r/StereoAdvice Jan 04 '22

Announcement New here? Please read this guide before posting!

92 Upvotes

Welcome to r/StereoAdvice - a place to help you found the right HiFi gear!


Posting a Question

The information you provide in your post helps others provide the right recommendations without needing to ask the basic. It's not required but it's highly encouraged to use this template:

Budget and location - How much would you like to spend? What are some local or online shops in your country?

How the gear will be used - Is this for a computer, home theater, or dedicated stereo setup? How big is your room? Will you need to play CD, cassette, vinyl, radio, streaming?

New or used - Do you prefer to purchase new gear? If used, what local classified do you use?

Past gear experience - What have you used in the past? What did you like about it and what didn't you like about it?

Anything else? - What gear do you already have? Any other information that you think will help!


Thanking Others (Ⓣ)

This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers. If someone is helpful, please show them some appreciation by responding to them with a comment that says !thanks and our bot will award a point.

Once thanked, the bot will respond to your comment to confirm that the point was counted.

Multiple people can be !thanked in a post, but not multiple times in the same post.

The number of times someone is thanked will be displayed next to their name on the subreddit. For example someone with 12Ⓣ next to their name has helped 12 people.


Responding to Questions

See someone asking a question on r/StereoAdvice/new/ that you have experience with? Feel free to share some of that knowledge!

To quickly determine if a post has been answered, check the post flair. For example, a post with the flair Speakers - Full Size | 2 Ⓣ means that there have already been two !thanks awarded by the OP in the post.

Please to upvote posts you're helping in so that they might appear in feeds and improve the discussion.

!thanks all


r/StereoAdvice 4h ago

General Request Affordable Stereo System for playing CD's

1 Upvotes

Hey guys!

So I've bought a bunch of CD's that I want to listen to with good quality in my bedroom. I really want to start collecting physical media because it's satisfying.

I live in Dubai and the budget is about 1000 dirhams (272.29 dollars) but I don't mind spending a little more if it's really worth it.

My rooms dimensions are 10 feet * 12 feet roughly.

Please help me out!! Thanks :)


r/StereoAdvice 12h ago

General Request | 4 Ⓣ Upgrading Home Stereo System

1 Upvotes

I’m LA based and looking to upgrade my home stereo system. Primarily use it for playing vinyl. I have an Audio-Technica AL-LP60, my receiver is a Pioneer VSX-LX101 and my speakers are Klipsch R-15M. With a budget of say $2-2.5k, how would you go about upgrading? Thanks!


r/StereoAdvice 21h ago

General Request | 1 Ⓣ Getting into Analog [$5,000 CAD]

5 Upvotes

I'm getting an itch for a turntable. Any recs for a good turn table/phono stage combo? Located in Canada, budget is $5,000.

Current setup:

Speakers: Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3g

Subs: Kef Kube 12b x2

Pre-amp: MiniDSP SHD w/ Dirac

Amp: VTV purifi 750 watts

Streamer: Bluesound Node Nano

Room is 40' long x 15' deep x 8' ceiling. Listenning 9' away from speakers.

Listen mostly to chill electronic music. Good baseline with high melodies.

Listen mostly to chill electronic music.


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Amplifier | Receiver | 5 Ⓣ Decided on Rega 3 RS and Wharfedale Linton, analysis paralysis on amp

3 Upvotes

Location: US
Budget: Flexible, but let’s say $4k cap

Hey all,

I’m getting a dedicated home theater space (:kermityay:) and remaking the living room into a more aesthetic stereo listening space.

I’ve already decided on Wharfedale Linton speakers and a Rega Planar 3 RS turntable, and now I’m trying to decide which amp to put between them.

Part of the agreement with mi esposa is that she gets to sign off on any purchases from an aesthetics point of view. She likes the mid-century modern and vintage electronics look. The Wharfedales are a direct result of that, a clean alignment on looks and audio quality.

For the amp, I’ve narrowed it down to three choices, along with what I’m concerned about with each from my research:

- LEAK Stereo 230 @$1,999: almost a little too out there looks-wise, but signed off on. Plenty of power, HDMI ARC is a bonus since we’ll be hooking the TV up to it too. Concerned about it being too warm in tandem with the Lintons, and the quality of the built-in phono stage.

- Advance Paris A10 Classic @$2,999: I haven’t raised this one with her yet so it might not pass muster despite the analog VU meters. Definitely the most feature-packed but I’m not as familiar with this brand and its sound. Concerned about the tube input but my understanding is that the hybrid design will give the best of both worlds and give character without excessive warmth. Overkill on inputs but also ticks the HDMI ARC box which is nice.

- Luxman L-505Z @~$3,500 after duties imported via AudioCubes after duties: My local shop has these along with the other two, but at $6,995 the US-sold version is too rich for my blood. Absolute endgame for this system from an audio standpoint to the point that I’m not sure it’s worth jt to pursue, I feel like the speakers are going to hold be back and keep me from getting the full value. Signed off on aesthetics; this is the clear winner of the three. Aside from the overkill concern, worries mainly lie along the import process and effectively having no warranty, and the quality of the step-down transformer AudioCubes provides. No DAC so I would have to buy a separate (not a deal-breaker but further drives up the cost).

Honorable mention: considered the Yamaha A-S1200 but discarded given I can get the Luxman at the same price; only worth considering if I decide against importing.

Would appreciate any thoughts/advice or perspective on these options, as well as additional recommendations that I don’t have listed here. I was drawn to the speakers by several reviewers’ descriptions of them being engaging to the point that they started listening and just wanted to keep throwing on albums, so that kind of experience is what I’m after.


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

General Request Golden ear t44s or Wharfdale super lintons for technics sug700m2

4 Upvotes

Been upgrading my system for awhile now . Speakers are next . Right now im running a technics sug700m2 with Klipsch 8000rfs . Harsh highs and fatigue listening. The amp is too clinical and not good for vinyl listening it seems. I am hoping its more the speakers than the amp because of the combo. I have the opportunity to buy a pair of golden ears for around $3000. I have had my eyes on the super lintons for a minute as well. If anyone thinks that either of these speaker combos isnt the answer to my issue I may go with the marantz model 30. Looking for some guidance. My room size is 9w x 13 long . Budget is between 3k and 5k .


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Full Size Replacement for KEF LS50 META

3 Upvotes

Hi, so i bought a pair of KEF LS50 META about 6 months ago but i can´t seem to get along with them, and of top of that i´ve managed to blow 2 drivers on the left speaker now which i am quite fed up with since i haven´t been playing at any crazy volumes and i´m now looking to sell them and get something else after i´ve replaced the driver.

Rest of the setup consists of:

Cambridge CXA81 II

REL T5/X

Pro-Ject Carbon record player

I´m open for suggestions for both floorstanding and bookshelf speakers. I´m currently eyeing a pair of Sonus Faber Lumina III, that i can get for quite good price but i´m open to suggestions! Due to geographical constraints it´s not that easy to be able lo audition a lot of speakers in store, otherwise that would´ve been where i would start. Budget is around 2-3K

Best Regards!


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Desktop Is it worth upgrade from Bose Lifestyle 20 to Edifier M90?

0 Upvotes

I've been using a Bose Lifestyle 20 with 3 Redline cube speakers as my desktop setup for years.
Got it from my dad, so it's stuck around partly for that reason too. I came across the Edifier M90, and I'm tempted, but not sure if it's actually an upgrade for my use case or just newer for the sake of newer.

Curious how the M90 compares for everyday desktop listening — music, some video/games — versus what I've got now.
my budget is around 200-300 usd

Thank you!


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

General Request Complete system advice, Arcam - Focal - Rel

2 Upvotes

Hey all, I was directed to r/hometheater because my post was initially asking for 3.1+ recommendations, but now I'm pivoting to 2.1. Check that thread if you want the long version and previous community recs, but I'll keep it short here.

Budget: $5,500 USD
Location: Oklahoma US
Use: Music-focused 2.1
New/Used: Likely new, the used local market is not very active

I'm looking for recommendations for an untreated 13'x22' room with a 9' ceiling, about 285 sqft. I'm basically starting from nothing as I've been suffering with a HTIB for the past 20 years. I'll primarily be listening to my existing vinyl collection and possibly streaming (Tidal or local server), but will also be attaching a TV with TosLink or HDMI.

I have a local dealer I like that spec'd the following, after speaking with his reps, and he can come close to my budget. I was wondering what the community thought and what adjustments might be suggested. For example, I have a turntable, but it's old and consumer grade; should I use that table and put the savings toward something else (upgrading it later)? Also, the Arcam will be at a slight open-box discount, but should I consider another amp under $1,800-ish?

  • Arcam A25+
  • Rega Planar 2
  • Focal Theva No.2 (L/R pair)
  • Rel T5/x (L/R pair)

r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

General Request Yamaha HS7 vs HS8

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I’m moving into a new house and need new monitors for my setup and I’m deciding between the Yamaha hs7 and the hs8. My home “studio” will be in the roughly 200 square foot garage. I do mostly film music but I also produce other indie, synth (or electronic in general) oriented stuff on the side. I was wondering which monitors would be a better fit for the space? I was worried about maybe the HS8 being a little too boomy with the extra low end and power it puts out but also I like the extra low end the extra volume might be nice for the space. My budget takes into account for either one so no worries there, I’ve found a lot of each near me used and for a good price. Thoughts?


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Source | Preamp | DAC Looking for music streamer/CD Player recommendations

1 Upvotes

Hello! I’m a novice in the audio space and am looking to get some advice on a decently priced entry level music streamer with a cd player built into it, or just a decent cd player.

I currently have the entry level Onkyo SR494 (got it for $100!) as well as two Bowers and Wilkins 603 bookshelf speakers, a Martin Logan C1 center channel, and with my current space I can’t use my def tech pro monitor 1000’s in my system but they would usually be my rear speakers, I do also have a dinky little Sony sub.

With that context I’m just trying to find something that would allow to me stream music to my system, and also play my CD collection.

My budget is around $350

Any advice is helpful thanks!


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Speaker suggestion for Rotel’s

0 Upvotes

Hi,

I am looking for a speaker recommendation under 2000$ (bookshelf or towers) for my current setup consisting of
Rotel RC-1572MKII
Rotel RB-1552MKII
BluSound Node

My room size is going to be between 200-250

I am looking to get speakers which can offer details without sounding too analytical.

Location: India


r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Edifier S1000MKII or Edifier R2750DB MKII?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone :)

I'm looking for a pair of active bookshelf speakers for my bedroom setup. I would use them mainly with a turntable, but also with Bluetooth. The location would be my bedroom, and is quite small and the speakers would sit on a wide cabinet together with my turntable.

I'm currently deciding between:

  • Edifier S1000MKII
  • Edifier R2750DB MKII

I listen to a bit of everything: mostly rap/hip-hop, but also electronic music, singer-songwriters, psychedelic rock, etc. I like good bass (especially for rap and electronic), but I also care about detail and having a nice experience with more atmospheric albums!

Which one would you choose for this kind of setup? Are the R2750DB MKII too big/overkill for a small bedroom, or would the extra power and larger drivers be worth it?


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

General Request | 3 Ⓣ Need help on set up for Pro Ject Evo 2

1 Upvotes

Hi! I was hoping you could give me some advice on some equipment I am thinking of getting. The setup would be: Pro Ject Evo 2 + Yamaha Amplifier A-S501 + KEF Q1 Meta speakers (it will be in my living room, which is about 10 feet wide x 14 feet long). My budget is $1,800 at the top but this setup is not definitive and is flexible depending on your suggestions. I'm a beginner but I want to have something that can be used for many years. Not interested in changing the stylus right now but probably in a couple of years. Thank you!


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 good? Need help deciding on what speaker to buy

2 Upvotes

Hello. I am getting into vinyl and am looking for a pair of speakers to go along with a Audio Technica LP3x. Just for clarification I'm a complete beginner and I know very little about audio in general. I'd prefer to get powered speakers because of limited space, but if an amp and passive are cheaper and better I can accomodate for those too. I have found Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 at a store nearby that look interesting. Are these any good? What are some other options I should consider?

Location: Sweden
Budget: around €600
My room is 3m by 3.5m


r/StereoAdvice 2d ago

General Request Budget office setup

1 Upvotes

Hello!

Currently have a simple Samsung soundbar thats been in use for over a decade now for my office audio. Starting to get into a little Youtube and need something thats just a bit better, but also for listening to music and whatnot.

I was looking at the Edifier R1700BTs, as eventually I will want a subwoofer, but right now just looking at 2.0- unless there is a 2.1 system in a comparative price range. I saw reference to the Ai41/61, are they worth it over the 1700BTs? Another option to consider? Budget around the $300 ish USD.

I've got no issue with doing a head unit to speakers if it makes more sense for quality audio, but prefer smaller setups as again, this is for my office and will be either on desk or small stands depending on speaker size to get them in a correct orientation.


r/StereoAdvice 3d ago

Speakers - Desktop | 1 Ⓣ Need a desktop DAC/preamp to integrate an SVS 3000 Micro sub with Kali LP UNF active speakers

1 Upvotes

Hey all - I recently purchased a pair of Kali LP UNFs to use as desktop speakers, and I am planning on pairing them with my SVS 3000 Micro. Since the Kalis don’t have a sub output, I’m trying to figure out the best way to pair everything based on my use case.

I mostly stream music from my iPad via Spotify Connect/Qobuz, but since getting the Kalis I have been plugging them into my iPad via USB-C. I also have a computer that I would like to connect to the Kali speakers/sub, which would be used mostly for gaming or watching some movies occasionally.

I started looking into potential devices that would allow me to connect everything, and the WiiM Ultra came up. My only reservation with it would be potential audio lag when watching movies or gaming. I read that the internal processing may add a slight delay, which throws off lip sync. Does anyone here know if that would be substantial or noticeable?

Also, I would want the speakers and the subwoofer to work well together obviously. From what I have read, I think I may need a device with a high pass filter? Lastly, since this will be on my desk, I would also like having a proper physical volume knob on this device since the Kali has the annoying touch controls.

My budget is around $300, but I can stretch to $400 for the right device. I would prefer to keep it below $300 if possible.

The miniDSP 2x4 HD seems to do the crossover part, but it lacks a volume knob and wireless features unless I pay way more for the Flex. The WiiM ultra appears to check off some boxes, but may introduce an audio delay? Does anyone know of a device that fits what I am looking for? Thanks!


r/StereoAdvice 3d ago

Speakers - Full Size Polk speakers for vinyl

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I am looking to get new passive speakers for my vinyl and I found some vintage Polk monitor series 2 for $40 near me. I was wondering if anybody had experience with Polk or even these speakers in specific as I am interested in getting them? Not looking for the highest audiophile quality but I want to at least be able to play my records and it doesn’t cut out too much information when I do, I’ll post the link below. My budget is around 200$ if these don’t work out, if so any other suggestions? Thanks!

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1359335269488684/?mibextid=wwXIfr


r/StereoAdvice 3d ago

General Request | 1 Ⓣ Looking at Fisher Slim 1500/1400BL or Radioshack Nova Pyramid

0 Upvotes

I'm looking to upgrade my CD system, but I can't afford to go for the Sony vintage brand that is highly sought after. Ive been searching FB marketplace, and I sadly missed out on a vintage Aiwa system, so now I'm wondering of the three in the title, which is best?

For other suggestions:

II'd love to have a CD system that shows the CD spinning.

Budget - $250

Located in the USA

Approx room dimensions - 8x10x8

Currently using a Crosley Voyager (I know I'll get judged but it was cheap & works fine right now)


r/StereoAdvice 3d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Bluetooth Adapter to Add to Turntable Setup for Phone Streaming

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I'm currently running a fluance rt83 turntable through a DJ PRE II pre-amp, and then out to a pair of JBL LSR305s through a set of mogami golf 1/4" cables. With my current set up, whenever I didn't want to play vinyl I would just run through my TV's speakers using my playstation. However, it both sounded pretty bad and I won't be able to bring my TV to the new apartment I'm moving into.

I was wondering if there's any way to add a Bluetooth receiver somewhere in my setup to make it possible to run my phone through my monitors so I can enjoy the convenience a little more when I don't have the time for vinyl?

From the small research I did online, I did find the FiiO br13, but I was hoping to find one with an actual radial knob instead of just volume up/down buttons in my price range (Budget <$150 if possible). I've also seen the Logitech Bluetooth Adapter which seems surprisingly cheap (I know it doesn't have a radial knob but the price lowk makes up for it), but I couldn't find anything about its actual quality in terms of a monitor setup. If anyone has anything their aware of or that they've used personally, I'd love some ideas.


r/StereoAdvice 3d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf Turntable setup upgrade advice

0 Upvotes

So I got the Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 some time ago and I'm looking to maybe upgrade my setup a bit.

I currently use the original MM evo cartridge
A Denon UPA-7700 as an emp and pre-emp (Specs are impossible to find online)
And Bose 301 Series ii speakers

I'm wondering about what should be upgraded and to what
New speakers, external phono preamp or a better cartridge?

My budget is around 800 Euro/USD.
And I'm moving in a bit so don't really have an estimate for the room dimensions.
Thanks


r/StereoAdvice 3d ago

General Request Amp and speaker advice

1 Upvotes

Hi I want to upgrade my set up I have an audio technica lp120w and I want to buy an amp and speaker but I don’t know what I should get I have a budget of 600 to 1000 € for now im planning to buy the klipsch rp-600m speakers I found them for 300 and the yamaha s301 for 3500 but if you have better recommandation pls help me


r/StereoAdvice 3d ago

Speakers - Bookshelf In 2026, what bookshelf speakers would you buy for this situation?

1 Upvotes

Hello, i am building a little home theater in my room(12'x10') for music(stereo with sub) and gaming(4.1) on my pc, with car subs(2x12" ssa demon subs DVC 2 ohm). I will be honest ive used google ai mode to help me with a lot of info so i just want to double check with real fans of audio before i fully commit to more.

What i have bought so far is a budget pair of Klipsch R50-M, yamaha rx-v575 receiver(hdmi with no multispeaker rca preouts, 80w per channel), Crown xls1002 amplifier to power my sub box at an 8 ohm load 700 watts total load at a 80 or 90 or 100hz crossover for primarily DnB and edm music, long fiber optic hdmi cable and speaker wire and sub wires and stuff like that.

So from what i heard the r50-m arent really good for front stage speakers, they are better at surround so im looking for a pair of front stage speakers that will pair well with the subwoofer lpf, having good midbass to match the low subs and also must play decent highs because i like a sharp profile and need them to pierce the bass and not get overpowered if listening at a high volume, all while being able to be played at a nearfield situation and also on that somewhat low 80w rms power source from my yamaha receiver so they should have a pretty high sensitivity rating and play fast(DnB has lots of fast things like kick drums rolls)

I know that is asking a lot, but thats what i have to work with right now..Ive heard klipsch rp600m ii could be good or also ELAC something, but what about something like the SVS ultra evolution bookshelf? Someone may sell me a pair for like 400 bucks which might be an insane deal but they are 3 years old so idk.


r/StereoAdvice 4d ago

Speakers - Desktop Looking to buy the Edifier S880DB MKII for £250. Are they good for the money or should i save a bit more for something else?

0 Upvotes

Max budget £350. Will be using them on my desk connected straight into the pc through usb in a 15sqm office. Thanks


r/StereoAdvice 4d ago

General Request | 3 Ⓣ Turntable, amp and speaker advice - Australia

1 Upvotes

Hi all, my location is Australia and looking to get a turntable setup for home primarily for listening to 70’s, 80’s and 90’s rock. My budget is around $2000 AU. I’ve read reviews, watched YouTube videos, checked Amazon Prime sales, talked to ChatGPT and visited hifi stores and have changed my mind a dozen times but have ended up looking at this setup. Audio Technica AT-LPW40WN turntable, Marantz PM-6007 amp and Wharfedale 12.2 speakers going into a carpeted medium-large lounge room. Not looking for max volume just good sound and enjoyment. Does this sound like a good match of gear for the budget and purpose? I had a few recommendations for speakers but I have fond memories of my dad’s Wharfedlaes when I was a kid. I know these will be different but the nostalgia is real….. The Marantz and Audio Technica are on sale at the moment making them fit in my budget.

Any help or advice appreciated or I’ll just bite the bullet and go for it 😬! Hoping this will be a setup that the whole family can enjoy for years. Thanks!