Newbie System set up

[cnolan]

Hi there - new to AK but been prowling threads for a while now.

Recently upgraded my entry-level turntable to an old one from my Dad ('82 sony ps-LX210) with a receiver off of fb marketplace (made in Japan '79 technics SA-80). Now looking for some speakers to round everything out.

I know the turntable and receiver are both rather entry-level, but they are a step up for me. Looking for some speakers that will give out good sound (given the receiver's low limit, I think 15 wpc) and hopefully last a while (although, I'll probably go down the rabbit hole and replace them shortly).

Any advice is greatly appreciated - thanks in advance

 

[Lavane]

So many speakers to choose from. Posting what kind of music and at what levels along with budget will help with suggestions. I would look to more efficient speakers since you only have 15wpc to work with. I use a small 17wpc amplifier with a pair of speakers rated for 93db @ 1 Metter @ 1 watt.
And the speakers get plenty loud.

 

[cnolan]

Looking to spend between $100- $200...live in a loft space downtown Chicago, so I try not to have the music too loud (don't want my neighbors to hate me). As for music, it varies, lots of rock, good amount of jazz/blues, some more modern hip hop, too. I like to keep it varied

 

[CJ Payne]

For under $200 you won't find very much for quality that can handle low watts too. I found these Technics in your area, I had a pair 20 years ago and they were good speakers, not fantastic, but good. They're 90dB sensitivity so they'll work with your amp, and you'll have matching brands so if you decide to upgrade later you could sell the receiver/speakers as a set. Just a thought.

https://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/ele/d/homewood-speakers-technics-sony/7296207923.html

These Infinity's are going very cheap and would also be a good option, but they have more cosmetic damage.

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/ele/d/mchenry-infinity-speakers/7294948197.html

It's tough because the Vinyl popularity surge has pushed the price of vintage and good speakers up quite a bit.

 

[JoeESP9]

Used or new?

Unlike many here I'm not recommending any vintage or used gear. For newbies, fixing, repairing or restoring gear is something they usually aren't interested in doing. In addition, new means a warranty. With used it's a crapshoot. However, if you want to tinker, fix, refurbish or repair stuff, go with used/vintage.

For <$200 try a pair of Dayton B652 Air's (~$63/pair), speaker stands ($45) and an 8" powered subwoofer from Monoprice (~$75). I hooked a buddy up with the same combination plus a Yamaha stereo receiver (<$200 w/Bluetooth) and he's happier than a pig in a wallow. He already had a DVD player (w/analog out) for the few CD's he has. He mostly streams MP3's from his phone. All the items were from Amazon.

The Dayton's don't need a bunch of power and the sub helps to compensate for the lack of deep bass from the 6" woofer in the Dayton's.

I set the system up in his "mancave" and listened to it with him while we discussed how it sounds. He is extremely satisfied and I quite enjoyed listening to it.

Besides, coming in under budget means more money for source (CD's,LP's) purchasing.

PS: I use a pair of the same stands and subwoofer in my bedroom system (Yamaha HT receiver, Pioneer SP BS-22 LR's and SP BC-22 center, w/Advent Mini's for surround, Here are the stands.

Amazon.com: VIVO Premium Universal 25 inch Floor Speaker Stands for Surround Sound and Book Shelf Speakers STAND-SP03B: Furniture & Decor