Good, cheap used speakers
Discussion
Monty Python said:
Have to say I have a soft spot for the Tannoy 605 Mk 1 - had my pair for years, first with an Ion Obelisk 2 and currently on a Musical Fidelity X-A2.
Thanks for the recommendation, Tannoys don't seem common here at all but I'll keep an eye out if I'm still looking.I snagged a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 225 at a good price yesterday so they're on the way and I'll see if I like them.
Well the Diamond 225s were sounding nice enough and improving (seemed like they weren't even run in yet - only a couple of months old).
Then the bargain 30w/ch Pioneer amp gave up the ghost, fun spoiled
Fortunately the guy I bought it from owns a hi-fi shop, is a good sort and had just taken a 100w/ch Yamama RX-797 as a trade-in, so he swapped it for that instead.
Result... wow.
The Pioneer was plenty loud enough for the room (never dialled it much past halfway) but the Yamama really brings these things to life and gives a lot more depth to the sound. Very happy now.
Then the bargain 30w/ch Pioneer amp gave up the ghost, fun spoiled
Fortunately the guy I bought it from owns a hi-fi shop, is a good sort and had just taken a 100w/ch Yamama RX-797 as a trade-in, so he swapped it for that instead.
Result... wow.
The Pioneer was plenty loud enough for the room (never dialled it much past halfway) but the Yamama really brings these things to life and gives a lot more depth to the sound. Very happy now.
Edited by GravelBen on Saturday 22 April 04:58
GravelBen said:
To try and bring this thread back on topic...
I recently picked up a wee Pioneer A109 stereo amp (30w/ch) to play with (bargain impulse buy really), currently hooked up to a pair of probably 30+ year old Wharfedale Laser 90s but I'm feeling the urge to buy some cheap but nice bookshelf speakers to use instead. I'm enjoying the simplicity of a basic stereo setup and the Laser 90s are pleasant enough for casual listening, but a bit slow and woofly in the bass department and I'd like more detail and clarity (without getting into harsh treble).
If I buy some better speakers and make the $50 amp the weak link in the system it will give me an excuse to buy a nicer amp in future too...
Seen a few good deals around on Wharfedale Diamond 9.1, 10.1 and 220 models (all at similar prices, $380-400NZ new or less second hand) but I'm finding quite contradictory reviews on them online, from hifi-review 5 star love to random forum reviews claiming they're a triumph of marketing and sound like rubbish. Spotted a few others I'm less familiar with second hand at varying prices too - Wharfedale Pacific Evo 8, Jade 1, other brands I'm aware of good reputation without knowing specific speaker models - B+W, Polk, Yamaha etc.
Other options I've seen on special at comparable new prices... Monitor Audio MR1 ($300 ) & MR2 ($400), Onkyo D-055 ($200), Cambridge SX50 ($400)
So instead of debating the mathematics of distortion, does anyone want to give me some recommendations of standout models to look for? If you're really bored you can search trademe.co.nz for an idea of second-hand prices here, its our equivalent of ebay.
Or should I just keep doing what I have been and search the web for reviews of anything that looks interesting in the hope of grabbing a bargain?
I have the diamond 9.1s. I'm no expert but I love the clarity and detail of them. They perhaps lack a little low end for my taste (only a little) but they were £99.99 brand new here so can't complain too much. I recently picked up a wee Pioneer A109 stereo amp (30w/ch) to play with (bargain impulse buy really), currently hooked up to a pair of probably 30+ year old Wharfedale Laser 90s but I'm feeling the urge to buy some cheap but nice bookshelf speakers to use instead. I'm enjoying the simplicity of a basic stereo setup and the Laser 90s are pleasant enough for casual listening, but a bit slow and woofly in the bass department and I'd like more detail and clarity (without getting into harsh treble).
If I buy some better speakers and make the $50 amp the weak link in the system it will give me an excuse to buy a nicer amp in future too...
Seen a few good deals around on Wharfedale Diamond 9.1, 10.1 and 220 models (all at similar prices, $380-400NZ new or less second hand) but I'm finding quite contradictory reviews on them online, from hifi-review 5 star love to random forum reviews claiming they're a triumph of marketing and sound like rubbish. Spotted a few others I'm less familiar with second hand at varying prices too - Wharfedale Pacific Evo 8, Jade 1, other brands I'm aware of good reputation without knowing specific speaker models - B+W, Polk, Yamaha etc.
Other options I've seen on special at comparable new prices... Monitor Audio MR1 ($300 ) & MR2 ($400), Onkyo D-055 ($200), Cambridge SX50 ($400)
So instead of debating the mathematics of distortion, does anyone want to give me some recommendations of standout models to look for? If you're really bored you can search trademe.co.nz for an idea of second-hand prices here, its our equivalent of ebay.
Or should I just keep doing what I have been and search the web for reviews of anything that looks interesting in the hope of grabbing a bargain?
phil_cardiff said:
I have the diamond 9.1s. I'm no expert but I love the clarity and detail of them. They perhaps lack a little low end for my taste (only a little) but they were £99.99 brand new here so can't complain too much.
The Diamond 9.1 is an excellent speaker and got some really good reviews when it first came to market.I had a pair myself, and they did not disgrace themselves when compared to a pair or Dynaudio 52's (about £700).
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quad-77-11L-Main-Stereo-...
Lovely sounding and lovely looking. All depends on what you are wanting to spend second hand. But under 250 gets you a lot of choice of some very highly priced speakers when new.
Lovely sounding and lovely looking. All depends on what you are wanting to spend second hand. But under 250 gets you a lot of choice of some very highly priced speakers when new.
Stoatman said:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quad-77-11L-Main-Stereo-...
Lovely sounding and lovely looking. All depends on what you are wanting to spend second hand. But under 250 gets you a lot of choice of some very highly priced speakers when new.
I just bought a pair of Quad S-2's and sold my 11L's for £120, which is a hell of a lot of speaker for the money. Lovely sounding and lovely looking. All depends on what you are wanting to spend second hand. But under 250 gets you a lot of choice of some very highly priced speakers when new.
legzr1 said:
Tony covered most of your previous attempt but this last paragraph is slightly confusing.
I get you're trying to sell something but how do you equate 'a quest for fidelity' with a business selling something to 'improve' lossy, clipped material?
Are you polishing a turd?
I get that some prefer the harmonic distortion of tube design, can live with the limitations, heat and (relatively) low power outputs but Class D?
Perhaps things have moved on - it's been a while since I listened to iCE stuff, bel canto, Hypex and the like but I'll take Class A/B for now thanks.
Apologies for keeping the thread off topic - but @legzr1 - I just found this rather interesting video about declipping.I get you're trying to sell something but how do you equate 'a quest for fidelity' with a business selling something to 'improve' lossy, clipped material?
Are you polishing a turd?
I get that some prefer the harmonic distortion of tube design, can live with the limitations, heat and (relatively) low power outputs but Class D?
Perhaps things have moved on - it's been a while since I listened to iCE stuff, bel canto, Hypex and the like but I'll take Class A/B for now thanks.
I'm keen to try this - however the author does make some fairly strong claims.
The above video was referenced in this interview with the software author (this should begin almost at the point where declipping is discussed).
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