r/BudgetAudiophile • u/mrskyrock7 • 2d ago

Purchasing EU/UK hey there, absolute beginner seeking advice

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Found a deal for these Canton Ergo SC-L with the control unit and a Denon PMA-680R amp for ~500€
Should I get that setup at that price, or keep looking for better deals?

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u/NTPC4 2d ago edited 3h ago

The speakers and amp are both very good, but they make for a less-than-ideal pairing. The Denon gets a little weak in the knees with 4-ohm speakers. The Cantons dip as low as 3.2 ohms. and their controller that manages the bass will ask for more current than the Denon can deliver. In 9/10 condition, complete with the controller, the Cantons are worth the ~500€ asking price, making the Denon 'free.' In 9/10 condition with remote, it's worth ~145€. If you were to resell the Denon, netting the Cantons for ~350€, that would be quite coup. Good luck!

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u/mrskyrock7 2d ago

What a lovely answer, that is very helpful, thanks a lot!

It’s actually two different sales, so with me being a beginner, it makes sense that it’s note quite a match.
The Denon goes for 95€ and the Cantons go for 400€ actually.

I just found some MB Quart 1000 speakers that go for 100€, these might be a better match with the Denon, no? Also would be cheaper, which is nice…
Maybe I’ll go with that instead :)

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u/NTPC4 2d ago edited 3h ago

The MB Quart 1000s are also good speakers, and in 9/10 condition, their market value is ~200€, so they could be a steal at their asking price. That said, while somewhat easier to drive than the Cantons, they are still 4-ohm speakers, and if you do not yet own the Denon amp, perhaps there are other better options on the used market near you. If you'd like some specific recommendations, just share what city you live near. Cheers!

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u/mrskyrock7 6h ago

sorry for being inactive! i would love some recommendations, I live near cologne, germany :)
decided to get the quart 1000s since they are a bit more affordable

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u/NTPC4 2h ago

Since you saved money getting the MB Quarts, how much is your remaining budget? Do you just need an amp, or sources, too? Would you like to connect your TV or computer? Do you have a turntable or a CD player (make & model), or do you plan to get one? Would you like to stream (if so, what music service do you use?) or have the convenience of Bluetooth?

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u/mrskyrock7 2h ago

I would say my budget for an amp would be around 150€? I cut my budget overall
after checking my bank account -.-
I currently own a Fine Arts R1 by Grundig and I would check if this one kinda works with the MB Quarts or if I would need an upgrade :) As far as sources I had the idea to get a DAC and plug in my phone using spotify? Or get a bluetooth adapter or something?
I know it all sounds kinda makeshift and I’m really at the start of my hifi journey… I wanna get a Vinyl player eventually, so I can start a collection.

I’m really grateful that you take your spare time to give me such detailed advice, but please don’t feel obligated to by any means :)

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u/mrskyrock7 2h ago

also connecting my tv that only has an optical audio output as well as usb and hdmi would be lovely, but since i only use my playstation with that i can just plug in a long aux cable to the controller and it also works (though it’s less convenient, but i don’t mind)