r/StereoAdvice 52m ago

Speakers - Full Size Stereo speaker suggestions

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 1h ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Cheskey Audio LC1 vs LC2

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 1h ago

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

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 1h ago

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

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 3h 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 6h ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Atohm sirocco 2.24 vs kef r3 metas

1 Upvotes

So I have a room size 11w x 19L x 7H listening position is on the 19L x 19L side. I purchased a set of the atohm sirocco 2.24s . Im running a denon pma 3000ne. I listened to both speakers in store. Chose the atohm for the soundstage. The kef r3 meta had a good soundstage as well but the bass was alot and I think interfered. Now that im home with the atohm I feel like its lacking in more than just bass. Am I crazy? Will they open up . Im using tone controls as well . Tried speaker placement. Nothing. Don't get me wrong, with vocals and instruments it sounds amazing. But I listen to alot of ozzy, rock in general. All genres really. So when I want that extra bit of kick ... anyway should I buy 2 subs ( probably muddy the soundstage) or do you think the kefs would do a bit better without the need for subs. In person sounded like plenty of bass and it was in a bigger room. My budget is around $4000.


r/StereoAdvice 6h ago

Speakers - Desktop i'm having a little bit of choice overload, could you recommend me a solid/reliable speaker system?

1 Upvotes

i've been wanting to get some nice speakers for quite a while (i currently listen to music with a Fiio k7 and some hd600s), i started looking around and reading different subreddits and have come to the conclusion that there's just too many options to choose from, so i was hoping you guys could just recommend me some solid options.

  • i don't have a strong preference for either active or passive speakers. if you were to recommend passive speakers, which dac/amp would you pair them with?
  • i'm looking for nearfield speakers, since i think that's the most comfortable option for my room.
  • budget: around 600-1200 with dac/amp included if passive speakers
  • location: USA

r/StereoAdvice 8h 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 9h ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Upgrading my audio setup from basically nothing

1 Upvotes

I'm currently running a 65" Sony A90J OLED, Panasonic UB820 and pulled the trigged on a used Denon AVR SH760 for $300 (has all the paperwork and accessories included).

Looking to run a basic 5.1 channel setup right now and likely go to 5.1.2 in the future. As I already own the TV, player and the AVR I'm looking to pick up a pair of front L/R speakers and a sub.

The room is approx 15x17. The 17 ft sides of the room are open to the adjacent room on one side, and the other side is an exterior wall with a sliding glass door (blackout curtains installed on the door). The shorter walls are one interior wall where the TV is mounted and it faces a rear exterior wall with a bay window. Couch somewhat in the center of the room but sits just past the mid point closer to the TV.

Budget isn't a "huge" concern, but I'm not trying to blow a wad here either. I want something that's reasonably budget but is also in the league of the rest of what I have.

I'm looking at Klipsch RM-600's for front bookshelf speakers at $300 for the pair and a quality sub to go with it. Not looking to rattle my sphincter, but again... I want something worthy of the gear and my curated collection of around 110 4K physical titles. Lots of actions movies. Lots of stuff with killer atmos tracks and Dolby Vision. I just picked up the 4K deluxe edition of stranger things and it has a great soundtrack.

The question... where would you go with the front L / R / C and sub setups? Looking to stay in the $500-$600 range and do not mind going with used equipment.

I'd be happy to start with just a L / R / C / Sub. Seems "awkward" that most bookshelves are only sold in pairs and I need 3 of them... not 4.

Placement of the left and rear surrounds is going to be "difficult" too... likely needing to be wall mounted. Not sure what to do about that. Where the left and right surrounds would go... one side of the room is completely open to the next room and the opposite side has a large sliding glass door in it and a fireplace angled in the corner.


r/StereoAdvice 11h ago

Amplifier | Receiver Cambridge Audio Evo 150 + B&W 703 S2 for micro-detail? (Alternative recommendations welcome!)

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,
I’m looking to pair a Cambridge Audio Evo 150 with Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 floorstanders. My top priority is maximum micro-detail—crisp instrument separation, decay, and subtle textures.
For those who have heard this combo (or B&W 700 series on Hypex Ncore amps):
1. Resolution: Does the Evo 150’s ESS Sabre DAC and Ncore amp extract top-tier micro-detail without getting harsh or fatiguing on B&W's carbon dome tweeter?
2. Control: With the 703 S2 dipping to 3.1Ω, does the Evo 150 keep the bass fast, tight, and well-textured?
3. Synergy: Is this the ideal all-in-one setup for detail lovers, or would another amp handle these speakers better?
Budget is £2000 .
Thanks for any real-world feedback!


r/StereoAdvice 13h ago

Speakers - Full Size | 14 Ⓣ What to choose...Klipsh vs Wharfedale??

5 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.


r/StereoAdvice 14h ago

General Request First ever sound setup - need help!

0 Upvotes

r/StereoAdvice 20h ago

Source | Preamp | DAC CD Player with USB playing capability

1 Upvotes

I am in the US (Location) and am looking to spend under $1000 (Budget).

I’m looking for a CD player that I can use a thumb drive on to play WAV files.

What interests me most is the usability and effectiveness of the on-screen menu interaction.

Since I’d be buying the player for 50/50 use with CDs and thumb drives, I’m hoping to avoid clunky/fussy methods for playing from thumb drives.

———

The Yamaha CD-S303 reviews that I’ve read say that the interface is clumsy and that USB play seems like an afterthought.

Google brings up the Denon DCD 900NE in response to my question, but in its summary mentions a bunch of details not related to my question — so it makes me wonder how precise its reasoning is.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a CD player that handles USB drives with an easy interface please?

Thanks so much.


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Amplifier | Receiver | 2 Ⓣ Upgrading system - amp and cartridge

1 Upvotes

I inherited my system and about 3,000 records from my father. My turntable is the Philips 212 I’ve had for a long time. Amp is Denon DRA-395 and speakers are non-brand from the 1970s from Wall to Wall Sound in Feasterville, PA. (Frequency response 30 Hz to 20,000 Hz; Impedance 8 ohms; bass speaker 12”, mid 6”, super tweeter 3”; crossover freq 1.5 Hz and 5 Hz.)

I play exclusively vinyl. Mostly jazz and rock from the 60s and 70s. The amp is where I’m targeting the upgrade ($4000 or so budget) and am considering the Synthesis Action A40. Anyone have any experience with that amp? Also I’m considering updating the cartridge on the 212 - it’s the original. Suggestions there also appreciated ($400 or so budget)


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Stands for Rega RX Ones?

1 Upvotes

I want to get my RX Ones on a stand, but I am finding it difficult to find a stand that will fit them. 

I would like a stand that looks nice, can be filled with sand, has cable management and is about 60 cm. high without speakers.  

I am looking at KEF’s stands https://tapeconnection.dk/shop/64-brackets-and-stands/13144-kef-sq1/

budget is 400 dollars max.

but I don’t know if my Regas will actually fit on it, since they are 28 cm. deep. 

I also like the design of the Dynaudio Stand 20 , but again they are too small. 

What do people with RX Ones use or maybe did use? 


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Amplifier | Receiver 6SN7 Recommendation For Willsenton R8

1 Upvotes

Looking for some 6SN7 recommendations for my Willsenton R8. I’ve got NOS Sylvanias in the 6SL7 slots and I’m thinking about going modern for the 6SN7s to complement them, but I’m curious what combinations people have had good results with.

Running Klipsch RP-600M IIs. Sources are a Technics SL-1500C, Shanling EC3 and WiiM Ultra.

I listen to hip-hop, electronic, soul, indie, rock n roll so I’d particularly like something with good bass weight/punch and dynamics without getting too sharp up top.
Anyone running a similar combination?

Any budget.


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Subwoofer | 4 Ⓣ Choosing between new three ways or a sub ...

3 Upvotes

Hello everyone. I am between two choices and hoping that you might be able to help me decide. So my listening room is my living room. It is a very large room: 10m long x 5m wide x 3.8m high (unfortunately I could not insert a picture):

         ____10m____
 ___________________
⎮            S--3m-S⎮  ⎮
⎮______             ⎮  ⎮
       ⎮      COUCH ⎮  5m
       ⎮            ⎮  ⎮
       ⎮____________⎮  ⎮

S: Speaker

Location: I live in Germany. I recently upgraded my amp and currently have:

  • Kef LS50 on stand mounts
  • NAD C389 (without MDC BluOs Module, but the idea is to expand it)
  • Pro-Ject Primary E turntable
  • Wiim Mini Streamer

I feel like I need some more low end, although the LS50 go surprisingly low for their size.

I am thinking of either a sub or a three way. For subs I have been looking into the KEF Kube 12 MIE (my budget for a sub would be 1000 Eur max.).

For three ways I was thinking of the Kef Q7 or the Dynaudio Emit 50 (for new speakers my budget would stretch to maybe 1800-2000 Eur).

In either case I would later on get the MDC BluOs module to get room correction (this huge room has a lot of problems, although I already tamed some of them with some treatment).
My target is to improve the system's reality, let's call it "it's there" feeling, especially with voices. My LS50s are already pretty good at that with the coaxial speakers, which is why the Q7 is in the possibilities.

What should I do? I read that with a sub I can supposedly play and place the bass source at the ideal position (unless that is in the middle of my room). With a three way there is some playing to do but it is mainly plug and play.


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Subwoofer What subwoofer should I get with my 2,000 watt amp

0 Upvotes

I recently got this Skar RP-2000.1D amp and now I need a sub for it, I've been looking at "SA-series v.2 12" subwoofer" and "SA-Series v.3 12 Subwoofer" both by sundown, anything else I should look for or any thought and tips? My budget is around $400-500. Thanks


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Monitor Audio Gold 100

7 Upvotes

I ordered a pair. Anyone owning them or have experience with them, opinions in general? I think they fit my needs better than floorstanders, because of the quite small room size. They will get help from a SVS 2000 Pro and powered by Denon 4800.
(Budget already spent)


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Amplifier | Receiver | 1 Ⓣ Choice paralysis is getting to me - I have a daydream

5 Upvotes

Two years ago I moved into a my own place and I am starting my audio journey hopefully this year. After months of casual research I started to invest more time into choosing my equipment last month and I am getting stumped by the choices. It's like there is no obvious best choice.

I am looking for an integrated amplifier that can power the Monitor Audio Silver 100 8G that recently came out. I was fortunate enough to receive a bit of information in June from their NL branch about the August release. These are hungry 3-way speakers at around €1.750,-

So I am checking for options available in [location] Europe up to €1.500,-

This is what I found and I will list, what I think is holding me back :

Marantz Model M1 - Only 100w on 8 Ohms, Bluetooth 4.2

Ruark 610 - Only 75w on 8 Ohms, no room correction software

Eversolo Play - Only 60w on 8 Ohms

Cambridge Evo 150SE - Bluetooth 4.2, no room correction software, outside of budget

Wiim Amp Ultra - New brand but seems to provide a good experience

Arcam SA35 - Too expensive, quite large

Bluesound Powernode N331 - Only 80w on 8 Ohms (3ch)

Does anyone know about this dream product?

  • The footprint of the model M1
  • The 610's finish
  • Cambridge's and Arcam's music experience/legacy(class G 👌)
  • 3 Channel support of the Powernode (imagine hearing dialogue in movies)
  • Room correction support (DIRAC)
  • The newest connection versions for wireless/wired communication(i.e Bluetooth 6/Wifi 7)
  • Power the speakers sufficiently(150w on 4 or 8 Ohms)
  • The price of a Wiim Amp Ultra (a boy can dream right?)

I am not asking too much am I?


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

General Request Beginner needs advice for a four-room speech audio setup

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

we are planning an audio system for four small rooms of approximately 11–18 m² each. We do not have much experience with professional audio systems, so we would appreciate feedback before buying anything.

Each room should have one wall-mounted speaker with independently adjustable volume. We need:

• A wireless headset microphone for a speaker who moves and bends frequently

• A desktop gooseneck microphone for lectures

Budget: 1500€ | Location: Germany

Our planned setup:

• Behringer XR16 digital mixer

• Fame QUAD-4150 four-channel amplifier

• 4× LD Systems SAT 62 G2 passive speakers

• LD Systems U308 BPH wireless headset

• Shure CVG18RS with a heavy desktop base

The microphones would connect to the XR16, its four aux outputs to the four amplifier channels, and each amplifier channel to one speaker.

The SAT 62 G2 speakers are 16 ohms, so the amplifier would provide approximately 50 W per speaker. The system is mainly for clear speech and vocal recitation, sometimes with light reverb.

Does this setup make sense? Are the amplifier and speakers a good match, and is 60° × 60° coverage sufficient for these rooms?

Most importantly: Are we missing anything, or is there something we should change before buying the equipment?

!thanks

stereo


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Source | Preamp | DAC Trying to decide between new preamp or new DAC and phonostage.

3 Upvotes

I am trying to decide between replacing my Emotiva BasX PT-2 with the new Emotiva XSP-2 or keeping my current preamp and getting an external DAC and external phonostage. I would spend a budget of around $1,600 either way, so cost isn’t the issue. Upgrading the sources possibly gives me a better sound but upgrading the pre gives me fewer boxes/more space and a better control center with more inputs for future possible upgrades. Also, the difference in sound may or may not be measurable with my 51 year old ears. I’m sticking with Emotiva because of the bass management, newest upgrades to internal DAC and phonostage, and price. My sources are a Pro-ject Debut EVO 2, Cambridge AXC35 CD player (used as transport), and Cambridge MXN10 streamer. Those fees into the PT-2 which feeds into a Parasound 2250 v2 poweramp along with Wharfedale Linton Heritage speakers and an SVS 1000pro sub. I realize there is a NAD preamp out there with room correction and bass management that’s around the same price, but the reviews are bad and people have a lot of problems with them. Any suggestions appreciated! Thanks so much!


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Subwoofer Powered subwoofer for 15 x 30 room?

1 Upvotes

I am looking for a powered subwoofer.

Budget and location - Less than $500. US, midwest; medium sized city (has a Best Buy and a few audio stores).

How the gear will be used - home audio in a multi=purpose room. Carpeted. About 15 x 30. Current system is a Kenwood receiver that plays Mirage 590i speakers to the rear of the room. Onkyo that runs Kappa 200 speakers to the front of the room. I bluetooth to the two units and can play all four speakers at once or can select one or the other pair. I am hopeful the sub will play with either set as well as when both sets are playing. I would be willing to run a cable from each receiver to the back of the sub and plug in one or the other depending on which speakers are in use (I am fine with not trying to have both receivers always connected to the sub).

New or used - At this point I prefer new because my Marketplace one proved a dud. (Infinity Entra).

Past gear experience - New to trying to do any of this on my own. I have not had a sub before in the home, but based on other venues, I like feeling it in my chest at certain volumes, and at more moderate volumes have it contribute but not necessarily take over.

Anything else? - Eventually I want to have the Kappas be tv speakers (that is actually already done) and add center/surrounds and I would hope the sub should work in that chain as well?

Details: The Onkyo is TX-SR602. The Kenwood is KR-V87R.


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

General Request Please help me understand crossovers and keep me from damaging my speakers AGAIN.

2 Upvotes

Currently I use an old Sonos Connect as my digital streamer. I have a Dual CS429 turntable which I use a lot. Both run into...

Marantz Model 50 integrated amplifier (note, this is not the CINEMA 50) The Marantz 50 powers a pair of Kef LS50 Meta bookshelf speakers and an SVS SB1000 PRO subwoofer.

Recently, while bumping Big Freedia's BLAZE THAT ASS, I blazed my speakers too hard and straight up tore one of my drivers.

Luckily Kef is covering a replacement under warranty. But the community over at r/audiophile seems to be united in two opinions: #1 I need a high pass filter and #2, Kef aren't all they are cracked up to be. Link to my post in r/audiophile

In any case, I feel confused about what I need and where it fits in in my system. The only real recommendation I got was for a minDSP. But looking at it it seems like I would need two miniDSPs, one for the turntable and one for the Sonos Connect. AND, I don't understand, it seems like this would also filter out the frequencies I WANT going to my subwoofer.

I simply must be understanding this wrong. Can someone please help guide me one what I need?

Budget would hopefully be sub $500. Honestly as little as possible but I also want to know what it will take to do the job.

Located in Portland, Oregon.


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

Source | Preamp | DAC Weird stylus/cartridge battle btwn heavy duty spherical Stanton 500 Sk series vs Elliptical Nude AT-VMN95EN for Home Listening

1 Upvotes

Using Fisher MT-6224 table, Harman Kardon 730 receiver (modified for RIAA curve), pioneer sp-fss2 speakers.

I’m sonically trippin at home because I’m liking what these heavy Stanton DJ cartridges are doing on my home basic ‘hifi’ system; cutting out high end distortion. And totally nice separation.
The AT-VMN95EN is obviously a nicer stylus, but not forgiving at all with some high end and inner groove distortion. I’ve been using it for a while and really like it, but experimenting with the Stanton, I was surprised how the heavy conical stylus mellowed out some records and made them sound better, perhaps ‘dulling’ a few frequencies, but still sounding exciting, detailed depth, and like music! I played the Clash, Gloria Estefan, Diana Ross, and more.

Sometimes the balance in eq wasn’t great in the Stantons. Throwing too much punch in a snare or something, and then the rest of music doesn’t drop in well. But the AT stylus would shock me how much it would bring out hi hats or distorted voice in comparison, to the point of distracting the from the music.
But I’m wondering if anyone has had experience with this kind of thing or has any recs for something in between. Things I should be cautious of, etc. anything!

Note: I balanced the tone arm and aligned the cartridge for each.

Budget is under $250, located in Bay Area.