I'm new to this whole thing and really want to build a nice beginner setup. I'm trying to spend $1200-1300 and listen to indie rock (arcade fire, deerhunter, etc), jazz, and the occasional classical. I've been looking at the music hall 2.2 turntable, and the marantz PM5004 integrated amplifier. Need help on speakers. Anything you guys would suggest in my price range that would be nice with that turntable and amp? The turntable would be the only thing plugged into this system. Looking to see if you guys have any thoughts on this so far. Thanks so much in advance.
Need help! Building a turntable setup.
- Thread starter junglegem
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Go to www.shopblt.com for the music hall 2.2 turntable. It is $325 at that site vs. the $449 everywhere else. They provide fast service and good communication too.
Gary
voltcontrol
Fizheuer Zieheuer
Welcome here
325 for the Music Hall + ~450 for the Marantz PM5004 (perhaps someone knows a better price
) leaves 525/425 for the speakers..
There was a thread a while back which had a comparicon on great bookshelfs, but i can't find it now.
There are simply too many brands that have somewhat interesting speakers in this pricerange and I don't know American (adding your location to your profile would be a nice move
) prices well enough to recommend what model to go for.
Over here Monitor audio BX2, Castle Knight 2, KEF IQ30, Wharfedale EVO2 - 10, Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2 would be a couple of options to have a listen at within your pricerange. Over there Infinity, PSB, Paradigm, Audio Engine, SVS are some of the usual suspects, dunno prices and which types to go for as mentioned before and there are a few brands I wanted to mention, but don't come to mind at the moment..
Is used also an option or do you want new speakers?
I would seriously consider goinf for a decent used turntable (eith new cartridge) to make some more budget for speakers available.
The Marantz looks nice btw. Perhaps there is a better deal out there, but it looks like a very decent option to me.
I think you can get the 5004 for less tha 450 btw, it costs les here while USA prices are usually muc hlower on amps.
Perhaps the model it replaces, the 5003, (the same spec wise) is still for sale for much less even.
duplicate thread;
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=350764
325 for the Music Hall + ~450 for the Marantz PM5004 (perhaps someone knows a better price
) leaves 525/425 for the speakers..There was a thread a while back which had a comparicon on great bookshelfs, but i can't find it now.
There are simply too many brands that have somewhat interesting speakers in this pricerange and I don't know American (adding your location to your profile would be a nice move
) prices well enough to recommend what model to go for.Over here Monitor audio BX2, Castle Knight 2, KEF IQ30, Wharfedale EVO2 - 10, Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2 would be a couple of options to have a listen at within your pricerange. Over there Infinity, PSB, Paradigm, Audio Engine, SVS are some of the usual suspects, dunno prices and which types to go for as mentioned before and there are a few brands I wanted to mention, but don't come to mind at the moment..
Is used also an option or do you want new speakers?
I would seriously consider goinf for a decent used turntable (eith new cartridge) to make some more budget for speakers available.
The Marantz looks nice btw. Perhaps there is a better deal out there, but it looks like a very decent option to me.
I think you can get the 5004 for less tha 450 btw, it costs les here while USA prices are usually muc hlower on amps.
Perhaps the model it replaces, the 5003, (the same spec wise) is still for sale for much less even.
duplicate thread;
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=350764
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RadShak1251
Super Member
Definitely. :yes:
And make sure to allot a decent amount of $$ for a good cartridge too, at least $75.
Since that Marantz only generates 35 watts (into an 8 ohm load) per channel, I would stay away from particularly inefficient larger speakers, which IMO would be anything with an efficiency rating below @88dB with a woofer larger than 8 inches, particularly if it uses an acoustic-suspension (sealed) enclosure.
That being said, since you mentioned rock music first, I'll assume that is your main musical interest, so for that type of music - as far as new speakers since you didn't state a preference - I would look at:
* Pioneer SP-BS41 - I wouldn't blame you if you giggled seeing this, but these were designed by the same engineer who designs Pioneer's extremely upscale speakers for their TAD pro division. I heard their little brother and their floorstanding version at a certain big-box store using my own music and liked them a lot. They are definitely on the warm side & are rather inefficient (similar to many other other more upscale speakers), but are very smooth and "truthful" speakers that also can produce levels of bass usually found in speakers with a 6.5" woofer in a larger enclosure. This may upset some people here, but there sound sorta reminds me of the classic Advents sold in the 70s.
* JBL's ES and L series
* Infinity Primus 163 - the Primus series consistantly gets great reviews for its price range from hobbyists on up to professional reveiwers since the series debuted about 7 years ago. I've heard several of them and while not quite as "punchy" and energetic as the JBLs, for me anyway their warmer quality allows you to turn up the music higher & for longer periods.
Further up the quality scale.......
NHT Classic Two (prices are for one speaker btw) - this model's 3-way brother made it to the cover of The Absolute Sound magazine. To me NHT is one of those few companies left who offers lots of technology - useful technology, not the "audio voodoo" variety - for not much money.
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voltcontrol
Fizheuer Zieheuer
Agree, but since the TT you want comes with a cartridge, you could also save up later.
As stated before, I would really consider buying a good used TT, compared to the lower end current models you can get something that sounds far better for a low amount of money!
Also condsider subscribing here so you can gain access to Barter Town, and find an excellent used TT there..
I agree with the SPL part. My amp is rated at about 15 Wpc, when matched with a fairly sensitive speaker it performs really well.. Even in moderately big rooms..
I see all options mentioned in this post are good (The Infinity has been positively reviewed here a couple of times) and the NHT excellent.
But I expected a bit less plasticky looking suggestions already considering your budget.
A bit more woofer (say 8") is also welcome in a modern 2way bookshelf when just running them '2.0' ime.
Again, I have not enough knowledge of the US market to point out the best deals but there definitely are some 8" woofered HiFi "boutique" bookshelf options in the americas.
Or.. A pair of passive studio monitors (like the Behringer TRUTH B2031A).
An MTM would also be excellent option performance wise ime.
The Polk LSI9 being a very nice example, but out of budget now (I thought they were cheaper {?}).
Their monitor 40 is a cheaper option (have no experience with these though, look a bit plasticky imo) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290202
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RadShak1251
Super Member
Marantz amp ($449) + Music Hall TT (also $449) = $900, which leaves at most $400 in the OP's budget. I know there are probably better deals out there on those components, but to keep things simple, I figured I had better stick to "regular" prices.
Anyhoo, in the $300 to $400 price range, there are quite a few good bookshelfs out there, but almost none of them come with real wood veneer or awesome styling.
I don't keep track of every company's product line, but unfortunately I cannot remember seeing any bookshelfs in the OP's price range that come equipped with an 8" woofer. Except for this one....
Cambridge SoundWorks Model Six - two-way with a cone tweeter and an 8" woofer operating in an acoustic-suspension enclosure
I didn't mention it before since going by the OP's choice of amp and table, I wasn't sure how he would feel about such a "retro" piece of gear. I actually like them myself, and since they've been sold continuously since @1989 with no major changes of any kind, many other people must like them too!
As far as a more modern design, hardware-wise anyway, the closest would be Paradigm's Titan Monitor with a 7.5" woofer, but they go for around $500 a pair (plus I'm not a fan of the Paradigm sound, which to me is almost always too analytical, which in turn makes listening a chore with any but the very highest-quality recordings).
Polks always sound too bright for my ears, especially much of their entry-level stuff sold at Best Buy, which are SO bright to me they sound like they are equipped with piezo horn tweeters, so any pops or crackles on an LP will come through loud & clear. :sigh:
RadShak1251
Super Member
BTW as far as large bookshelfs, I'm definitely a fan and would love to see more 8" equipped models out there, and would also like to see a return to some affordable ten inch equipped designs, but don't want to push my luck! 
Though Dynaudio obviously saw a market for upscale 10" two-ways - check out their DM 2/10 - which debuted back in 2006 I think. And World Designs a U.K. company is still selling a near-reproduction of the classic Dynaco A-25, another 2-way with a ten inch low-frequency driver.
Though Dynaudio obviously saw a market for upscale 10" two-ways - check out their DM 2/10 - which debuted back in 2006 I think. And World Designs a U.K. company is still selling a near-reproduction of the classic Dynaco A-25, another 2-way with a ten inch low-frequency driver.
PSB makes some really excellent stand mount speakers. I think you're making a great choice with that Marantz integrated. Monitor Audio, too, for new speakers, as well as a whole host of used items if you have a place local to audition.
I haven't heard these but if I was in the market for $500 stand mount speakers they'd personally be the first I tried to hear, as I've loved the more expensive Focals. The Focal 705v:
http://www.musicdirect.com/product/80434
I haven't heard these but if I was in the market for $500 stand mount speakers they'd personally be the first I tried to hear, as I've loved the more expensive Focals. The Focal 705v:
http://www.musicdirect.com/product/80434
Brett a
~◦●○o0o○●◦~
I'd also suggest a serious look at the Focal line. I really fell in live with the 807's at my local shop. Compared to the B&W line at those price points (my most familiar reference), the Focals are a bit nicer sounding; more cohesive and refined.
That said, a used pair of B&W monitors such as their 602 s2 or the newer 685 would easily fit your budget, deliver fine performance, and would likely hold 100% of their resale value for a few years at least.
Whatever you do, keep us in the loop! (and we love pictures, BTW)
Thanks for the tip on shopblt. Got the turntable for 329 with shipping. Good looking out. Just picked up the marantz pm5004 at a local shop for 349. I think I'm getting lucky with the timing on this. Haha. I'll keep you posted on the speakers. Still on the hunt. Thanks so much guys.
rjohn
Active Member
I second the Cambridge Soundworks Model Six recommendation. I have an older pair in my office paired with a Sansui 5000A and a Kenwood turntable and they sound great. I do want to emphasize though that my office is a small room. I'm not sure how they would work in a larger room. I also have a pair of Dahlquist DQ9 speakers in another larger room and I would consider them almost bookshelf size. They are superb speakers for their size. Mine are on stands but without stands they measure only
22.5" x 12.5" x 10.5".
22.5" x 12.5" x 10.5".
voltcontrol
Fizheuer Zieheuer
Glad I could help a little with shopblt. Nice turntable. I really like mine. Hope the turntable works out great for you. Next you will be looking for a Speedbox and an Acrylic platter !!
Enjoy the Music,
Gary
If you don't mind going the vintage route, the small Infinity speakers are among the best I've ever heard, along with the old EV Sentry 100A studio monitors (ugly as sin, until you turn the music on).
PickyEars81
Super Member
I have an older pair of B&W 600 speakers on stands and they are quite impressive for their size. Run a decent sub, and you have more than enough for most apartments/rooms.
voltcontrol
Fizheuer Zieheuer
+1 on the B&W's.
Just remembered these too; http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/spkrlist.html Check out their CMT340 model.
Just remembered these too; http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/spkrlist.html Check out their CMT340 model.