Entry level speakers for Marantz amp

Pickles12

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Hi guys,
I'm looking to buy my first HiFi system soon, and I picked the Marantz pm6005. Now I'm thinking at the speakers to pair it with.
In my head I always been convinced to get a pair of Wharfedale speakers, reading so many good reviews about the two together. I suddently got confused when I checked the entry level speakers on Richer Sounds website, with so many brands I've never heard of at very competitive prices.
The main contenders are
- Wharfedale diamond 9.1 (an oldie but a goodie I'd say, they go on eBay for £50-£80 definitely a bargain)
- Wharfedale diamond 220
- Q acoustics 2020i/3010i

I'll visit Richer Sounds to listen to the 220 and 3010 and understand how the sound compares, but in the meantime do you have any experience with these?

Also is there any other brand I should seriously consider between DALI Zensor 1, Cambridge Audio SX50?
Consider this is my first HiFi, so I'm looking for an all-round speaker. My budget is up to £150, but I'd happily save some money if I find a bargain (so I wouldn't mind picking up the 9.1 second hand if the difference with the 220 is marginal).
Hope it makes sense, thanks!
 
I’d add the Mission LX2 to your list, great all round speaker by all accounts. More modern looking than many of the others too.
 
The Diamond 220 are larger speakers with deeper bass relative to the QA-3010.

Give us a clear statement of your working budget?

Do you have any restrictions for size?

Are you going for maximum value at a low budget?

The Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 (5") are exceptional value. Here they are for £119/pr -

Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Walnut Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) - Bookshelf Speakers - AudioVisual Online - UK Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists

A newer version of these speakers are the Wharfedale Diamond 220 (5") - £129/pr -

Wharfedale DIAMOND 220 (Black)

Tannoy Mercury 7.2 (6") - £79/pr - (£229/pr retail) -


Tannoy MERCURY 7.2 (Walnut)

Misson LX2 (5") - £169/pr -

Mission LX2 (Black)

Cambridge SX60 (6.5") - £149/pr -


Cambridge Audio SX60 (Walnut)

Cambridge SX50 (5") - £129/pr -


Cambridge Audio SX50 (Walnut)

Dali Zensor 1 (5") - £149/pr -

DALI ZENSOR 1 (Walnut)

Q Acoustic 3020 (5") - £149/pr -


Q Acoustics 3020 (Matte Graphite)

The 3020 has been replaced by the 3020i, so the older models are available at nice discounts. These don't have the deepest bass, but they are very clear speakers.

The Newest 3020i are selling for about £250/pr -

Q Acoustics 3020I (Graphite)

So you are getting a nice discount. I have a pair of the older 3020 on my computer, and for that purpose, they are very good.

For a 5" (130mm) bass driver, you can expect bass response in roughly the 55hz to 65hz range. For a 6.5" speakers, somewhere between 45hz and 55hz. The Q Acoustic 3020 are about 65hz, but they still sound very good.

These listed here are about the best low cost speakers available.

Steve/bluewizard
 
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how about the monitor audio 50 and 100
First answer these Questions -

Give us a clear statement of your working budget?

Do you have any restrictions for size?

Are you going for maximum value at a low budget?

Can we assume you are referring to the Monitor Audio SILVER 50 and SILVER 100?

Nice speakers, but until you make a clear statement of Budget, there isn't much we can do.

For perspective, I was reading an editorial in Stereophile Magizine, where, upon returning from an Audio Show, the author complained that all the ENTRY LEVEL equipment cost US$20,000.

ENTRY LEVEL tells us nothing, give us your working BUDGET?


Steve/bluewizard
 
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He said ‘My budget is up to £150’.

Fair question on size, though the suggestions made don’t vary a great deal so unless there’s a particularly small space, that shouldn’t be a real constraint.

Probably another vote for the Mission LX2 from me.
 
i don't mean the silver 50 or 100, monitor audio have a range called the monitor series.

you could also have a look ar the old bronze series, b,br,bx and you csn get the mr 2 in some places.. they're all based on the same technology
 
I dont think MA are a good match. Way too bright. Q acoustics or Mission are a safe bet if you have a small budget.
 
Q acoustic 2020i plugged into my marantz with great results I'm, they punch above their price
 

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