Dipping my toes again!

[Kannan]

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I wouldn't buy a powered speaker. In my view amplifiers produce a lot of heat and having them in a confined space reduces their lifespan as it would occur in an active speaker which has a single all in one chassis

Disagree. Active speakers have been in vogue for eons and every studio in the world incorporates them. With Class D having matured by leaps, they are compact, highly efficient, use very small footprint, that makes it even more easier to build into speaker enclosures.

 

[DB1989]

I wouldn't buy a powered speaker. In my view amplifiers produce a lot of heat and having them in a confined space reduces their lifespan as it would occur in an active speaker which has a single all in one chassis

WHAT???

 

[reignofchaos]

I wouldn't buy a powered speaker. In my view amplifiers produce a lot of heat and having them in a confined space reduces their lifespan as it would occur in an active speaker which has a single all in one chassis

This is so wrong it is not even funny. Active speaker companies like ATC, PMC, Dutch&Dutch, Adam, K&H/Neumann etc have been making speakers for studios for donkey years. Many studios are still using 20+ models that still work perfectly.

 

[DB1989]

1. Yes.
Also the companies who make good speakers are specialists.
Same for amplifiers.
All in one chassis is mixing up the issue

This is tantamount to spreading misinformation. Please go listen to any designer of passive speaker talking about which one is better - passive or active - and undoubtedly most, if not all, will tell you that active is better because they can match the amp to the speakers phase/impedance and other physical limitations and characteristics to get the most out of the drivers from a performance standpoint.

 

[rwnano]

I stand corrected!

 

[ajayleo]

At the onset, I would like to thank everyone for the suggestions, really appreciate it!

The search continues!

I managed to find time to go and sample a few options today. Closest to home was Cinebels, they stock Klipsch and Jamo. I auditioned:
Klpisch The Fives- Decent sound, lacked the base, felt it wasn't that rich specially on low volumes.
Klipsch The Nines- Better base than The Fives, a bit more detailed, would not need a sub in a small room.
Klipsch RP5000- Liked them the most between everything I heard today. Fulfilling sound, good detailing, good on lows, would not need a sub, have. But somehow I did not get the feeling of- "this is the one". Not dismissing it as an option though.
Jamo C25- Was fine, but sounded flat in comparison to the RP5000
Jamo C27- Same as C25, just a bit more louder.
Jamo Concert C97- Very detailed soundstage, could feel every instrument. But the sound did not feel neutral. Felt it was artificially processed to give it more of a wider soundstage with a concert like feelling.

Observations and understandings (subjective, could be wrong, happy to be corrected)-

1. Tower / Floor Standing Speakers have a lot more detailed sound than Bookshelves. This of-course cannot be a generalised statement but comes from my comparison of the above mentioned options.
2. A pair of good passive tower speakers paired with a dedicated stereo amp would have a better soundstage than a pair of active speakers with a built in amp.
3. A dedicated stereo amplifier (like the ones from Onkyo, Denon) would be better than a streamer (say WiiM).
4. A dedicated stereo amp would be better than a full blown AVR receiver (suggested by the staff) if I would like to go for the purist route.


Basis these observations, I am ready to loose out on some space in the room if the tower speakers perform significantly better than bookshelves. What I appreciated today was the detailing that the towers delivered over the bookshelves.

Would appreciate comments and feedback on these observations. And if what I am feeling is correct:

1. Should I look at floor-standing speakers only? If yes, what would you suggest I should go and sample. I have Elac Debut and KEF Q550 on my mind. KEF does have some really good reviews, any users here with experience on them? I am assuming I would need to stretch my budget to about 1.25L for these speakers, unless I get a good deal on a pre-owned set.

2. What AMP should I look at? Should I really go the Stereo only (with WiFi streaming) route or look at a proper AVR for future expansion or will a streamer like WiiM work fine and deliver the same quality?

Thanks again

 

[arj]

At the onset, I would like to thank everyone for the suggestions, really appreciate it!

The search continues!

I managed to find time to go and sample a few options today. Closest to home was Cinebels, they stock Klipsch and Jamo. I auditioned:
Klpisch The Fives- Decent sound, lacked the base, felt it wasn't that rich specially on low volumes.
Klipsch The Nines- Better base than The Fives, a bit more detailed, would not need a sub in a small room.
Klipsch RP5000- Liked them the most between everything I heard today. Fulfilling sound, good detailing, good on lows, would not need a sub, have. But somehow I did not get the feeling of- "this is the one". Not dismissing it as an option though.
Jamo C25- Was fine, but sounded flat in comparison to the RP5000
Jamo C27- Same as C25, just a bit more louder.
Jamo Concert C97- Very detailed soundstage, could feel every instrument. But the sound did not feel neutral. Felt it was artificially processed to give it more of a wider soundstage with a concert like feelling.

Observations and understandings (subjective, could be wrong, happy to be corrected)-

1. Tower / Floor Standing Speakers have a lot more detailed sound than Bookshelves. This of-course cannot be a generalised statement but comes from my comparison of the above mentioned options.
2. A pair of good passive tower speakers paired with a dedicated stereo amp would have a better soundstage than a pair of active speakers with a built in amp.
3. A dedicated stereo amplifier (like the ones from Onkyo, Denon) would be better than a streamer (say WiiM).
4. A dedicated stereo amp would be better than a full blown AVR receiver (suggested by the staff) if I would like to go for the purist route.


Basis these observations, I am ready to loose out on some space in the room if the tower speakers perform significantly better than bookshelves. What I appreciated today was the detailing that the towers delivered over the bookshelves.

Would appreciate comments and feedback on these observations. And if what I am feeling is correct:

1. Should I look at floor-standing speakers only? If yes, what would you suggest I should go and sample. I have Elac Debut and KEF Q550 on my mind. KEF does have some really good reviews, any users here with experience on them? I am assuming I would need to stretch by budget to about 1.25L for these speakers, unless I get a good deal on a pre-owned set.
2. What AMP should I look at? Should I really go the Stereo only (with WiFi streaming) route or look at a proper AVR for future expansion or will a streamer like WiiM work fine and deliver the same quality?

Thanks again

So looks like one of your constraints on space is over

There is no practical difference between FS and BS as its the Volume of air in the speaker which is important as in the end and you do need a stand for a BS. But smaller speakers are easier to place. and for the same price a BS is usually cheaper than the same model FS ( even factoring the cost of a stand) for the same drivers and those will image better as well.

A stereo amp is anyday better than an AVR for the same price but whats important is Synergy..the synergy between amp and speaker is more important than individual amp and speaker. I would still recommend an Active based on your budget as the synergy is taken care of a Q Acoustics Active floorstander just fits in right., goes low enough and has an wireless connectivity.

While evaluating a speaker listen to the music you love and get over the first few minutes of "Wow" and get to the point of how long can you enjoy the music. ( big bass and sharp treble give an illusion of wow but cannot be heard for too long)

 

[ajayleo]

Guys, what are your thoughts on ELAC F5.2 Floorstanders? Getting a decent deal on a pre-loved pair. Any users here or if someone has sampled them, would appreciate inputs, and what would be a good amp to drive them?

Also, any leads on who stocks ELAC in Mumbai, where I can audition them?

Thanks )

 

[chander]

1. Tower / Floor Standing Speakers have a lot more detailed sound than Bookshelves. This of-course cannot be a generalised statement but comes from my comparison of the above mentioned options.
2. A pair of good passive tower speakers paired with a dedicated stereo amp would have a better soundstage than a pair of active speakers with a built in amp.
3. A dedicated stereo amplifier (like the ones from Onkyo, Denon) would be better than a streamer (say WiiM).
4. A dedicated stereo amp would be better than a full blown AVR receiver (suggested by the staff) if I would like to go for the purist route.

First of all, you are "Auditioning"! So Kudos!

Now on your impressions/questions above - my opinions in order -

1 - Not necessary, extremely room/preference/experience dependent. If you are planning to involve a subwoofer in the future (which in my opinion every one should), I would choose a BS. In my experience a BS is much easier to integrate with a larger variety of subs than FS, but then that is my experience and opinion, things will be different in every room. In general you can get by with FS without a subwoofer.
2 - Well - not at all true, there are fantastic actives out there. But in your budget, for a brand new setup, that is likely 'more true'.
3 - Well a slippery slope. How far are you ready to go. Integrated stereo amp vs streamer+dac+preamp+power-amp+.+.+.+......
the list goes on. So given your budget an integrated amp + speakers are a great way to start. Keep it simple to begin with.
4 - In most cases yes. But then again it depends. Lets take a PM5005, will it be better than an Anthem MXR 1140 running only stereo. NO. SO again start simple. AVRs are extremely capable today, so do not write them off, but given the budget, a stereo amp may serve you better. Again if you have the option, audition.

Guys, what are your thoughts on ELAC F5.2 Floorstanders? Getting a decent deal on a pre-loved pair. Any users here or if someone has sampled them, would appreciate inputs, and what would be a good amp to drive them?

Also, any leads on who stocks ELAC in Mumbai, where I can audition them?

No clue where you can audition them, but they are pretty good. But this entire generation of ELACs come with a caveat. Depending on your preferences they may or may not require a beefy amp to go along. In most cases you do.
I would suggest a minimum of AL6000a to begin with... A used one can be had for around 50-60K odd.

****Trust your ears - keep auditioning, I think you are on the right path.
A pair of decent FS + a simple no frill Integrated amp will be the right way to get started. You can slowly decide what you want to improve and then take decisions and upgrade as time passes.
If you are ok with used gear, a pair of good FS + AL6000a can be had for a "little" over your budget if not under.

 

[ajayleo]

First of all, you are "Auditioning"! So Kudos!

Now on your impressions/questions above - my opinions in order -

1 - Not necessary, extremely room/preference/experience dependent. If you are planning to involve a subwoofer in the future (which in my opinion every one should), I would choose a BS. In my experience a BS is much easier to integrate with a larger variety of subs than FS, but then that is my experience and opinion, things will be different in every room. In general you can get by with FS without a subwoofer.
2 - Well - not at all true, there are fantastic actives out there. But in your budget, for a brand new setup, that is likely 'more true'.
3 - Well a slippery slope. How far are you ready to go. Integrated stereo amp vs streamer+dac+preamp+power-amp+.+.+.+......
the list goes on. So given your budget an integrated amp + speakers are a great way to start. Keep it simple to begin with.
4 - In most cases yes. But then again it depends. Lets take a PM5005, will it be better than an Anthem MXR 1140 running only stereo. NO. SO again start simple. AVRs are extremely capable today, so do not write them off, but given the budget, a stereo amp may serve you better. Again if you have the option, audition.



No clue where you can audition them, but they are pretty good. But this entire generation of ELACs come with a caveat. Depending on your preferences they may or may not require a beefy amp to go along. In most cases you do.
I would suggest a minimum of AL6000a to begin with... A used one can be had for around 50-60K odd.

****Trust your ears - keep auditioning, I think you are on the right path.
A pair of decent FS + a simple no frill Integrated amp will be the right way to get started. You can slowly decide what you want to improve and then take decisions and upgrade as time passes.
If you are ok with used gear, a pair of good FS + AL6000a can be had for a "little" over your budget if not under.

This is really helpful. Thank you!

I am gonna go audition a few options from KEF today and basis the experience, decide which route to go for. As of now a pair of FS speakers + integrated amp sounds like a good start. While I am gonna look for the amps suggested by you, I have come across a few options at FB Marketplace:
Yamaha A-S500
Marantz SR 4023
Denon PMA-600NE (new)

Any thoughts on these? Just that the first two are pretty old (pre-2015) so not very sure.

Also, even if I go for something like a AL6000a, I would still need a streamer right to use AirPlay, Spotify etc?

Thanks again!