The quest for a stereo setup

[Blackhat]

Dear all HiFiers Greetings,

This forum is so full of detailed info that I could do most of the ground work by searching. But I guess its time for my first post. After all these years of wandering into other hobbies, I am finally ready to get back to music and build my stereo setup. My interests range from Indian classical to rock. I am looking for an integrated amplifier, a cd source and reasonably good pair of speakers and I have a strict budget of < 1.8Lacs. My room size is 20x16 but mostly I will move it to smaller room of 11x14. I did few auditions already and looking for more options.

What sound I am looking for: Well frankly speaking I dont think I really understand what is "warm, bright, musicality etc ", but I will try to put it what I am interested in. My expectations are good details/ clarity/ transparency, precise bass (not just pure booming), good sound stage and easy to listen for occasional long listening.

Music tried: Tracy chapman, Dire straits, John Denver, Ravishankar Sitar (I should have tried Sabath too :sad: )

1. Cambridge Audio Azur 650 + CA cd source + Mezzo 6: Very good vocals and mids but not much details elsewhere.

2. Marantzs pm5004 + CA cd source + Mezzos 6: This was huge improvement over CA650 even though the amp was no match for mezzos. If marantzs 7004 or 8004 sounds similar then this will definitely a candidate for shortlist.

3. Some Marantz AVR + B&W 684: Another good performer but I guess I need to hear it with good amp.

3. NAD 356BEE amp + NAD515 cd + Tannoy DC 6T: This sounded very nice with good details and better bass than mezzos 6. Another candidate.

4. NAD 356BEE amp + NAD515 cd + Paradiam monitor 7: This setup also sounded good but I preferred Tannoy's over it. But for few songs this was way better than Tannoys.

5. Anthem i225 + Arcam cd source + Wilson Benesch: Very easy on ears. Good details/ transparency nice bass and fantastic sound stage, I liked it a lot. This system is way out of my budget.

I am gonna try NAD with PSB Image T6 this week in Mumbai.

I am wondering what else I can audition in pune and mumbai. I have few options shortlisted please suggest your views and possibility of auditioning them in Pune/Mumbai. I am ready to drop cd source at this moment to accommodate higher priced speaker/amp. My options are

1. Canton karat BS or other series (at soundsmiths mumbai ?)
2. ATC scm11
3. Manitor Audio Rx6
4. Roksan kandy k2 amp
5. Jamo D590
6. Usher be 718 (perhaps way out of my budget)

All suggestions /recommendations are most welcomed.

Regards
Amit

 

[Flash]

Very decent budget for a Stereo setup..

You mentioned that you would move the setup to a 11x14 rom . Avoid FS and stick to BS as far as possible .
A FS in a small room will create problems. I know a FM in Pune who is facing this problem.

However if you do intend to use it permanently in your 20x16 room

Option -1
PSB T6 are wonderful speakers. They mate well with NAD 356.
You can add the dac module to the 356 and connect a generic CDP / DVD via optical to the NAD 356 and you are good to go .

Option -2

Revel M22 BS available for audiition at Soundcape. Brilliant speakers IMO. priced at around 1.20 . Mate it to warmer amps like NAD / Arcam etc a Decent source would either be a DAC or a CDP Marantz PM6004 , CA etc
IT may push your budget up marginally

Option -3

Dali Soundscape again very detailed albeit low on bass. depends on your preference

Option -4

KEF Q900 mated to Marantz PM 7004 / NAD 356.


Let me know when u decide to go around auditioning again ... I dont mind dropping by .. Its been a while since I've visited AV shops in Pune . My memory seems to be fading

 

[ruenigma]

Option -2

Revel M22 BS available for audiition at Soundcape. Brilliant speakers IMO. priced at around 1.20 . Mate it to warmer amps like NAD / Arcam etc a Decent source would either be a DAC or a CDP Marantz PM6004 , CA etc
IT may push your budget up marginally

@Flash: I think you mean Sound Factor

@Blackhat: Option 2 is a serious serious option. The little Revels do a lot more than their diminutive appearance promises. I wouldn't mind getting my NAD C356 over at SoundFactor if you wish to audition them with a NAD, I am sure it would be fun.

 

[jaudere]

You have good budget. Have you thought about active monitors? Give a listen to Genelecs(very highly regarded but I have not personally heard them) with Cd player of your choice. We will get a review as well

Given the room size, the listening distance is not likely to be more than 6-8 feet (neither your speakers , nor your listening seat should be cvery close to any of the walls to get best results) and monitors should serve you well. Only issue, no remote for volume!

 

[Flash]

@Flash: I think you mean Sound Factor

@Blackhat: Option 2 is a serious serious option. The little Revels do a lot more than their diminutive appearance promises. I wouldn't mind getting my NAD C356 over at SoundFactor if you wish to audition them with a NAD, I am sure it would be fun.

Oops --- Yes Soundscape ...

Well I have a strong feeling that the NAD 356 would pair well with Revels .. However the low end may get a little over pronounced . But I would love to hear them together.. Count me in ..

 

[Blackhat]

That sounds fantastic. Thanks for pointers. I would love to meet you guys and audition with you. I will be in mumbai this sat for psb. I will write back soon for cordinating auditions of Revels m22.

Regards
Amit

 

[ruenigma]

We can also listen to PSBs at Pune FYI (If you are going Mumbai specifically for auditions).

 

[Blackhat]

Hello all,

Sorry I could not write in detail earlier. Many many thanks for all the suggestions.

Flash and ruenigma: Thanks a lot for all these options. I am surely in for trying out Revels M22s and love to do it with you guys. Thanks for offering your NAD, will surely be great fun. Let me know if its possible for you guys to do it on weekdays . I will be out of station for next 5-6 days though, we can plan it beyond coming week.

ruenigma: I didnt know that, thanks once again. Yes PSBs was the main reason but not the reason for MUMbai.

regards
Amit

 

[Flash]

Weekdays are fine with me ......So i am in

 

[afj]

psb and nad are sister concerns and pair very well. imo the speakers to beat in the range you're looking at are the monitor audio rx6. extremely well rounded and neutral. pairs well with the nad though the nad doesnt do hard rock music too well.

 

[Blackhat]

psb and nad are sister concerns and pair very well. imo the speakers to beat in the range you're looking at are the monitor audio rx6. extremely well rounded and neutral. pairs well with the nad though the nad doesnt do hard rock music too well.

Thanks for your reply. MA Rx6 are surely on cards but where can I listen them in pune/mumbai.

BTW had been to lakozy and tried psb image T6. Liked them a lot. But Revel M12 were also impressive and now I am looking forward to M22s

Hey guys, any one having experience with exposer or roksan amps specially 2010s2 and kandy k2?

Regards
Amit

 

[singh_mp]

Dear all HiFiers Greetings,

This forum is so full of detailed info that I could do most of the ground work by searching. But I guess its time for my first post. After all these years of wandering into other hobbies, I am finally ready to get back to music and build my stereo setup. My interests range from Indian classical to rock. I am looking for an integrated amplifier, a cd source and reasonably good pair of speakers and I have a strict budget of < 1.8Lacs. My room size is 20x16 but mostly I will move it to smaller room of 11x14. I did few auditions already and looking for more options.

What sound I am looking for: Well frankly speaking I dont think I really understand what is "warm, bright, musicality etc ", but I will try to put it what I am interested in. My expectations are good details/ clarity/ transparency, precise bass (not just pure booming), good sound stage and easy to listen for occasional long listening.

Music tried: Tracy chapman, Dire straits, John Denver, Ravishankar Sitar (I should have tried Sabath too :sad: )

1. Cambridge Audio Azur 650 + CA cd source + Mezzo 6: Very good vocals and mids but not much details elsewhere.

2. Marantzs pm5004 + CA cd source + Mezzos 6: This was huge improvement over CA650 even though the amp was no match for mezzos. If marantzs 7004 or 8004 sounds similar then this will definitely a candidate for shortlist.

3. Some Marantz AVR + B&W 684: Another good performer but I guess I need to hear it with good amp.

3. NAD 356BEE amp + NAD515 cd + Tannoy DC 6T: This sounded very nice with good details and better bass than mezzos 6. Another candidate.

4. NAD 356BEE amp + NAD515 cd + Paradiam monitor 7: This setup also sounded good but I preferred Tannoy's over it. But for few songs this was way better than Tannoys.

5. Anthem i225 + Arcam cd source + Wilson Benesch: Very easy on ears. Good details/ transparency nice bass and fantastic sound stage, I liked it a lot. This system is way out of my budget.

I am gonna try NAD with PSB Image T6 this week in Mumbai.

I am wondering what else I can audition in pune and mumbai. I have few options shortlisted please suggest your views and possibility of auditioning them in Pune/Mumbai. I am ready to drop cd source at this moment to accommodate higher priced speaker/amp. My options are

1. Canton karat BS or other series (at soundsmiths mumbai ?)
2. ATC scm11
3. Manitor Audio Rx6
4. Roksan kandy k2 amp
5. Jamo D590
6. Usher be 718 (perhaps way out of my budget)

All suggestions /recommendations are most welcomed.

Regards
Amit

Hi everyone,
I am new here and also on a similar hunt. My room area is 20 X 14 and budget will be about Rs 1 lakh. I was initially thinking a satellite 5.1 but after some demo etc. now have decided to go for components and will only buy a pair of floor standing speakers and AV receiver to start with, leaviing other components for later. I auditioned Jamo D590 speakers today at Mumbai. Quite liked it. Need some clarity and suggestions from the community here please. Firstly, what can and should I pair Jamo D590 with? I was recommended a Denon AVR-1713 and I auditioned that and it sounded good. Will Denon AVR-1713 be sufficient? Does anyone has any experience / views on this combination? Secondly, also appreciate other options / recommendations in my budget?
Thanks everyone.

 

[Blackhat]

Hi sing mp,
where did you find jamo d590 at mumbai?

 

[S.P.KRISHNA]

Blackhat,
Given your room size you do not have much choice on floor standers as many of them require breathing space else results in booming. As you have enough budget you may consider Dali IKON 5 MK2, small FS having very good sound stage with tight Bass . The preferable amps in order are Marantz 7004, Nad, CA 651. Present MRP of Dali ikon 5 is 72K.

Regards

 

[singh_mp]

Hi sing mp,
where did you find jamo d590 at mumbai?

You can audition these at either Cinebels, Bandra or Imperial Audio, Fort. There may be some more but these two I know for sure. Both may have slightly different choices for amp/AVRs.

- Mahesh

 

[Blackhat]

Thanks krishna. Yup i had go at ikon 6. will finalize soon.

 

[S.P.KRISHNA]

Which Amp are you using to power the Ikon 6. Did you Audition its sibling Ikon 5.

Regards

 

[Blackhat]

Which Amp are you using to power the Ikon 6. Did you Audition its sibling Ikon 5.

Regards

With Yamaha AS1000 amp and cdp. Sounded good but lacks bass as pointed by many on this fourm.

 

[corElement]

Did you attempt tweaking the bass on the amp? The speakers which are normally lean on bass shine really well with a little kick from the amp in the lower regions, no pun intended

 

[trittya]

@OP Blackhat
My two phooti kaudiees for your room size and listening preferences

Just go in for this for the larger room
Welcome To Sonodyne
(or 'other brand' equivalents like Genelec etc, but after sales service and spares are much easier on the mind with a Desi world class brand)

or this for the smaller one
Welcome To Sonodyne
(or 'other brand' equivalents like Genelec etc, but after sales service and spares are much easier on the mind with a Desi world class brand)

I would go in for the latter for about 60 grand even if I had the larger room, for the simple reason that those are front-ported and do not need at least 18' to 24' "breathing space" at the rear.

These studio-monitors are pre-bi-amped and will beat the hell out of BSs twice the price, considering the fact that you will have to buy a separate amp for those and will still have to make do with a passive crossover in the chain.
To bi-amp you will need two amps, an active crossover module and maybe even a separate pre-amp should you go in for two power amps instead of two integrateds. That, I am sure would overshoot your budget (if its real quality that you are looking for).

From the money that you save, buy a good DAC,
a 2/3 TB HDD
and this
Dune HD Media Player - Dune HD Max | Dune HD
and you are future-proofed to the max available extent.

Take my advice or leave it, mate.
Both the money and the ears are yours but I daresay that its a mighty tough deal to get a better combo that gives you the best of all worlds at the given price point.

Also, this is what I would go in for if I had that kind of dough to spare. If anyone has any better suggestions wrt what you need as per your budget, room size and listening preferences, I would love to be enlightened and shall be much obliged for the same.

(More on hearing from you or other FMs)

Cheerio
and
All the very best . . .