Hi everyone,
I'm trying to put together my first hifi. In the past I've had computer or "media" speakers such as a Logitech 2.1 or a Klipsch 2.0 setup. I miss the full sound I used to hear as a child from my dad's old receiver and two bookshelf speakers. I'd like to leave the world of computer / powered speakers and try a first attempt at putting together a simple amplifier + two bookshelf speaker setup :)
I'll be playing music (mix of lossless and lossy) from a computer or laptop which feeds via USB into a NuForce uDAC-2. I originally purchased the uDAC to run Sennheiser headphones, but it also has RCA stereo outputs and I'm hoping to plug that into an integrated amplifier.
Here are my questions:
1) Bookshelf Speakers: I'm open to any and all suggestions. Based on reviews I think I would enjoy the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers. Unforunately there are no stereo stores where I live so hearing speakers before I make a purchase decision is not an option.
I want a "warm" sound. I'm not a music producer or an extremely analytical listener. From trying out different headphones I've found I don't mind having the high frequencies "rolled off" a bit. Obviously no one likes a muffled sound, we all want clarity, but I don't mind a tiny bit of a "dark" flavor.
We all want well-rounded speakers, but I guess certain speakers excel with different types of music? I listen to a lot of music some listeners might consider boring. Solo piano, Norah Jones, John Mayer, older stuff like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Van Morrison etc...
I also enjoy bands like The Black Keys, and Wilco so I definitely want at least a bit of low-end strength (but I don't want a subwoofer, just two bookshelf speakers) for rock / pop even if that isn't my primary concern.
I suppose I'm looking for well rounded speakers that are affordable (~$400 USD for the pair) and have a tendency towards sounding good at medium / low volumes playing "smooth" music.
Can anyone recommend any bookshelf speakers that fit this description (~$400 USD)? Do the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers fit the bill?
2) Integrated Amplifier: I am a bit clueless as to how to power the bookshelf speakers. Right now I'm leaning towards a few different options simply based on Amazon / other website reviews.
Option A: Yamaha A-S500 Integrated Amplifier (120W max per channel, 85w rms)
Option B: Qinpu A-6000 MKII - Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplfier (16.5w per channel)
I'd like to spend no more then approximataely $400 USD for the integrated amplifier.
From what I've read the Yamaha has a "pure direct" option which completely bypasses any of the Yamaha bass / treble / loudness EQ settings. This can apparently lead to a very natural sound, but I'm just going off of reviews.
The Qinpu tube amp has absolutely shocking (in a good way) reviews on Amazon. Even though it's only 16.5 watts reviewers are saying it makes their speakers sound phenomenal!
These are just two of the integrated amplifiers I've found online where the reviews are overhwhelmingly positive and are in my price range (~$400 USD). I'm open to any and all suggestions. I just want a simple, no frills amplifier that will work great with the type of speakers I've described that I'm looking for.
3) Speaker wire / RCA cables / Power cables and the "Diminishing Returns" debate: Since this is my first attempt at putting together a hifi I'm hoping some of you expereicenced listeners out there can help me with this issue...
If you're spending no more than $400 USD for the speakers, and no more than $400 USD for the integrated amplifier what seems like the sweet spot to spend on wires / cables? Is there a certain sweet spot of quality where I won't break the bank but can feel confident I have "decent" equipment all around?
I'm open to any and all suggestions on my three questions and any other hifi topics, so all input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reading!!
Hi everyone,
I'm trying to put together my first hifi. In the past I've had computer or "media" speakers such as a Logitech 2.1 or a Klipsch 2.0 setup. I miss the full sound I used to hear as a child from my dad's old receiver and two bookshelf speakers. I'd like to leave the world of computer / powered speakers and try a first attempt at putting together a simple amplifier + two bookshelf speaker setup :)
I'll be playing music (mix of lossless and lossy) from a computer or laptop which feeds via USB into a NuForce uDAC-2. I originally purchased the uDAC to run Sennheiser headphones, but it also has RCA stereo outputs and I'm hoping to plug that into an integrated amplifier.
Here are my questions:
1) Bookshelf Speakers: I'm open to any and all suggestions. Based on reviews I think I would enjoy the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers. Unforunately there are no stereo stores where I live so hearing speakers before I make a purchase decision is not an option.
I want a "warm" sound. I'm not a music producer or an extremely analytical listener. From trying out different headphones I've found I don't mind having the high frequencies "rolled off" a bit. Obviously no one likes a muffled sound, we all want clarity, but I don't mind a tiny bit of a "dark" flavor.
We all want well-rounded speakers, but I guess certain speakers excel with different types of music? I listen to a lot of music some listeners might consider boring. Solo piano, Norah Jones, John Mayer, older stuff like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Van Morrison etc...
I also enjoy bands like The Black Keys, and Wilco so I definitely want at least a bit of low-end strength (but I don't want a subwoofer, just two bookshelf speakers) for rock / pop even if that isn't my primary concern.
I suppose I'm looking for well rounded speakers that are affordable (~$400 USD for the pair) and have a tendency towards sounding good at medium / low volumes playing "smooth" music.
Can anyone recommend any bookshelf speakers that fit this description (~$400 USD)? Do the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers fit the bill?
2) Integrated Amplifier: I am a bit clueless as to how to power the bookshelf speakers. Right now I'm leaning towards a few different options simply based on Amazon / other website reviews.
Option A: Yamaha A-S500 Integrated Amplifier (120W max per channel, 85w rms)
Option B: Qinpu A-6000 MKII - Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplfier (16.5w per channel)
I'd like to spend no more then approximataely $400 USD for the integrated amplifier.
From what I've read the Yamaha has a "pure direct" option which completely bypasses any of the Yamaha bass / treble / loudness EQ settings. This can apparently lead to a very natural sound, but I'm just going off of reviews.
The Qinpu tube amp has absolutely shocking (in a good way) reviews on Amazon. Even though it's only 16.5 watts reviewers are saying it makes their speakers sound phenomenal!
These are just two of the integrated amplifiers I've found online where the reviews are overhwhelmingly positive and are in my price range (~$400 USD). I'm open to any and all suggestions. I just want a simple, no frills amplifier that will work great with the type of speakers I've described that I'm looking for.
3) Speaker wire / RCA cables / Power cables and the "Diminishing Returns" debate: Since this is my first attempt at putting together a hifi I'm hoping some of you expereicenced listeners out there can help me with this issue...
If you're spending no more than $400 USD for the speakers, and no more than $400 USD for the integrated amplifier what seems like the sweet spot to spend on wires / cables? Is there a certain sweet spot of quality where I won't break the bank but can feel confident I have "decent" equipment all around?
I'm open to any and all suggestions on my three questions and any other hifi topics, so all input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reading!!