The Two Channel Advice Thread

Yeah completely different speaker. I still have an original pair of 601s and the sound signature is completely different from the 8 series. The only thing in common was that with the right electronics, they all tended to image from well to exceptional for a box speaker.

But maybe your problem had even more to do with the Yamaha. Unless it was some really classic Yamaha, the stuff from the mid 80's onward always sounded a little too smooth and mushy for my tastes. Dynamics were comparable to a possum on Xanax. The best pairings were usually with high efficiency speakers that leaned bright. I was a Yamaha and B&W dealer in the late 80s to mid 90's so I had a lot of exposure to both.

 

True.....Room is the most important factor above all else. Also a little bit of investment(like 200 dollars) into room treatment with diy stuff goes a long way. I choose studio monitors bceause of similar constraints. I don't want to be fiddling around with crossovers, amp pairings, preamp, etc, which end up costing way more, with fear of upgraditis.

First thing I would do if you are interested in studio monitors...is go to a pro audio store, and audition them all and find what is to your liking. As for my recommendation, I would tell you to go EVE studio monitors with a pairing sub. Try to see if there is store that you can try them of course.

If you order from www.thomannmusic.com, which also has b-stock stuff if you need more savings, you can get a very very good price on them compared to anything else. its like 50% off compared to normal retail price in the states and shipping is only $30. I can't think of any monitors that have a better price to performance ratio.

I would recommend EVE sc305+TS108 or Ts110 , or Eve sc205 + Ts108 sub. The sub has a preamp built in so you don't have to get a seperate one. Comes with a remote as well.If you don't want the sub, then something with a bigger driver like the sc208, though I think the mids get a bit less tight. I would have gone for the sc305 instead of the sc307 if I had the choice again.

 

I would do this https://omegaloudspeakers.com/products/compact-alnico-monitor?variant=32172350732 (ask for "R" liner) and this https://www.ebay.com/itm/153249279300

 

Do you want remote volume control and/ source switching?

 

Do you plan to do the brunt of your listening via the record player? If so, a preamp might also help.

 

I would look at the DSP Genelec 8331's. Small 3 way coaxials. I liked them a lot when so heard them not to long ago, but they might go over budget and not sure how will a LP player work with that.

The DIY route however is usually more rewarding in the end.

 

Ideal yes, but hard to find stores with everything you'd like to hear these days isn't it? Maybe a show would be the best option?

It's low on the priority list.

This would just be putting my toe in the vinyl waters to see if its worth buying a chunk of my collection over again. So TBD.

 

1 -3,5. Yeah I'm learning how important room is. I'm moving back from overseas so I don't have my space yet. Just starting the search for gear/fantasy now.

4. Mostly me.

6. Its low on the list.

7. Hadn't thought that far but lets say no to not muddy things up.
8. Not comfortable at all at this point and dont have any of the tools.

Fair point on the vinyl. I do want to see what the fuss is all about though. Maybe start digital and add vinyl when budget permits.

 

I've looked at these and they look really promising. I've read though that Gelelecs can be pretty forward and fatiguing. Do you find this?

 

Take any chance you can get, meet people from SBAF, as mentioned above pro audio stores etc. Shows can be an option but too noisy probably. But as @zerodeefex said don't decide on speakers until you know your room and layout.

 

There are so, so many subs out there. You could have a look at Rythmik. He is very music-oriented, and offers quite a few subs with paper cones as he believes they have better performance above the 80 - 100 Hz crossover most people use. I bought a dual paper-coned L22 and have been really pleased. You could also do 2 x F12 for not too much more if you want to keep stereo separation below your crossover point or want to even out room modes.

 

Don't forget that in addition to the cost of hardware for vinyl playback, the music itself is both expensive, and/or a pita or impossible to obtain. And the prices are still going up as far as I can tell. Buying used is also kind of a crapshoot. The upshot being that, at least for me, digital will always be necessary no matter how you view the sq comparison btwn analog and digital.

 

IMO Genelec is a safe buy. Some of the 8in 2-ways might fit your bill. For shock value, maybe try finding these used - https://www.genelec.com/support-technology/previous-models/1022b-studio-monitor

 

Anyone heard the Buchardt S400s? They have been getting some insane praise, are <2000 and have a 30 day free return period.

https://www.buchardtaudio.com/s400-detailed-description/

 

Will do. But for those of us who move a good deal, arent there more versatile, space neutral set ups? Surely you shouldn't have to buy a new system every time you move?

I guess the above makes an argument for active speakers with room adjusting DSP.