Question Configure my speakers setup

CoderMan

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Good day, all forum members. I need your help to choose audio setup listening the music.

Incoming:
  • Small room and not bit table (140 x 70 mm) 3 sides are close to walls.
  • Headphones Sennheiser HD25
  • Budget: 500-600$
Would like to have:
  1. White not big speakers
  2. Clear sound processing by DAC
  3. Separate control volumes using knobs or on/off speakers when headphones connected
Searching web I found next setups useful for me:

Setup 1 (2x150$ + 250 $) 550$
MacBoock —> (USB-C - USB) —> Audient id14
Audient id14 (DAC) —> (TRS - TRS) —> Yamaha HS5
Audient id14 (DAC) —> Sennheiser HD25

Setup 2 (400$ + 250$) 550$
MacBoock —> (USB-C - USB) —> Schiit fulla
Schiit fulla —> (3.5 mini jack - optical) — (built in DAC) Kanto YU4
Schiit fulla (DAC) —> Sennheiser HD25

Setup 3 (325$ + 250$) 575$
MacBoock —> (USB-C - USB) —> Audient id14
Audient id14 (DAC) —> (TRS- RCA) — Steljes Audio NS3
Audient id14 (DAC) —> Sennheiser HD25

Or your build Thx.
 
Hello and welcome sir.

I’m a little confused by your post..

Are you after a pair of speakers and a dac preamp?

If so then this would be a great set up.


X2 (priced singly)



So it would be,

MacBook - id4 - JBLs and the same plus the HD25s

And a mighty fine sounding bargain set up too.:smashin:
 
Last edited:
Also a bit confused, are you looking for active speaker with amp built in, or are you looking for passive speakers that require an external amp?

If you are looking for active speaker the JBL 305 recommended by others are very good speakers for the money. See Z Reviews on YouTube for a review.

As to an interface, check Mackie Big Knob Studio. USB record and playback (24b/96k), two independent headphone amps, the ability to drive two pair if active speaker, some but limited mixing ability, master volume control. Simultaneous record and playback.

Z-Reviews also has a review of the Mackie Big Knob.

I would provide links but I'm on my phone.

I suspect that will bring you just short of 600.

Steve/bluewizard
 
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Thx, I’m looking for nice looking, small and comfortable setup) Monitors will give original sound, speakers maybe little bit tuned, interface - flexibility
 
Hello and welcome sir.

I’m a little confused by your post..

Are you after a pair of speakers and a dac preamp?

If so then this would be a great set up.


X2 (priced singly)



So it would be,

MacBook - id4 - JBLs and the same plus the HD25s

And a mighty fine sounding bargain set up too.:smashin:

Thx, two things JBLs to big, id14 has better sound (I think) because uses Burr Brown chips.
 
Consider something from Edifier. They mostly have DACs but not USB.



Most have DAC, Bluetooth, and a Remote Control.


The Edifier R2000DB are pretty good, check them out. There are additional models not listed on the Ukraine Edifier Site. For example the S350DB 2.1 can be found in the EU/UK. This has smaller main speakers, and a Subwoofer.


The SMSL AD-18 is a pretty good 40w/ch Amp with Optical and USB DAC, plus Bluetooth. That should nicely drive just about any passive speakers.


The SMSL AD-18 also has a Headphone Out.

Steve/Bluewizard
 
id14 has better sound (I think) because uses Burr Brown chips.

Sound quality cannot be judged solely on the manufacturer of the DAC chip used in half-decent modern DAC's. Almost certainly, other design and implementation factors play a greater role in determining audio quality, such as circuit architecture and analogue output stages.

two things JBLs to big

Shame. The JBL is probably the best-sounding speaker in your budget.
 
not bit table (140 x 70 mm)

Are these measurements the maximum allowable dimensions of each speaker? If not, what is the maximum speaker size you can accommodate?
 
Now in my table 2 speakers with dimensions (W170xD270xH290 mm). And they looks big. What you can suggest 2 small speakers 3" + sub 6-8" or 2 big speakers 5" each?
 
Now in my table 2 speakers with dimensions (W170xD270xH290 mm). And they looks big. What you can suggest 2 small speakers 3" + sub 6-8" or 2 big speakers 5" each?

Again, check out the EDIFIER S350Pro 2.1 system, smaller main speakers but the addition of a Subwoofer. I could be wrong, but I believe the S350Pro has 2x AUX, 1 Optical, and 1 Analog Input, but, of course, Bluetooth and Remote Control.


It doesn't seem to be listed in the Ukraine, but you might be able to find other nearby countries that you could ship from using this link -


At these videos you can get some better sense of the actual size of the speakers -





Steve/bluewizard
 
Thx, but for me visual look of speakers is very important. Now I found final 2 solutions for me.
1. Package form USA.
Audioengine A2+ (219.99 $) + Stands (29.99 $) + Schiit Fulla 3 (99 $) + (taxes 35$) + (shipping 40$) = 425$

Pros

- Compact size
- Sexy look
- Easy to connect and run
- Burr Brown converter in Speakes / AKM AK4490 D/A converter in Fulla
- More "developer" / "neutral" solution
Cons
- Return problems if something wrong or broke. Additional $$$ for shipment

2. Сity shopping
Yamaha HS5 (310 $) + Audient id14 (230 $) = 540$

Pros

- Burr Brown converter in AI
- Separate volume control
- Easy return if something wrong or broke

Cons
- More "professional" solution. I wont use all AI features.
- Additional drivers installations
- Bigger size
- Bigger price
 

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