Want to setup basic home audio system
https://www.psaudio.com/products/sprout100-elac-system/ Get a USB adaptor for you iphone and feed it Tidal or Qobuz or buy a streamer like https://www.bluesound.com/products-archive/vault-2/ or a used one for less and you are set. Then upgrade the speakers in a year. |
Since you're on your phone and computer a lot if you're in the Apple world you really can't beat stereo Homepods for only about $400 total if you get them on sale. They are portable too! They sound beyond great and probably get way more for your buck than a lot of other more bulky/cumbersome setups. |
I'm a little late jumping in, but I will second the recommendation to look at Monitor Audio speakers. The Bronze are nice at their price point. Marantz, Cambridge and NAD all make nice integrateds that will be in your budget if you buy used. I would stay away from tube at this price point. Likely won't get the power you need to fill your room. You don't need fancy cables, but don't go too cheap. They matter. There are some very reasonably priced cables available from Audioquest or Morrow Audio. Morrow even has a trade up allowance if you want to upgrade in the future. |
You have a LOT of great options for that budget and have gotten some good advice here. I’ve had a lot of speakers and amps over the past 6 or so years, mostly moderately priced used gear. I’m always looking, for resale, and the ones I like stay around for a while. Speakers make the most difference in the sound quality. Listening to the smaller systems in an office a bit smaller than your space. Favorite bookshelf that come to mind: B&W 601 S2, Quad 22L, Tannoy Sensys, KEF Q1, Monitor Silver 5i (older small floorstanders), Elac B6.2, and currently Klipsch RB-5 which will likely stay permanently. All are in the $200-350 price range. NAD and Yamaha and some Denon are favorite amps. I have a Yamaha streamer now with my main system. Looking for a Bluesound to replace it. You can also get vintage like a Pioneer SX-750 or low wattage Marantz. I'd stay with newer for speakers though. I wouldn’t spend a quarter of my budget on cables. I did get the Canare mentioned above for my B&W Matrix 804 because they recommend bi-wiring. I think there is a slight improvement, but certainly not dramatic m(y listening area and positioning aren’t ideal.) |
