Current Events > Any audiophiles or audio producers here? I need stereo suggestions.

(+) Yeah! (+)

My old Sony stereo blew out recently, and I'm in the market for a new stereo (left/right/sub, ideally which can sit on a large desk) to resume music production. High fidelity, good handling of both high and low ranges, and durability / long lifespan (10+ years) preferred. Reasonable pricing would be great but not 100% necessary.

I also own a Marshall Stanmore II which has the kind of fidelity I'd like, but it isn't great with l/r output dynamics. It also automatically turns off after a few minutes without a constant stream of input which is a pain in the ass and can't be reconfigured, so I'd rather not buy anything more from them so long as that's a feature.

Suggestions?

What is it that you need?

Are you looking for a new amp/DAC and speakers? What will be the source(s).

ai123 posted...

I'm looking for left/right speakers, subwoofer, 3.5mm aux input; pretty basic. Hadn't considered an amp/DAC, as I haven't really worked with them before.

So you must already have an amp to power the speakers?

Sorry if I am being a bit slow.

Was your old set up like a mini hifi? And you used an aux input to play music through it?

I'm confused. Do you need a stereo, amp, or speakers?

Or some combination of those three things

ai123 posted...

Tyranthraxus posted...

ohhh, my mistake; i've always used the setup and "stereo" interchangeably. i meant stereo speakers.

TheMikh posted...

ohhh, my mistake; i've always used the setup and "stereo" interchangeably. i meant stereo speakers.

Quick and dirty

• Stereo: thing that plays music
• Speakers: thing that lets you hear the music being played
• Amp: thing that provides power to speakers.

That's the classic stereo setup. Some speakers, like anything battery powered or ones that have to be plugged in come with their own amp so you can cut that part out.

It's pedantic but important because I don't want to recommend speakers that you can't use. Let me see what I can find. Are you intending to connect these via AUX or red/white cables?

Or did you want something wireless?

So I guess these are computer speakers if you are using an aux input?

Beats by Dre

If Denon is still as good as they used to be then look into them.

For a Turn Table, look for a Technics.

Also, always get a well-balanced speaker system.

What price point for speakers is the start of diminishing returns

SiO4 posted...

If Denon is still as good as they used to be then look into them.

If you want a mini hifi at a bargain price, you can't do better than the Denon D-M41DAB.

For a Turn Table, look for a Technics.

The SL1200 is great, but pricey. Not everyone likes the DJ styling.

Also, always get a well-balanced speaker system.

So much choice with speakers. The TC wants an aux input though, which really limits it to computer speakers and some portables.

What I use on my desk is: desktop > Topping DX7 Pro USB in >
AKG K702 65th Anniversary Edition headphones via 1/4 headphone out
SMSL SA50 speaker amp via RCA in > Pioneer SP-SA50-LR speakers (the ones designed by Andrew Jones).

The topping can output to both at once, so if I want to not hear the speakers I just turn the speaker amp off. I cant normally hear the headphones hanging from my desk over the speakers, but if I had to, I could toggle the output so it only outputs to the speakers or the headphones.

If you want an actual receiver, I suggest looking at Denon.

ai123 posted...

If you want a mini hifi at a bargain price, you can't do better than the Denon D-M41DAB.

Yes!!

ai123 posted...

The SL1200 is great, but pricey. Not everyone likes the DJ styling.

A direct drive. My friend's father had that!!
And yes, we turned the motor off and placed a card under the record and scratched!

Mine was belt driven,
Quality cartridge and needle.
The needle was at a 90% angle, so you could still scratch.
But I really didn't that point.

ai123 posted...

So much choice with speakers. The TC wants an aux input though, which really limits it to computer speakers and some portables.

Yay, I never really tested PC outs...though there must be some great ones.

Yes. Using 3.5mm output is a terrible idea in the audiophile world. Proper speaker outputs are just speaker wire, but you can use cables that are jacketed speaker wire terminated with banana plugs on each end thats what I do.

OK, I think I may have a recommendation. Triangle Elara LN10A speakers.

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/8/2/3/AAdkcxAAEsfn.jpg

A relative got a pair last year, and I think they're very good, especially for the price. Kind of entry level for 'audiophile', but then audiophiles spend tens of thousands on their speakers.

They are powered, so you don't need an amp. As you can see, there are plenty of input options, including Bluetooth and 3.5 mm aux. They even have a decent built in phono amp if you're interested.

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/8/2/2/AAdkcxAAEsfm.jpg
You don't get a sub, but there is a sub out so you can add one.

They are around 470 in the UK.

think you should put a budget so people know to where to narrow shit down.

Ratchetrockon posted...

What price point for speakers is the start of diminishing returns

Speakers are the most important part of your set up for determining the quality of what you hear.

But the diminishing returns point depends on the input. If you're using them with a Crossley turntable, or streaming free Spotify, you will hit it way before you will if you are playing SACD or have an audiophile turntable and a amp.

But something like Dali Spektor 2 are great by most people's standards and cost around 250 in the UK.

Magnepan .7i

https://magnepan.com/products/magnepan-7

That's what I would have if my listening space had room.

Though I haven't heard their competition in person:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc5O5T1UHkE

Personally I would choose what speakers I want, then pick an amp that suits them.