Help me buy an entry level amp & speakers

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Help me buy an entry level amp & speakers

dazhann

465 posts

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#280003 21-Nov-2020 19:54

Helping a friend to buy an entry level sound system for listening to music. Budget up to 3k, amp and two speakers. Rear speakers may be added at a later date.

Not sure about a surround sound system, never had one so not sure how well they will perform with the core job, it will not be connected to a tv. Bluetooth built in would be good but I realise a dongle could be added.

Dunnersfella

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#2608094 21-Nov-2020 20:31

If they want to add rear speakers later on, look for an AVR.

If they don't think that will realistically happen, look for a 2-channel receiver with an optical input.

Geektastic

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#2608314 22-Nov-2020 10:52

Your friend can extend VFM by buying pre-owned.

For example, I know someone who sells Linn in this area and also has a range of pre-owned bits and bobs. He presently has a pair of Royd Doublet floor standers, which would have cost a fair bit when new and are very pleasant musical speakers that look great. $650 he is asking and would probably take less for cash.

He also has a Rotel RMB-1066 6ch distribution power amp for $850.

Pre-owned can be a rich opportunity to get gear that would be out of budget new.

Dunnersfella

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#2608428 22-Nov-2020 14:23

Aaaaand second hand can also be a minefield of faulty crap that has been thrashed...

It's the same with anything, pay your money and take your chances.

The key with all the gear is to listen to it.

dazhann

465 posts

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#2608513 22-Nov-2020 16:58

A second hand amp I would consider but not so sure on the speakers, but thanks geektastic it did prompt me to have a look.

dazhann

465 posts

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#2608514 22-Nov-2020 17:02

Dunnersfella:

Aaaaand second hand can also be a minefield of faulty crap that has been thrashed...

It's the same with anything, pay your money and take your chances.

The key with all the gear is to listen to it.

And this

Not a lot available in Hawkes Bay second hand and having a good listen at some ones house could be a bit a awkward

timmmay

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#2608630 22-Nov-2020 19:38

I got an Onkyo amp and Wharfdale Vardus 5.1 speakers about a decade ago. At the time it was something like $600 for the amp and $1200 for the speakers, they sound good to me and are still going strong. Not sure if any of that is still available, but worth a look.

Geektastic

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#2608659 22-Nov-2020 21:00

dazhann:
A second hand amp I would consider but not so sure on the speakers, but thanks geektastic it did prompt me to have a look.

I can PM you the details of the person I know. He doesn’t sell junk and warrants his items for 3 months usually.
He’s also the Linn dealer for this area, not something you’re likely to get if you’re a cowboy!

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driller2000

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#2608665 22-Nov-2020 21:34

+ 1 for second hand from a VFM POV.

Secured a set of NZ made image floor standing speakers for $400 and a 1990's vintage Rotel 2 channel power amp for $200 this year for the study - and it sounds great.

Annddd.... scored a Yamaha AVR + Wharfedale Diamond 9 HT set (9.6 floor standers + 9.1 bookshelf + center + sub) for $350. Crazy good deal from an older guy who wasn't using it any more.

All gear in great order.

networkn

Networkn
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#2608678 22-Nov-2020 22:13

Second hand is a very reasonable way to get into a great system for decent money. Like anything, there are caveats, but recently I bought a pair of Wharfdale Diamond bookshelfs. They are like new, cost a fraction of the new price. Hard to beat the value. Had to check there weren't signs of damage on the actual membranes, but usually these things are pretty evident.