray, DVD, or streaming if it matters.

Currently, I have 2 Klipsch RP-600M's that I am dissatisfied with.  
Some room acoustic issues, I'm sure, play a part in the 600s sounding poorly. This is set up in a partially converted garage.  Picture an L-shaped area where the lower part of the L wall area is 12' wide by 6' deep, with the remaining depth opening the larger garage area. The 600's are placed atop IKEAs (2x4 WxH) Kallex units along the 12' wide wall.  No soundbar is being used.

What is a budget audiophile to do?

johnmarzy
johnmarzy's avatar
johnmarzy OP
43 posts
 

This is a very serious group:)
What I thought was a clever title to attract attention, so I could ask a question regarding upgrading an inexpensive pair of bookshelf speakers, produced a lot of comments explaining and defending how to be a budget audiophile.  I promise to be more direct next time.

wolf_garcia
6,892 posts
 

I'm sort of a budget audiophile and it's fun for me to find great sounding stuff at what I regard as "reasonable" cost. 8 grand for my new speakers? Utterly worth every penny. Saved a lot by not buying some others that interested me that were about 45 grand...I don't need any more gear so with the money I saved I think I'll take a close look at my sock drawer and maybe get another Telecaster...perhaps buy a politician...bulk floss...hire Jim Campilongo for a private concert...detail my Bugatti... 

jacklynn's avatar
jacklynn
31 posts
 

It's only an oxymoron if said moron believes 100,000 dollar speakers represent value

mikhailark
419 posts
 

You simply need receiver with room correction. We watch movies perfectly fine without any subs. Just LRC full range.

williewonka
3,167 posts
 

@johnmarzy - I had a very nice system that took years to perfect. I spent several years perfecting my cables etc...

Then I realized that when I shed my mortal coil the system would be sold for pennies on the dollar, so I sold it to finance my other passion - photography.

Anyhow, I did end up buying what I condider a budget system - but I took a different approach this time around...

I started with a pair of powered speakers -

  • this eliminated the need for good speaker cables
  • provided a significant improvements in imaging and dynamic performance
  • the company is Yorkville, and they make some very good bookshelf speakers
  • Focal also make studio monitors that may sound better but I have not yet tried them -  they arrive tomorrow laugh
  • These speakers are designed for studio work, so they are very detailed and can be placed close to a wall if necessary.
  • BTW - I have them in a 17ft wide room thet is 40ft long and they fill the room with crystal clear sound

This meant I could simply use a preamp instead of a power amp

  • the Preamp I selected is the WiiM Ultra streamer
    • WiiM Ultra streamer
    • it has phono & line in - as well as USB, bluetooth and wireless streaming capablity
    • It is a very good streamer and comes with excellent control App for the phone - works very well

My turntable is from Fluance 

So for about $1500CDN, which in audiophile circles is a very low budget -  I have what I consider a very nice sounding system that has excellent imaging and dynamic performance. if you want better bass? then add a subwoofer - the WiiM has a sub out RCA socket

Not sure if that helps - hope so

Regards - Steve

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