Help Me Pick Some Speakers

[flatuswalrus]

Hi everyone, I’m new to the forum and this is my first post here. Im looking for some passive speakers for my little Technics Concise setup, which thus far consists of:

Technics SH-CO1 Pulse power supply
Technics SE-CO1 Power amplifer
Technics SU-C01 Preamplifier
Technics ST-CO1 Tuner
Technics SL-10 Turntable

I would ideally want some befitting Technics SB-F1, F2, or F3s, but don’t like my chances of getting any in great condition for an affordable price; I’m in Australia and most surface for sale abroad which makes them too expensive due to international shipping.

Pretending you had the above-mentioned setup, what speakers would you pick? Vintage or modern is fine. I can’t have a sub, so some speakers which have a little bass to them would be nice. I’ve attached some specs from the C01 Power Amplifier. Thanks in advance, I look forward to what people’s choices are

 

[swechsler]

I understand your wanting to build an all-Technics system, but TBH, most vintage Technics speakers weren't that great (the models you mentioned are decent quality but somewhat lacking in bass).

Rather than making specific recommendations (especially since we don't know what's common in your area), your best bet would be to check whatever forsale website or app you use (e.g. gumtree, craigslist, FB marketplace) to see what's available, and then do a little web searching on the models you find to see how good they are (there's a good chance that you'll get some links back here to AK). You can also post a message here to get opinions to determine if they are all original and if it's a good price (although since the majority of AK'ers live in North America, this may be a little difficult).

 

[flatuswalrus]

Rather than making specific recommendations (especially since we don't know what's common in your area), your best bet would be to check whatever for sale website or app you use (e.g. gumtree, craigslist, FB marketplace) to see what's available, and then do a little web searching on the models you find to see how good they are (there's a good chance that you'll get some links back here to AK). You can also post a message here to get opinions to determine if they are all original and if it's a good price (although since the majority of AK'ers live in North America, this may be a little difficult).

Hello, I was anticipating this response, but that is because I completely understand that it is difficult to recommend some speakers due to the things that you mentioned. I agree that the Technics range I mentioned is lacking, and whilst Technics made some great gear, their speakers in general often weren't the greatest; however, if I could find a pair of F1, F2 or F3s in Australia at a good price, I reckon I would get some.

Years ago, I used to have quite the old video game collection and it was tempting to hunt down a PVM (professional video monitor), but since the whole point for me was to enjoy the games of my youth the way I experienced them as a kid, an average CRT was better because no one in the 80s had a PVM in their living room. I am torn between this mentality with my current Technics setup and wanting something great quality to enhance my listening experience with it. I guess my asking also stems from not know if any given speakers are suitable with my setup. I just have to make sure they are no less than 8Ω and no more than 50W, right? Thank you for your response.

 

[swechsler]

I just have to make sure they are no less than 8Ω and no more than 50W, right? Thank you for your response.

The 8Ω thing, probably, since I couldn't find any indication that the amp was designed to handle a load lower than that. Power output shouldn't be an issue. 50W is enough to drive almost any speaker to a comfortable level. And power ratings on consumer speakers are essentially meaningless (pro speakers are another matter).

If you happen to find one of those F-series Technics speakers, I bet you could get pretty good sound out of your system if you added a subwoofer (you could put a bedsheet over it if you don't want anyone to know that the system isn't pure Technics ). Or you could keep an eye out for an SST-25HZ or SST-35HZ (no idea if those ever made it down under).

 

[flatuswalrus]

The 8Ω thing, probably, since I couldn't find any indication that the amp was designed to handle a load lower than that. Power output shouldn't be an issue. 50W is enough to drive almost any speaker to a comfortable level. And power ratings on consumer speakers are essentially meaningless (pro speakers are another matter).

If you happen to find one of those F-series Technics speakers, I bet you could get pretty good sound out of your system if you added a subwoofer (you could put a bedsheet over it if you don't want anyone to know that the system isn't pure Technics ). Or you could keep an eye out for an SST-25HZ or SST-35HZ (no idea if those ever made it down under).

Hi, I was contemplating buying a SST-25HZ, but since I have a phobia for surgeries I’m unable to sell one of my kidneys to purchase one.

As for the subwoofer, I only mention I couldn’t have a sub because I didn’t think I could have one with that system. I would be able to plug one in somewhere on that setup?

 

[swechsler]

Yes, most subwoofers have speaker level inputs. You can either connect the sub and the main speakers to the speaker terminals on the amp, or you can daisy chain from the amp to the sub to the speakers, whichever is more convenient. Some subs have a second set of speaker outputs, but for most of them it's just there to make hookup a little easier. The input impedance of powered subs is high enough that it won't affect the amplifier at all.

 

[flatuswalrus]

Yes, most subwoofers have speaker level inputs. You can either connect the sub and the main speakers to the speaker terminals on the amp, or you can daisy chain from the amp to the sub to the speakers, whichever is more convenient. Some subs have a second set of speaker outputs, but for most of them it's just there to make hookup a little easier. The input impedance of powered subs is high enough that it won't affect the amplifier at all.

I see, well that changes everything because I would love a sub to go with whatever pair of speakers I go with. That shows you how little knowledge I possess when it comes to home audio; ; thank you very much for the helpful information.

 

[flatuswalrus]

Yes, most subwoofers have speaker level inputs. You can either connect the sub and the main speakers to the speaker terminals on the amp, or you can daisy chain from the amp to the sub to the speakers, whichever is more convenient. Some subs have a second set of speaker outputs, but for most of them it's just there to make hookup a little easier. The input impedance of powered subs is high enough that it won't affect the amplifier at all.

So, what do I need to look for compatibility-wise when I am looking for a sub? Does it need to be like matching speakers to your amp? As in, in my case, no less than 8ohm and no more than 50w or are subs a little different?

EDIT: I found an imagine that explains a lot for me (see attached).

 

[swechsler]

As long as it has speaker level inputs, a level control and a frequency control, a subwoofer should be compatible. You don't need to worry about impedance; regarding power, you don't really need to sweat that, since it's not really comparable to the rest of your system. Most entry to mid level subs are 100W or thereabouts, but even if it's only 50W, that's not much of an audible difference, and unless you're running your system at max volume, you probably won't reach that.

It's important to remember that even though your main amp is 50W, it's almost never putting out that much power, even if you're playing it loud. At normal listening levels, you're probably not even using one watt (this depends on the sensitivity of your speakers, but it's pretty typical unless your speakers are really inefficient). The only time you're going to using close to your amp's power output is in musical peaks. If you tried to run it at 50W continuous, not only would you be deaf, you'd be producing close to 100% distortion whenever the music peaked, as the amp tried to produce more power than it was capable of. This is called clipping and is definitely undesirable. If you've ever heard someone blasting their car stereo and it sounds like blat blat blat blat instead of actual music, this is what's happening.

It's also useful to understand how the decibel scale compares with power output. A doubling in power output will result in only a 3dB difference in loudness. To get double the loudness, you need 10 times the power.

 

[Ross6860]

Stay Japanese.

Try Yamaha NS series. NS-690 or better, if you can find them. Nice speakers.

FWIW, how big is your room? You may be surprised what a really nice two-way can do, with or without a sub.

 

[flatuswalrus]

Stay Japanese.

Try Yamaha NS series. NS-690 or better, if you can find them. Nice speakers.

FWIW, how big is your room? You may be surprised what a really nice two-way can do, with or without a sub.

Thanks for the NS-690 recommendation, I’m pretty sure I recall seeing photos of them whilst browsing online. The only issue is there aren’t many that surface where I am; otherwise, I’d absolutely look into them more.

The room I’m likely going to put it in is approximately 4m x 7m (13ft x 22ft).

 

[yoder]

Pair of NS-1000's on AAM.

Yamaha NS-1000M speakers

Yamaha NS-1000M.These are great sounding speakers and have truly earnt their reputation. If interested you owe it to yourself to come for a listen.I have put a bit of time into these to clean them up, there is a bit of damage as shown in pic but it is on the back and you don't notice it in use...

www.aussieaudiomart.com

Or can ship NS-690's from Japan.

YAMAHA NS-690 FLOORSTANDING AUDIOPHILE Vintage Speakers Working Confirmed | eBay

Please check the picture.

www.ebay.com

And throw in a couple subs with high level inputs.

MJ Acoustic pro 50 mkii ( a pair)

Hi.Up for sale my subwoofer mj acoustics pro 50 mk2. The price is for a pair.Spec.120 watt rms, DC-coupled MOSFET amplifier.10 inch/ 254 mm ultra-long throw woofer with heavy double magnet and rigid, steel chassis (7 KG all up).Frequency response: 13hz – 200hz (and a -3db rating at 19hz).18mm MDF...

www.aussieaudiomart.com