Suggestion for First Hifi Setup

zonra on 12/11/2024 - 02:07

Hi all,

I'm after suggestions for a cheapish hifi set up for a 4 x 6 m open space, mostly for bluetooth streaming (convenience!).
Music only at this stage, potential movies down the track but not a priority.
I'm not a bass head, and am more interested in vocals and instruments separations.
Hoping to keep budget under $1500 but can stretch a tad if the ROI is substantially more in the next price bracket.
I don't think I've got audiophile ears but still would like the best I can get for the money.

The two systems I'm contemplating are:
Edifier S2000MKIII 2.0 ($446) + Stands (~$200) (active bookshelves), and
Q Acoustics 5040 ($1199 B+stock) + Bluetooth Amp ($?) (passive floor standings)

I've read what I can about upgradability of passive systems vs convenience of active ones. All in all hoping to find a good compromise between cost, sound quality, space (the missus insists).
Keen to hear people's thoughts and experiences on which path.
Feel free to chime in anything about the topic: bookshelf vs floorstanding, active vs passive, speakers recommendations, amp recommendations etc.
Thanks.

Electrical & Electronics Speakers

Comments

  • SBOB on 12/11/2024 - 07:40
    +1

    Assuming you have the space, and surround sound (while not a priority) is a realistic future use.

    Floorstand pair
    Amplifier suitable for future X.1 speaker setup/surround sound usage.

    Eg if you stick to your $1500 budget.
    - amplifier from the likes of yamaha, denon etc around $500.
    - Go listen to a bunch of speakers around $1k and pick the ones you like.
    - don't get conned into spending stupid $ on speaker wire at the hifi store.

    You can then upgrade for home theatre usage adding in centre, sub, surrounds in the future if you wish
    You will get better sound from a stereo amplifier but wasteful if you do intend on making it a dual purpose setup

  • mrdean on 12/11/2024 - 08:49

    I would go with passive over active speakers, as well as bookshelves over floorstanders. I would also seriously consider buying speakers second hand, some good value to be had there. Amps are more difficult, probably worth buying new, some come with bluetooth built in. Look for example at rotel/encel brands. A lot of options for less than $1500.

    • emblurr on 12/11/2024 - 09:11

      Agree with the second hand speakers thing. I bought fronts, rears and centre Dali speakers for $480 at a cashies. Quality speakers last, have a look around.

    • skid on 12/11/2024 - 10:04

      Why bookshelves over floorstanding?

      • mrdean on 12/11/2024 - 12:17

        I prefer the form factor, plus they are much easier to reposition, & can be placed on different surfaces in a room, saving some space. Having said that, the OP has a large room, so floorstanders are probably more suitable for their situation.

    • zonra on 12/11/2024 - 22:25

      I had a brief look at second hand options, but being somewhat of an amateur I don't think I can spot duds/bad repair jobs.

  • ForkSnorter on 12/11/2024 - 09:18
    +2

    Definitely recommend this for first hifi.

    • zonra on 12/11/2024 - 11:26

      JV is that you?

  • sumyungguy on 12/11/2024 - 10:00
    +1

    Easy decision, get the 5040 or stretch to the B-stock 5050. Put a centre and sub on your long list and you'll have a solid setup for movies/TV. A pre-owned Yamaha HT receiver will do BT streaming. Q Acoustics rates much higher spouse approval factor than Edifier

  • apple2016 on 12/11/2024 - 10:08

    Check these guys. https://www.westcoasthifi.com.au/hi-fi-packages/

  • mskeggs on 12/11/2024 - 10:24
    +1

    For music, I got some q acoustics 3030i and a fosi amp and it is extremely good listening for the price.

    • zonra on 12/11/2024 - 22:30

      Thanks, I was looking at some of the cheaper Fosi amps for the Q acoustic options. Figured I could always upgrade the amp later if I decide to get serious. Good to know they're up for the job. Which amp do you have and any other models you would recommend?

      • mskeggs on 13/11/2024 - 07:32

        I got the bl20c, but if i was buying again I would get the better looking bt20a.
        Very pleased with this setup under $600.

    • SBOB on 12/11/2024 - 11:32
      +1

      For a straight music/stereo setup , buying all new items, this is a quality combo recommendation

  • Drpepper666 on 12/11/2024 - 12:15
    +1

    100% invest in a good passive setup
    Skip the edifiers. I didn't like them

  • jv on 12/11/2024 - 12:24

    I'm after suggestions for a cheapish hifi set up for a 4 x 6 m open space, mostly for bluetooth streaming (convenience!).

    https://store.google.com/au/config/google_nest_mini?hl=en-GB

    • zonra on 12/11/2024 - 22:32

      Low effort JV.
      This was more JV than yours.

  • joka on 12/11/2024 - 12:48

    Are you renting or do you own the home?

    I put B&W in-wall speakers years ago because i couldn't trust that i wouldn't get bored of whatever i purchased at the time and that id be tempted to buy very expensive speakers regularly. Not to mention the space they occupy, the ugly cables, and the dust they would accumulate.

    I never looked back on that decision. If you can, consider in-wall speakers.

    • zonra on 12/11/2024 - 22:37

      Probably not in-wall at this stage.
      I can't yet justify the extra costs and permanency of it for something I may grow out of in a few months.
      *looking at racing cockpit rig I haven't touched in 6 months.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join