I've been searching around for some affordable but decent audio kit. The amount of stuff that's available is extremely intimidating, so any help would be appreciated.
At the very entry level I could just go for decent 2.1 stereo PC speakers. I've been looking at the Logitech Z623s https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-2-...dp/B00413BI7Q/
The next step up from that is a pair of studio monitors. I don't know how much I'd spend, max about €300 for both I'm guessing. This would probably be the most affordable option with regards to getting the cash together and not saving for months on end (which knowing me is unlikely.) The question with monitors for me is the setup I have to feed into them. I'd just have a PC and standard 3.5mm jack. Even playing FLACs off my computer (but still mostly MP3 from Youtube and Spotify) I don't know if I'd need a proper soundcard to get the most out of my computer and the monitors.
The high end goal, and something that'd be really tempting even if it meant a lot of discipline is an audio receiver and speakers. Preferably it'd be able to take output from my computer via WiFi and Bluetooth, and I could somehow link up my collection to be browse-able via the receiver's remote/built-in system. A built in CD player might be handy too. Decent extra input options would be great for down the line as well, both an ethernet jack should I ever hook up a simple NAS, and a phono input should I ever want to hook up a turntable, although the cost of that puts it down the line, especially with the cost of vinyl as an ongoing expense.
On top of the receiver option is of course what speakers I get with it. I was doing some browsing and I'd be looking at about €300/€400 for a receiver that wouldn't do everything I'd want. And the same again for speakers, plus about half that for a turntable. Overall I'd be looking at somewhere between €800 and €1,000 to get a system that would just about get me to barely entry level audiophile territory. It'd be killer, but it'd involve a lot of scrimping and saving. If I had a more affordable place sorted, plus a bit of work it'd be what I'd aim for.
Basically, dear FHC, what I'm looking for is the pros and cons of the setup options, any info on what is actually necessary for each setup, and finally recommendations on what's a decent buy for each of the options I presented.
Bookmarks