Seeking Advice to Improve My Audio System ($1000 Budget)
Hello everyone. I have started collecting physical media (mainly Classical Music, but also some Metal, and older singer/songwriter material) for a few years now, and have built up a collection that is mainly vinyl, but also some CDs. I have slowly built up a stereo system to support it. I am not very knowledgeable with audio equipment and feel like I am drowning in information, and so I have pieced together what there seems to be a consensus around with my budget. So far I have:
Audio Engine A5+ 150 W Speakers
REGA Planar Plus 1 Turntable with built in stage
SMSL PL200 CD Player
I use the RCA port for my turntable, and the aux port for my CD player.
Now I am wondering where I should go with my setup. I want my next investment to be around the $1000 range, but am not sure where to go with it. Should I get a woofer for the speakers and an external preamp for my turntable? Or at this price, am I better off looking for better speakers...or is there another weak point in my system? My main concerns are that the midrange and upper frequencies do sound muddy compared to other systems I have heard (but they aren't terrible) and while the bass isn't bad, it certainly could be enhanced.
As a final question, I am confused when it comes to the pre-amp. I don't quite understand how they work, and I am a bit confused and worried that I would run into an issue with my existing built-in preamp overriding an external one? Any advice?
The weak link is your powered speakers. I heard these at a show and found them somewhat lacking in sparkle—pleasant but lacking detail as you’ve noted. You will need a separate integrated (preamp and power amp in one unit) amplifier (with or without a phono amp built in) and new speakers. What cartridge are you using? |
Just the Rega Carbon MM that came with the table. It's the best sound I've heard produced by vinyl (but I have limited experience with it, I grew up with CDs and my last turntable was a cheap Audio Technica) I have heard it's difficult to swap cartridges on these things. You mentioned a separate integrated amp, would this automatically override the stage in my turntable? What is an example of one of these integrated amps? |
Long ago I owned Audioengine A2+ speakers as my main setup for almost 5 years. The top end is muddy and not clean as you describe. If you want to stay with a powered speaker the KEF LS50 Wireless II (active model) will be much better. Maybe you can get one used for $1000 - $1500. LS50 Wireless II | Best Wireless HiFi Speakers | KEF USA The LS50 Meta passive is also great and can be found for $1000 and under. However, you will need a good amp for it. PeachTree audio has some decent low-cost amps. Both combined would be under $2k and definitely sound better than the 5+ you have. For a really great BUDGET system I would get a $700 Schitt Kara F preamp | Schitt $2k Wotan amp | $1k Magnepan LRS+ speaker. My office system is similar except I have Magnepan Mini in a small space. The LRS+ plays in a bigger room and is a bit less clean on top as the Mini. The LS50 Meta would be amazing on this amp and preamp. The LS50 is going to have a slightly cleaner sound over the LRS+ and Mini but the Magnepan has the terrific WALL OF SOUND effect that is addictive. BTW - I repurchased the Audioengine A2+ recently, but it is only used on a desktop for computer audio.
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I recommend to get Wavetouch audio WT-95 which is the world’s best sound SACD, CD, FLAC, media player + streamer. Compare sounds: Original music vs. WT-95 vs. dCS Varese DAC (million $ system) Original music vs. WT-95 vs. dCS Varese DAC (million $ system) My 2 cents. I wish I knew below info at beginning of my audio journey 40 years ago. Then I didn’t have to waste my effort, money, and time so much. All audio systems in the world are severely veiled, noisy, and distorted. There is no audio system sounds close to the original sound and WT-95 is the closest (the most accurate) to the original sound. All audio systems (incl. million $ systems) sound/behave like the left speaker in below. Your audio system sounds like the left speaker Many people merry-go-round upgrade audio gears forever hoping their audio will sound satisfactory with next purchase but no one has done it. So, upgrade wisely. Alex / Wavetouch audio |
I think that you will get the biggest bang for the buck by putting the $1K into speakers. There are many other things to upgrade in your setup as well, but given the budgetary constraints here I would try to add the best set of floor standing full range speakers that $1K will get. Otherwise other improvements in your system will be hard to evaluate. |
I agree on the idea of better speakers. Even inexpensive integrated amps can, these days, do a great job powering speakers until you can upgrade them. Consider buying used and maybe local if you can. Saves on shipping cost and damage. One way to do that is to go here and add in your zip code plus a distance radius. Try sorting by price to find what works for you. Then look up the seller and see their rating. Correspond with them, and maybe have a phone call. Another way forward is to see if there is an audio club in your area. Make contact with members and see if they have a way that members buy and sell from one another. Friendly, local people are great ways to find your next speaker. |
It is tough to break away from active speakers on a budget, as the whole chain has to be replaced. Staying within your budget, here is a system that will be a big upgrade over your current setup. I have only heard ELAC speakers at an audio show, but I was always impressed with the sound, a great value. There are several models that will work for you, these have a front port which gives you some placement options. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_970DB62/ELAC-Debut-2-0-B6-2.html?tp=186 An integrated amp will give you the best bang for your buck. I restarted my audio journey with NAD, and it served me well. There are other options, but this is a pretty decent unit. It even has a phono amp built in which may be an improvement. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_745C316V2/NAD-C316BEE-V2.html?cc=07 And you will need some speaker cables, Blue Jeans has a good product: https://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm These are all new products, you might be able go up the line with these brands by buying used. Check out hifishark for scouting used gear.
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Okay, I think after some digging and from some recommendations on here (thank you to @yyzsantabarbara for a great place to start, you made things a lot easier.) I think I am settling towards saving a bit more and going for:
A Kef LS50 Meta and a Hegel H95. I see endless debate about this being enough to power it, but from what I have read, it seems it would be. And I can always sell upgrade the Hegel in the future, which would pave the way for an upgrade for the speaker. I like the idea of not putting all of my eggs into one basket with a powered speaker.
I have read some say that the Kef needs a subwoofer to get the full range for classical music, and so I think a KC62 will be the the next upgrade for that, but it sure is expensive. Now I have seen some say that there the Kef LS50 is "basically worthless" for Classical without a subwoofer, but I think this is an exaggeration (and that seems common on these forums!) and I gather that although I might lose a bit of bass from my Audio Engine A5+, the bass will be more distinctive, and I should notice a fairly large difference even without the subwoofer.
What do people think of this solution? Am I missing a piece of the puzzle? The price of the Hegel and the Kef would be around $3000 (I think I can find the Hegel for $500 cheaper), does anyone have a strong opinion on there being a better complete solution for that price? |
At 1,000 bucks it is difficult to buy good system ...But possible... I am happy with powered Edifier speakers but if i had money i will buy better one for sure...( My Sansui alpha can drive anything but for now i dont want to invest 1000 bucks on passive speakers alone i am happy with which i could achieve as secondary system (speakers) versus my main one (K340) ) How much cost a linear power supply ? I own a Chinese one very good at peanut cost... I am happy with it if it goes on for few years as now... (No power button on/off i disconnect it at night but it is a better than a IFI linear supply i paid almost 3 times the price) How much cost a good purifier ? I bought a Chinese one which work better than my Panamax for peanuts... How much cost a pre-amplifier equalizer ? I bought a Douk T8 for peanuts How much cost an acceptable dac ? I bought one from Douk the Q11 ... Peanuts costs... Now , the main important part, any speakers even in nearfield listening need acoustic corner control... ( i use Helmholtz resonators i make with different size tubes and tune, others acoustics controls could be needed relatively to your room parameters) All this will be not satisfying without clean power and a purifier is not enough, i make my own grounding boxes for all pieces of gear even the purifier and the linear power supply...
I hope i suggested to you some research clues... Acoustics controls matter at any speakers price, grounding method matter at all price... Others things matter but i dont want to write a long post...
For the same price i also own my main system which is headphone (AKG K340) Sansui alpha amp and Hidiz pro 80 dac... because i bought all this some years ago the total price of my 2 system do not exceed 1000 bucks by much... If i dont count all the minerals i used in my grounding boxes and my other homemade tweaks... To create a peanuts cost acceptable system ask for much time and experiments...
Purchasing any system at any price is not being an audiophile but being a consumer we must study and experiment... Read about acoustics concepts.... And grounding boxes homemade design... Others will advise you to spend more money... It will be an error... Study first and learn how to make the best with a 1000 bucks system... Replace the speakers you own if you are not happy by low cost one but better one... Upgrading without studying and thinking is not good idea...
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I realized that I forgot to mention that you should add the KC62 sub to the mix with either the LS50 Meta or the Maggies I mentioned. The KC62 sounds great and is fast. It is not a must but when added it takes the system to a better full-range sound. I have not looked up the price of the Hegel H95, but I will repeat here that you should seriously consider the Schitt Wotan amp at $2k. It sounds as good as the much more expensive Hegels I have heard (with KEF Blades for example). It has tremendous power, and I strongly believe it is as good as 3 $8k amps I owned (and sold). It just needs about 2 months of heavy play for the top end to settle. Another amp that I loved with the LS50 Meta is the Benchmark AHB2. This amp can be gotten for about $2.5 or less. It is excellent with the LS50. This amp has a top end like no other. It is not warm-ish like the Wotan. Both amps I mentioned have a home demo period if you buy from the manufacturer. The Benchmark LA4 preamp is what I have in my top system. I ended up with this one after going through a lot of preamps (up to $7k). The thing I like about the LA4 (or HPA4) preamps is that you do not hear it adding to the sound. The Kara F preamp I mentioned before is a good budget preamp but it adds a bit of warmth. the $2.5k LA4 preamp is as good as it gets for my tastes. Again, there is a home demo period with this preamp. Here is a link to a post describing the AHB2 (I totally agree).
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Speakers and cart are typically the best places for upgrades. There's been lots of discussion about speakers (and associated amp) so far, but a stylus upgrade is low hanging fruit. The Rega Carbon MM is the same as the AT-3600L, and any stylus upgrade that will fit the 3600L will fit your Rega Carbon. |
A lot of folks here are ignoring your budget. I would suggest a good used integrated like the older PSAudio Spectral or the newer one that has the phono stage. For inexpensive speakers get the earlier used KEF LS50’s (not the Meta, much less & people dumped them to get the newer Meta). And wired, not wireless with good inexpensive cables like from BlueJean. The included DAC in the Spectrals is good. Forget the sub for now…the LS50’s will be fine for what you want. Believe me, I have done this in a moderate size space. A Project Phono Box or phono pre from Schiit is on the menu if you need it. And replacing your cartridge with a good Sumiko will help also. Don’t get too fancy and you can stat close to your price tange. I’d speak with the folks at TMR in Boulder. |
I owned a pair of the KEF LS50’s and they are awesome speakers, however I think that the H95 is a bit underpowered for them. They are a challenging load for an amp and require some current. Hegel is still a good choice, but I would go used and try to go up the chain a bit. A used Musical Fidelity M6si is a decent choice as well. |
@OP Carlyleciv - To answer your question about preamps in simple terms: the preamp is the part of the amplification chain that takes the input signals, allows switching between them and volume control, and passes the signal to the power amp, which is the part of the amp that creates enough power to drive speakers. Those two parts can be separated - pre/power, or integrated. Many integrated amps include a phono stage. This is required for vinyl playback because the output of a cartridge is lowere than that of a CD player and phono also requires specific frequency equalisation because of the way records are cut compared to CD. Your one K budget is tight, but you can get a decent integrated amp like a Rotel A8 for under five hundred dollars. It's a properly engineered amplifier that sounds good. As a few posters have said above, the Kef LS 50 is an outstanding speaker though it really needs a more expensive amp to drive it. But if you could find a used pair they would still be a good buy. Buying new, you can get something like a Wharfdale Diamond, along with the Rotel for within your budget and have money left for some decent speaker cables. If you can sell on your existing speakers, the next priority would be speaker stands, followed by an upgrade for the Rega Carbon cartridge. I used to sell a lot of these type of entry level systems back in the eighties, but the recipe of a Rega with a decent integrated amp and a pair of stand mounted bookshelf speakers still hasn't changed, both to deliver good sound in itself and as the first stepping stone on the path to even better sound. |
