Best Mini Hi-Fi System for under $1000

TheRealCher on 15/11/2020 - 18:03
Last edited 15/11/2020 - 18:32 by 1 other user

Hi All.

I've moved into a new place and can finally enjoy music without headphones or at low volume. I'm looking at Mini Hi-Fi systems to play jazz, classical, folk, hip hop, acoustic etc - nothing overly bass heavy which is why I'm avoiding just going Bluetooth through a 2.1 sound bar.

I have some LG systems that were less than $300 - they've been fine but I've noticed compared to listening to things with headphones on (via LG v30 phone), that the bass comes out murky and the highs (I think - new to this talk) come out harsh if I listen to one type of music for too long - eg female acoustic It's fine for rock, pop, bouncy stuff but not for hours of listening.

I'm wanting to go down the Mini Hi-Fi route mainly because of space and type of music - lots of CDs, streaming FLAC from my computer etc, no vinyl. From what research I've done, full Hi-Fi is likely out of my range and requirement. That said, I wouldn't mind an Amp/CD Player that I could expand later on with better speakers but not at the cost of crap sound right now. I also don't want active speakers.

Any suggestions on the range of systems that are out there? I've seen Yamaha, Sony, Pioneer, Panasonic and Bose which all seem OK but each seems to have issues. Any personal experiences would be great.

TLDR: Need new Mini Hi-Fi to play music that sounds better.

Thanks!

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • fredblogs on 15/11/2020 - 18:19
    +1

    I've got https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/multi-room_au… and the sound quality is very good. But you have to listen for yourself as it's very subjective.

    • TheRealCher on 15/11/2020 - 18:44

      Thanks. This was definitely one I looked at in terms of under 1500, and it had a lot of the features I was wanting. Yr right - I might have to go somewhere like addicted to audio and listen and then maybe try bargaining them down a little.

      • fredblogs on 16/11/2020 - 12:38

        I should add that our Google speakers get more use now, as "Hey Google, play XYZ" is more convenient.

  • AustriaBargain on 15/11/2020 - 19:04
    +1

    You could just get a pair of really rockingly powerful but great sounding stereo speakers, like fred suggests. Speakers that put out more than enough effortless bass but everything sounds great at all ranges. Add a sub to full in the very low end if you like. With the right speakers your movies should feel like you're at the movies, all your music should sound great, videogames sound great. When you've got good speakers they will sound great at low volume and wall shakingly high volume.

    Just be warned that rear ported bookshelf speakers, and bookshelf speakers in general, will want to be a specific placement like distance from the wall to sound their best. And they don't like to be put in a bookshelf.

    • TheRealCher on 15/11/2020 - 23:46

      What would be good to Power them though?

  • revheadgl on 15/11/2020 - 19:41
    +1

    Have a look a something like the following,

    https://www.digitalcinema.com.au/harman-kardon-bds-280-recei…

    https://www.digitalcinema.com.au/harman-kardon-bds-280-recei…

    https://www.digitalcinema.com.au/harman-kardon-bds-280-recei…

    All under your max budget and you can always add a subwoofer as well.

    • TheRealCher on 15/11/2020 - 23:45

      Thanks…. Would plugging the LG system (without its current speakers) into this function as the cd input then?

      • revheadgl on 16/11/2020 - 00:14
        +1

        No worries, The Harman Kardon amp has a blu ray player in it already, so no need.

        • TheRealCher on 16/11/2020 - 00:19

          Indeed…. And could be expanded later if desired….

          • revheadgl on 16/11/2020 - 00:23
            +1

            @TheRealCher: Yes, it has a subwoofer pre out, bluetooth, FM , HDMI inputs, Optical and analogue inputs so you could add whatever you wanted.

            Plus Harman Kardon receivers sound nice. I have had 2 in the past and always liked them.

            • TheRealCher on 17/11/2020 - 23:42

              @revheadgl: Last question… If I could get the Denon d-m41 system for just over a grand, would you recommend getting it compared to say the harman k with the q-lite?

              • revheadgl on 18/11/2020 - 00:10
                +1

                @TheRealCher: Personally, I would take one of the above HK packages over that Denon any day. The HK is a new old stock item which is how they can do those packages for a good price.

                The HK has twice the power, way more inputs, a blu ray player etc. Plus they sound nice. All the kits offer very good speakers as well.

                You could also add the following subwoofer and have the complete package and still come in under budget. Be a good little 2.1 system for movies as well.

                https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mordaunt-Short-308-subwoofer-in-…

                Granted it's not an absolute ground pounder but for music that sub is really good. It is fast and tight and will go quite loud if you want it to. They are decent with movies as well. I know this because one of my systems runs a pair of them.

                That sub is also new old stock, hence the low price.

                I hope this has been of some help to you. And the questions are fine. Happy to answer.

                Cheers!

                • TheRealCher on 18/11/2020 - 00:17

                  @revheadgl: You've been amazing help. I really appreciate your patience, explanations and suggestions. It's helped me to understand a lot. Thank you!

                  • revheadgl on 18/11/2020 - 00:20
                    +1

                    @TheRealCher: Your'e welcome. I didn't mention this before but many years ago I worked in the audio industry for a while. Mostly selling mid range to lower top end gear. I mention this so you know I sort of have some idea about it, lol.

                    • TheRealCher on 18/11/2020 - 00:35

                      @revheadgl: It's been great - I've been talking with my dad and discussing things that you've raised. He bought/built his own system in the 70s and 80s, refused to let me near it but is responsible for my love of music and interest in sound. Your opinions on components and why have helped me think things through rather than just go for a reviewed product. I'm worried that I can't listen in advance but with what you've suggested, at worst I get something decent that can be expanded and at best it's something I can use for a long time and enjoy.

                      • revheadgl on 18/11/2020 - 00:50

                        @TheRealCher: Awesome that your dad got you into it

                        Not being able to audition can be a concern but when you start putting decent gear into the mix, its pretty safe bet that its going to sound good. And as you said you can always expand on it later.

                        I know you haven't asked and I am not sure if I should say which setup I would buy without being able to audition but I am going to, lol.

                        Based on a few of your comments, I would buy the setup with the NAD speakers and the Morduant short subwoofer. That will end up costing you just under $850. Also the NAD speakers come with decent speaker cables with banana plugs.

                        Below is a link to a review of the NAD speakers.

                        https://nadelectronics.com.au/perfect-match-nad-d-8020-speak…

                        Anyhow, whichever way you decide to go I hope you really enjoy it. Also please feel free to let me know what you end up buying. Genuinely interested to see which choice you make.

                        And don't buy anything because I said so, lol. Choose what is best going to suit you!

                        Cheers.

                        • TheRealCher on 19/11/2020 - 19:26

                          @revheadgl: Hi :)
                          I was going for the quad l-ite…. But then and this sounds really bad, I don't like the looks of them. I'm sure they sound great and maybe if I got the full 5.1 thing they might be OK, but idk… Again I'm unsure.
                          The nads look sexy lol… So do the more expensive ones but then I've price checked the nads and that's actually a really great price. I've been running with the idea that if I can afford better speakers I should, but in this case the nads are cheap but seem every bit as good.
                          So I think what I'll do is go for that, wait for them to arrive, set it up and then consider the subwoofer.
                          I'm thinking about the room I'm in and I've just realised the hallway runs off it - so quiet music disappears at low volumes which explains some of the issues I've been having. Loud music can probably be heard from my back neighbours (20 metres and several walls away) but out the front of the house (a glass door and five metres) there's nothing. That bodes well I think for a better system that can fill the space, blocking out the noise I can hear from my neighbours out the front without necessarily causing neighbourhood wars.
                          So your advice has been great but don't worry - you didn't talk me into something. I've been doing as much research as I can and also taking my time, but your guidance has been key. Otherwise I would've got the denon or a böse sound wave - both of which would have been OK or good but not leading me to where I want to go. What I like is that I'm not locked in to an eco system or an app - there are lots of possibilities which excite me. So again, thank you!

                          • revheadgl on 19/11/2020 - 20:46
                            +1

                            @TheRealCher: Haha, I actually like the looks of the Quads the best!

                            Might I suggest, if you don't think you want to add a subwoofer, then the best choice would be the Wharfedale combo as those speakers will go some 30hz lower than the NAD's. But bear in mind they are quite a bit bigger.

                            But, perhaps as you suggested, if you buy the NAD combo and it's a bit light on the lower end for you, then you can add a sub anytime you want. So it still may be the best choice for you.

                            And although probably less important than sound, it still has to look good, lol.

                            And my main point in suggesting something like I did is that you ARE able to upgrade/change speakers, add other gear, hook it up to a tv etc.

                            I think you are definitely on the right track with the way you are approaching it. Hopefully you will love what ever you choose.

                            And please don't forget to let me know what you buy and if you have any other questions please don't hesitate.

                            • TheRealCher on 19/11/2020 - 21:09

                              @revheadgl: I got the nads. And I'll likely get the sub woofer lol. Just need to start off and see….. And stop thinking about buying more headphones lol…. This whole sonic realm is addictive.
                              Once they arrive and I've got it set up I'll let you know how I'm travelling - I may well have lots more questions :)
                              Thanks again!

                              • revheadgl on 19/11/2020 - 21:21

                                @TheRealCher: Congrats! I sincerely hope you love it.

                                Just be aware that particular sub was the last one available. Happy to answer any questions you have.

                                I am actually seriously considering buying the NAD combo myself now, lol. I just had a stereo amp die last week! Have to see how the funds go.

                                Look forward to hearing your thoughts once you're set up.

                                And happy to be of assistance….just hope my advice works out for you!!!!!!!!!

                                • TheRealCher on 19/11/2020 - 22:42

                                  @revheadgl: Never tell me something is the last one…. I'm glad I didn't buy another set of headbecause now I have a subwoofer on the way. Sighs - well, it's worth it and it means I (probably) won't go crazy on the specials over the weekend lol.
                                  Do you know what caused the amp to die? I hope you were able to get some decent years from it :)

                                  • revheadgl on 19/11/2020 - 23:11
                                    +1

                                    @TheRealCher: Haha, sorry 'bout that……. but you won't regret it.

                                    You will also need a single RCA to single RCA to hook up the subwoofer and an HDMI cable to hook up to the tv. You will need to have it hooked up to a tv to access the on screen display for the settings menu etc.

                                    Just buy cheap ones. There is no benefit in buying expensive ones. Your dad may have some spares anyway.

                                    No idea what caused it to fail. It still works just very little volume, as in barely hear it. Its about 6 years old and was not expensive.

                                    You will be so glad you bought the sub. It really does make a big difference and I am looking forward to hearing from you when you get it set up!

                                    One last suggestion, I would set the subwoofer crossover at 100hz.

                                    And again, congrats!

                                  • revheadgl on 20/11/2020 - 11:15

                                    @TheRealCher: Hi, here is a link to the manual for the Harman Kardon. Might pay to have a read through over the weekend if you get time.

                                    https://eu.harmankardon.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw5478ee7d/pdfs/Owners%20Manual%20-%20BDS%20x80%20(English).pdf

                                    • TheRealCher on 20/11/2020 - 14:56

                                      @revheadgl: Thank you. I realised last night but didn't get a chance to respond that my learning curve is going to be huge. I wasn't expecting to have to use a TV for the settings and I have no idea about crossover.
                                      Do you know of a good place to start understanding these terms and what they mean?

                                      • revheadgl on 20/11/2020 - 15:50
                                        +1

                                        @TheRealCher: Yes it will be a bit of a steep curve to learn it on your own and quickly. I think the best start is to read the manual thoroughly first.

                                        It's not really hard once you understand the parameters and have gone through the setup but there are a few tips and tricks which no manual can teach you.

                                        You will most likely need to ask a few questions. Happy to answer them for you when you need.

                                        Here is a link to the subwoofer manual too.

                                        https://www.manualslib.com/manual/98966/Mordaunt-Short-Premi…

  • david clarke on 15/11/2020 - 20:34
    +1

    Tough one.. Why don't you want active speakers, this would make it much easier..

    • TheRealCher on 15/11/2020 - 23:44

      If something happens to the speakers, essentially I have to replace everything. If I have components I can fix that part or gradually expand.

      • david clarke on 16/11/2020 - 08:28

        Cool, agree, it's does make for a better upgrade path.

        Would you consider the 2nd hand market?

        • TheRealCher on 16/11/2020 - 08:52

          I don't have a car/drive, so it would mean hiking around Brisbane suburbs in summer 🤣 it's funny what you get used to…and testing systems out in other people's houses would be uncomfortable for me

    • fredblogs on 16/11/2020 - 12:39

      Curious, why do you recommend active speakers over a mini hifi?

      • david clarke on 18/11/2020 - 08:35
        +1

        Quality mostly, there aren't a lot of really good all-in-one MiniHiFi out there at that price IMO.

        Active is good on this budget, I had AudioEngines for years before upgrading and they were fantastic.Ideally you spend ~$700 on good Active Speakers, then use the $300 for a CD/Streamer/Bluetooth etc. Some actives now have this all built in, you may only need the CD source.

        • fredblogs on 18/11/2020 - 13:58

          Interesting. My ideal would be quality active speakers but with Google Assistant. Not sure such a thing exists.

  • Laziofogna on 20/11/2020 - 16:54

    Sound is always subjective, buy the one that sounds good to your ears.

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