which speakerrs to use for a mini system?

J

jgarcia

Well-Known Member
i recentley purchased an aiwa mini system, that consists of the tuner, pre, and main amp , all in a wooden aiwa case. i hooked up my klipsch kg 1.2 and the sound is ok but i am looking for a nicer sound. i also hooked up my pioneer cs 511a and had both sets playing in tandem. now the amp starts to clip at about 30 min. of listening to this set up. sounds really good with all 4 speakers. help me with this, any syggestions are appreciated.

regards, j. garcia
 
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jgarcia said:
i also hooked up my pioneer cs 511a and had both sets playing in tandem. now the amp starts to clip at about 30 min. of listening to this set up. sounds really good with all 4 speakers...
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I can appreciate that you like the sound of the four speakers running, simultaneously. I do that myself. However, my receiver is rated for a four ohm load. You probably have a low impedance situation which is driving your amp to clip, after too much heat buildup. You will protect your amp, and your speakers, by running only one pair at a time.
 
yes, you are right luvn. i do not get the sound that i am after out of either pair of speakers. together they do sounnd real nice imop. so i want to purchase some bookshelve size that really sound great. i have bought 2-many speakers that now i feel i should have passed on; and instead took that money and some extra and bought some really nice speakers. that will be my approach from now on, or i will try anyway. i had the money and spent it on mediocre stuff. i just wanted to get satarted with my collection of audio components.

regards, j. garcia
 
I like the EPI 100s, after replacing the surrounds, and the cap in the crossover. I have 3 pair. You could think in terms of the Pioneer HPMs. The 100s are sought after, but the 60s are very nice too. Boston A100s, Advents, Dynacos, so much to choose from. And that is by NO means a complete list.

If you want new, there is an Epos (See Elusive Disc)that was demo'd at the Fest, which was very nice, and the NHT SB3 really rocked. Lots of others will chime in, I wager.
 
i am looking for something small with a verry good base response. the small amp is rated at 50 watts into 8 ohm. i do not know how to do any repairs on speakers, so i am looking to get something nice. maybe some to satellites with a woofer enclosure.

regards, j. garcia
 
If you haven't looked at the back of the speakers to check the rating in ohms do so. If your speakers are 4 ohm you can put them in series to put a higher impedence load on the amp so it isn't trying to pump out double what it is rated for. It might not be your speakers or amp, just how they are hooked up.
 
a MUST

Epos ELS3... ask AK members that heard them at AK Fest. they are absolutely the best sub 300 speaker on the market. can be had on a'gon for about 200, but new for 300 and warranty is still a steal. ask 'toze, wardsweb, or billfort. GREAT little speaker! :D
 
How small Garcia? The Monitor Audio B2's have excellent bass along with everything else. Can be had for $150 used. They are 6 ohm and pretty efficient.
 
Styler...

The EPOS sounded very nice... and I don't wish to diminish your recommendation, but have you compared the EPOS to a Paradigm Atom?

The latest Atoms (v.3) can be had for around $200US new I think.... I scooped a "new-open-box" set from Omer recently for less than $200 CDN. I intended to use them as surrounds in my HT setup, but they do a fine job with stereo as well.

They sound good to me so far, but admittedly I haven't had the opportunity to play them on fine gear like the stuff that was driving the EPOS at AKfest. The Atoms are not the finest quality... but a very good value for $$ I think! Worth a listen....

It would be interesting to have a shootout of small bookshelf speakers... perhaps at the next AKfest?
 
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i only say bookshelve size because it is an aiwa mini unit with rack handles. identical to the one inspiribomb has posted pics. of. but , by nomeans do they have to be computer speaker size. the pioneers that are hooked up now as well as the klipsch kg 1.2 are both 8 ohm. i am also considering using the klipsch and hooking up a self powered bass enclosure for the lows.

regards, j. garcia
 
I was gonna mention going with a 2.1 system with a powered sub but I wasen't sure you wanted to or could go that route. The EPOS are 4 ohm which could prove fatal to your amp if you cranked her up too much.
 
i have a real nice pair of advents, although they are self powered with low, high, and volume controls. i am currently using these with some seperates tied into a pre. i have seen on the bay a set of ads l 400 up for auction.

regards, j. garcia
 
Dynaudio Audience 42 - Like all Dynaudio this ones don't lie.
Monitor Audio S1 - Great lows but,becareful with the highs.
B&W DM602 S3 - Warm sound with soul.

Have fun
Luis
 
I have a pair of Paradigm Mini-Monitors. They're rated down to 40 Hz, and the sound, including the bass, is just stunning. Usually $200-250 on eBay.

I can't recommend them too highly. :thmbsp:
 
The Paradigm Mini's are terrific speakers and easy to drive. The rear port might make it hard to place correctly if JGarcias space is limited. If not, it's a no brainer.
 
i keep my audio in our formal living room; about 14' x 16'. that being said how should some speakers with rear ports be set? sorry for the dumb ? , but i am still learning. so paradigm is the way to go. i will look at the bay for listings.

regards, j. garcia
 
I believe speakers with rear ports are best utilized with the port near and directly facing a wall, similar to how you would often place a subwoofer in the corner.
 
Another small speaker to consider is the Axiom Audio M3Ti. I know it runs quite well on 50 watts in a space about the volume of yours, and sounds quite good for a small box without a subwoofer. I think there was a price increase this year for US customers but I think it is about $300 new and there are several finishes possible. Like them better than the Paradigm Atom for sure. It is 8 ohms so not a low impedance issue like the Epos might be for a small amp.
With a rear ported speaker you do not want the ports right up against the wall, give them 6 inches or so breathing room.
Now you have the hard decisions to make from all our recommendations ....
A small speaker shootout would be a wonderful idea. Maybe categorize by price, then take the winners from each price range and test them against each other. Must have SPL meters and such to do this properly.
 
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