Hi,

So I know nothing about audio whatsoever. My crappy Sony mini system broke after 12 years and it's all I am used to. 240 watt speakers, crappy as system that cost about $300 but the sound it produced filled the room.

I am wanting to put together a component system and I am in NZ so my only options are pretty slim.

I have decided to go with a Marantz integrated amp and cd player model numbers

Integrated amp PM5005 and cd player CD5005

I was going to go with Denon (have a Denon cassette deck) but have been told Marantz (even though they are the same company), is a more premium brand and produces a slightly better sound.

But I am stumped on speakers. I get into all these specs and am like "duhh, I have female brain".

I am considering the Wharfedale Diamond 220 -

http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/tv-and-audio/blu-ray-and-home-theatre/speakers-and-sound-bars/wharfedale-diamond-220-bookshelf-speakers-white.html

or

B&W 686

http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/event/christmas-gifts/entertainment-enthusiast/bowers-and-wilkins-686-series-2-bookshelf-speakers.html

Now my needs having nothing to do with home theatre, I don't care. I am not an audiophile so I don't think I need like $10,000 speakers.

Could anyone give me some suggestions or pointers? I tend to think the B&W speakers must be better because they cost more but is that true? I only listen to like punk/metal/indie stuff so it's not like I need amazing features, just something better than a crappy mini system.

Cheers for any advice.