What is the opinion of Reddit about the
NEUMI BS5 Passive Bookshelf Speakers, 5-Inch Woofer, 1-Inch Tweeter, Dark Wood, 1 Pair?

A total of 186 reviews of this product on Reddit.

2 points

·

5th Jul 2021

Music and background noises should not overpower the dialogue. Means your centre channel is low quality and/or not turned up high enough.

Just from an objective standpoint the speakers are low quality, not trying to insult you personally. You could buy 3 sets of cheap bookshelf speakers and hear a noticeable improvement.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

2 points

·

5th Aug 2020

That’s a pretty big room where I come from and given your long seating distance, you may be hard pressed to fill the room. If you would be happy with more “ambient” listening rather than room filling, focused sound, you should be able to find something to work. Your budget is too small to get any level of quality bass plus it would be easy to get lost in that room anyway. I’m not suggesting it’s a grim situation, but you may need to temper your expectations. Perhaps this Neumi BS5 would fit the bill.

1 point

·

9th Mar 2022

The C452 Air is just a garbage speaker with a bad tweeter and virtually nonexistent crossover. Same with the entire Dayton Air series to be frank, they have to be in order to be so cheap and still profitable.

The cheapest speakers actually worth buying are the Neumi BS5. If you need a centre channel, buy a pair of them, turn one of them sideways, and keep the spare.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

1 point

·

29th Nov 2021

No speaker works well against a wall due to room acoustics. However sealed or front ported would be preferred as you generally want at least 3+ inches of space to not choke off the port. Technically you could just plug the port too but sealing a speaker is very much a YMMV sort of deal depending on how the speaker is designed. Personally I’d say spend a bit more and get Neumi BS5 that are front ported.

1 point

·

15th Oct 2021

Spend the tiny bit extra for the Neumi BS5. One of the best value options right now. There is some mid-range resonances, but plugging the ports will fix that up. Just use a 100Hz crossover instead of 80Hz when plugging the ports so you don’t overwork the woofer.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

1 point

·

4th Oct 2021

Neumi passive bookshelf are out of stock so not showing on Smazon. The powered version show up – which you linked.

This is what you want

https://www.amazon.com/BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B07YZDS9LF

But I would run 3 CS5 for LCR (on end) – bookshelf for surrounds

1 point

·

28th Aug 2021

The speakers are extremely low quality. I would replace them immediately, even cheap bookshelf speakers are much better.

https://www.amazon.com/NEUMI-BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07YZDS9LF

The receiver is worth $250-300, and the subwoofer probably $125-150.

1 point

·

20th Aug 2021

At that price it is automatically junk. Somebody had to get paid to design it, cabinet costs money, drivers cost money, at the end there is nothing left for a real crossover design.

​

Your best option at the ultra-budget level is using a single bookshelf speaker as your centre.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

1 point

·

10th Aug 2021

Well those speakers are really atrocious so pretty much anything will be a huge upgrade.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

I would start off with a pair of those, then see if you can find any used subwoofers locally that would be an upgrade. Unlikely for $90 but worth a shot.

1 point

·

7th Aug 2021

Plenty of powered gear has a low noise floor, Klipsch is just notoriously stingy about their entry level products.

To be brutally honest, it is time to cut your losses. Some $100 bookshelf speakers will perform much better. Buy an old AV receiver and use that for power + subwoofer high-pass. Plenty of them sell for $50-100 just because they lack modern HDMI support.

https://www.amazon.com/NEUMI-BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07YZDS9LF

1 point

·

28th Apr 2021

That box size only gives you about 1.75 cubic ft of internal volume, pretty low for a 12″ woofer. Especially if you intend for this to be a ported design, because the port itself
takes up air volume.

Those T652-Air are garbage speakers without a real crossover. Any of the DIY kits like the Hitmaker MT will sound much better. There are even non-DIY speakers which will outperform them. The only real selling point of the T652-Air is they get loud.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

9 points

·

13th Jul 2021

Find a used receiver, something under $200 to start out. Then get a decent subwoofer and some cheap bookshelf speakers. In the future you can move the cheap speakers to surround duty and get better front channels.

https://www.amazon.ca/NEUMI-BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.electronicsforless.ca/svs-pb-1000-300-watt-dsp-controlled-10-ported-subwoofer-3884.html

8 points

·

22nd May 2021

Both of those are junk PC speakers. Do yourself a huge favour, buy some cheap bookshelf speakers, and a cheap amp to run them.

https://www.amazon.com/BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.amazon.com/Kinter-K3118-Instruments-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B0787BRQ2F

Get these if you need even cheaper speakers:

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-MK402X-4-2-Way-Bookshelf-Speaker-Pair-300-465

8 points

·

30th Apr 2021

180-22,000Hz (-5dB)

-5dB at 180Hz means they are starting to roll off before 200Hz. Typical junk satellite speakers.

$100 pair of bookshelf speakers will perform far better. Yes, the difference is noticeable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

5.1 has side surrounds, not rears. You can see the difference here:

https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/5.1-virtual-speakers-setup-guide/

https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/7.1-virtual-speakers-setup-guide/

6 points

·

12th Jun 2021

Surrounds are not important at this budget level, but Polk is not a good use of budget.

S50’s are $400 a pair, S30 is $200, Yamaha SW050 is $165, generic surrounds are $50.

So assuming your total budget is about $800, here is how you get a much nicer 5.1 setup. The difference in subwoofer quality will be massive.

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1-2

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-b1-pair

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.parts-express.com/BIC-Formula-F-12-12-Subwoofer-475-Watts-303-436

6 points

·

6th May 2021

For that price you either buy used or go without a subwoofer.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.amazon.com/AIYIMA-A07-TPA3255-Amplifier-Digital/dp/B08CJZGT6H

If you want to buy new, grab those bookshelf speakers and amp.

5 points

·

1st Sep 2021

Budget $50-100 for the receiver, buy used. Pre-HDMI is fine, hook it up via optical.

Speakers, I would go with a pair of Neumi BS5, unless your used market is especially ripe.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

You could also build a pair of C-Note speakers.

https://www.parts-express.com/C-Note-MT-Bookshelf-Speaker-Kit-Pair-with-Knock-Down-Cabinets-300-7140

Subwoofer will eat your remaining budget.

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

5 points

·

30th Jul 2021

You get what you pay for. That Klipsch package is not good, but it is better than a soundbar.

If you can spend $100 more, you can do a lot better.

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x3

That gives you a good entry level 5.1 setup. Those Neumi BS5 are the best budget bookshelf speakers right now. Use just a single one as your centre channel, so you will end up with a spare. Plug the ports with some foam, or even socks. It will fix the mid-range dips at a small cost to bass output.

https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/neumi_bs5/

For the receiver, this is your cheapest option if you want something with HDMI 2.0 support.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs540bt/denon-avr-s540bt-5.2-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

5 points

·

16th Jul 2021

> she doesn’t want to waste more money and have them sound bad.

That is exactly what purchasing a soundbar or cheap speaker setup would result in.

Your best option is a used receiver to keep costs down, hooked up via optical. Then get some bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer.

For the centre channel, just buy a second pair of the bookshelf speakers and use 1 of those. Stay away from MTM centre channels, especially the cheap ones. Bad off-axis response.

https://www.amazon.ca/NEUMI-BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.amazon.ca/Polk-Audio-10-Inch-Monitor-Subwoofer/dp/B0002KVQBA


Looking at future upgrades, the first thing is saving up for a better subwoofer. Something like an SVS PB-1000 Pro. Then some better front channels, so you can move the cheap ones to surround duty.

After that would be a new receiver, acoustic treatment for your room, and a second subwoofer.

Only at the end should you worry about Atmos, it requires the most effort for the least reward.

5 points

·

25th May 2021

Is this a troll post?


HomePods don’t work in a 7.1 config like you have described. As far as I know, they don’t even do proper 5.1, they merely accept a 5.1 signal.

The sound quality is nowhere near a decent pair of bookshelf speakers.

They cannot play as loudly as bookshelf speakers.


https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs750h/denon-avr-s750h-7.2-ch-x-75-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

https://www.parts-express.com/bic-formula-f-12-12-475-watt-subwoofer–303-436

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x4

For $1000 you can setup a basic 7.1 system that will actually work and sound right.

4 points

·

29th Jul 2021

OWM3 for the fronts makes no sense. They rolloff before 100Hz, fine for Atmos but not main channels.

PSW10 is the laughing stock of subwoofers.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x3

https://www.parts-express.com/bic-formula-f-12-12-475-watt-subwoofer–303-436

If you want to start out with a cheap 5.1 setup do something like that. Just use a normal bookshelf speaker for the centre and have a spare leftover.

4 points

·

3rd Jul 2021

Most people are using the built-in speakers or a cheap soundbar.

The goal of home theatre is to achieve sufficient video+audio quality that you get the full experience intended by the movie creator. This does require an AV receiver, some decent speakers, and at least 1 subwoofer.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs750h/denon-avr-s750h-7.2-ch-x-75-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

https://www.parts-express.com/BIC-Formula-F-12-12-Subwoofer-475-Watts-303-436

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq150blk/kef-q150-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-pair/1.html

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq150blkea/kef-q150-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-one-single-speaker/1.html

That is what I would call a “decent” 5.1 setup, meaning you have adequate bass and dialogue clarity, with good panning across the front 3 channels. The most noticeable weakness is the subwoofer, an SVS PB-1000 Pro would be a smart upgrade, followed by a second identical subwoofer to manage room modes.

Edit: What TV are you buying? Just like audio there are a lot of pitfalls, like Dolby Vision support and how local dimming zones impact contrast.

3 points

·

30th Jun 2021

For the price it is okay, but definitely what I would called quantity over quality.

Get the RX-V679 (I assume about $275 used?), and buy non-bundled speakers. If the receiver costs more than $300, just look for something else.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq150blkea/kef-q150-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-one-single-speaker/1.html

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

That would form a decent 3.1 setup for about $800. In the future you can move the Neumi BS5 to surround duty and get Q150 to match the centre channel. Centre channel quality is important, so it makes sense to have that be the most expensive speaker.

3 points

·

16th Jun 2021

Are you still in the return period? The $160 price for a pair of those is horrible, Polk OWM3 are far better. Heck, even just screw some $100 bookshelf speakers to the ceiling and angle them down…

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107OWM3B/Polk-Audio-OWM3-Black.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

Don’t leave a gap between the speaker and ceiling, get them up as high as you can.

3 points

·

24th May 2021

$1000 for just the speakers, or does that need to include the receiver and subwoofer as well?

You do not want a “U” shaped sound, it is nasty. Your in-room frequency response should be a downward trending slope, meaning loudest in the bass region, and quietest in the treble.

Atmos is not suitable for your budget. It requires ceiling speakers and a minimum 5.1.2 channel setup.

THX certified is a marketing stunt.


https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs750h/denon-avr-s750h-7.2-ch-x-75-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x3

https://www.parts-express.com/BIC-Formula-F-12-12-Subwoofer-475-Watts-303-436

For a basic 5.1 setup, that is how I would start. Use one bookshelf speaker as your centre channel, you will then have a spare.

2 points

·

19th Jul 2021

No, those speakers aren’t good. I would rate them better than a soundbar, but below what is considered entry level today.

Atmos requires overhead speakers for a proper implementation. Follow the Dolby speaker positioning guide as close as possible.

https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/5.1.2-overhead-speaker-setup-guide/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x2

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1-2 x1

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs750h/denon-avr-s750h-7.2-ch-x-75-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

https://www.parts-express.com/BIC-Formula-F-12-12-Subwoofer-475-Watts-303-436

That will give you a serious upgrade upgrade for $1075. Particularly in the quality of the centre channel and subwoofer, which are super important for home theatre. If you could spend $1500 I would recommend a better subwoofer still though.

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000-pro-subwoofer

2 points

·

10th Jul 2021

Okay let’s be clear. My suggestions were:

Combo #1: Denon S650H AVR + Polk S15 speaker pair

-OR-

Combo #2: Denon S750H AVR + Neumi BS5 speaker pair

The first option has higher quality speakers to start, but the AVR limits your expandability to 5.1. The second option has cheaper (still good value) speakers, but the AVR allows expansion to Atmos 5.1.2.

2 points

·

26th Jun 2021

This might sound a little crazy, but get a pair of PB-1000 Pro for $1150. The biggest weakness of your 3 channel setup is lack of output below 100Hz.

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000-pro-subwoofer

Multiple subs really helps out with smoothing the frequency response.

https://www.harman.com/documents/multsubs_0.pdf

Then just grab a cheap pair of surrounds to make a 5.2 setup. These are pretty much on-par with the Micca RB42.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

2 points

·

8th Jun 2021

With that budget, definitely TV. Entry level projectors are slightly more expensive due to the need for a screen.

https://www.costco.com/vizio-65%22-class—m-series—4k-quantum-led-lcd-tv.product.100704819.html

Need to start cheap with the audio setup and upgrade later.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs540bt/denon-avr-s540bt-5.2-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF


In terms of making it a better theatre, blackout curtains, dark paint, and acoustic absorption panels are top priority.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLk6fQVcoSw (DIY mineral wool panels)

2 points

·

3rd Jun 2021

Timbre matching is unlikely to be noticed on Atmos, as they only play a small percentage of special effects.

I would grab a pair of these and stuff the ports for your Atmos channels.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

2 points

·

3rd Jun 2021

Nope. They are awful, with bad frequency response and super limited output volume. Not even good as desk speakers.

https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/presonus_eris_e3_5/

The absolute cheapest speakers I would recommend are these, and just pair them with a really cheap amp.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.amazon.com/Kinter-K3118-Instruments-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B0787BRQ2F

2 points

·

24th May 2021

$150 is not expensive at all for speakers.

You need an amplifier to accept the low level signal from the 3.5mm output, and provide power to the speakers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.amazon.com/Lepy-LP-2020A-Class-D-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B01FZKA28Y

A basic setup like that will not play loud, and has minimal bass output. It will sound much better than the projector audio though. I wouldn’t recommend going any cheaper, as the quality will suffer dramatically.

2 points

·

22nd May 2021

What speakers? Plenty of garbage that people love to unload isn’t worth the drive to pick it up.

IMO, spend $325 on a 2.1 setup, and the remaining $75 on a used receiver. Optical aka S/PDIF input supports lossless 2 channel, so that won’t be a problem initially. Once you expand to 3.1 or 5.1 you will want a modern receiver that has HDMI 2.0 support.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.parts-express.com/BIC-Formula-F-12-12-Subwoofer-475-Watts-303-436

2 points

·

22nd May 2021

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/neumi_bs5/

Solid speakers for $100. Plug the ports to fix the resonances. All bookshelf speakers need a subwoofer anyway, so the loss in bass output is irrelevant.

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1000-10-100-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-628

2 points

·

3rd May 2021
2 points

·

6th Apr 2021

Those in-ceiling speakers are useless in their current locations. You could relocate 4 of them for Atmos though. Patching drywall isn’t too hard, just time consuming. Install some braces on the perimeter of the hole, then cut a piece of drywall to fit the hole. Drywall compound around the edges, then apply a second/third layer to feather in the edges. Sand it after.

https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/5.1.4-overhead-speaker-setup-guide/

You need at least 5 ear level speakers, an AV receiver, and a subwoofer.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs750h/denon-avr-s750h-7.2-ch-x-75-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

https://www.parts-express.com/BIC-Formula-F-12-12-Subwoofer-475-Watts-303-436

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x3

If you wanted to spend as little money as possible getting setup, that is how I would do it. Definitely worth spending more though, the difference in subwoofer+speaker quality is noticeable.

2 points

·

11th Mar 2021

Pass on the Orbit that lacks user adjustable anti-skate, lacks a speed switch, the cue lever and shipping adds $60 to the cost, and the acrylic platter is mostly for looks. Spend the money on a better turntable that has user adjustable anti-skate, has a speed switch, and includes the cue lever and shipping.

Fluance has adjustable anti-skate, has a speed switch, and includes the cue lever and shipping. The RT81 is not worth buying since the newer improved Fluance RT82 for $50 more adds a $100+ increase in component and performance value since it adds the new optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for much lower wow and flutter and speed variation and the speed won’t drift since the sensor is monitoring the speed 400 times a second.

Pass on the Klipsch R-51PM if you want an all analog setup for analog vinyl since they have a digitally controlled amp and you can’t later upgrade powered speakers one part at a time. Also for the $350 price of the R-51PM you can get a better analog component setup for $250 to $375.

Analog stereo receiver: Sony STR-DH190 $149 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth.

Speakers:

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

2 points

·

8th Jan 2021

What is a next door town or zip to search for used options for the best value?

New speakers:

Or floor standing towers and then you don’t need to build or buy speaker stands:

Add speaker wire, 4 ways to strip wire.

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

2 points

·

19th Dec 2020

Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers

Speaker amplification with a built in phono stage preamp:

  • Stereo receiver: Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 or Cambridge Audio AXR85 $399.
  • Integrated amp: Cambridge Audio AXA35 $349 or DENON PMA-600NE ~~$399~~ $329.
  • Or if there is also a TV in the room, an AV Receiver $279+ with a built in phono stage preamp and 4K HDMI inputs and switching, to also use the new speakers with for better movie and TV sound than the small cheap speakers inside of the TV. You can optionally later add more speakers for movie and TV surround sound.

Speakers:

Or floor standing towers then you don’t need to build or buy speaker stands:

Or what is a nearby town or zip to search for used speaker options?

Turntable:

Best value new under $300 IMO is the Fluance RT82 $299 when back in stock at the end of the month. You may be able to get the receiver and speakers in time for Christmas then say the turntable is arriving soon. The RT82 has auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. Solid MDF plinth in stead of hollow plastic on the AT-LP120X. Includes an OM10 cartridge that is a bit better than the newer version 2M Red. Pass on the older RT81 that lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better. Pass on the RT84 and RT85 since for those prices you can get a better Pro-ject or Music Hall.

Music Hall are made in the same factory as Pro-ject and a good value when on sale:

The new Debut Carbon EVO $499 includes the $150 Sumiko Rainier cartridge in the US.

Guides:

2 points

·

17th Dec 2020

Speakers:

Consider starting with a stereo setup and adding the turntable later if you can’t afford everything right now.

Or what is a next door town or zip to search for used options?

If you get the turntable now, lowest budget speakers are 6-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker Pair and Hi-Fi Digital Mini Amplifier Bundle $65. Then later upgrade one part at a time.

Or a bit better digital mini amp and speakers:

Or for a small room 4″ Edifier digital amp powered starter speakers however you can’t later upgrade one part at a time. New S adds subwoofer out jack:

Guides:

2 points

·

28th Oct 2020

Used:

Turntable:

​

Receiver:

Then buy some new speakers.

​

Or Receiver and speakers:

1 point

·

17th Mar 2022

Copy paste from one of my comments about one of his comments:

I loved /u/DZCreeper suggestions on another similar question and the budget is basically spot on for five channel:

https://www.reddit.com/r/hometheater/comments/tbdsk7/what_would_you_upgrade_first_in_the_sound_system/i06ixk6/

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000 – $500 subwoofer.

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-b1-pair – $300 front L/R

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1-2 – $300 centre

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF – $110 surrounds

1 point

·

17th Mar 2022

What is your amp or receiver and turntable?

The 4″ Edifier P17 may not be all that much or significantly better than the 5.25″ Sony.

The 5.25″ Jamo S803 ~~$229~~ $149 should be a better option than the smaller 4″ Edifier P17.

If you don’t think you will like the Jamo then spend a bit more for the better 5.25″ Polk S15 ~~$299~~ $179.

Or 5.25″ Sony SSC5 $149 are in your budget, or wait for them to go on sale again for $118 or sometimes even $77.

A great deal are 5.25″ <strong>JBL Studio 530</strong> ~~$599~~ $239.

Or for $10 less then the Edifier P17 the 5.25″ Neumi BS5 $109 may be a bit better than the Sony.

Do consider used speakers for the low budget. I can search Craigslist for you, which city or what is a nearby zip code to search from a radius?

1 point

·

17th Mar 2022

So it looks like you upped your budget to include the AVR, so you have $700 or so left for the speakers.

I loved /u/DZCreeper suggestions on another similar question and the budget is basically spot on for five channel:

https://www.reddit.com/r/hometheater/comments/tbdsk7/what_would_you_upgrade_first_in_the_sound_system/i06ixk6/

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000 – $500 subwoofer.

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-b1-pair – $300 front L/R

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1-2 – $300 centre

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF – $110 surrounds

Obviously the subwoofer doesn’t fit in the budget, so just save for that. It’s important, but you’re better off getting the right first 5 speakers and then getting the sub when you can than skimping on everything and having to toss it all later.

1 point

·

17th Mar 2022

So it looks like you upped your budget to include the AVR, so you have $700 or so left for the speakers.

I loved this guy’s suggestions on another similar question:

https://www.reddit.com/r/hometheater/comments/tbdsk7/what_would_you_upgrade_first_in_the_sound_system/i06ixk6/

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000 – $500 subwoofer.

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-b1-pair – $300 front L/R

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1-2 – $300 centre

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF – $110 surrounds

Obviously the subwoofer doesn’t fit in the budget, so just save for that.

1 point

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17th Mar 2022

Amplifier powers the speakers, DAC decodes the digital signal so it can be amplified.

An AV receiver is what allows surround sound processing. It is basically a multi-channel DAC + amplifier setup.

$700 is tight because a basic HDMI 2.1 receiver is $450. Start with a basic 2.1 setup, and then upgrade later to some better speakers and add a centre channel.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs760h/denon-avr-s760h-7.2-ch-x-75-watts-8k-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

1 point

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14th Mar 2022

You should just get a single Q150 for your center channel and these bookshelfs for surrounds.

1 point

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13th Mar 2022

Don’t upgrade from bad speakers to different bad speakers.

If you have a budget around $100, get these.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

$200, JBL Stage A130.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-b1d3CGDXoXr/p_109SA130AM/JBL-Stage-A130.html

1 point

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11th Mar 2022

Keep the receiver, start with a proper subwoofer, 3 front channels, and surrounds. In that order.

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000 – $500 subwoofer.

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-b1-pair – $300 centre

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1-2 – $300 front L/R

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF – $110 surrounds

When you are ready for the next round of upgrades get a second subwoofer, new receiver, and acoustic treatment for your room.

1 point

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6th Mar 2022

I would purchase 3 pairs of fairly compact bookshelf speakers, a new receiver, and a decent sub. Use one of the bookshelf speakers as a centre channel, keep a spare.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs760h/denon-avr-s760h-7.2-ch-x-75-watts-8k-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000

https://www.svsound.com/products/sb-1000

The PB-1000 is a lot more output per dollar, the SB-1000 is physically smaller.

1 point

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1st Mar 2022

Jamo s803 kit is one step away from home theater in a box in my opinion. They’re v shaped, low sensitivity(79-81db depending on the speaker), that have a lot of resonances and don’t have great dialog clarity imo. For what they cost I don’t think you can do much better new but you get what you pay for.

I think you need to figure out your long term budget and plan according to that. Start with a 2.0 system and build from there, it’s what I wish I had done. pick up a budget AVR that fits your future needs and maybe the neumi bs5 as they are a neutral speaker and will work well on the future as side surrounds since they are front ported.

1 point

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1st Mar 2022

You can do 5.1 for cheap, but you shouldn’t push the concept too far.

  1. Used receiver from the pre-HDMI era for $100 or less. Limited to Dolby Digital or DTS, but enough to still enjoy movies.

  2. Optical out from a PC.

  3. Decent speakers and subwoofer. Decent is relative, but a CD player as a centre channel is dumb. $110 a pair for some entry level bookshelf speakers, $170 for an entry level sub. Buy 3 pairs of the speakers, use 1 as your centre channel, leaving you with a spare speaker.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629


If $600 total is too much, you don’t have many options. You could look for used speakers, but not much below $100 a pair is going to be anything except junk.

1 point

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12th Jan 2022
  1. No. ARC is limited to lossy formats, Dolby Digital Plus being the highest quality.

  2. Yes.

  3. That question doesn’t make sense. There are great and terrible receivers from the 1080p era. None of them will have eARC support, and some won’t support ARC.

  4. Yes. Physical media has noticeably higher quality audio than streaming services, discs have lossless audio, streaming is lossy.

  5. That is the normal setup. ARC is a workaround with its own technical limitations. Proper setups have the source devices connected to the receiver directly.


Because you don’t need HDMI 2.1 support for your TV, you can do an entry level 5.1 setup for $750.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxv385bl-rb/yamaha-rx-v385-5.1-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x3 – Use 1 of the bookshelf speakers as your centre channel, leaving you with 1 spare.

1 point

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6th Jan 2022

For the best value what is a Craigslist or nearby zip code to search for used options?

You could still get the Sony STR-DH190 stereo receiver with a built in phono stage preamp for $199 plus a pair of $229 4″ Jamo S801 speakers on sale for $89 in black or walnut or $10 over budget 5″ Neumi SP5 $109.

Or an amp with phono input for less cost than the Sony receiver:

Plus better passive speaker options with the rest of the budget depending on which amp you get:

Plus speaker wire, Pure Copper 16 AWG or thicker 14 AWG. Then How to Install Speaker Wire and How To Strip Speaker Wire.

Setup Guide: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

1 point

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5th Jan 2022

If your couch is right against a wall that is something you will want to fix ASAP. It makes the acoustics considerably worse. Ideally you want to be sitting at 38 or 62% of your total room length. This usually results in the smoothest bass response, because you aren’t sitting in the peak or dip of a major room mode. Room modes are low frequency reflections, commonly controlled by using multiple subwoofers.

You also want to stop using in-ceiling surrounds if possible, that goes directly against the Dolby guidelines.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/5.1.2-overhead-speaker-setup-guide/

1 point

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2nd Jan 2022

Can you do $510?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x3

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

That would make for a better 5.1 setup than the Polk or Jamo setups. Just use one of the bookshelf speakers as your centre channel, and keep a spare.

1 point

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29th Dec 2021

Compact is an understatement. I would describe the quality as non-existent on those Klipsch HT50. Do yourself a big favour, buy proper speakers.

Matching your speakers is a good idea, but don’t go thinking that the same brand means matching. Different series will usually sound different. The Polk CS1 Monitor Series II is the one that matches your Monitor 40 Series II.

However, the quality isn’t particularly impressive. So what I would recommend is going with something higher quality that doesn’t match, and then later swapping out the Polk speakers to match. Emotiva C1+ is a good $250 centre.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/polk-monitor-40-series-ii-review-speaker.24146/

https://emotiva.com/products/airmotiv-c1-2

https://emotiva.com/products/airmotiv-b1-pair

If you want cheap surrounds, Neumi BS5 are okay for $110.

https://www.amazon.com/NEUMI-BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07YZDS9LF

1 point

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29th Dec 2021

Well the speakers are really bad, so I would recommend just getting the S760H and building your setup over time. It is hard to do a proper 5.1 for under $1000 unless buying used.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF – Buy 3 pairs, use 1 as your centre, you will have a spare speaker.

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

1 point

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13th Dec 2021

Record players need not only an amp to power speakers, but a phono preamp if one is not built in. That cable in your picture is a signal pair (left and right channel) and a grounding wire. You NEED an amp… either one with a phono preamp built in, or a standalone phono preamp to go between the record player and the amp. You could probably find something at a goodwill store with those connectors. Otherwise, you’ll be paying more than $100 to find the cheapest amp with a built in phono preamp.

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The Elacs are great speakers… but they’re not for you… they’re 4-6 ohm speakers (you need more powerful amp run them without risking damage to the amp). I have a pair, but in your position, I’d probably get a cheaper pair like the Neumi BS5 for about $80 USD https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07YZDS9LF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1

Cheapest phono preamp: Pyle PP555 about 20USD https://www.amazon.ca/Pyle-Pro-Turntable-Pre-Amplifier-Compartment-PP555/dp/B00BG2H95K/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=stereo+amp+with+phono&amp;qid=1639409291&amp;s=electronics&amp;sr=1-11

Fosi Audio V1.0G 2 Channel Class D Mini Stereo Amplifier for Home Speakers TPA3116 50W x 2 with Power Supply about $50 USD

https://www.amazon.ca/Channel-Stereo-Amplifier-Speakers-TPA3116/dp/B071XQGYRJ/ref=sr\_1\_10?keywords=stereo+amp&amp;qid=1639409418&amp;s=electronics&amp;sr=1-10

1 point

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9th Dec 2021

If you buy the right bookshelf speakers, easily. Just know that even compact home theatre gear is going to take up a little more space than a soundbar setup.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

Those bookshelf speakers and subwoofer are considered fairly compact. A setup in the $950-1100 range will easily beat a $1700 soundbar like the HW-Q950A.

1 point

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7th Dec 2021

For surround duties not much quality difference between $100 and $200 a pair speakers.

There is the Emotiva Airmotive B1’s but they’re $249 https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-b1-pair

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or save some money and get something like the Neumi BS5’s. They kinda the well reviewed surround speakers out there https://www.amazon.com/BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B07YZDS9LF

1 point

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30th Nov 2021

Short term solution, buy 3 pairs of cheap bookshelf speakers. Place them near ear level following the Dolby diagrams, have 1 speaker leftover as spare.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF – These are the best option in the $100-150 range.

Either way you will need a receiver and subwoofer. I recommend not being cheap initially, as it will waste money long term.

A Denon S760H receiver is $450 at Costco, and an SVS PB-1000 is $500 for the remainder of their black friday sale.

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000

1 point

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24th Nov 2021

I forgot to mention, some $110 bookshelf speakers will work fine as surrounds. If you can afford them + the SB-2000 you will be pretty pleased with your system.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

1 point

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23rd Nov 2021
ItemCurrentLowestReviews
NEUMI BS5 Passive Bookshelf Speakers, 5-Inch Woof…$109.98$109.984.5/5.0

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^Item&amp;nbsp;Info&nbsp;|&nbsp;Bot&amp;nbsp;Info&nbsp;|&nbsp;Trigger

1 point

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22nd Nov 2021

The speakers mounted to the ceiling aren’t worth their weight in dirt. Wrong location + low quality. $110 bookshelf speakers installed at ear level will sound much better.

https://www.amazon.com/NEUMI-BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07YZDS9LF

If you want to use the ceiling speakers, re-purposing them for Atmos would be okay.

https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/5.1.4-overhead-speaker-setup-guide/

Receiver to projector is just a simple HDMI cable.

1 point

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19th Nov 2021

Your centre speaker is the worst possible situation. Two junk speakers, wired in parallel to produce comb filtering and even worse sound quality. No wonder dialogue clarity is so bad.

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=34189

Good centre channel to start, 3 way design and decent build quality. Nothing fancy, Emotiva C1+ would also be a decent option if it was in stock.

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1-2


https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24456

Decent subwoofer. This is the cheapest “good” subwoofer in my books, it reaches down to 20Hz. Adding a subwoofer will also reduce overall system distortion, because your speakers are no longer struggling to produce stuff below 80Hz they simply cannot.


Front speakers should also be upgraded. Emotiva B1+ are currently the darling of budget audio.

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-b1-pair


For cheap rear surrounds, Neumi BS5 will do the job.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

I have listed these things in the order you should upgrade them.

1 point

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18th Nov 2021

Denon S760H is $450 at Costco.

Those speakers are the very definition of mediocre. If you find yourself actually watching movies more than once a week, I would invest some money in upgrades. Entry level bookshelf speakers are $110 a pair, entry level subwoofer is $180.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

1 point

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16th Nov 2021

HTIB kits are not easier to setup than a normal receiver + bookshelf speaker setup. Literally all you have to do is connect some speaker wire, 1 RCA cables, and your HDMI cables. 5 minutes is all it takes.

$500 won’t get you far, especially if you waste it on an HTIB kit. Anything you will find on a black friday deal is just cheap junk.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxv385bl-rb/yamaha-rx-v385-5.1-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

Start there, add more channels later.

1 point

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15th Nov 2021

Atmos is 50% marketing. Any device can decode an Atmos signal with a Dolby license, but to actually get the 3D audio effect you need overhead speakers. Not up-firing, that is a pale imitation.

Receiver is immediately going to eat about half your budget. Denon S760H is $450 from Costco.

Cheapest speakers I would recommend are $110 a pair. Get 4 pairs, use 1 as your centre, keep a spare. Mount one pair to your ceiling pointing down.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/5.1.2-overhead-speaker-setup-guide/

Cheapest sub worth recommending is $180.

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

That puts your total cost at $1070.

1 point

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9th Nov 2021

For the receiver, get a Denon S760H for $450 from Costco.

Subwoofer, get a Monolith THX 10″.

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24456

Emotiva B1+ for front L/R, matching C1+ for the centre channel when it comes back in stock.

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-b1-pair

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1-2

Neumi BS5 for cheap surrounds.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

Puts you at exactly $1500.

Just FYI, in a 5.1 config the surrounds go more to the side, not the rear. Rears are a 7.x thing.

https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/5.1-virtual-speakers-setup-guide/

https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/7.1-virtual-speakers-setup-guide/

1 point

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8th Nov 2021

The NUEMI BS5 are also decent passive speakers to look at with a 2.1 amp like the Fosi BL20C that allows for future expansion with a powered subwoofer.

Or look at a set of power speakers like the Fluance Ai41 that have a subwoofer output on them.

1 point

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6th Nov 2021

NEUMI BS5 @ $110 or Micca RB42 @ $150 and the Klipsch R-12SW @ $149 with BL20C amp @ $90. Or you could get a proper AVR like the Yamaha RX-V385 @ $240.

1 point

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4th Nov 2021

Those sony bookshelf speakers are a steal at that price. Also recommend Neumi BS5 as an alternative or if you miss the sale for the Sony’s.

I replaced all my sound bar systems with the Neumi’s and Elac 1010 subwoofer. My guess would be the Dayton 1200 would be a better sub (I have 2 Dayton 1500’s on my main system), but the Elac 1010 is surprisingly potent when you take the time to do the sub crawl 😉

1 point

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28th Oct 2021

R-41M are pretty bad for the price. Neumi BS5 are a better choice.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

For a budget amp just buy a used AV receiver. Something from the HDMI 1.4 era or older is fine, keep it under $100.

You will want a subwoofer, a pair of cheap bookshelf speakers by themselves will only have bass down to about 70Hz. Entry level subwoofer will get down to about 35Hz.

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

1 point

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25th Oct 2021

Definitely still worth using. The receiver can playback Dolby Digital and DTS audio which is fine if you are mostly streaming. Most soundbars have the same restriction.

Even a super budget 2.1 setup is better than a soundbar. If your budget is larger, go for a 5.1 setup.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

1 point

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19th Oct 2021
1 point

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17th Oct 2021

Right off the bat, Logitech hasn’t produced any speakers that aren’t awful since the Z5300, and even those are bad in comparison to decent bookshelf speakers.

Similarly, stay away from “gamer” brands like Razer. A lot of companies like them sell speakers that are equal or worse than Logitech, and that is no accomplishment.

Klipsch Reference is their worse lineup. I never recommend Klipsch unless we are talking Reference Premiere with a 40% discount.


If you are using a desk setup, you should probably just stick to a good 2.1 setup. You won’t have a good location to put the centre channel and surrounds.


You may be less sensitive to bass than you think. The Z5300 just has an awful subwoofer with a peaky response due to having an undersized cabinet. How you place your subwoofer in a room can severely exacerbate such issues. A good subwoofer is going to cost you, more than a good pair of speakers.


An AV receiver is a good idea even for a 2.1 setup. 99% of stereo amps don’t properly high-pass the speaker output, meaning when you hook up a subwoofer the speakers are still trying to play bass, which just adds distortion. So if I was in your position, here is the setup I would start with for $530.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxv385bl-rb/yamaha-rx-v385-5.1-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

The subwoofer is the biggest limitation in that setup. If you can go up to $1000 total I would get a Rythmik L12 or HSU VTF-2 MK5 instead.

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/L12.html

https://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk5.html

Going up to $1500 total, that would be where better speakers come into play.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq150blk/kef-q150-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-pair/1.html

This would also be the stage to consider DIY acoustic treatment. It is cheap and easy to make any room sound a lot better, regardless of what speakers you put into it. Mineral wool absorption panels are so simple you can build and hang them on your walls with hand tools.

1 point

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14th Oct 2021

That is the normal route. You can buy basic bookshelf speakers for as little as $110 a pair. Not much point going cheaper, the quality goes down dramatically.

https://www.amazon.com/NEUMI-BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07YZDS9LF

Good subwoofers cost money, at least $180 for a basic model that gets you down to 30Hz. As you spend more money you get deeper bass extension, less distortion, and higher max volume. It isn’t uncommon to spend $600-800 on a single high-end 12″ subwoofer from a brand like SVS, HSU, or Rythmik.

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

You can build your own speakers and subs, but this requires soldering for the speaker crossover, and woodworking tools for the subwoofer cabinet.

https://www.parts-express.com/C-Note-MT-Bookshelf-Speaker-Kit-Pair-with-Knock-Down-Cabinets-300-7140

https://www.parts-express.com/GRS-12PR-4-12-Paper-Cone-Rubber-Surround-Subwoofer-4-Ohm-292-820

https://www.parts-express.com/Yung-SD100-100W-Class-D-Subwoofer-Amp-Module-No-Boost-301-500

For example, those parts would allow you to build a pair of speakers and subwoofer comparable to the Neumi BS5 + Dayton Sub-1200. However, you will notice the cost is similar, and doesn’t even account for the materials needed to build the subwoofer cabinet. DIY audio doesn’t become cheaper until you enter a higher price bracket.

1 point

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7th Sep 2021

Good speakers are good speakers, they work for everything.

Polk T15 are crap. There is a massive hole in the lower treble, multiple resonance problems, and some of the worst off-axis response I have seen.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/polk-t15-bookshelf-speaker-review.11720/

If you need cheap bookshelf speakers, get Neumi BS5.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

You need at least 1 subwoofer, regardless of what speakers you buy. Even the best tower speakers only reach down to about 30Hz, and movies have LFE tracks that play down to 20Hz on a regular basis.

If you need a cheap sub, Dayton Sub-1200 is fine. It will play down to about 30Hz, and is good enough until you can afford something like an SVS PB-1000 Pro.

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

1 point

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4th Sep 2021

“replacing the bookshelf speakers with a pair of R-41m”

The R-41M are crap, don’t bother.

$1000 is a little on the high side for that gear, I would put the value at $900.

Here is how I would spend $1000 in your shoes.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxv385bl-rb/yamaha-rx-v385-5.1-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

$580 for that used PB-2000.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF – 2 pair of those. Use 1 as your centre, keep a spare.

When upgrade time comes, grab an Emotiva C1+ for $250, Emotiva B1+ for another $250. At that point you move the Neumi BS5 to surround duty.

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1-2

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-b1-pair

1 point

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3rd Sep 2021

Receiver choice is fine, the rest I would pick something else.

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000-pro-subwoofer x2

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_970UCR52BK/ELAC-Uni-Fi-Reference-UCR52-Walnut.html?tp=189

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-TJ2IdoUVDbR/p_970DBR62BK/ELAC-Debut-Reference-DBR62-Walnut.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x2

That places the emphasis on having the best front channels + subwoofer setup within your budget, and using the Neumi BS5 as surrounds + Atmos channels.

Multi-sub is pretty important for having a consistent bass response across multiple seats. With a single sub you can get major changes in response even just moving your head 1-2ft.

https://www.harman.com/documents/multsubs_0.pdf

1 point

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29th Aug 2021

Sonos is good by soundbar standards, but rubbish by home theatre standards.

If you spend a comparable amount of money you can expect dramatically better sound. You can also spend much less and still get comparable sound quality.

You will need an AV receiver, no way around that. You need it for the surround decoding.

Atmos requires overhead speakers to get the proper effects. If you aren’t willing to install them then forget about Atmos.


https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs750h/denon-avr-s750h-7.2-ch-x-75-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

If you want a cheap setup to start out with, that is my recommendation. If budget allows, purchase an SVS PB-1000 Pro for the subwoofer instead.

Emotiva B1+ and C1+ are also substantially better speakers, but out of stock at the moment.

1 point

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24th Aug 2021

In terms of quality it is a sidegrade.

Rather than buying mediocre 5.1 bundles I would recommend sticking with cheap bookshelf speakers for now and invest in a good subwoofer.

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000-pro-subwoofer

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3 pairs of the Neumi BS5 and the SVS PB-1000 Pro puts you at $930 for a package that will outperform the Klipsch or Sony options significantly.

1 point

·

17th Aug 2021

The measurements are kind of confusing me, on amazon they are listed as 21.59 x 18.29 x 26.92cm

Does that mean H21.59xW18.29xD26.92cm? or is 26.92cm the depth?

1 point

·

16th Aug 2021

You should start from scratch. Cheapest receiver with 4K support, a basic subwoofer, and some entry level bookshelf speakers. As the budget grows you can add a centre channel, surrounds, and get a proper subwoofer.

&#x200B;

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxv385bl-rb/yamaha-rx-v385-5.1-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

&#x200B;

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-629

&#x200B;

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

1 point

·

12th Aug 2021

Absolutely not.

For $3000 you can get 2 proper subwoofers and add acoustic treatment to your room. Those 2 things will be the largest improvements possible. If you had $30000 I would still tell you the same thing, speakers cannot overcome the laws of physics, improving your room is always good.

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000-pro-subwoofer x2

For the acoustic treatment, build mineral wool panels with wood frames and fabric covering. Less than $35 per panel, so you can treat an entire room for $500-600.

Timbre matching is a big deal for your front channels. When I built my centre channel I could immediately tell the crossover needed tuning, because the treble was 2dB louder than my front L/R, so anything moving across the front channels was suddenly quieter on either side.

Micca Covo-S are horrible speakers. Get some cheap bookshelf speakers and mount those for Atmos instead. Or Polk OWM3, although the bookshelf speakers will perform better.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107OWM3B/Polk-Audio-OWM3-Black.html

1 point

·

12th Aug 2021

That would be a brutal downgrade. Your best option is get the matching SVS Ultra centre channel, and some cheap bookshelf speakers for surrounds.

https://www.svsound.com/products/ultra-center

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

1 point

·

7th Aug 2021

The SSCS5 bookshelf speakers are decent. The rest of the package is mediocre.

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/pioneer-vsx-834-7-2-channel-4k-ultra-hd-av-receiver/13904650

https://www.electronicsforless.ca/svs-pb-1000-pro-subwoofer-black-2021-model-11630.html

https://www.amazon.ca/NEUMI-BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07YZDS9LF x3

https://www.amazon.ca/Monoprice-134189-Monolith-THX-365C-Certified/dp/B07RBC78W3

If you wanted a 7.1 setup for $2200 CAD that would be my recommendation. High quality subwoofer and centre channel, the most important components. You can upgrade the rest of the speakers later, and eventually add a second subwoofer and acoustic treatment.

1 point

·

5th Aug 2021

Don’t use Polk OWM3 for surrounds. The bass rolloff is extremely early due to the sealed design + small woofer. Only real reason to use Polk OWM3 is ceiling mounted Atmos.

Neumi BS5 would be a wiser choice. Cheaper + front ported so placing them close to walls isn’t bad. If the mid-range dips bother you, plugging the ports will fix that and cost about 2dB of bass output.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/neumi_bs5/

Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($600) is one of the few receivers I know that has a fully working HDMI 2.1 implementation. Bit of a tough sell though when you can pickup a Denon X1600H for $500 and just use eARC.

1 point

·

30th Jul 2021

Wattage and impedance is basically irrelevant for consumers buying speakers.

The Klipsch Reference speakers are low quality. For $400 or less, this your best option.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1-2

When the budget expands, move the Neumi BS5 to surrounds and get the Emotiva B1+ to match the C1+.

1 point

·

20th Jun 2021

First thing I would do is get better front L/R. Not to be rude, but the Sony SS-F6000 have shoddy cabinets and basically no crossover. $100 bookshelf speakers are better engineered.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

Next goal would be a nicer centre channel, a 3 way design for better off-axis response.

https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1-2


Then in the future, you can move the Neumi BS5 to surround duty, get Emotiva B1+ to match the C1+ centre channel, and a nicer subwoofer.


Only after those items are complete would I consider a new receiver. It isn’t the bottleneck in your system.

1 point

·

24th May 2021

$900-1000 for an entry level 5.1 system. Not literally the cheapest gear, but just enough that it will actually sound decent.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs750h/denon-avr-s750h-7.2-ch-x-75-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

https://www.parts-express.com/BIC-Formula-F-12-12-Subwoofer-475-Watts-303-436

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x3

If you wanted something more mid-range, start with a better subwoofer and nicer centre channel channel, about $1400 total.

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000-pro-subwoofer

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq150blkea/kef-q150-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-one-single-speaker/1.html

Beyond that, you would be looking at $2000-2300, adding a second sub and acoustic treatment to your room.

1 point

·

16th May 2021

The speakers would be an immediate upgrade IMO, they are pretty terrible.3 pairs of entry level bookshelf speakers + entry level sub would be noticeably better.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1000-10-100-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-628

I would offer the guy $850, and leave out the RG6 cable which you really don’t need unless you are running coax for an entire house.

1 point

·

13th May 2021

Busted.

They don’t seem to be special in terms of quality, so I would just swap them out for some cheap bookshelf speakers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

1 point

·

12th May 2021

Klipsch is popular, don’t confuse that with loved. Most of the time this sub steers people away from Klipsch because of their performance per dollar, or rather lack of.

With $1000 I would allocate half to the subwoofer improvement, and half to better speakers.

https://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000

That is the best $500 subwoofer choice.


If you are comfortable with a DIY project, building 3 bookshelf speakers for your front channels is incredible value. If you prefer something off the shelf, KEF Q150 are $200 a piece which isn’t bad.


https://www.parts-express.com/Classix-II-MT-Bookshelf-Speaker-Kit-with-Knock-Down-Cabinet-300-7112


https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq150blk/kef-q150-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-pair/1.html

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq150blkea/kef-q150-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-one-single-speaker/1.html


Alternatively, you could go with extremely cheap bookshelf speakers (still better than what you have) and go up another tier on the subwoofer.

https://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk5.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF

1 point

·

9th May 2021

Yes, what you want is an AV receiver. Ditch the soundbar entirely, both for the sake of convenience and better audio quality.

You have 7 source devices, so simply purchase a receiver with that number of inputs. Then run 1 HDMI cable from the output of the receiver to your TV.

Denon S950H for $450 should do the trick.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs950h/denon-avr-s950h-7.2-ch-x-90-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

I assume you are on a budget, so purchase entry level bookshelf speakers + a subwoofer.

https://www.amazon.com/NEUMI-BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07YZDS9LF

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1000-10-100-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-628

1 point

·

20th Apr 2021

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1000-10-100-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-300-628

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x3 (Use one as the centre channel, you will have a spare)

That puts you at $425, use the remaining $75 to find a used receiver. Pre HDMI units with optical audio are fine, there will be a small quality loss, but this is an easy area to upgrade in the future.

1 point

·

14th Apr 2021

Paradigm Atom V.2 $75 (Christiansburg) if you like white. Offer $60.

Polk TSi100 $95. Offer $65.

New Speakers:

Or floor standing towers and you don’t need to buy or build speaker stands:

1 point

·

14th Apr 2021

Stereo Receiver: Sony STRDH190 $149 with Bluetooth and a built in phono stage preamp. Or an AV Receiver with 4K HDMI if there is also a TV in the room.

Speakers:

Or floor standing towers and you don’t need to buy or build speaker stands:

Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

1 point

·

4th Apr 2021

You won’t be getting Atmos for $800, unless you compromise heavily in multiple areas. A receiver alone is $400.

True Atmos (where you hear stuff overhead) requires overhead speakers, and at least a 5.1.2 config.

There is nothing special about Atmos speakers. In fact, most of the speakers with “Atmos” in the name are overpriced junk.


https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs750h/denon-avr-s750h-7.2-ch-x-75-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

https://www.parts-express.com/BIC-Formula-F-12-12-Subwoofer-475-Watts-303-436

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF x3

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107RC60I/Polk-Audio-RC60i.html

$1000 is really the least I would recommend spending on an 5.1.2 config. Ideally closer to $2000 so that you could get a higher quality subwoofer and speakers.

1 point

·

3rd Apr 2021

>in need for new speakers probably. Any suggestions?

For the best value what is a next door town or zip to search for used speakers?

What are you powering the speakers with?

Speakers:

Speaker kit: 5″ C-Note MT $109 pair plus budget for supplies and tools. Great first time build.

Floor standing towers and you don’t need to buy or build speaker stands:

Speaker Placement: How to position your speakers for great sound and Stereo Music Listening or Home Theater.

Bookshelf (misnomer) speaker stands: Dayton Audio SSMB24 or Monoprice Glass. Sturdy Monolith by Monoprice Speaker Stands or Monoprice Cherry. DIY Custom Speaker Stands.

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

30th Mar 2021

A good number of stereo receivers and integrated amps and some AV receivers have a built in phono stage preamp via the PHONO input so you don’t need to start with an external one or one in the turntable.

Stereo receiver or integrated amp with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth.

Or if there is also a TV in the room an AV receiver $239 with 4K HDMI switching and add a $15 to start out with or a $100 external phono stage preamp or $399+ with a basic built in phono stage preamp.

To power passive speakers:

Or floor standing towers and you don’t need to buy or build speaker stands:

Optional 5x speakers for the AV receiver:

Or what is a next door town or zip to search for used options?

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

29th Mar 2021

What is the room size LxWxH?

The small 4″ mid bass driver Klipsch are ok for a very small room.

If you having anything larger than a very small room go with larger 5″ or 6″ speakers.

If you must have Klipsch the better 5.25″ Klipsch Reference <strong>Premiere</strong> RP-150M ~~$419~~ $219 are a very good deal.

Sony STR-DH190 is good to start with for any of the speakers I have listed.

Or look for a used stereo or AV receiver for $25 to $75. What is a next door town or zip to search for used options?

1 point

·

29th Mar 2021

For a $300 turntable ideally spend just as much on a receiver and speakers. Or look for used options for half the price. What is a next door town or zip to search for used options?

For new: Sony STR-DH190 $149 stereo receiver with Bluetooth and a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain.

To power passive speakers:

Or floor standing towers and you don’t need to buy or build speaker stands:

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

28th Mar 2021

Yeah those are around the level of the LP60.

If you get a $500 turntable then to get the most out of it you will also want to spend at least $500 on an amp and speakers.

Or look for used options for half the price. What is a next door town or zip to search?

For a new $600 or more setup:

Turntable:

  • Fluance RT82 $299 has auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. Pass on the older RT81 that along with the RT80 lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better. Pass on the RT84 and RT85 since for that price you can get the better Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO $499.
  • Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN $299 has the same speed sensor motor as the RT82, adds a basic built in phono stage preamp, but does not have auto stop.

Analog stereo receiver with a built in phono stage preamp and Bluetooth: Sony STR-DH190 $149.

To power passive speakers:

Or floor standing towers and you don’t need to buy or build speaker stands:

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

28th Mar 2021

Better alternatives to the LP120X for $20 more:

  • Fluance RT82 $299 has auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for lower wow and flutter and speed variation. Solid MDF plinth instead of hollow plastic on the LP120X. Belt drive for motor noise isolation. Pass on the older RT81 that lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.
  • Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN $299 has the same speed sensor motor as the RT82, adds a basic built in phono stage preamp, but does not have auto stop.

Analog stereo receiver with a built in phono stage preamp and Bluetooth: Sony STR-DH190 $149.

To power passive speakers:

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

28th Mar 2021

If not buying used vintage or modern the best value new for $300 IMO:

  • Bamboo, Walnut or Black: Fluance RT82 $299 has auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. Pass on the older RT81 that lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.
  • Walnut: Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN $299 has the same speed sensor motor as the RT82, adds a basic built in phono stage preamp, but does not have auto stop.

If you must have purple (Ultraviolet) or white: Orbit Custom with OM5E cartidge, MDF platter, and cue lever = $254 plus $20 shipping.

Any of the above connected to an analog stereo receiver with a built in phono stage preamp and Bluetooth: Sony STR-DH190 $149.

To power passive speakers:

Or instead of the receiver and passive speakers and for a lower budget for a small room are digital amp powered speakers: 4″ Jamo S 801 PM ~~$299~~ $149.

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

16th Mar 2021

Passive speakers are powered by a stereo or AV receiver or compact or mini or integrated amp, $50 or $150 or more.

>I don’t have the money

You do if you were going to spend $269 on the 2.75″ A2+.

Sony STR-DH190 $149 + 5″ NEUMI BS5 $99 = $249.

Or Sony STR-DH190 $149 + 5.25″ Sony SSCS5 ~~$149~~ $118 = $267.

Plus speaker wire $7.50.

Also the Sony stereo receiver has a built in phono stage preamp so the Sony serves as both the phono preamp and speaker amp. Then you don’t need a phono stage preamp in the Orbit turntable so that lowers your turntable cost by $70.

>or space in my bedroom I rent

If you have room for a turntable and a crate or 2 of vinyl then you often have room for a stereo receiver. You can stack the stereo receiver under the turntable with a riser shelf, a turntable stand, or stack them directly with some short spaces between them.

If you must have powered speakers and don’t want to spend $400 for the 5″ A5+ then I recommend the 4″ <strong>Jamo S 801 PM</strong> ~~$299~~ $149 over the A2+.

1 point

·

14th Mar 2021

Stereo receiver: Sony STR-DH190 $149 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth.

Next step up: Yamaha A-S301, Cambridge Audio AXR85, Emotiva TA-100, Yamaha A-S501, NAD C316BEE V2.

Speaker deals:

Towers: 6.5″ Klipsch Reference R-610F ~~$499~~ $299 pair.

Add speaker wire then 4 ways to strip wire.

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

14th Mar 2021

$600 budget:

Turntable: Fluance RT82 $299. It has auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. Solid MDF plinth instead of hollow plastic on the LP120. Belt drive for motor noise isolation. Includes the the Ortofon OM10 cartridge that is a bit better than the newer version 2M Red. Pass on the older RT81 that lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.

Stereo receiver: Sony STR-DH190 $149 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth.

Speakers: 5″ NEUMI BS5 $99 or 5″ Wharfedale Crystal CR 4.2 ~~$249~~ $149 or Amazon Black or Walnut.

Add speaker wire then 4 ways to strip wire.

If you want to transmit to Bluetooth headphones you can connect a Bluetooth Transmitter to the receivers headphone jack with a 1/8 to 1/4 adapter. Turn the receivers volume down to 10% and adjust as needed.

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

11th Mar 2021

Those are graphics cards. Do they have analog audio inputs?

What will you power the passive speakers with? Pass on the not very good $99 Polk T15.

Better speakers:

Or what is a next door town or zip to search for used options?

For desktop setups: Pitch-perfect Placement: How to Set Up Your Desktop Speakers and Get Those Speakers Off Your Desktop.

Turntable:

Yeah pass on the USB-1 with the 0.25% wow and flutter and not so good speed variation.

The C8 has lower 0.15% if you can find one for $200, it’s sold out on Amazon.

AT-LP120XUSB $279 has USB output and 0.20% wow and flutter.

A worth while step up for $20 more than the LP120X is the Fluance RT82 $299. It adds auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for lower 0.07% wow and flutter and lower speed variation. Solid MDF plinth instead of hollow plastic on the LP120X. Belt drive for motor noise isolation. Pass on the older RT81 that lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better. Add a phono stage preamp, Technolink TCC TC-750LC $49 has adjustable gain or Technolink TC-756USB $69 adds USB output.

1 point

·

22nd Feb 2021

No TV in the living room?

Stereo Recevier:

A step up are: Cambridge Audio AXR85, Yamaha A-S301, Emotiva TA-100, Yamaha A-S501.

Speakers:

Or what is a next door town or zip I can search for used options for the best value?

A better turntable if you are up for an exchange is the Fluance RT82 $299. It adds auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. Solid MDF plinth instead of hollow plastic on the LP120X. Belt drive for motor noise isolation. Includes the Ortofon OM10 cartrdige that is a bit better than the newer version 2M Red. Pass on the older RT81 that along with the RT80 lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

22nd Feb 2021

Sony STR-DH190 $149 has a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain so you don’t need the ART DJ PRE II.

Or look for a used stereo receiver. What is a next door town or zip to search for used receiver and speaker options?

What is your price on the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR?

More speaker options:

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

21st Feb 2021

Pass on the digitally controlled amp in the powered Klipsch speakers.

I recommend an analog Sony STR-DH190 $149 stereo receiver with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and 5.25″ NEUMI BS5 $99 passive speakers instead for the same price. Analog setup and more flexibility for future upgrades with the separate components.

Or for $50 more with the Sony receiver, 5″ Wharfedale Crystal CR 4.2 ~~$249~~ $149 or Amazon Black or Walnut.

1 point

·

21st Feb 2021

Stereo Recevier: Sony STR-DH190 $149 with Bluetooth has a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain.

Speakers:

Turntable: Fluance RT82 $299. It has auto stop then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. Includes the Ortofon OM10 cartridge that is a bit better than the newer version 2M Red. Pass on the older RT80 and RT81 that lack the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better. Pass on the RT84 and RT85 since for those prices you can get a better Pro-ject or Music Hall.

Or what is a next door town or zip I can search for used deals?

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Stands, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

9th Jan 2021

Introduction to Audio Components

Stereo Receiver: YAMAHA R-S202 $99 with Bluetooth. Or look for a used stereo or AV receiver for less. What is a next door town or zip to search?

How much did you pay for the Polk T15? If you can return them get some better speakers:

Or what is a next door town or zip to search for used options around the price of the T15s?

Add speaker wire, 4 ways to strip wire.

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

1st Jan 2021

Analog stereo receiver and passive speakers:

Stereo receiver: YAMAHA R-S202 $99 with Bluetooth.

Speakers:

Add speaker wire then 4 ways to strip wire.

Low budget options with a digital amp:

Lowest budget starter speakers and digital mini amp: 6.5″ Speaker Pair and Digital Mini Amplifier Bundle $65.

Or a better digital mini amp and speakers:

Or for a small room 4″ Edifier digital amp powered starter speakers however you can’t later upgrade one part at a time. New S adds subwoofer out jack:

  • Edifier R1280Ts $99. Or the previous version without sub out Edifier R1280T $79 renewed. Then optionally add an Echo Dot$25 for Wifi streaming with voice or app control and it’s also a Bluetooth receiver if not connecting directly to an audio source.
  • Edifier R1280DB*<em>s</em>* $139 has Bluetooth and an optical digital input for a TV. Or the previous version without sub out Edifier R1280DB $99 renewed.

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

31st Dec 2020

Setup guide: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers

Stereo Receiver:

New stereo receiver YAMAHA R-S202 $99 or look for a used stereo or AV receiver for around $50. What is a next door town or zip to search for used options?

Speakers to go with the receiver if your dads speakers are not ideal:

Add speaker wire then 4 ways to strip wire.

Lower budget options:

If you want lower budget options and must buy new you can start with a digital mini amp: Douk Audio G5 Bluetooth 2 Channel Amplifier $43.

Speakers to go with the digital mini amp if your dads speakers are not ideal: 6.5″ Dayton Audio B652-AIR with AMT Tweeters $55.

Or lowest budget starter speakers and digital mini amp: 6.5″ Speaker Pair and Digital Mini Amplifier Bundle $65.

Or for a small room 4″ Edifier digital amp powered starter speakers however you can’t later upgrade one part at a time. New S adds subwoofer out jack:

  • Edifier R1280Ts $99. Or the previous version without sub out Edifier R1280T $79 renewed. Then optionally add an Echo Dot $25 for Wifi streaming with voice or app control and it’s also a Bluetooth receiver if not connecting directly to an audio source.
  • Edifier R1280DB*<em>s</em>* $139 has Bluetooth and an optical digital input for a TV. Or the previous version without sub out Edifier R1280DB $99 renewed.

More Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

30th Dec 2020

Hello, I had written a reply to your question in r/vinyl Weekly Questions Thread for the week of December 28th however you deleted it before I could click “Comment” so I am replying here.

&#x200B;

>hi! i’m very new to this community and i hope it’s okay that i ask a question. i read through the search bar and would still like some advice. so currently, i am in possession of both an audio technica lp60x and a crosley cruiser. i know, i know, crosley’s are shit. however, i am a college student on a budget and it was a gift from my father. the audio technica lp60x was an impulse buy after reading this sub, however, i still haven’t bit the bullet on speakers or a receiver yet as i might return it. my dad may have a speaker i can use for the AT but i have to check if it’s compatible. so my question is: for a cheap and casual way to listen to music, will the crosley cut it? like i said, i’m new to this and don’t want to spend $100 on a turntable, $100 on speakers, and $50 on a receiver when i’m just dipping my toes into the hobby. are crosleys really that bad to listen to a couple of records on?

&#x200B;

This is the place for questions!

The cruiser is fine to use until you get some speakers for the LP60X. As long as it’s not skipping it’s not going to destroy your records.

Setup guide: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers

If your dads speakers are not self powered (with a power cord) and are passive speakers with just speaker wire inputs then you will need a stereo or AV receiver or integrated or mini amp between the LP60X and the speakers.

Stereo Receiver:

New stereo receiver YAMAHA R-S202 $99 or look for a used stereo or AV receiver for around $50. What is a next door town or zip to search for used options?

Speakers to go with the receiver if your dads speakers are not ideal:

Add speaker wire then 4 ways to strip wire.

Lower budget options:

If you want lower budget options and must buy new you can start with a digital mini amp: Douk Audio G5 Bluetooth 2 Channel Amplifier $43.

Speakers to go with the digital mini amp if your dads speakers are not ideal: 6.5″ Dayton Audio B652-AIR with AMT Tweeters $55.

Or lowest budget starter speakers and digital mini amp: 6.5″ Speaker Pair and Digital Mini Amplifier Bundle $65.

Or for a small room 4″ Edifier digital amp powered starter speakers however you can’t later upgrade one part at a time. New S adds subwoofer out jack:

  • Edifier R1280Ts $99. Or the previous version without sub out Edifier R1280T $79 renewed. Then optionally add an Echo Dot $25 for Wifi streaming with voice or app control and it’s also a Bluetooth receiver if not connecting directly to an audio source.
  • Edifier R1280DB*<em>s</em>* $139 has Bluetooth and an optical digital input for a TV. Or the previous version without sub out Edifier R1280DB $99 renewed.

More Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

29th Dec 2020

Pioneer VSX-921-K for $50 is good to start with especially if you will also be using it with a TV as well as the turntable.

Or a stereo receiver for $40 to $60 is good to.

Which model speakers? What is a next door town or zip to look for used options?

New speakers on sale:

Add speaker wire then 4 ways to strip wire.

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

28th Dec 2020

Most edifiers are powered speakers, they will not work. Edifier does sell non-powered versions, which would.

This would be a better choice than the passive edifier

1 point

·

27th Dec 2020

For an upgrade from the soundbar for both the TV and a turntable, an AV Receiver $299+ and a pair of passive speakers.

Speakers at Amazon:

More options:

  • 5″ Cambridge Audio SX-50 ~~$199~~ $149
  • 5″ Wharfedale Crystal CR 4.2 ~~$249~~ $149 black or walnut.
  • 5″ C-Note $100 speaker DIY kit. Add around $30 for supplies then budget for tools if you don’t have any. Glue, clamp, solder, paint, assemble. Compare to built speakers costing over twice as much.
1 point

·

19th Dec 2020

RT82 over the LP120X.

Stereo receiver: Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with a built in phono stage premap.

Speakers:

Pass on Micca unless they are for a small room. The larger cabinet Pioneers are better.

Guides:

1 point

·

19th Dec 2020

Stereo Receiver: Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain.

Or an AV Receiver $279+ if there is also a TV in the room to also use the new speakers with for better movie and TV sound than the small built in speakers in the TV.

Speakers:

Or floor standing towers then you don’t need to build or buy speaker stands:

Internet Direct Speaker Brand Comparison | Audioholics

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

18th Dec 2020

Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers

Analog stereo receiver and passive speakers:

If that is over budget then consider starting with the stereo setup now and adding the turntable later.

Or you may be able to find a used analog receiver and used speakers for around $100. What is a next door town or zip to search?

If you get the turntable now then low budget starter speakers and digital mini amp are 6-1/2&quot; 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker Pair and Hi-Fi Digital Mini Amplifier Bundle $65. Then you can later upgrade one part at a time.

Or a better digital mini amp and a better version of the speakers:

Or for a small room 4″ Edifier digital amp powered starter speakers however you can’t later upgrade one part at a time. New S adds subwoofer out jack:

More Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care.

Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

17th Dec 2020

No good used deals near you on Craigslist at the moment. You can ping me in a week or 2 to look again.

New speakers:

Or floor standing towers then you don’t need to build or buy speaker stands:

Internet Direct Speaker Brand Comparison | Audioholics

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

14th Dec 2020

Which Sonos speakers do you already have?

For the same price or less than a single $400 digital amp Sonos 5 you can get a better analog stereo setup with a pair of speakers.

Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth.

Or an AV Receiver $299+ if there is also a TV in the room to also use the new speakers with instead of the small cheap speakers inside of the TV.

Speakers:

Or floor standing towers then you don’t need to build or buy speaker stands:

Internet Direct Speaker Brand Comparison | Audioholics

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

13th Dec 2020

Pass on the small room or desktop size digital amp YU4 and for around the same price, or a bit less or a bit more, get a better analog stereo receiver with a built in phono stage preamp and larger and better speakers for room listening.

Or what is a nearby town or zip to search for used speaker options for the best value?

Analog Stereo Receiver: Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth.

Speakers:

Or floor standing towers then you don’t need to build or buy speaker stands:

Internet Direct Speaker Brand Comparison | Audioholics

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

13th Dec 2020

Better speakers, NEUMI BS5 $99, add speaker wire $9, 4 Ways to Strip Wire.

Stereo recevier to power them, YAMAHA R-S202 ~~$149~~ $99.

Add speaker wire $9, 4 Ways to Strip Wire.

Or what is a nearby town or zip to search for used options $100 to $150?

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

13th Dec 2020

Sonos does not make turntables. They just sell standard Pro-ject turntables and almost any turntable can connect to Sonos. However don’t bother with digital Sonos for analog vinyl. Or do you already have Sonos?

What is your budget?

Turntable: Fluance RT82 $299 when back in stock at the end of the month. It has auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. Solid MDF plinth in stead of hollow plastic on the LP120X. Belt drive for motor noise isolation. Includes an OM10 cartridge that is a bit better than the newer version 2M Red. Pass on the older RT81 that lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better. Pass on the RT84 and RT85 since for those prices you can get a better Pro-ject or Music Hall.

Stereo receiver: Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth

Speakers on sale:

Or floor standing towers then you don’t need to build or buy speaker stands:

Or what is a nearby town or zip to search for used speaker options?

Internet Direct Speaker Brand Comparison | Audioholics

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

13th Dec 2020

Better speakers are Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth plus NEUMI BS5 $99, add speaker wire $9, 4 Ways to Strip Wire. If that setup costs to much then consider adding the turntable later.

Or what is a nearby town or zip to search for used options $100 to $150?

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

13th Dec 2020

Or get a better analog stereo receiver that has a built in phono stage preamp instead of the digital amp computer speakers.

Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth plus NEUMI BS5 $99, add speaker wire $9, 4 Ways to Strip Wire.

Or what is a nearby town or zip to search for used options for $100 to $200?

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

12th Dec 2020

Turntable: Best value new under $300 IMO is the Fluance RT82 $299 when back in stock at the end of the month. It has auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. Solid MDF plinth in stead of hollow plastic on the LP120X. Belt drive for motor noise isolation. Includes an OM10 cartridge that is a bit better than the newer version 2M Red. Pass on the older RT81 that lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.

Stereo Receiver: Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth.

Speakers: NEUMI BS5 $99, or Wharfedale Crystal CR 4.2 ~~$249~~ $125 black or walnut, add speaker wire $9, 4 Ways to Strip Wire.

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

1 point

·

7th Dec 2020

The Logitech Z906 computer / home theater in a box speakers are ok to start with however they will be the sound quality bottleneck until you can upgrade to some better home audio speakers. Or consider starting with good speakers first and adding the turntable later.

Stereo Receiver: Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth.

Or an AV Receiver $299+ if there is also a TV in the room for better movie and TV sound as well as the turntable. Start with 2 or 3 front speakers and add the side surround speakers and subwoofer later.

Starter Speakers: NEUMI BS5 $99.

3x front speakers for the AV receiver:

Or 5x speakers plus subwoofer: Jamo Speakers: Pair S 809 + S 83 Center + Pair S 801 Bookshelves + J 10 Sub $529.

Guides:

1 point

·

7th Dec 2020

Turntable: Best value new under $300 IMO is the Fluance RT82 $299 when back in stock at the end of the month. It has auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. Solid MDF plinth in stead of hollow plastic on the LP120X. Belt drive for motor noise isolation. Includes an OM10 cartridge that is a bit better than the newer version 2M Red. Pass on the older RT81 that lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.

Stereo Receiver: Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth.

Speakers: NEUMI BS5 $99, or Wharfedale Crystal CR 4.2 ~~$249~~ $125 black or walnut, add speaker wire $9, 4 Ways to Strip Wire.

Guides: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers and Audio Guides, Speaker Wire, Accessories and Vinyl Care. Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for speakers and speaker amplification.

Option: Instead of the stereo receiver, if there is a TV in the room, an AV Receiver $299+ for better movie and TV sound as well as the turntable. Then add the turntable later.

1 point

·

7th Dec 2020

Sure Crosley C6 $99 or AT-LP60X $99.

Speakers:

If that is too much then consider starting with the stereo receiver and speakers and adding the turntable later.

Or start with lowest budget speakers: 6-1/2&quot; 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker Pair and Hi-Fi Mini Amplifier Bundle $65. Then later upgrade one part at a time.

Or better mini amps:

Plus better passive speakers than the speakers in the bundle:

Or for a small room 4″ Edifier digital amp powered starter speakers however you can’t later upgrade one part at a time. New S adds subwoofer out jack:

Guides:

1 point

·

6th Dec 2020

What is your speaker budget?

What is a nearby town or zip to search for used options?

If you get passive speakers you need something to power them and that is often a stereo or AV receiver or an integrated amp and a good number of them have a built in phono stage preamp. Or you can add a separate phono stage preamp if it does not have a phono input.

Guides:

Turntable > phono input on a receiver > passive speakers.

Or a phono stage preamp and powered speakers. However many powered speakers under $300 have a digital amp and you can’t later upgrade the amp and speakers separately one part at a time.

Turntable > phono stage preamp > powered speakers.

1 point

·

5th Dec 2020

The older RT81 is not worth buying. The newer improved Fluance RT82 $299 when back in stock at the end of the month adds the new optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for much lower wow and flutter and speed variation. Includes an OM10 cartridge that is a bit better than the newer version 2M Red. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better. Pass on the RT84 and RT85 since you can get a better Pro-ject or Music Hall for those prices.

To connect to Sonos you need a $450 Port so you may as well buy a better stereo system for just over half that price.

Stereo Receiver: Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain and Bluetooth.

Speakers: NEUMI BS5 $95, or Wharfedale Crystal CR 4.2 ~~$249~~ $125 black or walnut. Add speaker wire $9, 4 Ways to Strip Wire.

Guides:

1 point

·

2nd Dec 2020

What is a nearby town or zip to search for used options?

For new, start with a stereo receiver Sony STR-DH190 $129 with a built in phono stage preamp and Bluetooth, to power NEUMI BS5 $95, add speaker wire $10.

Turntable: Fluance RT80 $199 has auto stop.

A better turntable when back in stock at the end of the year and worth saving up for is the newer improved Fluance RT82 $299. It adds an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation. OM10 cartridge is a bit better than the newer version 2M Red. Pass on the older RT81 that along with the RT80 lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.

Or if you must stay under $400 start with an under $100 speaker setup and get the $300 RT82 when it is back in stock. Lowest budget Bookshelf Speaker Pair and Digital Mini Amplifier Bundle $65 plus Pyle PP444 $19 to start with may be around the same quality as the basic one built into the RT80. Then later upgrade the amp, speakers and phono stage premap one part at a time.

Guides:

1 point

·

2nd Dec 2020

Consider buying a better analog stereo receiver and better passive speakers instead of the small digital amp Edifiers for a small room.

What is a nearby town or zip to search for used options?

For new Sony STR-DH190 $129 with a built in phono stage preamp and Bluetooth, to power NEUMI BS5 $95, add speaker wire $10.

Guides:

1 point

·

12th Nov 2020

Stereo receivers instead of the new $99 Yamaha:

To power new speakers, 5″ NEUMI BS5 $89.

1 point

·

10th Nov 2020

What is a nearby town or zip to search for used options?

For new, YAMAHAR-S202 ~~$149~~ $99.99 stereo receiver to power 5″ NEUMI BS5 $89 speakers.

Setup Guide: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers.

More Audio Guides and Accessories and also check out r/BudgetAudiophile and their PSA.

Vinyl cleaning: DIY or Spin Clean Full Wet Soak. Everyday dusting: Thunderon Conductive Brush.

1 point

·

9th Nov 2020

Setup Guide: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers, or Powered Speakers.

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New stereo receiver and passive speakers:

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Lowest budget options:

Lowest budget starter speakers with a digital mini amp: Bookshelf Speaker Pair and Hi-Fi Mini Amplifier Bundle $65. You can later upgrade one part at a time to an analog stereo receiver and better passive speakers.

Or better digital mini amps and starter speakers: You can later upgrade one part at a time.

Or small 4″ Edifier digital amp powered speakers for a small room, bedroom or office. These new new “s” versions add a subwoofer output to optionally later add a subwoofer.

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Audio Guides and Accessories and also check out r/BudgetAudiophile and their PSA.

Vinyl cleaning: DIY or Spin Clean Full Wet Soak. Vinyl dusting: Thunderon Conductive Brush.

1 point

·

31st Oct 2020

Speakers:

Setup Guide: Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers, or Powered Speakers.

More Audio Guides and Accessories and also check out r/BudgetAudiophile and their PSA.

Cleaning: Full Wet Soak. Dusting: Thunderon Conductive Record Brush.

1 point

·

31st Oct 2020

New speakers on sale:

Or tower floor standing speakers: Then you don’t need to build or buy speakers stands.

1 point

·

29th Oct 2020

>Rythmik LV12F

This one is back ordered too but it should be back in stock soon. I’ll add that one to the list!

&#x200B;

>For speakers I’d go for mb42x over the mb42 as the x has a crossover or alternatively you could go with NEUMI BS5 which according to this review is &quot;leagues better&quot; than mb42x at the slight cost of being a bit larger physically.

Does crossover just make the speaker use it’s tweeter and woofer more efficiently or is there another purpose? I hadn’t heard of the NEUMI BS5, I’ll add them to the list!

1 point

·

28th Oct 2020

Diy would be your only hope for getting enough output in your budget, you would just need to be comfortable with putting a kit together. If you buy a pre made kit it would just be glueing pre-cut wood together installing a driver and cutting a hole in the back for either a plate amp or binding posts for an external amp along with painting it or applying a veneer. Otherwise hsu VTF2-MK5 and Rythmik LV12F are similar performance to the pb2000 for $100 less assuming they are in stock.

For speakers I’d go for mb42x over the mb42 as the x has a crossover or alternatively you could go with NEUMI BS5 which according to this review is &quot;leagues better&quot; than mb42x at the slight cost of being a bit larger physically.

1 point

·

19th Oct 2020

Consider spending just as much on speakers as on the turntable.

A used stereo or AV receiver and used passive speakers for around $100 will be better than the small digital amp Edifiers. What is a nearby town or zip I can search for used options?

Or a new receiver and passive speakers:

  • 5″ NEUMI BS5 $89.
  • Powered by Sony STR-DH190 $149 with Bluetooth and a built in phono stage preamp with adjustable gain.

If you must get small 4″ Edifier digital amp powered speakers for a small room, bedroom or office. These new new “s” versions add a subwoofer output.

Or get a separate mini amp and passive speakers and you can later upgrade one part at a time. Bookshelf Speaker Pair and Hi-Fi Mini Amplifier Bundle $65.

Or better digital mini amps and starter speakers:

Audio Guides and Accessories and also check out r/BudgetAudiophile and their PSA.

1 point

·

5th Oct 2020

5″ NEUMI BS5 $89 are new budget under $100 kings.

4″ Micca MB42X $89 if you need smaller to fit on a desk.

What is a nearby town or zip I can search for used options?

1 point

·

4th Oct 2020

>I hope to upgrade my speakers soon, but I also don’t want to annoy my next door neighbor

Quality speakers are about good sound at any volume, not necessarily for playing loud.

Yeah, the speakers are the sound quality bottleneck with the 2M Red upgrade.

Also Speaker Placement for Stereo Music Listening and How to position your speakers for great sound. On bookshelf (misnomer) speaker stands, Dayton Audio SSMB24 or Monoprice Glass. Sturdy Monolith by Monoprice Speaker Stands or Monoprice Cherry. DIY Custom Speaker Stands.

What is a nearby town or zip I can get a look for some used options for you?

New speakers:

Towers: No need to build or buy speaker stands.

DIY Speaker Kit: 5″ C-Note $100. Add around $35 for supplies then budget for tools if you don’t have any. Glue, clamp, solder, paint, assemble. Compare to built speakers costing over twice as much.

Have you had the receiver serviced and recapped this century? Vintage Receiver Capacitor Recap

Audio Guides and Accessories and also check out r/BudgetAudiophile and their PSA.

1 point

·

1st Oct 2020

The Bose 3-2-1 stereo system is your sound quality bottleneck. If the turntable is working fine then upgrade the speaker amplification and speakers first. You will need to replace the entire Bose system since it is not designed to work with different speakers.

For the turntable put on a new or upgraded stylus if you have not done so already ready. Pfanstiehl 211 4211-DE $21 upgrades from stock conical to elliptical tip.

For a low $200 upgrade budget consider looking for a used receiver and used speakers.

  • What is a nearby town or zip to look for used options?

Klipsch R-41M are small 4″ mid bass driver speakers for a small room. Get larger 5.25″ or 6.5″ speakers for anything larger than a small room. You will also need a stereo or AV receiver or integrated or compact amp to power them.

For new close to your budget at $220:

  • 5″ NEUMI BS5 $89.
  • Powered by Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129. It has a built in phono stage preamp if your turntable upgrade does not have one built in since a phono stage preamp outside of the turntable is preferred.

Or try a DIY Speaker Kit: 5″ C-Note $100. Add around $35 for supplies then budget for tools if you don’t have any. Glue, clamp, solder, paint, assemble. Compare to built speakers costing over twice as much.

If there is also a TV in the room then consider an AV receiver to use the speakers with both the turntable and TV for better movie and TV sound than the small cheap speakers inside a TV.

If you want Klipsch, larger and a step up in model line from the R-14 are Klipsch Reference <strong>Premiere</strong> R*<em>P</em>*-150M ~~$419~~ $239.

Or 6″ Klipsch <strong>Reference</strong> R-610F ~~$499~~ $299 pair towers and then you don’t need to build or spend $65+ on speakers stands.

More speakers on sale:

Home Audio and Home Theater Guides and Accessories and also check out r/BudgetAudiophile and their PSA.

1 point

·

28th Sep 2020

New:

Integrated amp: Pioneer Elite A-20 ~~$349~~ $247.

AV start at $349, Yamaha 5.1 RXV385.

Speakers:

Audio Guides and Accessories and also check out r/BudgetAudiophile.

1 point

·

21st Sep 2020

What is a nearby town or zip I can search for used speakers, I may even find a receiver.

Lowest budget starter speakers: 6″ Dayton Audio B652-AIR with AMT Tweeters $55.

Better starter speakers: 5″ NEUMI BS5 $89.

DIY Speaker Kit: 5″ C-Note $100. Add around $35 for supplies then budget for tools if you don’t have any. Glue, clamp, solder, paint, assemble. Compare to built speakers costing over twice as much.

Speakers on sale:

Towers: No need to build or buy speaker stands.

Audio Guides and Accessories and also check out r/BudgetAudiophile and their PSA.

1 point

·

16th Sep 2020

Which model turntable?

A phono stage preamp does not power passive speakers, it applies the RIAA EQ to the phono signal to make it live level.

A stereo or AV receiver or integrated amp or compact or mini amp powers passives speakers.

What you need, Turntable, Phono Preamp, Amp or Receiver, Speakers.

Bose 301 may have been somewhat decent in the 80’s however you can do better for $150 with some used or new speakers from this century. What is a nearby town or zip I can search for you?

New speakers on sale:

To power the speakers, a stereo receiver Sony STR-DH190 $149 and it has a built in phono stage preamp if there is not one in the turntable. For a better value look for similar used.

DIY Speaker KIT: 5″ C-Note $100. Add around $35 for supplies then budget for tools if you don’t have any. Glue, clamp, solder, paint, assemble. Compare to built speakers costing over twice as much.

More Audio Guides and Accessories and also check out r/BudgetAudiophile and their PSA.

1 point

·

10th Sep 2020

The receiver is fine.

The Yamaha NS-A16 speakers are a big sound quality bottleneck. They are low quality inexpensive small side surround speakers from a cheap home theater in a box system.

What is a nearby town or zip I can search for some better speakers?

For new these speakers under $100 would be an upgrade.

DIY Speakers: 5″ C-Note $100. Add around $35 for supplies then budget for tools if you don’t have any. Glue, clamp, solder, paint, assemble. Compare to built speakers costing over twice as much.

On sale:

Towers: No need to build or buy speaker stands.

Internet Direct Speaker Brand Comparison | Audioholics

Audio Guides and Accessories and also check out r/BudgetAudiophile and their PSA.

1 point

·

9th Sep 2020

For a low budget do consider buying used. You can often get $300 speakers for $100 to $150. If so what is a nearby town or zip I can search for you?

New speakers:

  • 5″ NEUMI BS5 $89.
  • 5″ Sony SS-CS5 ~~$149~~ $99 open box.
  • 5″ Cambridge Audio SX-50 ~~$199~~ $149 factory refurbished.
  • 5″ Cambridge Audio Minx XL ~~$299~~ $179 factory refurbished.
  • DIY: 5″ C-Note $100. Add around $35 for supplies then budget for tools if you don’t have any. Glue, clamp, solder, paint, assemble. Compare to built speakers costing over twice as much.

Audio Guides and Accessories and also check out r/BudgetAudiophile and their PSA.

1 point

·

9th Sep 2020

Probably the cheapest passive system that I think would be comparable or better would be this:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07YZDS9LF/

&

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B076XSBCCL/

The speakers are well reviewed by Joe N Tell (mod on here) https://youtu.be/p5s0k7Ux1Lk

The amp would give you Bluetooth and an analog input. You’d lose the DAC though and just rely on you headphone out on your laptop.

Edit: you’d gain flexibility and an upgrade path of you wanted to upgrade just the speakers or just the amp or add a DAC, etc.

1 point

·

21st Aug 2020

NEUMI BS5 are the new under $100 budget kings.

Micca RB42 $149 when back in stock have a good low end.

Micca MB42X under $100 desktop speakers.

I have Ascend HTM-200 $299 on my desk.

1 point

·

30th Aug 2020

Neumi BS5: Link to Amazon

And a very detailed review of it is here:Review

0 points

·

19th Sep 2021

A lot of people would be happy w the JAMO s801, just wasn’t one of those people as I’ve heard better. I even had it paired w the s808 sub & it just didn’t tick any boxes for me unfortunately.

One pair I’ve heard good things about is the Neumi BS5. But I haven’t got any experience w them.

https://www.amazon.com/BS5-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B07YZDS9LF

But, if we’re going for Reddit Specials- this is a good bet as well;

https://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=61764180171&amp;dchild=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwv5uKBhD6ARIsAGv9a-wT_yut4YDVLuFFgkBF53I7uOf9dEknkUd4w7fF0mADynLRdNnRbQoaAgiwEALw_wcB&amp;hvadid=2746…

0 points

·

21st Dec 2020

For analog vinyl pass on digital amp powered speakers and get a better analog stereo receiver and better passive speakers.

RT82 over the LP120X.

Stereo receiver: Sony STR-DH190 ~~$149~~ $129 with Bluetooth and a built in phono stage premap with adjustable gain.

Speakers:

Add speaker wire then 4 ways to strip wire.

Guides:

PS. If you like the RT80 you have 30 days since you received it to exchange it for the new improved and better RT82 for $100 more that adds an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for much lower wow and flutter and the speed won’t drift. It also upgrades to the Ortofon OM10 cartridge that is a bit better than the newer version 2M Red. Pass on the RT81 that like the RT80 lacks the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.