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Budget for speakers and amp

  • 31-08-2015 12:33pm
    #1
    SniperPaddy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 117 ✭✭


    Hey guys, any advice on a combination of speaker and amp would be greatly appreciated. I know it's not fair to ask such a general question but I need to start somewhere and a push in the right direction will be a great help.

    I just want a system with plenty of reserve capability and the absolute clarity where you feel immersed in music, whether it be Clair de Lune or Insomnia.

    Budget €1000-€1500

    Two floor-standing monolithic speaker cabinets (preferred) similar to a Wharfdale Diamond 10.4.
    I already have a sub with high and low level inputs if I need it.
    Each speaker cabinet 200W-500W constant

    I would prefer a good second-hand amp to a mediocre cheap one.
    The amp should be capable of supplying either config and the sub if required.


Comments

  • #2
    akaSol
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 717 ✭✭✭akaSol


    In the 1k - 1.k mark the only way your going to get a Hi-Fi amp to the 200W-500W mark (@8 Ohms) is with a set of mono blocks/solid stater's
    They are the only thing I know of that can hit that type of power.

    Also the Diamond 10.4 where rated for 120W (@6 Ohms) so an amp hitting that power would slack them in moments ( if the volume was set wrong )

    If your looking at a good refined sound (new) try the Arcam A19 ; Marantz PM7005 or the NAD C356 - all about the €800/900 mark.
    Paired with a Pair of Q acoustics 3050 ; Diamond 230 ; Polk TSx 440T ( about €700 pair) - a little bit higher than your budget but it gives you a bigger scope speaker-wise .

    2nd hand try Adverts , Done Deal etc and look for the mono blocks with a older set of B&W CM's ; Kef XQ's. If not look for the previous version's of the above amps and a older set of B&W 683 ( s1) / Kef iq70's floor standers.

    ~Sol


  • #3
    SniperPaddy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 117 ✭✭SniperPaddy


    Thanks so much for that Sol.
    I've been able to review your recommendations and start to understand what I really need.

    This is my evolving thinking so far:
    For a start I'll bring the speaker capacity down to about 200W so integrated amps are ok.

    A good combinaltion is the Q acoustics 3050 speaker setup and the ARCAM FMJ A19 AND AIRDAC amp.
    http://www.whathifi.com/q-acoustics/3050/review
    http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/arcam-fmj-a19-and-airdac/

    The Wharfedale Diamond 230 is more powerful but can lack some of the clarity of the Q acoustics 3050 speakers.
    http://www.whathifi.com/wharfedale/diamond-230/specs.

    Your recommendation for a second-hand B&W 683 S1 was an eye opener to say the least.
    It may be worth stepping up a level and investing in really good speakers within €1200.

    Then I made the fatal mistake of looking up the award winning 686 S2's. Bad Bad Bad !!!!
    I'll have to just wait for a good bargain to come along :0


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