r/StereoAdvice Jan 04 '22

Announcement New here? Please read this guide before posting!

89 Upvotes

Welcome to r/StereoAdvice - a place to help you found the right HiFi gear!


Posting a Question

The information you provide in your post helps others provide the right recommendations without needing to ask the basic. It's not required but it's highly encouraged to use this template:

Budget and location - How much would you like to spend? What are some local or online shops in your country?

How the gear will be used - Is this for a computer, home theater, or dedicated stereo setup? How big is your room? Will you need to play CD, cassette, vinyl, radio, streaming?

New or used - Do you prefer to purchase new gear? If used, what local classified do you use?

Past gear experience - What have you used in the past? What did you like about it and what didn't you like about it?

Anything else? - What gear do you already have? Any other information that you think will help!


Thanking Others (Ⓣ)

This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers. If someone is helpful, please show them some appreciation by responding to them with a comment that says !thanks and our bot will award a point.

Once thanked, the bot will respond to your comment to confirm that the point was counted.

Multiple people can be !thanked in a post, but not multiple times in the same post.

The number of times someone is thanked will be displayed next to their name on the subreddit. For example someone with 12Ⓣ next to their name has helped 12 people.


Responding to Questions

See someone asking a question on r/StereoAdvice/new/ that you have experience with? Feel free to share some of that knowledge!

To quickly determine if a post has been answered, check the post flair. For example, a post with the flair Speakers - Full Size | 2 Ⓣ means that there have already been two !thanks awarded by the OP in the post.

Please to upvote posts you're helping in so that they might appear in feeds and improve the discussion.

!thanks all


r/StereoAdvice 4h ago

Speakers - Full Size Speakers advice revel M126BE or F226BE ? Living room

4 Upvotes

Location : France

Hello !

I'm moving in my new flat and i'm hesitating which one should be the best for this listening room from the pics in comments,

Speakers would be placed in front of the sofa and i would mainly listen them from my sofa,

On the top of the picture is a glass sliding door, at the bottom the kitchen.

These revel speakers are the only options i consider, as i compared many speakers and already heard revel m126be.

Would you rather take the revel booshelf m126be or revel floorstabding f226be ? What would be pros and cons ?

I'm asking because i can afford each of these speakers.

I could also add one or two sub (may be svs micro 3000r evo)

They would be paired with mini dsp flex and audiophonics mpa-s250ncx amp.

Thanks a lot for all your advices ! 🙂


r/StereoAdvice 6h ago

Speakers - Full Size Speaker advice relatively small room (15 m²)

3 Upvotes

I would love to hear advice from people with more knowledge on speakers. My room is relatively small, 15 m² (5 meters by 3 meters, speakers are at one of the 3 meter sides). My amplifier is a Denon PMA-3000NE, cd player is a Denon DCD-3000NE. Speakers I currently use are Wharfedale Super Lintons with a REL Classic 98 subwoofer. I find the Super Lintons wonderfully sounding, but also a bit too laidback. Therefore I'm looking for something more engaging. I like all kinds of music, a lot of classical (especially opera and orchestral music), but also a lof of popular (from Phil Collins to Night Ranger to Japanese city pop and fusion jazz).
I'm looking at the moment at the Mofi Sourcepoint 888 speakers. Why, because I read these are definitely step up considering engagement. However, I also can imagine they are perhaps a tad big for my room. Although on the internet discussions about matching speakers and rooms size can be pretty dividing. Which makes a choice not easier.
My budget for speakers is about 10.000 euro's. Would a Mofi 888 be a great match? Or are there speakers I'm completely overlooking? I'm not a huge fan of a very analytical and/or bright sound. I realise these are highly subjective though.


r/StereoAdvice 1h ago

General Request Which speakers should I get?

Upvotes

I'm looking for a set of speakers that I can connect to a mixing console and play directly from my PC. My budget is around €600 max. I'd like a good subwoofer and 3–4 smaller speakers or so. I'd prefer an XLR cable connection between the speakers. The area they'll cover is 30 square meters max. (the speakers themself should not be to big) What would you recommend?


r/StereoAdvice 7h ago

Amplifier | Receiver Looking for Integrated Amp for good match to Speakers

2 Upvotes

My location is US.

My budget is around $3500.

I currently listen at my desk nearfield normally 65-75 db.

The genre of music I listen to varies from Jean Michelle Jarre electronic to Vitamin string Quartet. Yoyo Ma, Van Morrison, John Williams to 80s Pop, Simon and Garfunkel, Dire Straits and Acoustic.

My current setup is ATC SCM 7 which I really enjoy for acoustic. Lyngdorf 1120 with Lyngdorf BW 3 Sub. Both the sub and Amp are moving to my living room so I am looking for an Amp replacement.

My sources are Clearaudio Concept Wood, Oppo 105d, and my DAC is PS Audio Direct Stream Dac. I also have a Burson Headphone Amp.

I don't want a DAC in the Amp but I do want an MM phono stage. MC is not required.

So looking at used, tube or solid state and understand the ATC SCM 7 needs some wattage to drive the 84 dB sensitivity.

I have never used tube amp so would need auto bias if tube is recommended

Any help appreciated

Thanks. AJ


r/StereoAdvice 11h ago

Amplifier | Receiver | 1 Ⓣ Looking for amplifier between 200-300euros

3 Upvotes

Hi all,

I recently acquired the Indiana Lines Utah 5 speakers, after months of research i figure it was the best choice for my budget, sound and aesthetic preferences. I have to say it is a bit more complicated for me to search about amplifiers and I'm scared of making the wrong choice. Basically I understand I don't need the absolute best amplifier since my speakers aren't that powerful, but I don't really get at which point it will make a difference - for example, I would say I have a 200euros budget for it, but I don't know if in doing so I will loose that much precision and should rather go for a 300e budget - or if it doesn't change anything at all.

I live in france (paris) but can order from amazon, the room is 27m2 and the only thing I ordered so far are the Utah 5 speakers. For input source I plan to use either my computer/phone (streaming services) or my vinlys with the turntable (Crosley, cruiser model). If anyone has any suggestions, they would be more than welcome!

Thanks!


r/StereoAdvice 5h ago

Subwoofer Sub recommendation for 10x14 office

1 Upvotes

Hi! Looking for your input on adding a subwoofer to my 10x14 feet basement office. Budget is 1500$ or less. Willing to buy used and am in Canada.

Sub would be paired with Focal 706 or Paradigm Founders 40B, Arcam A38 FMJ and Wiim Ultra.

Thanks!


r/StereoAdvice 5h ago

General Request Setup Upgrade Advice

1 Upvotes

I’ve been using a Sony Hi-Fi stack for some time now and am looking to upgrade to a better system for both quality, playing my CDs and records as well as some higher quality streaming, and general interest in how all of Hi-Fi works.

I’ve been eyeing up some pieces of gear for a few days now but as I say know little about the ins and outs of gear and comparing specs is a little hard. This is what I’ve built so far with help from online and general discussion.

Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 Turntable
Schitt Mani 2 Phono Pre-Amp
Schitt Sys Switch + Vol
Fosi ZA3 Amp
Elac Debut B6.2 Speakers
Shanling CR60 CD Transport
Topping E302 DAC
WIIM Pro Streamer

I’m looking for recommendations and suggestions if there’s anything I can improve or swap out here or should prioritise more or less than other bits? Keeping in mind I’m on a budget around £1500-1800 max.


r/StereoAdvice 13h ago

Speakers - Full Size | 2 Ⓣ Could you recommend an amplifier and some speakers?

3 Upvotes

Hello everyone. I’m new to the world of vinyl. My husband inherited a sizeable collection from his father a few years ago, and I’d like to buy him a turntable with an amplifier and speakers. After reading r/turntables, I’ve decided to buy the Audio-Technica LP60XUSBGM, but I’m not sure which amplifier and speakers to choose.

I’d like to buy a 5.1 system that’s compatible with that turntable and also with my TV – is there anything like that on the market that offers good sound quality? My budget is 600€, and Im in Spain.

Thank you very much. I hope my post makes sense, English isn’t my first language.

!thanks


r/StereoAdvice 11h ago

Source | Preamp | DAC Vinyl/CD on a budget

2 Upvotes

Hello guys, I’m trying to get into vinyl and cd at a budget as my local vinnies (like a charity shop) has a bunch of old cd and vinyl that I’m really interested in. I’m a music enjoyer myself and I have a Fosi sk02 and Hifiman ed xs as my main setup. Basically I was scrolling on marketplace and found 2 listing which I’m really interested as after asking ChatGPT, it recommended it. I just wanna double check if it’s a good option cost to performance wise.

  1. Yamaha P-300 for 60 AUD
  2. Yamaha CDC 765 for 50 AUD but it had a broken drawer motor so I’ll have to assist it with my hands.

Thanks!


r/StereoAdvice 13h ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Which speakers do you recommend?

2 Upvotes

I have a Yamaha R-N602 and a technics sl100c with a AT-VMN95SH. Which seakers do you recommend? I have a small room and would place the speakers near the wall. Location UK. Thanks


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Amplifier | Receiver Marantz 2226B / 1530L or Pioneer SX-737

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

New here, building my first vintage audio setup

Starting this I am looking to buy a vintage receiver and I'm currently hesitating between these three I found on marketplaces :

- Marantz 2226B

- Marantz 1530L

- Pioneer SX-737

I'd love to hear your opinions, especially from people who have owned or listened to any of them.

I'm mainly interested in three things: sound quality, aesthetics/build quality, and long-term reliability/ durability.

Which one do you think sounds the best? Are there noticeable differences in their sound signature? And in terms of reliability and ease of servicing, is there one you would particularly recommend or avoid?

Also I was wondering if output power really does a big difference

I have a budget around 350€

Location : France

It would be for a setup in my living room approx 40 sq/m, haven't chose the speakers for the moment, it will be coupled with a turntable and probably au Bluetooth add-on

Thank you all 😊


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Marantz P830 va Triangle BR04 for first setup

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I am thinking of building my first audio setup.

I have recently found a pair of second hand Marantz P830 on Facebook market place at 200 euros. They seem in good condition and have been recently re-foamed.

I was thinking as alternative to get the new Triangle Boruea BR04, which I could buy for about 475 euros in France. These are a bit on the high end of my budget, so I would get the Marantz P830 if they are good.

I didn't find many reviews/information about the Marantz P830 model.

Does someone have any feedback?

I could see from a picture of the back of the speakers that they are 40 Hz to 22 kHz, with an input impedance of 4 Ohm, and have crossover frequency of 1.5-7.5 kHz.

I would place these in a 3x4m living room, paired with a Wiim Ultra Amp.

I mainly listen to progressive rock and metal, but my wife prefers pop music. I would also use them connected with my TV for movies and videogames

Do you have some recommendations? Something I should keep in mind?


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

General Request | 1 Ⓣ Best all around audio system

0 Upvotes

So I searched a bit and asked AI to find me something that would do good in music, games and movies, and also that basicly it will be connected to an LG Smart TV, in wich I have connected a ps5 pro to play games and my pc to also play games and listen to music and watch movies. The budget I setted was max 250/300 euros since im from Portugal.

Basicly the best option was EDIFIER S351DB speakers. I cant have a 5.1 system as I dont have ways to place speakers behind me.

Is this a good option or is there other alternatives in the same budget category?


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Amplifier | Receiver Vintage 5.1 setup. Does it exist?

1 Upvotes

Just set up my first system. I got a set of paradigm speakers lcr 350 center, 2 studio 40s and 2 mini monitors plus a 12” velodyne sub for $500 combined.

Im using an old jvc stereo / receiver, but I want something that looks better. I love the pioneer sx 440, and the technics sa 5060, but they don’t allow dedicated 5.1. Looking for something with that aesthetic that can support 5.1 and has a phono input, although I can live without it.

I’ve read there are stereos out there that look similar but only support 2.2. Could I use a converter of sorts to integrate all of my speakers?

Perhaps if such a thing doesn’t exist I could get the shell of and older system and cut out the back for something compatible with my hardware, but that seems like it could get tricky.

Budget is ~300 but could go up to 500 if it’s worth it


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

General Request | 2 Ⓣ €1200 turntable setup

2 Upvotes

I’m new to sound systems, and am looking for a turntable setup (turntable, speakers, amp, etc.) with a ~€1200 budget (can add 100/200 if you think it’ll truly make a big difference).

I live in London, and am planning to place this system in a ~20/25 sqm room. Unfortunately, some of my walls are rather thin, so the sound insulation isn’t the best.

I mostly listen to American hip hop, so I’d want something that could both accommodate early Kendrick Lamar’s jaziness and Kanye’s grand production (my music taste isn’t that shallow, just generic examples everyone knows 😂). In addition, I also like psychedelic rock and classical jazz.

I would be very thankful for any product recommendations / general advice with home stereo. Thank you!!


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf PLS HELP! Speaker placement on a wobbly standing desk is driving me crazy

1 Upvotes

Yoo guys. I really need some advice from the pro nerds on here. I am usually the type of guy who chases the absolute best bang for buck endgame gear but I decided to go a different route this time.

Setup + Wiring

I just sold my Focusrite Scarlett and dbx unit to grab a Wave XLR and I am also picking up a pair of Edifier Studio R1280DBs 2.0. I am mainly just going to use them for casual listening or when I have friends over ( I pretty much just use my IE900 or my AKG EO-IG955 anyway ). The Bluetooth feature is honestly clutch for when we play Switch together and just want to hook everything up wirelessly.

For the wiring my PC audio goes into my CalDigit hub and I need the other RCA cables for my turntable. I dropped a picture of my wiring plan below so feel free to roast it or give me some critique. All of that is sorted but now I am stuck with a huge problem. ( its ai slop , but you get it )

The Problem ( Speaker Placement )

Putting them directly on the desk doesn't work very well because there's a screen in front of it

I currently run dual monitors. I am planning to upgrade to a super ultrawide monitor soon but that will not actually solve my placement issue. I literally have no idea where to put these speakers.

I cannot mount them to my Kallax shelves either since they are mostly hollow inside and will not hold the weight ( and the Tild ). Wall mounting is also out of the picture because I am putting up COB LED strips on my acoustic panels soon and I guess the wires would totally get in the way of any wall brackets.

My best idea was getting extra tall desk stands to put the speakers above the monitors and angle them down. Since I use a Vernal standing desk this would be perfect because the speakers would move with the desk and stay angled right at my ears whether I am sitting or standing.

But here is the catch. The desk wobble is real. The taller the speaker stands are the worse the wobble gets especially when typing heavily. I am already dealing with some annoying monitor shake even though I bought expensive heavy duty monitor arms.

If anyone has dealt with this or has some smart ideas on how to make this work please let me know. I would really appreciate any help!

If you have any other recommendations, feel free to let me know -Budget 100 euros.

Photo of Setup Standing

Photo of Setup Sitting

Wiring Plan


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

Speakers - Full Size | 4 Ⓣ Stereo speaker suggestions

3 Upvotes

I'm currently using some Klipsch RP-280f, but I'm not sold on them for music listening, and they are in a home theater set-up, and I want to create a stereo only setup. Want to stick with floorstanders, and my budget range is around $2000-$2500 for the speakers. I'm doing this in steps, speakers first, but any amp suggestions will be welcome.

I would like, if possible, to avoid using a sub, as trying to integrate a sub is difficult without software. I know that's difficult these days, so I may have to just bite the bullet and deal with the sub. If that's the case, then I'll have to look to what options I have for amps with some sort of bass management.

I've been told the the SVS Prime Pinnacles have a good low end response. I've also been told the same about the Polk R700. I've heard good things about the KEF Q11 also, not sure how good the bass is though.

Interested to hear your suggestions.


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Cheskey Audio LC1 vs LC2

3 Upvotes

So at AXPONA one of the rooms that stood out to me was Cheskey Audio.

And I've been looking at getting a second system as my living room system is not neighbor friendly late at night in my one bedroom apartment.

So im debating whether I should get the LC2s or if the LC1s will suit my needs there is a decent price gap between the two and ive only heard the 2s in person

Probably gonna drive whatever I get with a Audiolab 6000a as they are a pretty good bargin now that the mk2 is out

Budget is acceptable to either pair

They will be sitting close to a wall which I figure is OK seeing they have passive radiators on the side


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Desktop Looking for advice: AktiMate Mini (Original) vs. Edifier QR65 vs. Edifier MR3

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I'm trying to decide between the AktiMate Mini Original,
Edifier QR65, and Edifier MR3. I'm primarily going to use them for music, movies, gaming for desktop pc setup.

My Room Size: [Medium]

My Music Genres: [e.g., Rock, Electronic, Classical]. basically everything.

My Source: Desktop PC specifically MSI X870 Tomahawk Wifi motherboard.

I also have an Edifier T5 subwoofer I could pair these with.

I have ample room space, so any of these will work in that regard to fitting on my desk. I use speaker stands, and I also have 10 degree angled feet for use with 2 speaker monitors.

location of speakers on solid wood desk for desktop build setup for PC. These are already owned by me, just not sure which to use.


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

Amplifier | Receiver Polk R700 with Yamaha A-S1200 - Great or not enough?

3 Upvotes

Hi, I am moving to a new place and want to upgrade my setup. I would like to ask what are the your thoughts about this combination.

It is a vinyl records stereo setup. The pieces I already have and do not plan to change are:

ProJect Carbon Evo Turntable (upgraded with Ortofon 2M Blue stylus)
Shiit Mani 2 pre-amp (this one I will keep if it delivers better than the integrated pre-amp)

I already stopped at the Polks as my new speakers. I read a lot of reviews and posts and I see everywhere the topic of the Polks going to ~3.8Ohms and needing big amounts of power to unleash their full potencial.

After several discussions with AI, the Yamaha A-S1200 always appeared in the list of good amps capable of managing the Polks needs for power. I also like a lot the design and look of this model. I crossed some recommendation of other amps in the same price range, but do not like their visual aspect so much as the Yamaha.

So the question stays the same - is the Yamaha A-S1200 a great choice or I should consider other alternatives in the same budget?(any suggestions are welcome).


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

Speakers - Full Size Advice for what to upgrade in turntable setup

1 Upvotes

Hi,
I am very new to this community and would love som advice. I recently got gifted a Sony Ps212 turntable from a family friend and would like advice on what the best upgrade would be.

My current setup is a sony ps212 (original needle) with Denon CEOL Piccolo N4 amplifier and Nedis AAMP2411BK - RIAA Preamplifier (MM) with dali zensor 1 speakers.

What upgrade would make the biggest difference.
Would be great with different suggestions depending on budget (100€-600€).


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

Amplifier | Receiver Integrated amp to power PSB Synchrony Two speakers.

1 Upvotes

Would like advice from owners or former owners of these speakers. My budget is $1000. I currently have a CD player, and turn table but will be adding a streaming device in the future. I’m not interested in connecting any video accessories. Thanks!


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

Speakers - Full Size Good speakers to pair with the audiotechnica lp60x

1 Upvotes

Hi I'm looking for a good pair of speakers to pair with the audio technica lp60x's I was looking at the Fluance Ai41, would these be suitable or are there better ones for around the same price range? budget around 200-250

thanks


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

Speakers - Full Size | 16 Ⓣ What to choose...Klipsh vs Wharfedale??

4 Upvotes

Hi all, my entry system is a Marantz PM6007 and Marantz CD6007 and I am researching for a standing speaker I am open to new ideas but at the moment what do you prefer Klipsch R-620F or Wharfedale Diamond 12.3. I listen alternative sounds (I think they call it indie now), shoe-gaze, grunge, metal, punk, hard rock, ska, some easy listening and jazz. The room is small. Budget: 500 pounds. Thank you.