Speakers for Marantz Amp. Need Advice

mason on 14/05/2010 - 08:54

Hi, was going to buy the sony ht system posted at the moment.
Went and checked it out at video pro and the guy told me I was mad as I already have a Marantz 6.1 amp (3yrs old).
So I need advice on speakers to buy for this. I currently only have two old speakers connected that need replacing.

looking to get 2 front, centre and a sub.
Budget would be about $350 all up.
Will be running the ps3 on optical for bluray etc.
Have no idea about brand, quality etc or if I should spend more or less.

Thanks.

General Discussion

Comments

  • h4lcyon on 14/05/2010 - 09:16
    +2

    If you are looking to buy decent speakers, even the sub will cost more than $350. I think your best bet is to use the sales people @ VideoPro to find a few products that you like.

    Once you have a good idea of what you want start looking online to see if you can get a cheaper price.

    Speakers are one of those things like TVs that you really want to check out in person before buying, that way you know what you are getting.

    • mason on 14/05/2010 - 09:32

      Thanks, so maybe I look at just replacing the front with decent ones and build as I can afford.
      My biggest use would be music which is streamed through the ps3.
      Dont want cheap but also dont need the best.
      Just dont want to walk into shop with no idea.

      • h4lcyon on 14/05/2010 - 11:00
        +1

        As iffer mentioned, just trust your ears.

        All you need to know is that you like the sound, and you can afford it.

        Unless it is from someone driving a white van :)

        • dirtybird on 16/05/2010 - 18:38

          Aye do not ever buy anything branded Deutsch Akustik.
          Noticed a few on Gumtree atm.

  • iffer on 14/05/2010 - 10:33
    +3

    Speakers are a very personal choice - have a listen in the shops where you can.
    At your price point, don't expect a lot of choices (or music quality alas).
    Don't worry about specs, or marketing fluff - just listen - trust your ears.
    Jen

  • ESEMCE on 14/05/2010 - 12:40
    +1

    eBay for secondhand speakers…
    I bought a decent dB Dynamics set of 5.1 surround with Pioneer Amp (no digital video switching of course) and Powered Sub for $175!!
    They're not the best speakers in the world but they're not the worst either, somewhere in the lower middle range. But it's a $1000 speaker package new.
    I sold the amp and my old speakers (cheapie DSE bookshelf fronts, small Jamo Sub and small Yamaha surrounds and centre) for $150! total cost to me, ~$30 after fees.

    Narrow down your ebay search to local listings only and keep your eye on the search every few days to get a feel for the market.. There's always some decent stuff up there.. You just have to find the gear that suits your requirements (namely physical dimensions) and your budget, then hope the seller hasn't trashed them!

    • neil on 14/05/2010 - 12:50
      +1

      Agree with scubacoles. Speakers should last forever so buying used makes better bargain sense. In the past, have picked up speakers from garage sales and was happy with the results. Only issues ever were cosmetic damage.

      • ESEMCE on 14/05/2010 - 13:00
        +1

        Speaker cones can be easily replaced too.. Jaycar have some decent options but there are some great online sellers too.

        PS. Great advice from the salesperson..
        Accusound and dB Dynamics are 2 brands you should keep an eye out for. They're decent without being ridiculously expensive, and they're on the secondhand market a lot as they tend to be people's first dip into decent speakers.. And they get upgraded for more expensive sets like Krix or VAF.

      • mason on 14/05/2010 - 13:58

        So now im wondering are my current speakers ok to build on:

        JVC SPE500 (made in Belgium) 3 way acoustic suspension.
        50w/100w music
        freq 55hz-20kz
        imp 8omh
        mag sheilded.
        My reason for replacement is they are over 20 years old and came with my first stereo system. still sound ok.

        Thanks for all the advise

        • ESEMCE on 16/05/2010 - 11:47
          +1

          Usually the old speaker boxes are well made, If you're happy with the way they look and the way they sound, keep em!
          If the roll surrounds on the drivers aren't degrading, you probably don't need to replace them. But it's pretty easy to find replacements and solder them in.
          Put your money into some surrounds/sub instead if you're looking to do home theatre.

  • bbourizk on 14/05/2010 - 14:12
    +1

    http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-CARTON-DAMAGED-ACCUSOUND-REF-8-5-…

    check this brand out RRP for the is over $2K
    but damaged packaging mean they go cheap different models available
    have had a set of these for the past 15 years and work and sound great.

    updated the center speaker and rear ones not long ago and will do the front two soon.
    running them with a very decent pioneer amp and HTPC setup.
    sound is great

    • ESEMCE on 16/05/2010 - 11:49

      Good find.
      I have the Centre, Surrounds and Sub from this combo..

  • Kranbone on 16/05/2010 - 11:15
    +2

    Try to listen before you buy if possible and see what suits your needs. Don't forget to mention what size place you have in regards to the room.

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