Music system in budget of 1 lakh

[mks1970]

I am a novice looking for best system in budget of one lakh. My requirement is more for listening music and very less for watching moies or games. So I think stereo system will be better for me. I already have Sony ps3, which I also use as a CD player. My questions are:

A) Whether a separate CD player will give significantly better output that Sony ps3.
B) Which speakers will be a better choice considering that I prefer good bass. Also i prefer to listen to ghazals and latest Hindi songs. Also I have a Preference for floor standing speakers as it is easier to keep and look better in addition to be having more depth I suppose. My room size is 18x12. What is the relation of wattage with the quality of sound?
C) which will be a suitable amplifier. Is the quality of stereo amplifier is significantly better than home theatre receivers of good quality. What is to look for in amplifier.

Would be really greatful if someone can guide on the same.
Thanks

 

[vnmathur57]

Some very good floorstanders and equally good Amps are on sale here in `for sale' sections by learned members. May take a look, as a starter.

 

[alphacentury100]

If you want big floorstands, then look into the Polk TSX550T speakers. These speakers have dual 8" bass drivers, dual 5.2"mid drivers and a silk dome tweeter. So, theoretically these speakers must go very loud and should produce a lot of bass.
Also look into the Wharfadale Diamond series, Sonodyne floorstands and Jamo floorstands.(I haven't heard any of these speakers). My personal preference will be the KEF q500. But, since the KEF q500 just has a single 5.25" bass driver and a 5.25" mid driver and a metal tweeter, it won't go very loud or produce a lot of bass, but will be very clear and pleasant sounding. Monitor Audio BX series are also great speakers.

 

[jk_chaos]

A lac is a decent budget for a hifi! Here are my suggested answers for your queries
A) Whether a separate CD player will give significantly better output that Sony ps3.
Yes a dedicated CD player will sound definitely better than the PS3, but it all comes down to preferences and convenience, if you have a collection of Audio CDs or wanting to build one, CD player is the best bet. Nowadays however more and more people are taking the DAC option wherein you can configure a music PC and stream music through the DAC to your amp. Nevertheless look around for NAD, Marantz or Cambridge Audio CD players which would fall in your budget.

B) Which speakers will be a better choice considering that I prefer good bass. Also i prefer to listen to ghazals and latest Hindi songs. Also I have a Preference for floor standing speakers as it is easier to keep and look better in addition to be having more depth I suppose. My room size is 18x12. What is the relation of wattage with the quality of sound?
For Floorstanders you can look for brands like Wharfedale, Mordaunt Short, Dali, Polk Audio etc. There is no relation between wattage and quality of sound. For floor standers get a decently powered amp so that it can drive the speakers with ease. Audition as many brands as possible and make your choice. It all boils down to your preferences and tastes alone.
C) which will be a suitable amplifier. Is the quality of stereo amplifier is significantly better than home theatre receivers of good quality. What is to look for in amplifier.
A stereo amp does a lot more justice to music than an AV receiver as the sole purpose of the amp is to play music! Audition as many brands as you can, it all comes down to how you like the sound signature of an amp and how much justice it does to the music you love! Try amps from NAD, Marantz, Denon, Cambridge Audio etc, all these will fall in your budget.

 

[vijwilso]

Marantz and MA might end up in a brighter side . I have two of my friends who has got the same combination and regret for it.

I would recommend tonnoy , PSB with NAD . Not sure about the pricing .

 

[mks1970]

Based on some of the feedbacks I am now planning to finalise Marantz M CR603 with bookshelf speakers Wharfedale 10.2 or KEF Q300. Is the above combination good. Whether I will need any subwoofer as well. Will appreciate any quick feedback.

 

[elecdance]

I have two of my friends who has got the same combination and regret for it.

 

[mks1970]

Please elaborate whats the problem with the same and what alternative you suggest. Thanks

 

[mks1970]

Calling on the experts to guide please...

 

[Acuity]

Ignore elecdance, he is just wasting your time copying prior posts without relevance.

 

[apk]

Mks1970,

You will get a lot of opinions here, all of them good.

However, since you are going to be making the purchase, you will need to start hearing out a few speakers and then figure out if your opinion of them match the recommendations. Sound is very personal, and the sound that I like may not suit your taste. Hence, the only good advice that I can give you is the process to follow, which is:
1. Make a collection of some of your favourite music (no MP3. Use only the highest possible resolution - CD quality)
2. Head out to a few HiFi shops in your city and listen to a few speaker-amplifier combinations. Whenever you hear a new component (say speaker), try and keep all the other components the same (i.e CD player, amplifier etc).
4. Listen to as many combinations as possible. See if you can get some of the HFV members in your city to let you hear their audio setup. This will give you exposure to more systems, and importantly to system matching.
5. System matching is very crutial. A good speaker and a good amplifier, while excellent on their own, may not be a great combination together. They have to match and have good synergy together. Meeting and listening to other HFV members systems will give you some idea about system matching. Most of them will also share their audio journey with you, which will give you some tips on certain things that work and certain things that do not work.
6. Split your budget equally between the speaker and amplifier. This is just a thumbrule. If you want to spend more on one component, then the first preference should be the speaker. Do keep some money for speaker wires and interconnects (at least 5% of your budget). Also, if you buy bookshelf speakers, you will have to invest in some good speaker stands (good stands will cost at least Rs 5000, if not more)
7. Do not buy any system without hearing it. Do not go by what you read, rather go by what you hear (and if possible in a home listening environment).
8. Yes, it is better to get a good quality CD player. However, your PS3 will suffice for the time being. It is better to spend your money on a good quality amplifier and speaker now and then upgrade to a good CD player later (when the funds permit).
9. If you are open to buying used systems, lots of good components come up for sale on the 'for sale' section of the forum. You will save considerable money, and may be able to buy something one step higher that what you can afford if you bought new.

Good luck, and do post your listening experiences.

Best Regards,
APK

 

[Vinod.R]

Thumbs up to APK for his useful post.

Most of the points are covered here. Nothing new to add.

A 1 lakh budget is a damn good start. You can even look at a pre + combo to start with and build up.

Vinod

 

[mks1970]

Finally purchased Wharfedale diamond 10.6. Looking for suitable amplifier (AVR or stereo amplifier) to get the best out of the speakers. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Selvin]

Try with Cambridge Audio Azur 651A Amplifier.

 

[apk]

Finally purchased Wharfedale diamond 10.6. Looking for suitable amplifier (AVR or stereo amplifier) to get the best out of the speakers. Any suggestions? Thanks

Congratulations on the purchase. Those are very good speakers.

Try and contact some wharfedale speaker owners on the forum to find out what amplifier pairs well with these. The wharfedales are known to be laid back speakers, so you may need a neutral or bright amplifier to match it. Do listen to the speaker-amplifier combination before putting down your money.

Best,
APK