Speaker recommendations please!

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Speaker recommendations please!

Deralikt

15 posts

Geek

#233450 16-Apr-2018 20:55

Hi all, bit of a hi-fi novice here.

I've just purchased a new TV, looking for two speakers (likely bookshelf) to go with them plus sub.

I'd also like the ability to stream music via Spotify etc and plan to plug a turntable into something as well.

I've seen this package, which seems to tick all the boxes apart from the sub, but was wondering if there were better options around? Should I be looking at something with a centre speaker option as well?

My budget all up is probably no more than $1500.

Any help appreciated!

Mike61

110 posts

Master Geek

#1997313 16-Apr-2018 21:09

I'm the past I have owned various models of Paradigm speakers and always been happy with them. I got them through the Christchurch Listening Post and always found them good to deal with. If you live in Christchurch go into the store for a listen and talk to them about what you are after.

Deralikt

15 posts

Geek

#1997314 16-Apr-2018 21:11

Cheers for that.

I'm in Wellington. They sound good but I guess I was wondering if there were cheaper options around that offered the same sound, or if there were other options that would be a better fit.

Mike61

110 posts

Master Geek

#1997315 16-Apr-2018 21:15

I would go into their Wellington branch and listen and talk to them. They will have other options.

rogercruse

644 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#1997318 16-Apr-2018 21:29

Deralikt: I'm in Wellington.

If you were in Auckland then the best place to go and the best solution - in my opinion - would be http://www.avworld.co.nz/shop/brand/sonos

While you can buy Sonos equipment from a number of other retailers, only AV World offers you the full product range at competitive prices.

I'm sure that there must be other independent retailers elsewhere in New Zealand who can offer as wide product range and as good a service as AV World.

Please Note: Apart from buying all by Sonos equipment from them over then years, I have no connection with them.

billgates

4705 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1997319 16-Apr-2018 21:33

The Elac Uni-Fi U5 are even better and the cost increase is within your budget. You can buy the matching centre later when you have more money. There subwoofer is also excellent.

https://www.rapalloav.co.nz/elac-uni-fi-bs-u5-slim-bookshelf-speakers.html

https://www.rapalloav.co.nz/elac-s12eq-subwoofer.html

Do whatever you want to do man.

Deralikt

15 posts

Geek

#1997320 16-Apr-2018 21:37

Those Elac speakers look nice, but doesn't leave much cash for a central streaming unit/amplifier...

billgates

4705 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1997322 16-Apr-2018 21:44

This is the golden rule with audio. Spend most on good speakers as these last the most, followed by subwoofer then amps then cables.

Convince wife for more budget or get a 2nd job and buy this for reciever.

http://www.avworld.co.nz/shop/product/onkyo-1-tx-nr676e/features

If you can afford even more then get below as its audio room correction and performance for money is arguably the best.

http://www.avworld.co.nz/shop/product/anthem-mrx520/overview

Do whatever you want to do man.

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BlinkyBill

1443 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1997361 17-Apr-2018 02:41

While you can buy Sonos equipment from a number of other retailers, only AV World offers you the full product range at competitive prices.

Sonos are decent commodity speakers. They are the same price everywhere, Sonos does not allow discounting or competitive pricing arrangements.

afe66

3181 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1997692 17-Apr-2018 11:41

My speakers are 20 years old and going well. Energy's.

Did buy a chorus centre a year or two ago.

Using some recycled speakers as rears hidden behind the sofa.

Haven't bothered with a sub though as not bothered with deep rumble and practically those noises travel nicely through walls and wake children and annoy the other half.

JimmyH

2886 posts

Uber Geek

#1997701 17-Apr-2018 11:47

Apart from the turntable requirement, I would have said get a decent soundbar. I'm pretty happy with mine (an upper-range LG).

I think JB HiFi have a Panasonic soundbar that includes Allplay functionality, within your budget. That would let you which wirelessly stream music and Spotify via your phone, as well as add wireless rears speakers etc later. I don't have the soundbar, but I do have other Panny speakers in the system which work well for me. However, I doubt it will work for a turntable.

Given your tight budget and requirements, you might be better to go second hand rather than new if you want a proper amp and speaker arrangements.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#1997994 17-Apr-2018 17:50

The Paradigm / WXC50 option is great buying.

The Elac's are super nice, especially if you pick up a centre speaker - but you'll need to factor in a receiver. You'll get great TV / movie performance AND far better musical performance than many of the other compromise options out there.

Speaking of compromises... soundbars and soundbases fall into that category.

They sound 'okay', but get spanked by decent bookshelf speakers.

I second the idea of talking to Listening Post, they know their shizzle. What's more, they can demo you the products.