Amp and speakers for £1,000 recommendations please...

[Vaseline Coated Chicken]

I’d like some speakers and an amp to play my music through. I mainly play my music through Spotify and iTunes. I mostly listen to techno, house and rock n roll.

I’m no audiophile and apologies in advance if this makes me sound like a noob but I’d like some speakers that are loud & bassy if possible and I’d also prefer to purchase second hand.

[rigger67]

Where do you live ??
Might help with recommending gear ..

[Parcelmonkey]

Are the Meridian M2's still for sale on here? Although small in size, loud enough for most purposes with good tight bass and easy to add a source to?

And definitely under budget but won't do massive trouser flapping... :lol:

If you're in the Midlands, not a massive trek to MK to see.

There's one suggestion for you. Good luck in your quest...

Ade

[Macca]

Cerwin Vega would do for the speakers then. Ticks all your boxes and not expensive second hand. You'd maybe have to travel to pick them up though as there are not shedloads of them for sale (in the UK anyway).


I'd also say JBL but they are outside of your budget unless you drop lucky.


Amplifier choice is much wider as pretty much anything will work with them. A Sony from the ES range, perhaps? Plenty of power, decent quality of sound, used prices from £200 and up.

[Jazid]

sounds like you're after a 'fit and forget' system. I'd suggest a pair of B&W 601s and a class D amp, anything with Hypex UCD (or ideally NCore) modules, even a B&O Ice Power, and the amp might as well be bought new for the guarantee as they're getting better all the time and arent too expensive to start with. The speakers are well known and easy to find, plenty of bass, and the amps will drive them properly.

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[mikmas]

I’d like some speakers and an amp to play my music through. I mainly play my music through Spotify and iTunes. I mostly listen to techno, house and rock n roll.

For very, very good but inexpensive look at Q Acoustics 2020i bookshelf speakers - plenty come up on eBay for around £100 and they are astounding. If you have room for a pair of their floor standers, even better and still not much money. If you are streaming from your phone then there are a whole range of small but efficient 'T' amps available on eBay and elsewhere that will do a great job for very little money or hassle.

[Vaseline Coated Chicken]

Sorry guys I should have added, I want floorstanders and the room size is 4m x 3.6m. I'm in Birmingham, travel to collect the right gear is not a problem.

[Vaseline Coated Chicken]

Cerwin Vega would do for the speakers then. Ticks all your boxes and not expensive second hand. You'd maybe have to travel to pick them up though as there are not shedloads of them for sale (in the UK anyway).


I'd also say JBL but they are outside of your budget unless you drop lucky.


Amplifier choice is much wider as pretty much anything will work with them. A Sony from the ES range, perhaps? Plenty of power, decent quality of sound, used prices from £200 and up.

Something like these?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cerwin-Vega-Intense-252-speaker-x2-1000W-black-DJ-speakers/332641726856?hash=item4d72fdf188:g:bkAAAOSw3qZa7ez 2

[fatmarley]

Something like these?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cerwin-Vega-Intense-252-speaker-x2-1000W-black-DJ-speakers/332641726856?hash=item4d72fdf188:g:bkAAAOSw3qZa7ez 2

The only thing that would concern me Is combining a 15" to compression driver. I know other companies seem do It well (Tannoy, JBL etc) but a safer bet would be something like Cerwin Vega CLSC 15 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cerwin-Vega-CLSC-15/292470895886?hash=item44189fb50e:g:wOUAAOSwRE5aayp Q) with It's smaller upper midrange driver. I haven't heard either though, so could be wrong.

MC2 amplifiers were all the rage on hifi forums a few years back. They are powerful and certain models are supposed to have very good sound quality too.

[Macca]

Something like these?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cerwin-Vega-Intense-252-speaker-x2-1000W-black-DJ-speakers/332641726856?hash=item4d72fdf188:g:bkAAAOSw3qZa7ez 2

Bigger than I was thinking of but your room is pretty large and they will give the big, clean, bassy sound you are after.

I was thinking more of these, or similar older models:

https://i.imgur.com/DqlSQt3.jpg

http://cerwinvega.com/home-audio/floorstanding-speakers/sl-12.html

They are not especially accurate speakers, not compared to the alternatives like B&W and Q Acoustics suggested above, but they do have a lot more welly to them which will suit rock and electronic music where the bold strokes matter more than the little subtleties.

[hifinutt]

sounds like you're after a 'fit and forget' system. I'd suggest a pair of B&W 601s and a class D amp, anything with Hypex UCD (or ideally NCore) modules, even a B&O Ice Power, and the amp might as well be bought new for the guarantee as they're getting better all the time and arent too expensive to start with. The speakers are well known and easy to find, plenty of bass, and the amps will drive them properly.

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Yes I have a pair of 602s3 and they have plenty of bass and sound great

[hifinutt]

Sorry guys I should have added, I want floorstanders and the room size is 4m x 3.6m. I'm in Birmingham, travel to collect the right gear is not a problem.

Plenty of b&w gear near Brum. I am always browsing eBay and live in brum

[Vaseline Coated Chicken]

sounds like you're after a 'fit and forget' system. I'd suggest a pair of B&W 601s and a class D amp, anything with Hypex UCD (or ideally NCore) modules, even a B&O Ice Power, and the amp might as well be bought new for the guarantee as they're getting better all the time and arent too expensive to start with. The speakers are well known and easy to find, plenty of bass, and the amps will drive them properly.

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Thanks for the reply. Any chance you could link the amps you mention please?

[Jazid]

Thanks for the reply. Any chance you could link the amps you mention please?you will need to nose around DIYaudio.com. There are plenty around but you need DIY as:
1. its not difficult to take these units off the peg and make great amps and
2. Commercial production of the self same units in a different box will cost you most of your entire budget.

so saying there's a UCD amp in classifieds right now that might suit for £500.

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[Yomanze]

I’d like some speakers and an amp to play my music through. I mainly play my music through Spotify and iTunes. I mostly listen to techno, house and rock n roll.

I’m no audiophile and apologies in advance if this makes me sound like a noob but I’d like some speakers that are loud & bassy if possible and I’d also prefer to purchase second hand.

Techno, house and rock and roll. Definitely a solid state amp instead of tubes. Am a fan of the Exposure 2010S series at your budget, and music tastes. [emoji4]

[Vaseline Coated Chicken]

So speaker wise will something like these deliver the thumping bass I'd like?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/B-W-BOWERS-WILKINS-DM602-5-S3-PAIR-FLOORSTANDING-Hi-Fi-SPEAKERS-100-WATT/332673676880?hash=item4d74e57650:g:P2IAAOSwi3tbFC1 E

Still a bit confused with the amp though (forgive me I'm a complete noob to this).

[hifinutt]

That's the ones and if you need any help setting up let me know

[hifinutt]

There are some super integrated amps at low price like marantz .Its amazing what you can find . I have an old Phillips that cost 100 quid years ago and still sounds good

[ianlenco]

Klipsch speakers have a good reputation for bass - I've only heard older models so cannot comment on the current crop. As for amps Leema Acoustics Pulse come up second hand at reasonable prices - later marks have a decent built in DAC.

[fatmarley]

Some of the larger Kef reference series could be worth a look. I'm not familiar with the model numbers though...

[fatmarley]

Slightly over budget and a bit of a mismatch, but how about - JBL (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JBL-speakers-with-horn-tweeters-15-bass-stereo-pair-with-jbl-crossovers/253310663665?hash=item3afa7dfbf1:g:B10AAOSw7z1aMVj t) and one of these (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/S-M-S-L-Q5-pro-HiFi-Digital-Audio-Power-Amplifier-Amp-w-Remote-Controller-I2D9/323246413002?epid=11010880291&hash=item4b42fcd4ca:g:x-gAAOSwwS1a7U1G)?

[cooky]

Anything PA will prob be compromised in the bottom end as the smaller 12+ horn or 15+horn are not much use below 60-70hz and usually partnered with subs.
Buy these now. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tannoy-Saturn-S8-Champagne-Floorstanding-Hi-Fi-Speakers-Pair-inc-Warranty/202320443556?hash=item2f1b3cf8a4:g:V9EAAOSw1iNbBSv Y
Plenty of bottom end for your room, great stereo and versatile enough for if your music tastes expand.
And add a decent 100w/ch amp and you are good to go..

[Macca]

Slightly over budget and a bit of a mismatch, but how about - JBL (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JBL-speakers-with-horn-tweeters-15-bass-stereo-pair-with-jbl-crossovers/253310663665?hash=item3afa7dfbf1:g:B10AAOSw7z1aMVj t) and one of these (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/S-M-S-L-Q5-pro-HiFi-Digital-Audio-Power-Amplifier-Amp-w-Remote-Controller-I2D9/323246413002?epid=11010880291&hash=item4b42fcd4ca:g:x-gAAOSwwS1a7U1G)?

No bass on those JBLs, they are for cinema use and need subwoofers

[walpurgis]

If you want to do this on a shoestring, just get a pair of Wharfedale Dovedale III speakers and drive them with a Denon PMA-350SE amp. It'll work fine and give a decent enough sound with plenty of punchy bass. All second hand obviously and probably cost a total of no more than £150! And it'll be reliable.

[fatmarley]

No bass on those JBLs, they are for cinema use and need subwoofers

Oh, didn't realise that. Just saw the size of them and assumed wrong...

[Macca]

Oh, didn't realise that. Just saw the size of them and assumed wrong...

I checked them out a couple of years ago, thought the same as you initially.

[andyrlb]

I’d like some speakers and an amp to play my music through. I mainly play my music through Spotify and iTunes. I mostly listen to techno, house and rock n roll.

I’m no audiophile and apologies in advance if this makes me sound like a noob but I’d like some speakers that are loud & bassy if possible and I’d also prefer to purchase second hand.

I have an Ion obelisk 3x and x-pak 1 and some absolutely beautiful pmc FB1’s , all under budget and the active meridians too .
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180604/11f8ee44ff4e7ed7783fcb79bb33a7fa.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180604/578cb7a40dfb9c6a1ed2db4ff011ead7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180604/411a4e45a36bda0b27cf9b3418cb1021.heic

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[andyrlb]

Are the Meridian M2's still for sale on here? Although small in size, loud enough for most purposes with good tight bass and easy to add a source to?

And definitely under budget but won't do massive trouser flapping... :lol:

If you're in the Midlands, not a massive trek to MK to see.

There's one suggestion for you. Good luck in your quest...

Ade

Cheers Ade [emoji1303]


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[Macca]

I have an Ion obelisk 3x and x-pak 1 and some absolutely beautiful pmc FB1’s , all under budget and the active meridians too .


Could do a lot worse than go for that little set up. Should hold its value too.

[struth]

fancied the obelisk myself.. good amp

[andyrlb]

Could do a lot worse than go for that little set up. Should hold its value too.

Thanks Macca and I agree it won’t depreciate if kept in its current condition


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[hifinutt]

this would be good john

https://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/atc-siacd-integrated-amplifier-with-dac-cd-player-with-long-warranty.215983/

[TazSob]

I'm a bass-head too and would recommend an old technics amp from the SU-V range, something like this https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F 292582728018 and some KEF Reference Series speakers like the 104\2s. You'll have more bass than you could handle In my opinion.

I'm currently using a Yamaha AV receiver with some KEF K160s, which were a budget speaker from KEF, and find they do ok in my room which is similar size to yours.

[walpurgis]

Ditton 66 speakers, serviced Quad 405-2 and passive pre-amp. Sorted!

[Macca]

Ditton 66 speakers, serviced Quad 405-2 and passive pre-amp. Sorted!

Good luck finding some decent 66 for under a grand.

[TazSob]

Good luck finding some decent 66 for under a grand.

Would you recommend Ditton 66s over KEF 104/2s for bass?

Only ask as I'm looking for what could be my "final speaker" and thought 104/2 had the better bass

[andyrlb]

Is he still looking? I mean there hasn’t been any replies


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[Macca]

Would you recommend Ditton 66s over KEF 104/2s for bass?

Only ask as I'm looking for what could be my "final speaker" and thought 104/2 had the better bass

I've not owned either an only heard them in quite different systems in different places. So not sure about the bass, but if I had to choose between the two on an overall basis I'd take the KEFs. They do need a bit of watts and current up them though.

[walpurgis]

Can't recall what the 104-2 sounded like, but I do like the Ditton 66. However, I'd take a decent pair of Tannoys over either.

[hifinutt]

Would you recommend Ditton 66s over KEF 104/2s for bass?

Only ask as I'm looking for what could be my "final speaker" and thought 104/2 had the better bass

if anyone wants a final speaker then this is worth a listen , i am EXTREMELY impressed with the ta`us i am using . it would knock socks off a 15-20k speaker

https://hifiwigwam.com/megastore/product/impulse-h2-with-full-rfc-upgrades-plus-original-boxes/

[Stryder5]

Parasound Zamp v3 power amps.

These amps I feel are great for very little money.

90 watts RMS. Buy 2 and use as monobloc's, one for each speaker. I have a 2nd system using these, surprisingly good. If you get speakers that do bass, these will do them justice in spades. They not only do bass but their presentation is neutral and clear.

I paid less than £100 each for mine off eBay, have a look.

[walpurgis]

Parasound Zamp v3 power amps.

These amps I feel are great for very little money.

90 watts RMS. Buy 2 and use as monobloc's, one for each speaker. I have a 2nd system using these, surprisingly good. If you get speakers that do bass, these will do them justice in spades. They not only do bass but their presentation is neutral and clear.

I paid less than £100 each for mine off eBay, have a look.

They are good, I've had a couple. But a Denon PMA-350SE will beat them on sound quality and power.

[TazSob]

I've not owned either an only heard them in quite different systems in different places. So not sure about the bass, but if I had to choose between the two on an overall basis I'd take the KEFs. They do need a bit of watts and current up them though.

Thank you Martin.

I'm considering a pair right now and if they're still there at the end of the month they'll be coming home with me. Did look at the 66s but think they're a little ugly and a little over bearing with the big speakers on show where the KEFs not only look sweet but look timid in comparison.

Just missed out on a Kef cube for the 104/2 and gutted about that.

[TazSob]

Can't recall what the 104-2 sounded like, but I do like the Ditton 66. However, I'd take a decent pair of Tannoys over either.

Thanks Geoff but I couldn't afford a decent pair of Tannoy's, not without a few years of saving, or selling a limb or two. Some of the range I like are in their thousands.
Beautiful speakers I have to agree

[TazSob]

if anyone wants a final speaker then this is worth a listen , i am EXTREMELY impressed with the ta`us i am using . it would knock socks off a 15-20k speaker

https://hifiwigwam.com/megastore/product/impulse-h2-with-full-rfc-upgrades-plus-original-boxes/

Way out my budget them Phil, do look quality though.
Thanks for the suggestion

[Macca]

Thank you Martin.

I'm considering a pair right now and if they're still there at the end of the month they'll be coming home with me. Did look at the 66s but think they're a little ugly and a little over bearing with the big speakers on show where the KEFs not only look sweet but look timid in comparison.

Just missed out on a Kef cube for the 104/2 and gutted about that.

I think you will get a good pair no problem, won't be a long wait. As far as the CUBE goes I don't know how much you have researched it but I do recall reading somewhere that it actually made the overall performance worse. That maybe wrong but might be worth looking into before you splash out any extra for one.


I do like the 66 though, and with the cosmetics sorted and the grilles on they can look pretty good, if that's a consideration. Sound wise, I've heard them do proper, full height 3 dimensional soundstaging, and not in a very 'good' room for it either. And they will fill a dance hall with enough power up them, cleanly as well. So I wouldn't write them off if a sorted pair come up at a good price.

[TazSob]

I think you will get a good pair no problem, won't be a long wait. As far as the CUBE goes I don't know how much you have researched it but I do recall reading somewhere that it actually made the overall performance worse. That maybe wrong but might be worth looking into before you splash out any extra for one.


I do like the 66 though, and with the cosmetics sorted and the grilles on they can look pretty good, if that's a consideration. Sound wise, I've heard them do proper, full height 3 dimensional soundstaging, and not in a very 'good' room for it either. And they will fill a dance hall with enough power up them, cleanly as well. So I wouldn't write them off if a sorted pair come up at a good price.

There is a pair on bay right now that look to be well looked after that I'm watching.

The cube you are right was an afterthought from KEF, after they made the 105/3 and 107/2s they decided to go back and do one for the 104/2s. Many people have said it affects the subs negatively too and better results can be achieved from a little tweak on a equaliser.
Probably a good thing I missed it and saved a few quid.

The 66s they a forum member sorted on here with the tri-wire bind post set up were a beauty and if I ever bought any that would be what I'll like to do.
Have a few sets of celestion speakers and do respect the sound quality.

[hifinutt]

Way out my budget them Phil, do look quality though.
Thanks for the suggestion

its a pleasure taz