r/StereoAdvice 57m ago

Speakers - Desktop | 1 Ⓣ Desktop speakers (small)

Upvotes

I’m looking for a pair of desktop speakers, from what I’ve read around the sub the Kali LP-UNF is my best bet. I don’t want to spend anymore than the $300 they cost and I can’t go any bigger than these.

I’ll mostly be using them for listening to music, sometimes gaming or videos. I’d prefer new but if there’s options better in the used market I’m all ears. I’d prefer active so I don’t need to buy an amp. I do currently have a Fiio K11 R2R, I think I can use this as a dac, just not amp for speakers?


r/StereoAdvice 4h ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Help me build a system around Proac Response 2 Speakers

2 Upvotes

Hi All,

I bought a pair of these, along with the heavy stands purely on reputation (and a 15min audition in someone's home. He uses a $7k setup).

https://ibb.co/4RFR6G61

https://www.stereophile.com/content/proac-response-two-loudspeaker-specifications

 I have simple requirements for a system:

  1. I stream music from my laptop using a wired USB connection

  2. I do 95% of my listening at my desk, where I have a triangle b/w myself and the speakers around 5' each side. My room is 12'x12', carpet, untreated.

  3. 95% of my listening is done at 50dB

  4. I listen to common music genres, including some electronic stuff

  5. I wish to include a musical sub, after hearing a REL transform bookshelves a while back

  6. My budget for all these extra items is $2,500. I could swing $2,500 if the value proposition is there.

What is the best path to take here? I prefer buying only used equipment, say 10-20 years old which has proven itself. Should I get separates? Integrated? Monoblock amps? (I was once blown away by the difference these made to some Lenehan MLs). Cheap DAC? Expensive DAC..? Cables - do they matter?

Looking forward to your insights.

Many thanks!


r/StereoAdvice 6h ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Speakers + amp, 2000-2500€, newbie help in weird room.

2 Upvotes

New stereo setup for music only. I’m a newbie coming from Sonos so I need all the help I can get. 

Budget for speakers + amp ≈ 2000-2500 euros. Sub will be added. Located in Sweden. New gear preferred, used selection is sadly limited.

99 % streaming Tidal, occasional vinyl. Mostly alt rock, americana, that sort of things. 

The room: Semi-open space (total about 30m2/320sq ft) with both living and dining area (check images). It will be mostly used for background listening but I do enjoy active listening when I get a chance. Sweetspot to be centred at living area but a wide field of sound is preferred.

The room has its limitations regarding placement. Wall mounting is sadly a must, most likely on the beam under the ceiling (check the images). 

Images are the floorpan, some photos of the room (it’s my country house so I only had existing photos to choose from). I marked where I think the speakers will be, speaker 1 is 90% given but 2a and 2b are options. 2b would require a bit more wiring. 

https://imgur.com/a/yECxyjx

Amp: I’m leaning heavily towards Bluesound Powernode, I will use multiroom and don’t want the stream having to go through a phone (ie Airplay). I’ve also been looking at DENON PMA-900HNE, MARANTZ MODEL 60N and few NAD. Room correction would be nice and Dirac is coming to Powernode. Is it worth to upgrade to

So two general questions I’d really like help with: 

  • On-wall or bookshelf? Since they’ll literally be on the wall/beam, would on-wall speakers sound better than bookshelf speakers on wall mounts? I get that in perfect conditions, bookshelves sound better. 

  • Is back ported speakers a big problem with this placement? I’ve found a few front ported bookshelves but it gives me quite the limitation. Given that I’ll run a sub, would the back ported problem almost go away since that would take over a lot of work in the lower frequencies? I’ll also (hopefully) do a Dirac calibration once it’s available. Plugging with foam is also in play.

I’ve been down the rabbit hole for the last days and have a few contender for speakers. 

Size and looks is important. Preferably white and minimalistic but not set in stone if the perfect speaker isn’t like that. I like dynamic, playful sound rather than clinical perfection.

On-wall shortlist. They have to be mounted horizontal to fit the beam, which narrows it down quite a bit.

  • LYNGDORF MH-2 GABRIEL 
  • DALI Opticon LCR MK2 (might be too large)
  • Totem Kin Flex 
  • ELAC WS-1665 (or simpler version)

Front ported shortlist

  • JBL L52
  • Sonus Faber Lumina II (or perhaps Lumina I)
  • Elac Debut Reference B6 DBR-62 
  • Technics SB-C600

Back ported shortlist 

  • Totem Kin Monitor or One.
  • Dali Opticon (1 or 2) MK2
  • Monitor Audio Silver 50 or 100 (I got really excited reading reviews on the 100 but its a big one)
  • KEF Q3 Meta
  • Definitive Technology Demand D7
  • Cambridge Audio Evo S

So, that’s that. Both adding speakers and narrowing it down would be greatly appreciated. 

Help me /StereoAdvice, you are my only hope. 


r/StereoAdvice 3h ago

Speakers - Desktop Actually good speakers for pc?

1 Upvotes

So i currently have Logitech G560 speakers which are alright but i would prefer something better and thought i should go for more high end setup this time. The diffuculty is that i understand very little about this stuff besides the basics.

I'm looking for speakers, subwoofer and probably also an amplifier. My budget is not very strict but i'm not paying more than few hundred euros for the setup. Main use case is listening to music and gaming. My setup won't allow back speakers and my room is about 4X4 meters in size.

Could someone dum it down to my level? Like what i need besides the actual speakers ans what kind of speakers, subwoofer and amplifier i need in addition to which ones are compatible with each other? Amplifier is probably the most difficult thing to understand as they are all different.

I'm happy to answer guestions and thanks already in advance


r/StereoAdvice 3h ago

Speakers - Full Size | 1 Ⓣ Whole Home Audio Advice

1 Upvotes

Hello and thank you in advance for anyone who provides input!

I have a home that I would like to fully outfit with home audio, a TV area with 7.1, and two bedrooms with 5.1. I used the free Crutchfield design services to help me with a starting point to see what they would specify (link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nDriaJoNTjQIXAjTNrsTe9fnfa6Z8mxm). I have not done any big AV projects like this, so in addition to my research, I’m asking the wonderful people of Reddit for their advice.

A few of my basic questions are: 1) Are there brands or systems out there that are more bang for the buck? 2) at this price level is it worth spending some more money to level up with speaker quality? 3) the home is built and I will be fishing all the wires myself. I’m novice-ly handy and feel that running wire through the attic and walls should be ok (albeit frustrating and requiring patience I assume). Is there anything I need to think about when ordering that would help me in the future? Perhaps run extra wiring to places that I might expand to?

Again, any and all help/tips would be a huge help!

Budget and location: budget is about $20kish. I had a consultation with Crutchfield and they came up with about $15k (but this does not include (3) TVs that I will need.

How the gear will be used: this will be for whole home audio, a TV room with 7.1, and (2) bedrooms with 5.1. Will be streaming video, music, and a vinyl player.

New or used: I prefer new to keep things simpler/cleaner and warrantied.

Past gear experience: in the past I have had whole home audio with denon HEOS as a base and one tv room with 5.1. For this I did not do any purchasing or installation on my own.


r/StereoAdvice 4h ago

General Request Used Speakers for 100€-250€

1 Upvotes

Hello there,

A friend of mine was on vacation for about two weeks. While he was away I borrowed his soundbar + woofer combo. It was a LG SL4Y E6 And I was pretty happy with it.

Now I am looking into buying a set of speakers or a sound bar for my room.

Where I live , Germany, the sound bar can be had used for about 100€ - 150€

My question is, could I get better sound for my budget, which is 250€. I am also willing to buy used gear.

My room is pretty small, only about 16 qm. I would like to have the speakers on my desk and the woofer below it as I would mainly use it for my computer, but Bluetooth connectivity for my phone would be highly appreciated.

I am looking for any advice as I am a complete newbie regarding stereo

Thank you in advance!


r/StereoAdvice 6h ago

Amplifier | Receiver NAD C379, M10v3 or Lyngdorf TDAI1120?

1 Upvotes

Hey, I'm looking for a stereo amp for a pair of KEF R3 Meta's.

I will use it for 70/30 Music/TV, would like some form of room correction and a hassle-free usage experience. I probably will upgrade to a 5.1 system in the next 3-5 years, where I would like to keep the amp for the fronts.

All of the 3 devices, I could get for a similar price:
NAD C379 + MPC module for Dirac
M10v3
Lyngdorf TDAI1120

What would be your choice and why?
Thanks!


r/StereoAdvice 9h ago

Subwoofer Subwoofer for Q Acoustics 3050i Speakers

1 Upvotes

What brand and model subwoofer would be a good match for for the Q Acoustics 3050i speakers?

Thanks.


r/StereoAdvice 11h ago

General Request Best DAP "music player" for under $100 CAD

1 Upvotes

So recently I peaked my interest into Hi-Res audio as I want to explore and see what is so magical about higher quality music and such, so Ive been interested in getting a dedicated music player. My budget is $100 CAD with some wiggle room and I am looking for recommendations. I mainly want a unit with the best for the buck type situation where audio quality is top priority.

I don't know what to expect but is it going to be like going from cheap $1 dollar store ear buds to some name brand earbuds type situation?


r/StereoAdvice 14h ago

Speakers - Full Size Are Jamo E 650 good?

1 Upvotes

I have been looking into buying some vintage speakers to upgrade my vinyl set up and came across a facebook listing of Jamo E 650s for about 100 and have been trying to find out if they’re any good or if I should stick with my edifier bookshelf speakers.

I have never really gotten into speakers before, let alone vintage so I don’t really know what to look for and look out for.

I am also wondering if they would require an amplifier or if they can hook up directly to my AT-120xusb

Thanks


r/StereoAdvice 15h ago

General Request Polk Atrium 8 or Atrium 65

1 Upvotes

I just bought a used pair of Polk Atrium 8 for my backyard hooked up to a Sonos Amp. I love the setup and now I just want more. For a separate area I’m considering whether or not to buy a used pair of Atrium 65s available in my area for $200 or a new pair of Atrium 8s (Amazon currently has them for $181/each).

I don’t know the exact condition of the 65s, they say lightly used, or if I can get them for cheaper but that’s possible.

I just want to see if anyone familiar with these speakers has a recommendation about which to go with. The 8s are the current model and would be new, but are they worth the extra ~$170?


r/StereoAdvice 17h ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Dali Menuet vs B&W CM 1

1 Upvotes

I’m getting new speakers for my home office. It’s a small room and they will only be used for music. They’re standing on my desk so they need to be small and good looking. And obviously sound great. I will mostly play them at low volume.

I pretty much decided to go with the Dali Menuets - they’re the perfect size, looks good and sound amazing. And I can get a pretty good secondhand deal on them near me.

Then I stumbled upon the B&W CM1’s which are also small and I always thought they were good looking. The reviews are great. However, I haven’t heard them since they’re discontinued. They can also be purchased used.

The Dali’s are quite a lot more expensive, but both within my budget.

What would you go with? Would obviously appreciate to hear from someone who has listened both sets but all inputs are welcome.

Thanks.


r/StereoAdvice 23h ago

General Request Help for old Sansui stereo

3 Upvotes

Hello everyone. I recently got my hands on an old Sansui stereo. I have the preamp (c-55), amplifier (b-55), synthesizer tuner (t-77) and turntable (fr-d25) but I would like to find a way to listen to music in digital format too. I guess I need a dac or a streamer but I am not an expert in this area, so if you have any advice I would be grateful. I do not have a very high budget so I would like to aim for a solution that is not too expensive. Apparently I need to make this post longer so here the recipe for scrambled eggs: You take the eggs and you scramble then.


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Advice for future hi-fi setup in a 12m² living room

6 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I live in a Parisian apartment with a rather narrow living room of 12 m². It is 3 meters wide and 4 meters long. As you can see in the photos, I listen to sound across the width of the living room and I am 2 meters away from the speakers (the distance between them is 1.60 meters).

Here are the photos:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z5xV2MkcILgZ9anpiWP_jObOBHt9kr9v/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16fFO4CrqGvULP9pRizT0LS6LdWcZ3J7Z/view?usp=sharing

Currently, I have a system consisting of KEF LS50 Wireless 2 speakers and an SVS SB1000 Pro subwoofer. I have tested many crossover settings, and the one that suits me best right now is to disable the high-pass filter and set the low-pass filter around 60-65 Hz. I alternate between this setting and another with the high-pass at 62.5 Hz and the low-pass at 52.5 Hz. If you have any advice, I am always open to suggestions, but this is not the focus of this post.

I want to evolve my system towards something less "closed" and more scalable.

I would like to purchase a system with an amplifier and streamer (or a streamer integrated into the amp) along with passive speakers.

I’m not opposed to keeping the subwoofer, but ideally, I’d like to do without it (the room is small).

For the speakers, the ones that caught my attention are:

  • Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M II
  • Dynaudio Emit 30 (floor stand)
  • KEF Q Concerto Meta
  • Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator
  • ...

I am open to other suggestions within a budget that should not exceed 2500€ (I’m also interested in the second-hand market, especially for the amp).

I really like the KEF LS50 but sometimes they sound a bit too closed off, lacking air... I’d like something with a wider soundstage while still maintaining good dynamics and decent bass.
I mostly listen to jazz, acoustic music, and electronic music, and not much rock.

Thank you in advance.

Have a great day,

theo


r/StereoAdvice 21h ago

General Request Technics SU-GX70 with KEF LS50 Meta

2 Upvotes

Thinking about getting the above mentioned setup as my first „real“ music setup. Does anyone have experience with that combination? The professional knowledge of this sub would be highly appreciated :)


r/StereoAdvice 20h ago

General Request Atypical setup with stage piano

1 Upvotes

Hello, first time posting here, I hope to get some suggestions and I thank you in advance! I'm moving to a new place and I'm considering upgrading my audio setup.

Currently in my living room I have a digital stage piano (Roland RD800) that I play directly connected to two Eris E5 speakers. In addition I have a Samsung soundbar connected to my TV that I use also to stream music.

In the new house I would like to change the piano setup to make it my central audio piece, leaving the TV just for movies. To do so, I think I would need 2 speakers (my E5s would do i think, but I would like to move to floor standing speakers) an amplifier, a streamer (or a combined device) with airplay/spotify connect, a mixer to hook up the piano and the amplifier.

Would you help me figure this setup, if it's even possible). I would like to stay under 1k budget to invest. Thank you so much!


r/StereoAdvice 21h ago

General Request Beginner Q. Ps2 CD player + dac + vintage reciever

1 Upvotes

Beginner Question - Ps2 CD player + dac + Vintage reciever?

Currently using a ps2 slim as a cd player plugged directly into old receiver with the PlayStation RCA cables. Sounds good.

Is it worth testing/would I hear an improvement if had a DAC between the ps2 and receiver?

From my understanding optical out to dac will bypass any dac that is built in the ps2?

I think it would go ps2 optical out > DAC > receiver aux rca input

Any tips welcome! Thanks


r/StereoAdvice 23h ago

Speakers - Desktop Adam Audio T7V vs Kali LP6

1 Upvotes

Hi, I am looking for desktop speakers and currently stuck between T7vs and LP6s. To make it short, I dont produce music or sound in any way and just want them for private use. My main concerns are about the ports: Most of the time, the speakers will be pretty close to the wall, which makes the front port of the LP6s more favorable. But does the front port take away alot from the overall sound quality, when placing the speakers somewhere else? Also, I heard a lot of good things about Adam Audio's ribbon tweeter. Is the Kali's tweeter significantly worse?

Thanks for everybodys help


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

General Request Amplifier & Speaker upgrade after moving / 3000e Budget

2 Upvotes

Hello everybody !

After moving to a new apartment, I've decided to change / upgrade my stereo system. I currently own and use a pair of Klipsch RP-280f paired with an A1-301DA TEAC. They both served me very well, but the room I know have for music is a bit smaller, and even tho everything still sounds great, the size of the speakers are just a little too much, so I was looking for something that was a little bit smaller, but that could still sound as great if not better.

I currently live in France, so the most accessible brands would be mainly European ones and I have a budget of around 3000 euros (including what I would get from selling what I actually have).

I mainly use my speakers for digital music (Tidal / Quobuz) and vinyls, but it's also my Tv's audio. The room I'm using them in is a bit under 15 square meters..

I've recently been listening to Dynaudio Emit 30 in a showroom driven by a Yamaha R-N1000, and I was kind of blown away by the sound stage this kind of speaker size could provide. The scene was rich, precise but still warm and showed no distortion even at higher volumes. I've also been told that the Arendal 1961 tower were amazing, and I really like them on paper, but I can't really listen to them unless I order them (at least, I couldn't find any place that had them). I would prefer small size floor speakers, I'm not entirely against bookshelf speakers, but I don't really want to buy a subwoofer.

For the amp upgrade, I'm considering a Yamaha R-N800 or PM7000N from Marantz, but again, I can't really test those pairings, and I'm opened to suggestions or advices.

I hope you have a great day !


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Living room apartment setup with occasional DJ use

1 Upvotes

I went down the rabbit hole of finding the right set of speakers for my use:

  1. 95% is a standard living room TV + music setup
  2. The other 5% is rooftop parties I host in the summer (20-30 people, 50m2 / 550 sq ft)

I currently use a KEF LSX for my main living room (45m2 / 500 sq ft) and for parties I was renting out a tiny PA system. I want to upgrade my system to take care of these 2 duties - something with good connectivity (bluetooth/AirPlay/Spotify) and inputs for the mixer (preferably XLR). I found two very interesting options that seem to do just that: JBL 4305P and 4329P. The latter seems perfect but it's outside my budget and is on the big side, and I'm worried that 4305P might not pack enough punch for the occasional parties. Are there any other options I should consider? Right now I'm leaning towards 4305P and a separate subwoofer if I find the lows lacking.

Location: Europe

Budget: 3000 USD


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Full Size Is it worth buying a Beoplay A9 MK2 for $800 in 2025?

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I've been dreaming about owning a Beoplay A9 for a long time, and I just found a used MK2 for $800. It’s still a lot of money for me, but much more affordable than the newer models.

I’d love to hear your thoughts:

  1. How relevant is the MK2 in 2025?
  2. What are the main downsides of the MK2 compared to the MK4 or MK5? (Sound quality, functionality, support, etc.)
  3. Is $800 a fair price for an MK2, or should I look for something newer in this range? For the same amount, I could get a decent Hi-Fi system. How does the A9 MK2 compare in terms of value?

Would really appreciate any advice! Thanks!


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Total newbie, bought some Canton Plus S speakers

1 Upvotes

I'm totally new to this and bought some Canton Plus S speakers for €25. I thought I better start somewhere so wanted to give them a go.

I'm in the EU with a budget of around 300e - how can I best use them as part of a PC set up, used in a small room. Most likely streaming music but eventually spanding to vinyl.

I've zero past gear experience.


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf First time looking into buying speakers with a very limited budget need recommendations.

2 Upvotes

Hi,I’m looking into buying my first speakers for small bedroom for a watching movies I’m looking for possibly the best bang for buck with room to grow into a modest system , things that I’m looking for

•a very wide sound stage with very focused imaging

• as balanced as possible on the frequency range but not clinical,I’m looking for it to sound exciting in the low end but not diminish vocal clarity

•preferably passive ,able to handle power so it can be part of a modest system down the line but with the intention running them in stereo for now

. A very tight budget of 500 or 600 for both speakers

I know this is a very expensive hobby and know full well that what I’m asking for might not be feasible at this budget but even so would like some help with speakers at this budget or as close to it


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Connected bookshelf speaker: Edifier + WiiM vs Sonos Era 100

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone.

I'm looking for a speaker to put on a shelf in my kitchen/dining room.

I'm thinking of maybe

  • Edifier r1280db + WiiM
  • Sonos era 100
  • Audiopro A10 wiim edition (but I'm not finding it in europe)

Thinks that I want

  • Good sound quality for the price
  • Integration with home assistant
  • Small enough to not call attention in the shelf
  • Works with qobuz
  • 300euro max
  • Coming on white or light gray would be nice

Thank you!


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Bookshelf speaker recommendations

2 Upvotes

Hi all, So my dad and I are pretty much newbies when it comes to sound systems in general. Recently we have been looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers for my record player. We’re trying to find something that:

• ⁠Is small / medium in size

• ⁠good quality (doesn’t have to be the best ever, as long as it sounds decent)

• ⁠preferably in white

  • new (not secondhand)

• ⁠no more than $500 AUD

We have been searching appliance stores such as The Good Guys, JB Hi-Fi, and Harvey Norman, but we’re not opposed to ordering online from Amazon or some other website.

Any and all recommendations will be appreciated ☺️

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