Recommend me a 2.1 HiFi Set up (below $1000)

datzed on 26/08/2019 - 11:57
Last edited 26/08/2019 - 12:30 by 1 other user

Ok, so I've gone off soundbars and now researching for a decent 2.1 setup.

As per title, looking for brands or models for largish bookshelf speaker + amp + subwoofer combo. Doesn't have to be all the same brand I guess?

While I listen to mostly bass heavy music I'm keen to get a good all rounder package. It'll be used mainly for music and TV/Movies.

So far, I've had recommended Onkyo LS5200 which I like, but the speakers seem a little small.

Any other recommendations?

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • aboabo on 26/08/2019 - 12:23

    Replace the small speakers with largish ones.

  • brad1-8tsi on 26/08/2019 - 13:04
    +1

    I made my speakers using a kit from http://www.theloudspeakerkit.com/ and I like them.

    Got a well regarded amp from Dick Smith first and then upgraded to a vintage 1970s pioneer amp that a friend gave me.

    • [Deactivated] on 26/08/2019 - 15:36

      I used these blokes a fair bit. Not sure if it's still owned by the same guys but SGR Audio used to own LSK so the advise given by LSK comes from very qualified and experienced speaker builders.

  • crentist on 26/08/2019 - 13:31
    +4

    ebay a bunch of old speakers and amps. or look for council cleanups. people basically dump these things, but I don't think old speakers are any worse than new if you aren't looking for something compact.
    you could probably get a nice sounding, massive pair of floorstanding speakers that will destroy your neighbours quality of life for under $200

    • thebadmachine on 26/08/2019 - 17:45
      +1

      Dali Zensor 1’s currently $228 Delivered for the pair using PAPA20 code for 20% off.

      • revheadgl on 26/08/2019 - 18:01

        Cambridge Audio SX50B Speakers here for $239.20 with code PAPA20 on checkout.

        https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CAMBRIDGE-AUDIO-SX50B-BOOKSHELF-…

        I have not personally heard these but they get good reviews.

        To add some advice on speakers, from my opinion and experience, speakers like these that have silk dome tweeters tend to have a less aggressive upper end sound, which makes for a less tiring listen over extended periods.

        This is a generalisation as of course there are many speakers such as my B&W DM601 S3 which have metallic dome tweeters that have a relatively mellow, easy listening sound.

        Bright sounding speakers always make a great initial impression as they stand out when comparing speakers. But I personally find them annoying to listen to for even limited periods.

        In saying that, everyone's taste ánd listening experience is different. Try before you buy if you can.

        • thebadmachine on 26/08/2019 - 18:53

          Yes walnut colour SX50B also available from same seller with 20% off code.
          https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CAMBRIDGE-AUDIO-SX50B-BOOKSHELF-…

          The SX50’s look identical to the Cambridge Audio Minx’s but have a different sound-signature.
          I dug up an old comment where I recommended them to someone and explained the difference in sound-signature.

          Regarding soft-dome vs metal-dome tweeters, yes I agree with what you said. And it typically is the case that a metal-dome is more harsh and fatiguing, as that detail / resolution is their typical ‘strength’ or feature over soft-dome (cymbal crashes etc).
          I imagine some speaker companies have tuned their metal-dome tweeters to roll-off earlier to reduce such negative characteristics (like the B&W you mentioned).

          The best balance IMO is a folded-ribbon tweeter, which manages to be as resolving and precise / detailed as a metal-dome minus the fatigue over long periods.

  • captaincabinets on 26/08/2019 - 15:12
    +1

    Wall of text because I can empathise with a fellow bass fan.

    I've spent a lot of time researching home theatre in the past couple of years. If you bargain hunt well, and take your time like I have, I think you can get a quality used system for around 75% off the original RRP. In my experience the biggest difference in the 'wow' factor of a system is the sub. Even fairly cheap floorstanding speakers can make your ears bleed with volume and with decent quality, but to get the real bass feel you need a large sub or subs.

    I've gone from 1x10", to 2x12", and I'm currently working on repairing a 15" KEF as an upgrade for one of the 12s. Obviously my plans are overkill for most people but you get the idea. I was able to get a used SVS SB12" which is allegedly $1600 RRP for around $400 near new. You get the idea.

    Personally I have a preference for floorstanders to bookshelves, you can get Yamaha NS50Fs used every day for $2-300 I think. You could actually get the whole Yamaha 5.1 system they came in used for $3-500 (my old system). Sell the 10" sub for $1-200 and spend the remainder of your $1000 on a used sub like the aforementioned SVS. I'd prefer to have the ported version but beggars can't be choosers on the used market.

    My system is Pioneer SC-LX77 amp, VAF DCX floorstanders, Aaron CC240 centre, Denon rears, KEF/SVS/Yamaha subs.

    • datzed on 26/08/2019 - 15:31
      +1

      Thanks for this post. This is kinda the path I want to head down where a little bit of research and hustling results in a decent setup.

      I'm trying to avoid floor standing speakers as I've got an apartment and want to keep things uncluttered.

      • captaincabinets on 26/08/2019 - 15:37

        No worries. I've heard good things about these, and they can be had new cheap. Only downside I've heard is that the wire connector holes are small:
        https://www.wagneronline.com.au/6-bookshelf-speakers-amt-day…
        They are on ebay from the same supplier too.

        Dayton also make some apparently amazing bang for the buck subs but then you're going to be messing around with DIY which sounds like a long way down the track for you.

        If you're going for minimal space, a 12" sealed sub is probably the best bet. Just for fun, SVS also make cylinder subs by the way, which I'd consider if I was in an apartment for the smaller footprint:
        https://www.svsound.com/collections/cylinder-subwoofers

      • [Deactivated] on 26/08/2019 - 16:17

        Then why have a pre-req of having a sub.

        There are many 2.0 systems that have sufficient bass punch for an apartment.

        I have seen the KEF LS50 in the second hand market for under $1000 on occasion. Get a cheap amp until you can afford/decide on what you want the speakers to do in the long run.

        The LS50 is the best affordable bookshelf speakers I have ever owned only slightly surpassed by something 5x the cost. Sounds good and bloody pretty to look at.

        • captaincabinets on 27/08/2019 - 10:00

          I guess it'd depend a lot on the apartment construction and neighbours. Sufficient bass is highly subjective. Some people are happy with the bass from the cheapy earbuds that came with their phone. I kept buying headphones until I got to the Skullcandy Crusher wireless and said yep, that's enough bass.

          In my experience, as a bass fan, upgrading subs made a more noticeable impact on my home theatre and music enjoyment than upgrading my floorstanders. That's not to say that I don't love my VAFs, but the difference was less for me. I've seen dozens of posts on stereo.net and the like where people say "X speakers are great you don't even need a sub". For them, that is true. For me it isn't. Those KEF bookshelves bottom out at 47hz. The KEF 15" sub I'm working on was putting out 15hz while I was attempting to fix it.

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