[Poopboob]


So, I am new to this forum and its been years since I considered audio quality.  I am starting from scratch with only a JVC L-F210 turntable.  

 

If you were starting over and wanted a receiver, speakers, etc, what would your choice be with a budget

 

[Phrehdd]

Would you consider "open box" or used receivers? I ask as it would afford you MORE for your speakers.

 

[Poopboob]


I'd consider anything that works.  I am looking at the Onkyo TX-8050 receiver and maybe PSB Alpha B1 speakers.  Haven't heard the speakers yet, but they were recommended as the best in my price range.

 

[zieglj01]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Poopboob  /t/1517136/starting-from-scratch#post_24339973


I'd consider anything that works.  I am looking at the Onkyo TX-8050 receiver and maybe PSB Alpha B1 speakers.  Haven't heard the speakers yet, but they were recommended as the best in my price range.

There is no guaranteed best in your price - and I do not consider PSB the best.


Look at the Boston M25 bookshelf - buy 1 and get 1 free, to make a pair
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_065M25/Boston-Acoustics-M25.html?showAll=N&search=boston_m25&skipvs=T


Get a receiver for around $200 here - AC4L
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/StereoReceivers/Home-Audio/Stereo-Receivers/1.html

 

[mcnarus]

The key to success here is to reserve as much of your budget as possible for speakers, which make the most difference by far in terms of sound quality. With that in mind, I'd recommend an Onkyo 8020 receiver, which runs about $160 and includes a phono input, which you'll need for the turntable. (Many receivers and amps don't anymore.)


As for speakers. PSB is a good brand. Others to consider are Infinity, Energy, and Paradigm.

 

[commsysman]

B & H has the Harman-Kardon 3390 stereo receiver for only $240; that is a really good deal, and it even has a phono preamp included.


I don't know of anything else that you can get for under $400 that will sound as good. It is discontinued, which accounts for the low price, but they may not be available for much longer.


The PSB Alpha B1 speakers are $300, and hard to beat for that price.


The Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 are also excellent, and go for $350.

 

[Poopboob]


Hey, Best buy had the Bowers and Wilkins 686 on sale for $375.  Anyone have thoughts on those?  

 

[postrokfan]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Poopboob  /t/1517136/starting-from-scratch#post_24382087


Hey, Best buy had the Bowers and Wilkins 686 on sale for $375.  Anyone have thoughts on those?  

I'd rather have the 685s. Also, are they open box? B&W generally doesn't allow sales only MSRP.

 

[Poopboob]


Yeah, open box.  I bought em, figured I try em and return if I dont like.  I had already bought the Wharfedale 10.1 Diamond on Amazon.  I'll play them head to head and see which I like better and return the others.

 

[postrokfan]

That's a great plan. Have fun!

 

[Poopboob]


Just an update for future speaker shoppers.  After comparing the Bowers and Wilkins 686 to the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 by playing records through an Onkyo TX-8050 I decided to keep the Wharfedales.  Both sounded good, but the clarity on vocals and guitar parts through the Wharfedales were much better.  I was listening to Pearl Jam Ten (redux), Stevie Wonder Innervisions, and Neutral Milk Hotel and in all three, the Wharfedales outperformed on the vocals.