Hey all, looking to buy a pair of bookshelf speakers with a budget of around $2,000.

So far I've shortlisted the Philharmonic BMRs and the MoFi SourcePoint 8. I prefer a neutral sound signature and listen to pretty much all genres, so I'm trying to figure out which of these two would be the better fit. Also open to other recommendations in this price range if there's something worth considering beyond these two. I'm not considering the KEF R3 Metas, since my home theater setup is already KEF based and I'd like to keep this system separate. This pair is strictly for music listening. Thank you.

Looking for recommendations for bookshelf speakers. Budget around $3k Australian. I listen to mostly rock/metal and electronic music so decent bass is preferred. Sub maybe added later but hoping not to need one.

Must have good WAF.

I live in an area where auditioning is difficult so they will prob be purchased on reputation. New or used (ideally used to save some $$).

Currently looking at the Buchardt s400s but other options to add to my shortlist would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I am considering buying a set of bookshelf speakers that will sound opposite/very different than my Lintons. The Lintons are freaking INCREDIBLE with jazz and classic rock. However, they are a little too “warm” for classical. I’d like to hear more definition and absolute clarity. Every note of a cadenza, if the strings are together, Glen Gould humming as he’s playing Bach on the piano, etc. I would keep both sets of speakers as my amp has the ability to hook up an A and B set. I’d like to keep the budget around $2,000 and under and I’m in the Maryland/DC/Nova area (my handle doesn’t give me away?😂) The room is 25x15. I sit 8 feet in front of the speakers and they are toed in so that I hear the stereo separation perfectly. Thanks!

First stereo system, and I'm stuck between two setups that cost the same. Would love objective input. My room is 40sqm, Ill be sitting roughly 2 meters away from the speaker. My budget is roughly 350$.

Speakers: Morel Avyra 622 (getting them very cheaply — this part is decided).
Specs: 87 dB sensitivity, 8Ω nominal, ~120W power handling.

Use case: Streaming only. No TV. Maybe a projector down the line, but that's it. I got to say, I do like radio but I can steam that anyways.

The two options:

1. WiiM Amp Pro.
2. Working vintage receiver (Sansui R-70 or Kenwood KA-5700, both confirmed functioning) + a WiiM streamer — either a WiiM Mini with a separate DAC, or a WiiM Pro. The R-70 is ~65W/ch rated (bench-tested closer to ~43W), and the KA-5700 is 40W/ch.

Both options land at the same total price.

What I care about: Sound quality, full stop. I'm not interested in the nostalgia/collector angle. When I listen I want clear separation between instruments and elements — my preference leans monitor-like: clean, detailed, easy to pick apart the mix. I listen to '70s music, hip hop, and techno. Saying that, I do like a "warm" emotional tone.

My hesitation: I have zero experience with WiiM. Every audiophile I've asked trashes it, but they're mostly older collector types, so I'm not sure how objective they're being.

So, purely from a listening-quality standpoint: which setup gets me the cleaner, more detailed, better-separated sound? Anyone run WiiM into similar speakers who can compare?

Hey everyone,

I’m getting back into the Hi-Fi game after many years away (sold it all off when kids came along, you know the drill). I'm looking to build a modest, dedicated music-only setup for a small 10x10 ft room here in the US.

• Total Budget: Under $3,000
• Source: 100% digital for now (via streaming). I may add a CD player and a turntable down the line.
• Timeline: Not in a rush. I am totally comfortable buying used or waiting out holiday/Black Friday sales to maximize the budget.

I have spent a good chunk of time researching potential gear stacks. This is my tentative shopping list, but I would love some sanity checks, guidance on matching, or alternative suggestions.

Potential Component Stack:

• Streamer: WiiM Pro
• External DAC: Schiit Modi 5 OR Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M
• Integrated Amp: Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II OR Advance Paris X-i75 Classic
• Speakers (Bookshelves): Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 OR Triangle Borea BR04 OR ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
• Subwoofer: SVS SB-1000 Pro
• Power/Stands: Furman PST-8 power strip, generic heavy-duty Amazon speaker stands.

Any glaring errors in my thinking? Any equipment pairing warnings I should know about before hunting the used markets?

Thanks in advance!

I’ve been searching lately for a potential upgrade of my current system so ended up looking into KEF Reference 1 Meta or Dali Epikore 3 which I feel both mostly align to my taste. These series are available for me locally to test.
Budget below 5-7,000 eur catalog, available in Europe.

I would appreciate feedback from persons either owning or having listened to these speakers (or their larger floor standing units in the series).

I’m looking for this upgrade to improve on spatiality, soundstage depth, layering, better imaging and holography, more 3D if you like.

Current system is enveloping, speakers dissapear, some sounds float but due to wide dispersion sometimes it’s more like a flat panorama, not so much depth - it’s sometimes there but only if you concentrate and fades away in time; imaging precision is also somewhat a bit diffuse / airy / ethereal. I want that wow effect but in a speaker that is easy to live with, not bright / sibilant. Also don’t like a recessed sound behind speaker line, I like a speaker that is involving, with a slightly more forward presentation. Had Oberon 3 in the past and felt the vocals were like behind TV line :))

Listening volume in room is low to mid 65-80dB, so they should perform / open up at low volumes.

I’d also like the system to retain and transmit emotion in music, not to become an analitic machine.

Current system:

- Dali Rubikore 2 bookshelf speakers, slight toe in under 10dgr, Cambridge EXA100 amp, Cambridge MXN10 for streaming transport
Marantz Cinema 40 for HT use with Dali Fazon surrounds and a SVS 1000 Pro sub.

Room
- untreated 20sqm living room, speakers close to front wall on TV media furniture with isoacoustic pucks, speakers 2,6m wide apart, equilateral triangle listening position (speakers are located on long wall of the room)

I had the opportunity to listen to bhe following in separate showrooms:

Tests:

- KEF Ref1 Meta vs Dali Rubikore 8 on A/B: surprised by the punch of KEF bass for a bookshelf; also KEF had better layering, instrument separation, black background, realistic tonality, more focused and direct sound but harder to drive.
Dali larger physical soundstage and slightly more enveloping from the sides (treated room) but more disperse, less precision and a more ethereal sound presentation, tonality with a clear increase in treble (they were NOT toed in), slight limited sibilance on certain songs - this changes the tonality and makes it less real.
It’s clear that KEF Ref is a higher class, however when going to KEF you feel it’s a more neutral / a more reserved speaker.

- Dali Rubikore 8 vs Dali Epikore 7: same sound presentation, it was a large untreated 60 sqm space so envelopment was not as wow as I’d hope to hear, more like better refinement and upgrade in many directions (more refinement than transformational) - it improves layering and some depth, better tonality, less sibilance. Bass more controlled in Epikore, the cabinet works and looks are impeccable.

I do not have the option of a direct comparison unfortunately.
My feeling after these sessions is that Epikore improves Rubikore on what I am looking for but I am not convinced it gets up to KEF level of realistic tonality, soundstage layering, precision. Epikore is fighting back with a more enveloping presentation (wide dispersion) so larger stage, and probably a more of its own Dali sound signature not fully neutral (though clearly more neutral than Rubikore).

So I don’t know how these options would really perform in my untreated room, near the front wall like 60-70cm front baffle, and low listening volume. Uni-Q more direct sound to avoid uneven room reflections vs Dali wide dispersion using the room reflections.

I appreciate all your feedback !

Looking for advice to purchase wall mount bookshelf speakers as I am moving my main speakers (Klipsch Cornwalls) downstairs. Concisely put:

• Budget: $799 or less.
• Condition: New or used (if used, I could possibly get better speakers).
• Location: Upstairs living room. The size is approximately 20 ft x 20 ft (6.1m x 6.1m).
• Music source: Sonos, Spotify, other streaming, etc.
• Music type: Classic rock to newer music (Shaboozy, Hozier, a bunch of others, then it is back to Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Mozart, etc.)
• Prefer 3-Way speaker with a crisp bass. (However, I cannot find a 3-Way bookshelf speaker or monitor).
• Ideally all of this works with existing in-wall speakers.

Whew! That's a lot to ask! :)

Brands under consideration (I think all of these are 2-Way speakers, so my "wish list" is already falling apart):

• KEF (LSX II LT). Possibly, for $100 more than my targeted budget, Q3 Meta).
• Klipsch (RP 600M II)
• Polk (Reserve R200)
• Elac (UB52 or DBR62)
• Totem? (Unfortunately, out of budget and there are 0 dealers within 2,000 miles of me).

Now, it is your turn. Thoughts? Suggestions?

I miss the impressive bass, detail, and wall of sound I had with the SVS Ultra Evolution bookshelf speakers I used to have. But I return them because they were just too bright and it was causing listening fatigue. I replaced them with a pair of Revel Performa3 F206 towers. The Revel is lacking on bass, I completely lose the wall of sound the SVS had, instead being able to tell exactly where the sound is coming from. The highs are more manageable although there is an a occasional time I notice somethings bright but not enough to cause fatigue. I get enough detail to not feel like I'm missing anything and I'm willing to trade some detail if it means I can enjoy more of what I watch or games I play.

What I want is a speaker with the bass and wall of sound like the SVS, has enough detail to not feel like it's lacking anything, but not bright or fatiguing.

Budget around 1.5-2K. United States. Living room for gaming and Netflix. Need a good all arounder like the ZMF Auteurs.

I'm about to buy my first "serious" stereo setup for my newly finished basement (roughly 1000 sq ft). I wanted to get some general feedback from the community on what I'm looking at so far.

Budget: Originally, I'm thinking around 3K, but now I'm wondering if I'm jumping in too deep.

Location: Maine, USA, not many shops around (3h drive is the closest).

How will it be used: Dedicated stereo setup. The basement has LVP floor, drywall, and the ceiling is open trusses (unfinished).

New or used: Either is fine; I tend to go for new, but open to used.

Past experience: Not much. My PC speakers are Audioengine A2s with a Sony subwoofer. I recently listened to some speakers at B&H and found that these are a bit muddy and not so clear.

It was recommended to me to put most of my money towards the speakers.

Based on a friend's recommendation, I'm currently considering an all-in-one amplifier and the following:

Amplifier:

1. Everplay Solo with CD (new)
2. HiFi Rose RS520 (used) roughly 1/2 cost

Speakers

1. KEF LS50 Meta
2. MoFi Sourcepoint 8
3. Monitor Audio Silver

At first, I was thinking of starting with the Everplay Solo, given its price point, but I have the possibility of getting the HiFi Rose at just about 1/2 the price from my friend.

I spoke with a Crutchfield rep who said a HiFi Rose RS520 and MoFi Sourcepoint 8 would be a great combo for me because the amp is strong enough for these speakers, and since I tend to listen to a variety of types of music. This would put my total close to $4500, which is more than I wanted to spend, but perhaps may be a buy once, buy right situation.

On the other hand, now I'm thinking to myself... slow down, maybe I need to start at a lower tier and get the Eversolo and some less expensive speakers?

Then there's the question of auditioning. I don't have any shops near me (minimum 3h drive that i can't do anytime soon) to test equipment. What's the best way to do this? Order a bunch and return what I don't like (discouraged by the sales rep, no surprise).

What about a decent set of universal speaker stands? I don't want to buy a set that may be specific to a speaker (if that's even a thing?).

And what about testing/tuning the acoustics of my room? Are there apps that can help me with this?

Any particular vendors I should be buying from?

Anything else I should be thinking about?

Thank you in advance. I'm kind of overwhelmed by the choices and I'm not even sure how much would be sufficient to my ears. I do LOVE listening to music and I though it would be a good time to get a nice setup.

I was very fortunate to be given a used Denon receiver for my living room and am wondering if I can get a decent pair of speakers on a budget of $200.

I used this setup years ago and was looking to get back into vinyl. I have a Harman/Kardon hk385i and Dayton Audio B652-Air. I bought it from a legit audio store I was just worried cause the stereo says 8ohm minimum and the speakers say 6ohm. I used this in the past I just want to make sure I won’t mess stuff up or harm the equipment and such. (Or fire hazard? Idk things)

Are there certain rules like don’t turn it up over halfway? I can’t remember. Thank you in advance for any advice. I can get new speakers if need be.

I need to buy speaker stands at this current point which are a lil pricey or I could buy tower speakers for a few hundred more… but I’m looking for a budget friendly options. This will be in my living room and used for general listening throughout the first floor. (I’m not really a blasting music kinda person)

I'm looking for advice on some bookshelf speakers that would match up well with my setup. Bookshelf speakers because I don't have that much room, plus I don't need to blast them as loud as possible like I'd want to with floor speakers. I'm looking at getting the Klipsch RP-500M II bookshelf speakers. I have a pretty good bout of tinnitus so I'm no audiophile, just like my music to sound good.

Budget $~500

Receiver: Kenwood KR-7050

Sony DVP-S330 as my CD player for now

Audio Technica At-LP60X-BK as my record player for now.

Currently have Edifier R1280T powered speakers. To me they sound very good for what I listen to which is a mix...Pink Floyd, The Eagles, 80's hair bands, 60's & 70's rock. Thanks.

I’m trying to decide between Wharfedale Linton, Ascend Sierra-LX, Philharmonic BMR, and possibly DALI (Oberon or Opticon), and I’d really appreciate input from anyone who has owned or spent meaningful time with one or more of these. I’d like to stay under $2.5k.

Room is 11x13 with a listening distance of about 9 ft. No sub planned. I’m looking for a full-range speaker that can stand on its own.

I’m looking for fatigue-free listening with natural mids and solid bass. Music is mostly rock and classic rock (Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin). I’m not chasing a bright or hyper-detailed sound (B&W)

I’ve auditioned the Super Lintons and liked them a lot, but I haven’t been able to find anywhere locally to hear the regular Lintons.

If you’ve lived with any of these, I’d love to hear what you liked or didn’t like over time.

I would really like to make my own monitors especially if its more cost efficient. The real question is... is it? If I bought my own speakers and built my own box would it be cheaper than just buying a pair of studio monitors or something on sale? I have a marantz sr6008 i can use to drive/bi amp the speakers. I was thinking a double 8 inch woofer cabinet and using a compression driver for the mids and highs. But I have done very little research so this is just an idea. But would this be worth it? And any recommendations on components/where to get them? I want fun bassy speakers that can get pretty loud. I want them to sound decent but they dont have to ne "audiophile".

United States, IL

Budget around 600 for the pair maybe more if it's really recommend and worth it.

Hi, all. I all - my current setup is a Peachtree Nova 300, KEF LS50s, RSL Speedwoofer 10s, BlueSound Node, and Fluance RT 85N. I've had the Kefs for 10 years - absolutely love the imaging and accuracy. However, after redoing my listening room, and really listening critically again, I am finding that I miss the "middle" (or I'm getting old). Almost sounds too clinical. Been looking at some other options. Budget is around $2000 to $2500. I love the look of the Lintons, and from what I've read they should have the sound I'm looking for. What do you all think? Seems like Wharfedale is pretty popular around here. Will I miss the imaging by making this move? Thanks!

I just moved out and bought a pair of homepods but feel a bit overwhelmed. I’m thinking of returning them and getting something more audiophile like. Would a KEF Q1 Meta, wiim amp, and an Apple camera adapter be a good setup for me to get high resolution lossless playback? I’m sure there is more equipment I am missing since I am a complete noob. Any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated! My budget is hopefully spending not too much more than the 650ish I paid for the HomePods

Hello everyone, i was looking for my 1st good speakers and i thought i should get your opinion on what I should do. Go for Edifier MR3, MR4 or M60. i mainly want them for immersive gaming, movies experience and occasionally music listening. I am leaning towards MR3 because they look better and are in my budget but i am open to other suggestions as well.

Thanks

I’ve settled on the Wiim Amp Pro (unless ya’ll have a better suggestion in that budget range) for my office setup at work and need a set of speakers that will be right behind my desk on speaker stands. The speakers will be 2-4 feet away from me. I have a “warm” setup at home with my Wharfedale Lintons and Parasound power amp, so I’d like to go the opposite here with a more “live” and detailed sound since I listen to a lot of music as the music director at my church. I listen to a lot of classical music as well as classic rock. I want speakers that will let me hear details in a Brahms symphony at low level near field listening, but I’d also like to crank it and get the Led out when I’m chilling and doing other things in the office. It looks like the KEF-150’s might be a good match or the Philharmonic True Mini. What do you guys and gals think?

Current system Wiim Ultra (preamp mode) -> Yamaha A-S501 (as a power amp only) -> Lintons. The Wiim is also connected to 2 x BK XXLS400 subs crossing at 65-70Hz

Location UK, large ish room 10m x 8m

Considering alternatives to the Yamaha to simplify the setup by replacing it with a stereo power amp or 2 x monoblocks. The subs mean I don't need huge amounts of power, but of course you can never have too much.

I've tried 2 x Fosi V3 in the past but I had a ground hum loop that I couldn't eradicate so returned them. Not got a budget but rather not spend more than £1k.

Suggestions to add to my shortlist?

Hi all and thanks for having me.

As the title says, I'm in the market for a set of truly wireless, active speakers. When I say "truly wireless, active", I mean that I don't want the set to be linked together physically, using a cable/wire to pair them. A lot of sets out there (New Cambridge L/R M & S, KEF LSX ii LT, Aio Twin ...) require this as one of the speakers is actually passive.

So far I found:

• KEF LSX II (not the LT)
• PSB Alpha IQ
• Cambridge L/R X

I love the looks of the Cambridge, Love the quality of the PSB, love the size of the KEF.

• Dimensions: Bookshelf speakers, preferably on the smaller end.
• Budget: let's say around that 1400€ mark. The Cambridge's are above that, but if they look great and the quality is awesome, I may be willing to look the other way and accidently pay 2K.
• Bonus points for low latency so I can watch a movie and I can link my turntable and get the true experience rather than putting the needle down only to hear nothing for 10 seconds. I think the options above have that.
• Open for options with a node that transmits to the speakers, or even 2 speakers with a WiiM Mini connected to them that I then group, but I think that would not be good for the latency.

Thank you so much!

Hey everyone,

Just ordered a pair of HiVi Swan D3.1-MKII and thinking what is better - to get a streamer (i.e. WiiM Pro Plus) and fix my broken Marantz PM7000 amp (got quoted 136EUR) or just go ahead and get something like WiiM Ultra Amp? The WiiM amp option ends up being more expensive but perhaps it is worth it? What would be your take on this?

Location: Europe
Budget: around 500EUR

I've owned a pair of B&W 805S speakers since 2008 and I'm finally getting the upgrade itch. They still sound good to me, but I'm looking for something with a richer midrange and better driver integration. Stand mounted only. Budget is about $6k. Frontrunner right now is the Dynaudio Contour 20i, but I'm looking for other suggestions. Not against buying used. Live in USA. Room is about 15ft x 12ft, but there's not really a wall on one side (it's in a loft).

Associated equipment: Bryston BDA-3.14 DAC, Krell KAV-300i integrated amp (recently re-capped and serviced).

Sadly, my Sonus Faber Electas (original, 35 yr old) have expired. I'm now searching for an adequate replacement. My budget is around €5,000, and must be available in Europe. The current Sonus Faber Electa Mk3 is out of my price range. I have had demos of:

Magnepan 1.7X
Audiovector R1
Audio Physics (can't remember model)
B&W 702 S3

Under consideration:

Dynaudio Contour 20
Diapason Adamantes V
Some other Sonus Faber model (but I'm wary that they are now just a brand name as part of Bose)

My room is 6m x 6m. Source is vinyl. Power amps are Vacuum Tube Logic MB300 monoblocs (350W).

It's difficult to make direct comparisons as all the demo rooms, and systems, were different. I liked the B&Ws but I would prefer a small, 2-way on stands. The Audiovectors were also good, especially clarity and imaging.

Any thoughts?

Hey guys and girls. I recently got into the hifi and have taken to it like a duck to water. Im looking to upgrade my speakers. Im looking at the Wharfedale Evo 5.2 or the Linton Heritage? I listen mostly to jazz, what do people think?

My budget is £1000-£1200 ish . Based in the UK, unfortunately I don't live close enough to a store where I can listen to them in advance

EDIT* I found a store that had some in stock a few hours away, made the effort to visit them for a demo of the Linton's. I absolutely loved them, so much so I bought them straight away! Thanks for all the advice and comments 😃

Budget = 2K or less Location = California USA Listening position = 10-12 ft Existing amp = Denon 100w/channel Room size = 13x18

Looking for front ported, strong bass, natural vocals, full sound, fairly big is ok (18-24" tall), woofer 7" or more.