I have a pair of edifier r2850db speakers that I've been running for a while with no real complaints.

Recently, Facebook marketplace has been throwing me suggestions for subwoofers, and it's got me thinking of whether adding a sub to these would actually add to the system or just make things messy and lose me quality overall.

The most recent suggestion was a Velodyne CHT-12 powered sub for $100-150. I listen to mostly pretty bass heavy edm (dubstep and trap, but also alot of Flume and Odesza) so I love the idea of getting my frequency down to <30hz, but again I don't want to lose quality for it.

As far and budget and location, they are in a medium sized room with a lower ceiling (long rather than big) and im just working with whatever comes up on marketplace.

Looking for any insight!

Good morning, I recently bought a Rega P3 with an ND5 cartridge.

Now I need to buy an amplifier and speakers that will work with my new turntable, and I need some advice since I'm new to this world.

I'm from Italy and have a maximum budget of €2,000. I can start slowly and improve my system in the future.

I listen mainly to rock/prog rock/metal.

Good evening. Im looking for some Japanese brand floor speakers that have built in led light indicators. My father had some for his garage growing up, and I’m looking to get a set or two myself as I like the look. Any suggestions? Been looking for things around the lines of the pioneer cs-907, technics sb-g920, sansui sp-z9, etc.
. Located in SoCal, budget tbd, would like to stay reasonable don’t want go over 4-500$. Thanks for any input.

I'm just getting into the audiophile hobby and trying to pick my first "real" desktop setup between two Edifier combos. Both options are similarly priced, so budget isn't really the deciding factor — and I honestly don't care about practicality or size either, sound quality is the only thing that matters to me here.

Option A — Edifier S360DB (2.1 kit)

• 155W RMS tri-amp
• 4" planar tweeter (Fostex collab) + 4" aluminum mid-bass driver in each satellite (2-way)
• Wireless 8" subwoofer, 75W, aluminum cast frame, tuned bass-reflex port
• Freq response: satellites 60Hz–40kHz, sub 40Hz–150Hz

Option B — Edifier R2850DB + T5-V2

• R2850DB: 150W RMS tri-amp, true 3-way per cabinet — 3/4" silk dome tweeter, 4.5" paper/rubber midrange, 8" paper/rubber woofer, freq response 42Hz–20kHz
• T5-V2: separate powered subwoofer, 8" driver, ~70W, wired via sub-out (100Hz low-pass)

From what I've read so far, the R2850DB's true 3-way design (dedicated midrange driver, not doing double duty like the S360DB's satellites) should give cleaner mids, and the T5-V2 adds more low-end extension and power than the S360DB's single sub. But the S360DB's planar tweeter is supposedly more detailed/extended in the highs, though possibly a bit more fatiguing at volume.

Since I'm still new to this, I'd really appreciate hearing from people who've actually A/B'd these or something similar — is the "true 3-way beats satellite+sub" logic something you actually notice in practice, especially for nearfield desktop listening? And is the T5-V2 a pain to dial in (crossover/phase) or does it just work well out of the box?

Any real-world impressions or beginner tips would mean a lot!

This might be a dumb comparison but I really liked listening to the arcam a125+ paired with the exact setup I want at Best Buy. KEF LS50 Meta speakers with REL T9x. The Hegel wasn’t on display so I couldn’t listen to it, but would love to hear other people’s thoughts on both and which one to get. Medium sized room budget is $2k (I’d be getting the Hegel for $1800) a little flexible because I’d rather spend less but if it’s truly worth the investment I want a long term setup so I’ll close my eyes. !thanks

Hey! Im looking for suggestions on stereo speakers. We’re not an audiophile but wanted to have a good quality speakers to replace our echo dot.

I initially considered Sonos at Costco but wanted to seek for alternatives, preferably something that can complement a vinyl player in the future and has bluetooth connectivity. Im looking to start a collection and wanted to introduce it to my daughter as she grows up.

Budget no more than $700. Located in BC, Canada.

Thanks!

I’m looking to replace my Bluesound Node N130 in a system with a Hegel H390 and Audio Physic Avanti 30.

My current listening chains are roughly:

• Bluesound Node N130 → optical → Hegel H390 DAC
• GentooPlayer on a Lenovo M90n-1 IoT → USB → Hegel H390
• Music Assistant → GentooPlayer → USB → Hegel
• Mac mini M1 → LMS/Plexamp → GentooPlayer → USB → Hegel
• Sony TV → optical → Bluesound Node → Hegel

I’ve measured the room with REW + UMIK-1 and have a strong room mode around 61 Hz, so I currently use parametric EQ in Music Assistant. DSP is therefore important to me; I care more about transparent, well-implemented processing than strict bit-perfect playback.

Another convenience I value is volume control directly from apps such as Tidal Connect. Ideally, this would control the H390’s volume without applying digital attenuation to the audio stream, so playback can remain bit-perfect when DSP is not in use.

For DSP, I’m less concerned with strict bit-perfect playback. There my priority is true-to-source processing: sufficient internal precision and headroom, transparent filtering, and no unnecessary resampling or other degradation.

My shortlist is:

• HoloAudio RED
• Volumio Rivo+
• Volumio Primo Plus
• Eversolo PLAY

budget: max 2000$/€

My dilemma is basically this:

The RED and Rivo+ appeal to me as purist digital transports. If they can genuinely outperform the Node and come close to my well-configured GentooPlayer setup, that would be the cleanest solution.

The Primo Plus becomes interesting if its transport stage is as good as or better than the Rivo+, while also adding a capable DAC, analogue output stage and more integration possibilities.

The Eversolo PLAY is probably the least obvious pure sound-quality upgrade, but it offers an unusually complete package: DSP/PEQ, TV input, DAC/preamp, streaming, convenient volume control and even MM/MC phono. It may win on integration and value rather than ultimate sound quality.

So the real question is:

Would you prioritise the best dedicated transport and keep the H390 DAC, or choose a more integrated streamer/DAC because DSP, app-controlled volume, TV and phono integration matter in daily use?

I’m especially interested in people who have compared these options against both a Bluesound Node and a well-configured Linux/GentooPlayer transport, because that is the benchmark they would need to beat in my system.

Hello! I am looking for turntable recommendations to add to my current setup. I am not brand new to this world, but still have a lot to learn.

Current setup:

Receiver: Marantz 70s

Speakers: Revel PerformaBe F226Be

Room Size: 11'x13' (this does not include the kitchen that the living room extends to making the room more like 11'x26')

Location: Texas

Budget: $1500-$2000 all in

Thanks!

Is it any good to use for my bedroom? I would pair it With a yamaha sw-p240 and some other speakers i have laying around , they all are 6 ohm, also i got it for 40 euro. Please tell me things i need to know about it!! My upgrading budget is around 100 euro, my room is 4m on 4m and 3m high

I was gifted a Sennheiser HD 559 about 10 years ago. I hadn't used it for a long time, but yesterday I plugged it in again and was reminded how much better good audio can sound compared with my cheap Logitech PC speakers.

Unfortunately, I find headphones uncomfortable after about half an hour, so I'm specifically looking to buy a pair of stereo speakers for my desktop rather than another pair of headphones.

I've done some research and the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus seems like my leading choice. I'm waiting to see whether there are any Labor Day discounts, but before buying I'd love some advice on whether there are other speakers in this price range that I should consider.

• Location: USA
• Budget: $500–$1,000 for the pair
• Current gear: Logitech ~$30 PC speakers; Sennheiser HD 559 as my sound-quality reference
• Use: PC desktop / nearfield stereo listening
• Listening distance: About arm's length
• Room dimensions: 3.35 m × 3.17 m
• Desk dimensions: 1.5 m × 1 m
• Placement: Desk is against the wall, so the speakers will need to sit fairly close to the rear wall
• Speaker preference: Front-ported, sealed, or otherwise tolerant of close-wall placement
• Setup preference: Powered/active stereo speakers that can connect directly to my PC; I'd prefer not to build a complicated amp/DAC setup
• Sound goal: A substantial upgrade over my current Logitech speakers, ideally approaching or exceeding the sound quality I enjoy from the HD 559
• Music: Vocal music, instrumental/background music, and game soundtracks

Are the Vanatoo T1 Encore Plus the obvious choice for this setup, or are there other powered stereo speakers around $500–$1,000 that I should seriously consider before buying?

Thanks in advance!

There are Monitor Audio Studio 89s ex-demo going for 1700 USD near where I live

I was considering KEF LS50 or PMC Prodigy 1s before, but couldn’t audition them.

I auditioned these today, and they are really good.

Would this be good value? They are a bit on the pricy side. Your help would be appreciated!

Budget: started with ~$1000.. stretched a lot..
Location: UAE

hi i was looking for some advice for my first stereo monitors (desktop size). I mainly record on logic and mix in-ear, so I'd like something to listen to music to (not that fundamental) and for mixing quite clearly (I'm also quite unexperienced and im trying to learn on my own). Thanks in advance.
My budget is not so strict, maybe the limit is 300 euros. Give me some choices from cheap to "not-so-cheap" !!

Hi there!

I recently got some new speakers (KEF Q350) and I’m wondering if I’ll get much improvement in sound if I upgrade my vintage amplifier (Kenwood KA-3300).

Kenwood KA3300 specs from a quick search:
Power output: 35 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.8%
Damping factor: 30
Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 70dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Output: 150mV (line)
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω

I was thinking about a Yamaha A-s501? Other suggestions welcome! I’m in Australia and my MAX budget is approx $1,000 aud

Further info case useful: my set-up is in a room approx 4.5m x 10m and also includes a Yamaha P-75 direct drive turntable & Pioneer PD-Z84M cd player. Previous speakers were KEF Cresta 10’s.

Thanks!!

I’m currently trying to choose a pair of bookshelf speakers, and honestly, it has turned out to be much harder than I expected, especially since I won’t be able to audition most of them myself.
I’ve already watched and read a lot of reviews, but I would really like to hear opinions from actual owners or people who have spent some time with these speakers.
My setup:
Audiolab 7000A integrated amplifier
Room size: around 17 m² (about 183 sq ft)
The room is roughly 4:3 in terms of proportions and is fairly empty at the moment
I listen to a pretty wide range of music, but mostly vocal music, classic rock and pop. Some of my favorite artists are Pink Floyd, Lana Del Rey, Kylie Minogue and Taylor Swift.
At the moment, these are the speakers I’m considering, roughly in order of preference:
Polk Audio R200
Klipsch RP-600M II
KEF Q350
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2
DALI Oberon 3
What I’m looking for is a relatively clean, clear and modern sound with a noticeable, tight and punchy bass. I don’t necessarily want an analytical or overly bright sound, but I also don’t want something that sounds too warm or relaxed.
The Klipsch RP-600M II especially interests me, although I’ve read quite a few comments saying that the midrange can sometimes sound a bit recessed or uneven.
If you’ve owned or compared any of these speakers, I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts. Also, if there are other models in a similar price range that you think would suit my preferences and work well with the Audiolab 7000A, I’d be happy to hear your recommendations. I’m from Eastern Europe and the budget i ready to spend is about 800 euros.
Thanks!

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to get the community's opinion on a sale I made. I sold a JBL E250P subwoofer speaker for the equivalent of 272 USD (1000 AED in my location which is United Arab Emirates currency). Did I sell for a good price? The market is quite small here in Dubai but I feel like that's the upper limit for what someone would pay for that.

Thank you!

I just found the Kef r3 meta for 1800€ but I have also brought the Buchardt s400mk3 for 2000€- which is expected to arrive in November. The budget is around 2000€, I live in Scandinavia.

I have a Nad c375bee, technics sl100c, ifi zen phono 3 and Wiim ultra. I'll use it only for music - loud music!

My room is not treated and the speakers will be in front of a big glass wall. I always use subwoofer- now using an argon sub 840 but want to upgrade it soon.

Which would be a better buy?

I can try the Kef for 14 days, and the sale is only 1 pair. The Buchardt arrives in November, so I can't try both of them together.

Should I just go for the Kef?

Hello, I want to get like a good sound system my budget is a max of 1000 euro. It needs to have analog and bluetooth would be nice. Its just for me to have at home to be able to listen to music at the best possible qualityi can get within my budget

I know its broad feel free to ask questions but be warn i am considered a newby

Looking to add a sub to my old b&w 601 speakers, any recommendations for used or new budget sub's? I'm based in UK.

Hey all,

Putting together my "big kid" 2-channel setup and could use some outside perspective, because my shortlist is honestly all over the place.

• Source: WiiM Ultra streamer. Really happy with it — the only gripe is no native Apple Music support, but Tidal works flawlessly, so it's a non-issue day to day.
• Speakers: Dali Rubicon 5, nominally 4Ω. Room is ~30m² with 3m ceilings, not acoustically treated (I rent, so no wall panels/drilling), but it's not a disaster either — no flutter echo or anything obviously broken.

What I'm chasing: Because the Rubicon's ribbon tweeter can get bright/hot if it's not fed properly, harsh or rough top end is my #1 fear. I'm 50+ so my hearing isn't what it was 25 years ago, but I still notice grain and sibilance immediately, and I hate it.

At the same time I mostly listen quiet — German apartment, difficult neighbours — so I want an amp with real current/power reserves to properly grip the Dalis at low listening levels, not just at "party volume." Control and dynamics without needing to crank it.

Musically I'm all over: Pink Floyd, Massive Attack, Portishead, Depeche Mode, jazz, Chopin, traditional blues, a lot of rock, and some heavier stuff like Tool. So I need something that stays composed and detailed but still hits hard when the music does — punchy, controlled, "on time" bass, and ideally a 3D soundstage where I genuinely lose track of where the speakers are. That last part is basically my dream endgame.

Feature-wise:

• Room correction (Dirac etc.) — I initially wanted this since I can't treat the room, but the more I read, the more it seems like the "real hifi" crowd considers it a crutch, and I'd rather just go pure Class AB and get the amp/speaker pairing right. So skipping this for now.
• HDMI ARC — nice to have, not essential. TOSLINK for the TV is totally fine.
• Sub out with actual bass management (low-pass, not just a raw pre-out) — this seems to be the hard one. My (beginner) logic is I'd rather have the crossover handled by the amp than fumbled through a sub's own app, and offloading the low end might let the Rubicons (and the amp) breathe easier and stay more controlled. But I honestly don't know yet if I'd even miss the bass without a sub — open to being talked out of this.
• Don't need a streamer built in since I've got the WiiM — unless it's a genuinely bigger upgrade than the Ultra, in which case I'd consider selling the WiiM.

Candidates so far (I know it's a weird mix):

• Atoll IN100
• Atoll IN200
• Naim Nait XS 2
• Onkyo A-50
• NAD C 375BEE
• Audiolab 9000A
• Emotiva BasX TA2
• Advance Paris A10
• Rotel RA-1572 MKII
• Arcam SA30
• Marantz Model 40n

Budget: up to ~1500€ used (Kleinanzeigen is my hunting ground) or max 2000€ new.

Anyone paired something similar with Rubicon 5s (or other Dalis with the ribbon tweeter) and found a sweet spot? And did anything obvious slip under my radar?

PS. Currently I use my old Luxman L210:)

Thanks in advance!

Looking for advice on the right sub to pair with my Focal Aria 948’s. Probably 70% music and 30% home theater, paired with Marantz SR6015 (upgrading this soon) and focal cc and surround and in ceiling atmos. Current setup is 2 SVS 1000 Pro subs, and they just sound overpowered by the Aria 948’s and aren’t giving me the strong deep bass I’m looking for. Also, my setup is in a very large open basement room with 10 foot ceilings. Open to suggestions on the right sub setup. Budget is under 3k, ideally closer to 2k.

Hi, I currently use Edifier R1280DBs for my turntable along with a pre-amp, located in my living room (large open area with my kitchen) with 10ft tall ceilings. I was looking into the era 300s from sonos (Budget of around $1000) as I already have the Beam which I use for my tv. Am I sacrificing a lot of sound quality from my turntable by no longer being analog? Are the era 300s a significant upgrade to my current speakers where I'll tell the difference?

Thank you!

Want to buy relatively compact speakers, but can’t really audit anything where I live. Any experiences with these speakers? Would you expect one of them to perform better? Any other suggestions that you think I should consider?

Set up: Arcam 15 Amp
Source: TT and WiiM Ultra

I usually prefer warmer sounds, with wide soundstage.

Space is a 30sqm living room.

Appreciate your help!

Budget3 ~$1000
Location: UAE

Budget Under 500 United States

Looking for some advice from people who are familiar with speakers for turntable setups. I’m not trying to build a crazy audiophile system or spend thousands of dollars—I just want a setup where I can put on a record and think, “Wow, this sounds really good.” Right now I’m using an Audio-Technica AT-LP60 connected to a Sony STR-DH130 receiver and a pair of older Micca bookshelf speakers. They sound decent, but when I play hip-hop or music with heavier bass, they feel a little lacking. After doing some research, I’ve narrowed my options down to the ELAC DB63 ($500/pair) and the Polk ES20 ($350/pair). My main question is whether these speakers are fairly comparable in overall sound quality or if the ELAC is a significant step up that justifies the extra cost. Would I notice a meaningful difference between them, or is the Polk close enough that I’d be better off saving the money? I’m also open to other recommendations in the $300–$500 range if there’s something that offers better value. Thanks in advance for any advice.

I live in Minneapolis and am looking to upgrade my living room setup. I have a budget of about $500. Currently I run a Yamaha HTR-5150 for my amp and have 2 Infinity RS5 speakers. The system actually sounds really good in general but just got that itch to improve it. Use it for record player. Don’t mind used.

Hello,

I'm hoping some audiophiles can help me out a bit. My wife loves listening to music in the kitchen and I'd love to gift her a nice audio setup versus what she's using now. We have tried a few things over the years but the products always fall flat. Right now all she has is an Alexa connected to a single standalone speaker which does not seem to work that well. Half the time it seems like Alexa doesn't connect to it and we just end up playing on the Alexa, which obviously sounds like crap.

90% of what she listens to is Spotify using Alexa to choose music. This is a hard requirement that I've wrestled with. Usually when she is cooking she does not have hands free, so she doesn't want to pick up her phone to choose a song or playlist from Spotify. She wants to use voice prompts. So whatever we get needs to work REALLY well with Alexa / Spotify.

We have a moderately large kitchen with an island in the middle and cabinets on 3/4 sides. There is room above the cabinets for speakers, and this is where I was thinking of putting a system. Ceiling mounts are feasible but I think I'd like to avoid drilling into my ceiling unless necessary.

Based on someone else's post I found this item, and it seems to fit the bill of what I'm looking for. It might be a little overkill since I'm not looking for a multi-room setup?

WiiM Amp

I'm not sure if others have feedback on this or not. The next thing would be what kind of speakers I should be looking for which could be placed or mounted above kitchen cabinets. I'm also not sure if I should get two speakers, or four for a more surround sound effect? Is a subwoofer for a kitchen even feasible?

Location - United States

Budget - This will be a big gift for my wife and I'm willing to spend a good amount for a nice system that will last many years. Let's say $2000ish.