Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

Perrin2025 said:
Thanks for the response. That seems to be pretty consistent with what others have been saying.

May I ask what cartridge you're using on it and if you've done any upgrades to it?

Thanks again.
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Sure, I had a Grado Platinum 3 and have now switched over to a SAE 1000LT. I have a Ortofon Quintet Black S I intend on installing next.

I installed a fluid damper from KAB:


I found it to be a great and worthwhile upgrade, I could tell the difference with the tone arm immediately. Otherwise I just replaced the stock cables.
 
Hey guys (& tagging @HiFi Guy because your great with this stuff),

I'm finally considering upgrading my speaker set up. My dad sold high end stereo equipment for a living at place in Denver for 30+ years, and my high school graduation from him was a pair of B&W speakers that went for $350 at the time. They have lasted me 20 years (I addded a matching center speaker 5 years ago), but I turn 38 this weekend and have decided my midlife crises is gonna be to upgrade them and get a sub.

That said, there are a couple of things I'm juggling:
1) I am going to do the center speaker and sub first. Then get new side speakers
2) My dad is still able to get me whole sale prices. For now. People are retiring by the year. Because of this, I am limited to what they carry, and then I'll just pay for shipping. )
3) I have a pair of Dyn Audio bookshelf speakers that retailed for $800 in my bedroom that I got in around 2016/17 while I was still a film editor. I love them, and using them just for Spotify streaming seems criminal. However, Listen Up no longer sells them. AND the well reviewed center speaker they sell is really deep-- which is a problem because
4) I bought a condo last year and my only major hangup with the place when I first looked at it (because I didn't realize how little sound insulation there is between floors 🤣) was that there was a huge fireplace where the TV should go.

The TV has to go on the mantle. Right now the center speaker is to the left of the TV (not ideal obviously). The plan (to every woman I know's protest) is to eventually mount a center speak to the center of the mantleplace. But if the speaker is too "deep"that becomes an accident waiting to happen.
5) I have a Dennon AVR-X2700H. Purchased in late 2022.
6) My turntable doesn't really matter but because this is a record forum... Technics 1500. Bought in late 2022.

7) I'm a film buff. So finding the best combo speaker between music capability and strong handling of dialogue (I use my 4k player often) is more important than being the best at one thing.
7) I'm gonna go SVS with the Sub because I hear good things and Listen Up has them. The budget on the center speaker is $800 SRP.
8) The options for the center speaker (and later the bookshelf speakers) are SVS Ultra Evolution, B&W HTM S2 Anniversary's, (and actually, these are on sale too Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S3 Center Channel Speaker *B Stock*) and Kef Q6 Meta.

I guess there are options slightly above that range or brands like JBL too.

listenup.com

Center Channel Speakers

View the wide variety of high-end center channel speakers available for sale from the specialists at online audio and visual electronics retailer ListenUp.
listenup.com listenup.com

Thoughts?
 

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DownIsTheNewUp said:
Hey guys (& tagging @HiFi Guy because your great with this stuff),

I'm finally considering upgrading my speaker set up. My dad sold high end stereo equipment for a living at place in Denver for 30+ years, and my high school graduation from him was a pair of B&W speakers that went for $350 at the time. They have lasted me 20 years (I addded a matching center speaker 5 years ago), but I turn 38 this weekend and have decided my midlife crises is gonna be to upgrade them and get a sub.

That said, there are a couple of things I'm juggling:
1) I am going to do the center speaker and sub first. Then get new side speakers
2) My dad is still able to get me whole sale prices. For now. People are retiring by the year. Because of this, I am limited to what they carry, and then I'll just pay for shipping. )
3) I have a pair of Dyn Audio bookshelf speakers that retailed for $800 in my bedroom that I got in around 2016/17 while I was still a film editor. I love them, and using them just for Spotify streaming seems criminal. However, Listen Up no longer sells them. AND the well reviewed center speaker they sell is really deep-- which is a problem because
4) I bought a condo last year and my only major hangout with the place (because I didn't realize how little sound insulation there is between floors 🤣) was the fire that there was a hugefire place where the TV should go. The TV has to go on the mantle. Right now the center speaker is to the left of the TV (not ideal obviously). The plan (to every woman I know's protest) is to eventually mount a center speak to the center of the mantleplace. But if the speaker is too "deep"that becomes an accident waiting to happen.
5) I have a Dennon AVR-X2700H. Purchased in late 2022.
6) My turntable doesn't really matter but because this is a record forum... Technics 1500. Bought in late 2022.

7) I'm a film buff. So finding the best combo speaker between music capability and strong handling of dialogue (I use my 4k player often) is more important than being the best at one thing.
7) I'm gonna go SVS with the Sub because I hear good things and Listen Up has them. The budget on the center speaker is $800 SRP.
8) The options for the center speaker (and later the bookshelf speakers) are SVS Ultra Evolution, B&W HTM S2 Anniversary's, (and actually, these are on sale too Bowers & Wilkins HTM72 S3 Center Channel Speaker *B Stock*) and Kef Q6 Meta.

I guess there are options slightly above that range or brands like JBL too.

listenup.com

Center Channel Speakers

View the wide variety of high-end center channel speakers available for sale from the specialists at online audio and visual electronics retailer ListenUp.
listenup.com listenup.com

Thoughts?
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Which is more important to you, surround sound or 2 channel music?

If you want to watch movies at a reasonable volume AND have a good 2-channel setup, I’d suggest getting a Sonos ARC to place on the mantle to handle movies and TV, it’s very good with dialogue and soundbars have come a long way. maybe add their sub. That done, then get a good pair of speakers for music. I’d probably ditch the Denon AVR as well and get a good integrated. Some of the new two channel integrated a have HDMI ARC so if you stream from a TV app you can hook that up to the 2-ch system.

I normally am all about full on surround setups for movies, but you mention poor noise isolation and a lack of space for the center channel, hence this hybrid approach.
 
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SnowmaNick said:
Which is more important to you, surround sound or 2 channel music?

If you want to watch movies at a reasonable volume AND have a good 2-channel setup, I’d suggest getting a Sonos ARC to place on the mantle to handle movies and TV, it’s very good with dialogue and soundbars have come a long way. maybe add their sub. That done, then get a good pair of speakers for music. I’d probably ditch the Denon AVR as well and get a good integrated. Some of the new two channel integrated a have HDMI ARC so if you stream from a TV app you can hook that up to the 2-ch system.

I normally am all about full on surround setups for movies, but you mention poor noise isolation and a lack of space for. Center channel, hence this hybrid approach.
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I could honestly flip a coin but probably the music. It's very close though. I watched 200ish movies last year and collect 4k as much if not more than vinyl because of how expensive the hobby has gotten. That said, I have 500 or so records.

Sound insulation wise, there is nobody below me and the sides are well insulated. However, somebody just bought the place above me and I can hear every fucking footstep, and sometimes, the guys working on the place. Sound is usually more of a problem traveling down than up, but I'm not sure yet.

The sub won't be an issue though.
 
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Mather said:
Because if it is, he will murder the person above him.
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I'm not planning on getting one that shakes the walls Mather. As I said, the side walls are well insulated because I'm in Chicago. The problem is these 100 year old floors. I'm also thinking I can always switch 3.0 or stereo late at night.

I was editing my comment and accidentally deleted it--

But basically, I would ideally like 5.1 and was planning to use the B&Ws for it. I grew up with it obviously and also worked as an editor so I appreciate sound design.

That said, I'm also pragmatic. So if there is a good sound bar I'm open to it. Listen Up was actually an early Sonos Adapter so I'm sure they carry them too. The major drawback would be having to chose between a sub for music or film.
 
DownIsTheNewUp said:
I could honestly flip a coin but probably the music. It's very close though. I watched 200ish movies last year and collect 4k as much if not more than vinyl because of how expensive the hobby has gotten. That said, I have 500 or so records.

Sound insulation wise, there is nobody below me and the sides are well insulated. However, somebody just bought the place above me and I can hear every fucking footstep and sometimesthe guys working on the place. Sound is usually more of a problem traveling down than up, but I'm not sure yet.

The sub won't be an issue though.
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Do you use the fireplace? Looking at that photo, you may want to look at a tv wall mount that allows you to bring the tv forward and down, and then get a stand for the center channel. A tv that high up would literally be a pain in the neck for me.

To give a basic visual:
IMG_2992.jpeg
 
SnowmaNick said:
Do you use the fireplace? Looking at that photo, you may want to look at a tv wall mount that allows you to bring the tv forward and down, and then get a stand for the center channel. A tv that high up would literally be a pain in the neck for me.

To give a basic visual:
View attachment 229564
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I would use the fire place but it isn't vented. Which means opening the windows. Which defeats the purpose. It's literally a giant ornament that I would murder and toss out the window if I could.

Your proposition is tempting. My concern would be how fragile OLEDs are and somebody knocking into it. A speaker is also probably more asthetically pleasing on the manter.

But I feel you, the TV is definitely too high and thar would potentially solve everything (while creating an eye sore).

Appreciate the brainstorming. My dad is stumped, which is a rare thing. Meanwhile, maybe my mom finally understands why fireplaces were an immediate no-go during my search, until I stumbled into a place that had everything else I wanted at a very fair price.
 
DownIsTheNewUp said:
I would use the fire place but it isn't vented. Which means opening the windows. Which defeats the purpose. It's literally a giant ornament that I would murder and toss out the window if I could.

Your proposition is tempting. My concern would be how fragile OLEDs are and somebody knocking into it. A speaker is also probably more asthetically pleasing on the manter.

But I feel you, the TV is definitely too high and thar would potentially solve everything (while creating an eye sore).

Appreciate the brainstorming. My dad is stumped, which is a rare thing. Meanwhile, maybe my mom finally understands why fireplaces were an immediate no-go during my search, until I stumbled into a place that had everything else I wanted at a very fair price.
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Regarding it getting bumped into:

A. Are there a bunch of randos in your place all the time?

B. That kind of mount should allow you to lift the tv back up above the mantle when not using it which should help with point a.
 
Nee Lewman said:
Regarding it getting bumped into:

A. Are there a bunch of randos in your place all the time?

B. That kind of mount should allow you to lift the tv back up above the mantle when not using it which should help with point a.
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After my post, I realized you could move it up and down which would mean it could be moved up for any larger gatherings.

So really, the only concern would be me and the roommate. I have a spacial learning disability that causes really bad peripheral vision. She is super ADD.

Still, I think that's probably the way to go because the TV being lower would be beneficial in so many different ways.

If so, thoughts on SVS? Maybe I start by upgrading the center and bookshelf speakers and then deal with the sub later after I've gotten a feel for the dynamic with the upstairs neighbor.
 
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DownIsTheNewUp said:
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Z. Y


After my post, I realized you could move it up and down which would mean it could be moved up for any larger gatherings.

So really, the only concern would be me and the roommate. I have a spacial learning disability that causes really bad peripheral vision. She is super ADD.

Still, I think that's probably the way to go because the TV being lower would be beneficial in so many different ways.

If so, thoughts on SVS? Maybe I start by upgrading the center and bookshelf speakers and then deal with the sub later after I've gotten a feel for the dynamic with the upstairs neighbor.
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Do you have a downstairs neighbor?
 
Nee Lewman said:
Do you have a downstairs neighbor?
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No. Am in an elevated 1st floor condo with the storage unit underneath. Only one side neighbor and they can't hear anything. I've asked.

But as I'm typing I can hear the guys working upstairs. Their footsteps echo all around, touches of their chatter come through if they yell at each other.

I love everything about my spot expect for this. And it's enough that I have a touch a buyers remorse. Hopefully the person upstairs is willing to put in some rugs once they move in.
 
DownIsTheNewUp said:
No. Am in an elevated 1st floor condo with the storage unit underneath. Only one side neighbor and they can't hear anything. I've asked.

But as I'm typing I can hear the guys working upstairs. Their footsteps echo all around, touches of their chatter come through if they yell at each other.

I love everything about my spot expect for this. And it's enough that I have a touch a buyers remorse. Hopefully the person upstairs is willing to put in some rugs once they move in.
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Should be any problem with a sub then. I got no advice beyond that. My AV set up is super cheap and not worth mentioning nor available to buy at this point.
 
DownIsTheNewUp said:
After my post, I realized you could move it up and down which would mean it could be moved up for any larger gatherings.

So really, the only concern would be me and the roommate. I have a spacial learning disability that causes really bad peripheral vision. She is super ADD.

Still, I think that's probably the way to go because the TV being lower would be beneficial in so many different ways.

If so, thoughts on SVS? Maybe I start by upgrading the center and bookshelf speakers and then deal with the sub later after I've gotten a feel for the dynamic with the upstairs neighbor.
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I have owned and enjoyed subs from SVS in the past, Ed Mullen, their chief engineer is a smart, approachable and very helpful person. I haven’t heard their most recent line up, but their last Ultra series was competitive in their respective price range. I do really appreciate that their center channel is a proper 3 way, which isn’t common in the price. A 3.0 setup with their bookshelf speakers and center would probably be a solid starting place. I still recommend putting the center on a stand in front of the fireplace.
 
SnowmaNick said:
I have owned and enjoyed subs from SVS in the past, Ed Mullen, their chief engineer is a smart, approachable and very helpful person. I haven’t heard their most recent line up, but their last Ultra series was competitive in their respective price range. I do really appreciate that their center channel is a proper 3 way, which isn’t common in the price. A 3.0 setup with their bookshelf speakers and center would probably be a solid starting place. I still recommend putting the center on a stand in front of the fireplace.
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Thanks. 90% sure I'm going to go with the SVS Ultra Evolution 3.0 set up for now. I can throw the B&W's into storage and then consider adding them for 5.1 later.

Do you have an opinion on the KEF's Q series? They would be the comprable price range. I've found threads saying KEF + SVS sub is the way to go, but it also seems that may be at higher price points. Because I've seen other threads said Evo Ultra > Q.

Also, I'm about to see if I can find a TV mount that also has a speaker stand. Because that would solve everything.
 
DownIsTheNewUp said:
Thanks. 90% sure I'm going to go with the SVS Ultra Evolution 3.0 set up for now. I can throw the B&W's into storage and then consider adding them for 5.1 later.

Do you have an opinion on the KEF's Q series? They would be the comprable price range. I've found threads saying KEF + SVS sub is the way to go, but it also seems that may be at higher price points. Because I've seen other threads said Evo Ultra > Q.

Also, I'm about to see if I can find a TV mount that also has a speaker stand. Because that would solve everything.
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I’m a big fan of KEF, I own Reference 3’s for my main 2-ch system, LS50 Meta’s in a secondary system, and my son has my old Q300’s. That said, I haven’t heard the new Q’s, but based on the Q300, and an older pair of Q100’s I had, the magic comes in a little higher in their line. The R series are great all arounders if you could swing those. And again, I haven’t heard the new Q, so they could be great as well, I just don’t know this series.
 
SnowmaNick said:
I’m a big fan of KEF, I own Reference 3’s for my main 2-ch system, LS50 Meta’s in a secondary system, and my son has my old Q300’s. That said, I haven’t heard the new Q’s, but based on the Q300, and an older pair of Q100’s I had, the magic comes in a little higher in their line. The R series are great all arounders if you could swing those. And again, I haven’t heard the new Q, so they could be great as well, I just don’t know this series.
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Yeah, it seems like consensus in that the magic starts with the Rs. And those are simply out of my price range for now. For reference, the full SVS 3.0 costs the same as one R series bookshelf.

Again, thank you for you help. Speakers chosen. Now I just need to figure out the best workaround to this fireplace.
 
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