AV system : used or new bundle?
Discussion
Here's the situation. Budget around a grand, based around a small (3m x 3m ish) room. Looking for system to play music and tv and games. Also want the possibility of making music play in 2 other rooms and my garage without needing source players in each room.
Here's a bundle. Random choice, but looks alright.
http://www.creative-audio.co.uk/HD.php?_YAM_675_QA...
I'm wary of buying used speakers, but no problem with amps so a couple of year old much higher specced amp could be found around 400 pounds upwards.
This one for example. New retail over 1200, mine for 300
http://www.hifi-forsale.co.uk/moreinfo.php?prod_ti...
Which is the best course of action?
What option does an amp like the rxv675 have for connecting with distant speakers? Have to be wireless, want to play from cd, hard disk (either in my computer or an external dedicated music un it) vinyl, radio, internet radio etc even tv audio in other rooms would be handy.
The idea of connecting one box to the main system, and then putting other active speakers in every room that I want one in (where sound quality is not so important frankly) seems good.. if it can then be controlled by a phone app or something to play what I want..
Back to home cinema setup, I understand that speakers are more critical than amp for sound quality, I need small speakers to go up in the top corners of the room is this an issue?
Here's a bundle. Random choice, but looks alright.
http://www.creative-audio.co.uk/HD.php?_YAM_675_QA...
I'm wary of buying used speakers, but no problem with amps so a couple of year old much higher specced amp could be found around 400 pounds upwards.
This one for example. New retail over 1200, mine for 300
http://www.hifi-forsale.co.uk/moreinfo.php?prod_ti...
Which is the best course of action?
What option does an amp like the rxv675 have for connecting with distant speakers? Have to be wireless, want to play from cd, hard disk (either in my computer or an external dedicated music un it) vinyl, radio, internet radio etc even tv audio in other rooms would be handy.
The idea of connecting one box to the main system, and then putting other active speakers in every room that I want one in (where sound quality is not so important frankly) seems good.. if it can then be controlled by a phone app or something to play what I want..
Back to home cinema setup, I understand that speakers are more critical than amp for sound quality, I need small speakers to go up in the top corners of the room is this an issue?
Edited by itannum990 on Tuesday 23 September 12:49
Edited by itannum990 on Tuesday 23 September 12:57
k me old boots mods, that was quick work! ThanksStrange that you have no interest in used speakers but have no problem with used electronics.
It seems that every few months AV amps become obsolete because the latest codecs require new equipment, 5.1 is pointless when 11.2 with Atmos is the new 'must have' and an amp must come with 'features' that will rarely (if ever) be used.
Yet speakers haven't changed much in years, they're predominantly mechanical systems so any faults can easily be seen and/or heard and what sounded excellent 5 years ago will still sound excellent today.
Add to that the fact that the biggest change in sound in any system comes about by change of speaker.
Even small changes in placement have bigger effects than any change of DAC or tweet of tone/DSP.
Can't really help with any of your questions (except to say that any recent midrange Yam, Pioneer or Denon will sound good) but you're missing a trick ignoring the used speaker market.
It seems that every few months AV amps become obsolete because the latest codecs require new equipment, 5.1 is pointless when 11.2 with Atmos is the new 'must have' and an amp must come with 'features' that will rarely (if ever) be used.
Yet speakers haven't changed much in years, they're predominantly mechanical systems so any faults can easily be seen and/or heard and what sounded excellent 5 years ago will still sound excellent today.
Add to that the fact that the biggest change in sound in any system comes about by change of speaker.
Even small changes in placement have bigger effects than any change of DAC or tweet of tone/DSP.
Can't really help with any of your questions (except to say that any recent midrange Yam, Pioneer or Denon will sound good) but you're missing a trick ignoring the used speaker market.
You've kind of answered your own questions there actually, yes whilst amps do evolve, its only the addition of superfluous gimmicks and complications that separate units between years. None of which matters. Speakers haven't changed (can't change as they have got it right?) But they are made from paper and rubber, which deteriorates and is susceptible to damage - children, parties, overzelous cleaning etc (I've ruined lots..) so buying used speakers means trusting my eyes and ears, and to be honest I don't know what I'm looking for unless there is obvious tears or denting, and I don't have anything to compare it to in terms of sound.
I don't think I asked any questions 
Assessing speakers is pretty simply - if they sound good to you then they're good.
Damage is easy to spot visually and an ear to each drive unit while playing music quietly will confirm they're working.
Issues such as torn surrounds and holes in cones should be easy to spot (and you'll probably be able to hear it too) - accidental damage caused by children, parties etc can happen to new as well as old speakers.
Having said all that I understand some people like the idea of click, pay and receive their new kit - no hassle and a bit of warranty.
That is, until they arrive and because you didn't go and listen to them you post another thread saying "theses are good but there's something missing from the sound".
Find a kind dealer and have a listen to a few pairs of speakers - most manufacturers have a 'house' sound - you might love entry level B&W but hate midrange Monitor Audio - either way it'll give something to base your listening on.
Amps - do your research.
Certain amps have common issues (earlier Onkyos with failed HDMI boards and similar issues with LX series Pioneers springs to mind) - google the model name and have a look.
AVForums has a wealth of knowledge and advice from ordinary punters - well worth a couple of hours of your time.
Good luck.
Assessing speakers is pretty simply - if they sound good to you then they're good.
Damage is easy to spot visually and an ear to each drive unit while playing music quietly will confirm they're working.
Issues such as torn surrounds and holes in cones should be easy to spot (and you'll probably be able to hear it too) - accidental damage caused by children, parties etc can happen to new as well as old speakers.
Having said all that I understand some people like the idea of click, pay and receive their new kit - no hassle and a bit of warranty.
That is, until they arrive and because you didn't go and listen to them you post another thread saying "theses are good but there's something missing from the sound".
Find a kind dealer and have a listen to a few pairs of speakers - most manufacturers have a 'house' sound - you might love entry level B&W but hate midrange Monitor Audio - either way it'll give something to base your listening on.
Amps - do your research.
Certain amps have common issues (earlier Onkyos with failed HDMI boards and similar issues with LX series Pioneers springs to mind) - google the model name and have a look.
AVForums has a wealth of knowledge and advice from ordinary punters - well worth a couple of hours of your time.
Good luck.
I don't think I asked any questions
Assessing speakers is pretty simply - if they sound good to you then they're good.
Damage is easy to spot visually and an ear to each drive unit while playing music quietly will confirm they're working.
Issues such as torn surrounds and holes in cones should be easy to spot (and you'll probably be able to hear it too) - accidental damage caused by children, parties etc can happen to new as well as old speakers.
Having said all that I understand some people like the idea of click, pay and receive their new kit - no hassle and a bit of warranty.
That is, until they arrive and because you didn't go and listen to them you post another thread saying "theses are good but there's something missing from the sound".
Find a kind dealer and have a listen to a few pairs of speakers - most manufacturers have a 'house' sound - you might love entry level B&W but hate midrange Monitor Audio - either way it'll give something to base your listening on.
Amps - do your research.
Certain amps have common issues (earlier Onkyos with failed HDMI boards and similar issues with LX series Pioneers springs to mind) - google the model name and have a look.
AVForums has a wealth of knowledge and advice from ordinary punters - well worth a couple of hours of your time.
Good luck.
Assessing speakers is pretty simply - if they sound good to you then they're good.
Damage is easy to spot visually and an ear to each drive unit while playing music quietly will confirm they're working.
Issues such as torn surrounds and holes in cones should be easy to spot (and you'll probably be able to hear it too) - accidental damage caused by children, parties etc can happen to new as well as old speakers.
Having said all that I understand some people like the idea of click, pay and receive their new kit - no hassle and a bit of warranty.
That is, until they arrive and because you didn't go and listen to them you post another thread saying "theses are good but there's something missing from the sound".
Find a kind dealer and have a listen to a few pairs of speakers - most manufacturers have a 'house' sound - you might love entry level B&W but hate midrange Monitor Audio - either way it'll give something to base your listening on.
Amps - do your research.
Certain amps have common issues (earlier Onkyos with failed HDMI boards and similar issues with LX series Pioneers springs to mind) - google the model name and have a look.
AVForums has a wealth of knowledge and advice from ordinary punters - well worth a couple of hours of your time.
Good luck.
A questioning line of talk, without involving a question mark, I'm sure there's a word for whatever I'm struggling to say.. dunno.
Ok so! I'm looking at used speakers too now, you've convinced me sir. A few on hififorsale, anywhere else good to look for them? I fear stolen goods on ebay in this case..
What I am finding is many setups are sold on without a sub.. is a matching sub trully necessary all the time? I know they have crossover controls etc but I wouldn't know where to start getting it to produce a balanced audio spectrum (in all honesty my ears are a bit knackered after years of abusing them)
Ok so! I'm looking at used speakers too now, you've convinced me sir. A few on hififorsale, anywhere else good to look for them? I fear stolen goods on ebay in this case..
What I am finding is many setups are sold on without a sub.. is a matching sub trully necessary all the time? I know they have crossover controls etc but I wouldn't know where to start getting it to produce a balanced audio spectrum (in all honesty my ears are a bit knackered after years of abusing them)
Don't worry about the lack of matching subs - get a decent 5.0 speaker package then add your sub of choice (BK subs come highly recommended around the web : http://www.bkelec.com ).
A decent, modern av amp will handle crossover from sub to mains - most come with decent DSP which you use with an included microphone.
Some of the pricier subs come with built in EQ too which can give better results that EQ from the av amp - naturally the prices go up...
Try here for a wide range of subs, sats and surround set-ups - there are other categories for amps, media players, TV's etc.
https://www.avforums.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-...
A decent, modern av amp will handle crossover from sub to mains - most come with decent DSP which you use with an included microphone.
Some of the pricier subs come with built in EQ too which can give better results that EQ from the av amp - naturally the prices go up...
Try here for a wide range of subs, sats and surround set-ups - there are other categories for amps, media players, TV's etc.
https://www.avforums.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-...
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