Budget Receiver / Speaker Recommendations Please

sivier

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Hi, I am looking to purchase a stereo amplifier and a pair of compact bookshelf speakers. Budget up to £350. My knowledge is very limited so I would appreciate some recommendations to get the best products for the money. Decent warranty and a reputable retailer always a plus.

I had been looking at some of the various Marantz PM5005 bundles on homeavdirect.

Also on a side note.. possible compatibility with some Jamo XLN 25's that I have boxed away for future use but not essential with this setup.

Kind regards
 
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Even more...

These speakers have already attained legendary status.

JBL LSR 305 B-Stock

Check out this forum alone for many positive reviews.

If the looks are not for you then these,

Mackie MR6 MK3

Are noticeably prettier and are also impressive.

Add either of them to the Monitor Audio amp in the previous post and you will be very happy indeed for a long time.

Good luck.
 
Then, should you really want something impressive for your cash, I'd buy two of these

M-Audio BX5 D3

And this,

Monitor Audio Airstream A100 Black Airplay Amplifier - Monitor Audio - AudioVisual Online - Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists

Using the preamp out from the Monitor Audio you'd have an impressive, brand new active system that will astonish you with what can be had for a very reasonable budget.
Thank you for taking the time to find so many suitable options. I have gone ahead and purchased the Monitor Audio Airstream A100.

Out of the speakers you have mentioned I am tempted by the M-Audio BX5 D3. The size of these suit my needs perfectly. In your opinion though would it be worth paying the extra for JBL or Mackie speakers?

Also could you please advise of what cables/connectors are required as I am not familiar with these products.

Kind regards
 
A good choice. I think you'll be happy with it.

As for the speakers that would depend largely on your room size.

The BX5s are a fine speaker and I'm sure you'll enjoy them. They have a 5" bass driver.

In a small room that will suffice usually, but in a bigger room you might find it struggles with bass extension.

That said, actives don't boom at all so the bass you do get will be fluent and rhythmic.

But in a larger room I'd go for the Mackies. The 6.5" woofer will find it much easier to fill the room.

Having said that, if I could get together the extra cash, I'd probably go for the Mackies either way. If you do find them a bit 'bassy' in a smaller room then there is a low frequency filter on the rear that can be used to trim the lowest output.
 
Cables;

For the M-audios, you'll need a pair of these,

Twin Cable 2x XLR male to 2x RCA Phono Audio Lead Various Lengths | eBay

You may find 3m a side is too long depending on speaker positioning though.

For the Mackies, just straight forward phonos; these are good quality component cables, double screened. Simply split two off.

Fisual Pro Install Series Component Video Cable 2m - By Brand - AudioVisual Online - Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists

Hope you enjoy whichever way you decide to go. I'm certain you shall.

Ps, if you'd prefer to go for the usual stereo phono pair of cables ( though there's no real need to ) then these are also excellent. I have a pair and they are well made and came next day. Three metres is also available for £2 more.

Fisual Rio Custom Made Stereo Phono / RCA Cable - By Brand - AudioVisual Online - Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists
 
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Just to follow up I use the Mackies in a 12 foot by 10 foot shed. Initially I thought they were a bit much but a little tweaking and they were fine. Before I set up the shed I had them temporarily set up in my kitchen/living room, a 20 foot by 16 foot room, they had no problems filling that area.

gear4music often have opened box mackies, they are new but quality checked. I bagged a set for 258 euro about 4 months ago

Edit- be patient setting up the monitor audio, the internet setting up if you use it takes a little time, but you then have a DNLA complient preamp that makes it a doddle to send music from drives/computer etc from the pc or a phone should you use a third party app. The optical input is ideal also for a Chromecast should one be needed
 
... And sure enough...

Mackie MR6 MK3 Active Monitor, Pair at Gear4music.com

They seem to have two of the M-audios in stock too.

M-Audio BX5-D3 Studio Monitor at Gear4music.com
I am leaning towards the M-audios due to the size and budget. But I will spend some time this afternoon looking up about them and decide which to go for. The amplifier seemed like a great deal though so I thought best to secure that first.

Again thank you for taking the time to offer your help and advice. Also providing links to everything. I really appreciate it and I will look forward to getting the setup. I certainly would not of ended up with as decent products myself.
 
There are Mackie mr5 mK3 also which have 5" woofer (just for info)
 
I am leaning towards the M-audios due to the size and budget. But I will spend some time this afternoon looking up about them and decide which to go for. The amplifier seemed like a great deal though so I thought best to secure that first.

Again thank you for taking the time to offer your help and advice. Also providing links to everything. I really appreciate it and I will look forward to getting the setup. I certainly would not of ended up with as decent products myself.

You are more than welcome sir. If I've been of assistance I'm delighted to hear of it.

I'd also be interested to know what you think of your new hifi when you have it all set up.

Best of luck.
 
Just to follow up I use the Mackies in a 12 foot by 10 foot shed. Initially I thought they were a bit much but a little tweaking and they were fine. Before I set up the shed I had them temporarily set up in my kitchen/living room, a 20 foot by 16 foot room, they had no problems filling that area.

gear4music often have opened box mackies, they are new but quality checked. I bagged a set for 258 euro about 4 months ago

Edit- be patient setting up the monitor audio, the internet setting up if you use it takes a little time, but you then have a DNLA complient preamp that makes it a doddle to send music from drives/computer etc from the pc or a phone should you use a third party app. The optical input is ideal also for a Chromecast should one be needed
Thanks for the reply I will bare it in mind.
 

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