Help on first mini system, speakers, and turntable

[katiem]

Hi

I'll apologise in advance for the rambling first post!

I have only ever had one stereo system in my life (sony) which I had for my 11th birthday in 1991! It served it's purpose when I was young, but now i'm moving to a new flat I think it's a good time to get something better. (around £550 to spend in total inc speakers and turntable)

I have had a look in superfi in brum and like the look of the denon df102 and the onkyo cr515dab. (I know looks aren't everything but I'm not keen on the look of the denon dm55 dab-it looked gold to me)
I have not listened to either yet but will do in the next few weeks. I'm considering the q acoustics 1010, 1020s or the wharfdale diamonds.
Any other speakers that I should consider and listen to?

Also I have quite a lot of old 60s, 70s vinyl which my mum's given me, so i'd love to get my first turntable (probably £150 max)
I have been looking at the project Debut III, the only thing that concerns me is that the vinyl is probably a 50% mix of singles and albums. How much hassle it it to change the speed on this turntable. I would prefer a switch to change quickly.

thanks

[Rod_Bod]

Hi there & welcome to the Forums.

For the class of Speakers you are looking at, add the Quad L-ite to your prospective auditon list (£150). I used to use them and was far more than happy, even having already owned their bigger brothers. They are superb value for money in EVERY respect.

I have been in a very similar quandry to yourself in recent months about getting my first Turntable. The Pro-ject does indeed seem like very fine quality for the money, but the Manual Speed Change is a real drawback for me also (i.e you literally have to remove the Platter and adjust the belt yourself between 33 & 45rpm). Pro-ject sell a Separate Electronic Speed Changer (Speed Box II) for their Turntables, but this is an extra £75 alone!

I'm sure other members far more well informed than me can offer some good Turntable options.

All the best with your eventual choice.

[craigizmo2k2]

Where are the Quad L-ites for 150 pounds?? I can't find them anywhere for that price

[leedswillprevai]

You could buy the richer sounds deal (marantz seperates and wharfedale 9.1's, purchase a turn table and get a much greater return on your budget than a mini system will offer. Although I am afraid I am unable to offer you advice on turn tables as I know nothing about them.

[Rod_Bod]

Superfi?

[lazymatt]

Originally Posted by katiem

Hi

I have had a look in superfi in brum and like the look of the denon df102 and the onkyo cr515dab.

If you must get a mini hi-fi, look at the Onkyo 715 instead, it offers substantially more power, and really makes a difference in sound quality. Plus, I think it looks great in black.

If you can stretch, have a listen to it with the MA BR2's.

I would agree with other comments though that you may be better served by a seprates system.

[r@mside]

Originally Posted by craigizmo2k2

Where are the Quad L-ites for 150 pounds?? I can't find them anywhere for that price

http://www.acton-gate-audio.co.uk/

[indus]

Hi,

I've recently purchased the Denon DRA F102 and am very happy with it. I bought it with the Denon speakers but in hindsight should have auditioned it with other speakers, maybe the MA BR2s? Not because there is anything wrong with the F102 speakers, just to stop we wondering if it could have been better!
The amp has an input for a turntable, 2x tape decks aswell as a dedicated ipod dock(optional £80). It also has an output for a subwoofer should you need one.

Good luck

[katiem]

Thanks for the help so far.
Had a listen to both the onkyo and denon an to be honest, couldn't notice much difference between them-though the denon just edged it. Both delivered enough power for my needs as i'm moving to a flat and don't want to annoy the neighbours!
I tried: B+W BN600, Wharfedale 9.1, Wharfedale 8.0, Q acoustics 1010.

I was not intending to spend more than £100 on speakers but after hearing the 600s I thought they were in another league, the 9.1s weren't far behind but I wasn't as keen on their look. the 8.0s and 1010s didn't sound quite right to my ears

I'm gonna return soon and try the 9.1s and 600s with some different music (some hip hop and something more mellow than the fall which I tried them with!)

How much should I spend on interconnects?
Any recommendations?

[maidened]

Try richersounds they will help you.

[Rod_Bod]

Originally Posted by katiem

How much should I spend on interconnects?

No more than £10-15 a pair, as long as it's OFC Copper & properly Screened that's all that matters.

Recommendations? "Gotham Interconnects" sold through eBay seem to be generating a bit of buzz (metaphorically!) among those who like to play around with such things, at a mere £11 with Delivery seem like a safe bet.