Putting together my first system

[Trygve]

Hello! I'm just starting to figure out a starting home audio setup and would love some advice. I'm unsure where this belongs. I'd like thoughts on the whole setup - speakers, receiver, and anything else I'm missing.

I'm very new to hi-fi, or medium-fi for that matter - we've been listening to music on our phones and laptops, and TV on built-in speakers. So, while I am interested in learning the finer points of a proper hi-fi setup, I'm shooting more for "decent" than for exceptional, at least to start. I don't have a huge budget, nor the time (first kid on the way!) to dive in too far, but I want to make informed choices. I've been doing some reading, mostly here, but would be happy to be disabused of any incorrect assumptions!

First, my goals. The primary setup will be an AB system, two speakers in the living room with the TV and two in the connected kitchen / dining room. I'd like to be able to control music from mobile devices and play from Amazon/Spotify. Also want to play audio from HDMI (Roku). I have a turntable, so want to keep that option open, but I don't use it much. I have expansion plans for a projector on the porch and a TV in the basement, but I think I would be better off handling those either with switches or dedicated receivers rather than a single multi-zone receiver.

Second, what I have so far. I have collected an array of speakers from family downsizing or going wireless. Everything is in very good exterior condition. Of particular note are a pair of KLH Model 6's inherited from my grandparents. Later models as far as I can tell (recessed back plate). Last we hooked them up they sounded a little indistinct, which I take it might mean I need to replace the capacitors? I think I can manage to do that. I also have:

• ADS L420
• Infinity RS2 (#333212 bookshelf, not alas, the RSII towers I initially found online!)
• Advent Prodigy Tower

As far as I can tell elsewhere here, the ADS are the most auspicious of this list. How do they compare to the KLH?

On to the receiver. I have a Sony STR-D315. Does the AB system just fine, but not HDMI passthrough or network control of course. Haven't had super satisfying results with it, but I think it's more likely that the speakers need new caps or drivers? A friend has also offered to sell me his Pioneer SX-S30 for $200. I know and trust him and I believe it to be in very good condition. It looks like it does everything I'm looking for on the new tech side. Wouldn't mind having an extra receiver around for eventual expansion, but is it an ok fit with the KLH and the ADS? Is there a better route?

So, to summarize, I'd love thoughts on individual components, though I have found some info elsewhere here on most of them. I'm very interested in thoughts on the overall system. Is there something essential that I should be looking to pick up? Subs? Dedicated amp? Different speakers? Any initial modifications I should look into besides replacing the caps on the KLHs? Thanks for your attention, and for everything I have already learned from this amazing forum!

 

[Trygve]

Got some definitive feedback on the KLH 6's: replace caps and redope! (https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/klh-17s-masquerading-as-6s.961933/).

 

[johnda]

I have the KLH 6's in my basement, right now they are inactive, and may not get used in the future.
Personally, I recommend getting new gear because old gear usually has age related issues. Since you mentioned HDMI, this can only be found on newer equipment geared for audio/video use. You didn't mention a budget, which is really needed. I am assuming an internet capable receiver with HDMI ports would be a good choice for you. Speakers are a very personal matter, price, size, sound character, bookshelf or floor standing.These are all factors to consider. Whatever floats your boat!

 

[twiiii]

The older I get the more reluctant I become in recommending speakers. I come from the old school where we went down and auditioned speakers before purchasing them. Depending on some one else opinion is just folly. Now I can suggest a type of speaker, efficient, point source, line array, horn loaded etc depending on the application and the other components in your system. But unless you are very specific in the type of sound you want I am becoming hesitant in sticking my foot in my mouth. There are so many bad speaker room combinations that also give me the shivers when asked for information with out personally knowing the sound of the room. That all said I would recommend the ADS brand but a more capable model.

 

[rickb119]

If you are going to be running both pairs of speakers, at the same time, you will need an amp/receiver capable of driving whatever load the speakers present. i.e., 2 pair of 8 ohm speakers will present a 4 ohm load to the amp. 1 pair of 8 ohm, and 1 pair of 6 ohm will present a 3.4 ohm load to the amp. 2 pair of 6 ohm, a 3 ohm load.

Most amps/receivers are designed to accept a minimum 4 ohm load. (Some of the cheaper ones, only 8 ohm, and some of the more pricey, a 2 ohm load.) Anything less than that and you run the risk of overheating (and destroying) the amp. With a 4 ohm rated amp, you could probably get by with your 6 ohm ADS, and another pair of 8 ohm speakers, as long as you didn't play it too loud. If, however, you plan on cranking it up once in a while, I'd definitely go with 2 pair of 8 ohm speakers (or a more capable amp).

Another option would be to get an impedance matching speaker selector. These automatically adjust the impedance to the amp, no matter how many speakers you have connected. The downside is, they affect the sound quality. Or so I've read. How much?

As to the KLH, I don't think that recapping will help much with the "indistinct" sound. Perhaps some, but they will still not be as revealing as the ADS, or other brands. Just the nature of the beast.

 

[WattNot]

Another option would be to get an impedance matching speaker selector. These automatically adjust the impedance to the amp, no matter how many speakers you have connected. The downside is, they affect the sound quality. Or so I've read. How much?

I tried one of those impedance matching speaker selector boxes (2 amps, 6pairs) and never liked the sound quality and lower volume coming through the device.
Recently donated it and am back to matching A and B pair speakers to amps.

 

[z-adamson]

Hello! I'm just starting to figure out a starting home audio setup and would love some advice. I'm unsure where this belongs. I'd like thoughts on the whole setup - speakers, receiver, and anything else I'm missing.

I'm very new to hi-fi, or medium-fi for that matter - we've been listening to music on our phones and laptops, and TV on built-in speakers. So, while I am interested in learning the finer points of a proper hi-fi setup, I'm shooting more for "decent" than for exceptional, at least to start. I don't have a huge budget, nor the time (first kid on the way!) to dive in too far, but I want to make informed choices. I've been doing some reading, mostly here, but would be happy to be disabused of any incorrect assumptions!

First, my goals. The primary setup will be an AB system, two speakers in the living room with the TV and two in the connected kitchen / dining room. I'd like to be able to control music from mobile devices and play from Amazon/Spotify. Also want to play audio from HDMI (Roku). I have a turntable, so want to keep that option open, but I don't use it much. I have expansion plans for a projector on the porch and a TV in the basement, but I think I would be better off handling those either with switches or dedicated receivers rather than a single multi-zone receiver.

Second, what I have so far. I have collected an array of speakers from family downsizing or going wireless. Everything is in very good exterior condition. Of particular note are a pair of KLH Model 6's inherited from my grandparents. Later models as far as I can tell (recessed back plate). Last we hooked them up they sounded a little indistinct, which I take it might mean I need to replace the capacitors? I think I can manage to do that. I also have:

• ADS L420
• Infinity RS2 (#333212 bookshelf, not alas, the RSII towers I initially found online!)
• Advent Prodigy Tower

As far as I can tell elsewhere here, the ADS are the most auspicious of this list. How do they compare to the KLH?

On to the receiver. I have a Sony STR-D315. Does the AB system just fine, but not HDMI passthrough or network control of course. Haven't had super satisfying results with it, but I think it's more likely that the speakers need new caps or drivers? A friend has also offered to sell me his Pioneer SX-S30 for $200. I know and trust him and I believe it to be in very good condition. It looks like it does everything I'm looking for on the new tech side. Wouldn't mind having an extra receiver around for eventual expansion, but is it an ok fit with the KLH and the ADS? Is there a better route?

So, to summarize, I'd love thoughts on individual components, though I have found some info elsewhere here on most of them. I'm very interested in thoughts on the overall system. Is there something essential that I should be looking to pick up? Subs? Dedicated amp? Different speakers? Any initial modifications I should look into besides replacing the caps on the KLHs? Thanks for your attention, and for everything I have already learned from this amazing forum!

I honestly think you are trying to get 1 system to do too many things. To do this right and reliably AND get good sound all at once, will be tricky.

I would find an active preamp that has all the inputs and output I want. I would then use separate power amps matched to the speakers of choice. So, 1 preamp, more than 1 power amp. Want to listen to 1 set of speakers? Use 1 amp. Another set, turn on the other amp. Once you get into 4 speakers per amp, things get unstable quickly, unless you are using high-end and often high $$ gear....or pro audio gear. It is simply a difficult load to drive for many home hifi amps.

 

[Trygve]

Thanks for the feedback all!

The older I get the more reluctant I become in recommending speakers.

Totally fair, and point taken. I guess I was more wondering if anything in the collection I've inherited stands out as something worth restoring. The KLH sixes seem to fit that bill, as I've read a lot of positive things about them. Certainly not everyone is wild about them, and I'll form my own opinions once I recap and hook them up, but they seem worth giving a fair chance.

You didn't mention a budget, which is really needed.

Also totally fair. Tricky, though. The $200 for that Pioneer is definitely doable. If the consensus were that to do it even moderately right I was looking at more like $400 though, then I'd rather do it right and stretch to $400 than be out $200 and not get where I want to go. Or save up for a bit to get what I really want. Really what we're stretching here is the wife's tolerance.

I honestly think you are trying to get 1 system to do too many things. To do this right and reliably AND get good sound all at once, will be tricky.

I would find an active preamp that has all the inputs and output I want. I would then use separate power amps matched to the speakers of choice. So, 1 preamp, more than 1 power amp. Want to listen to 1 set of speakers? Use 1 amp. Another set, turn on the other amp. Once you get into 4 speakers per amp, things get unstable quickly, unless you are using high-end and often high $$ gear....or pro audio gear. It is simply a difficult load to drive for many home hifi amps.

This makes sense. I do remember my parents running the Advent towers and the Infinity bookshelves from the Sony STR-D315 throughout my childhood. But I suppose can and should, or possible and best, are different things! This would make it easier to upgrade parts and add on if the network streaming, preamp, and power amp aren't all in one device. So going this route would mean getting three new devices - a network streamer, pre-amp, and second power amp, right? Might have to save up for a while! Would I use optical from the TV instead of HDMI then? A cursory search isn't showing too many preamps with HDMI input. I've read that optical doesn't support as high resolution audio as HDMI, but maybe I'd need much more expensive speakers for that to make a difference?

 

[Nixxuz]

Thanks for the feedback all!


Totally fair, and point taken. I guess I was more wondering if anything in the collection I've inherited stands out as something worth restoring. The KLH sixes seem to fit that bill, as I've read a lot of positive things about them. Certainly not everyone is wild about them, and I'll form my own opinions once I recap and hook them up, but they seem worth giving a fair chance.


Also totally fair. Tricky, though. The $200 for that Pioneer is definitely doable. If the consensus were that to do it even moderately right I was looking at more like $400 though, then I'd rather do it right and stretch to $400 than be out $200 and not get where I want to go. Or save up for a bit to get what I really want. Really what we're stretching here is the wife's tolerance.


This makes sense. I do remember my parents running the Advent towers and the Infinity bookshelves from the Sony STR-D315 throughout my childhood. But I suppose can and should, or possible and best, are different things! This would make it easier to upgrade parts and add on if the network streaming, preamp, and power amp aren't all in one device. So going this route would mean getting three new devices - a network streamer, pre-amp, and second power amp, right? Might have to save up for a while! Would I use optical from the TV instead of HDMI then? A cursory search isn't showing too many preamps with HDMI input. I've read that optical doesn't support as high resolution audio as HDMI, but maybe I'd need much more expensive speakers for that to make a difference?

If you want all the connectivity, and dual zones, I would go for this;
DENON AVR-S750H 7.2-Ch x 75 Watts A/V Receiver w/HEOS | Accessories4less
You can even run, if I'm reading correctly, 2 different sources at the same time in 2 different zones. This would allow someone to enjoy a movie or music in one zone while the other zone played their own music. You would sacrifice the full 7.2 channel capability for music in that configuration though, as I think the Surround back L/R would then be used for Zone 2.u

 

[wmgwizard]

Yamaha WXA-50 around $350(Amazon/Crutchfield

50wpc for two speakers

Has optical input not HDMI but most HDMI TV's offer optical output.

Bluetooth Input and Output.....Send music from your phone/tablet/laptop to unit. Send music OUT via Bluetooth to either a BT receiver or powered speaker(s).

Network streaming capabilities.

Control via a phone app to select sources and send sound to other devices via BT.