Okay the speakers first.
I'm not going to recommend anything given speakers are such a subjective
thing but what I do recommend you do is go down to your specialist Hi-Fi
store - make an appointment perhaps - tell them what you're after and
listen to a dozen pairs of speakers, let your ears recommend the
speakers for you.
You're on a budget so let's look at a budget brand of speakers, what
about Polk Audio? I have a pair of their bookshelf speakers which - to
me are quite okay - sound absolutely gorgeous when playing Classical
music as I like doing, they don't sound as good with pop tunes and
things like that but they're okay,.
For a budget amp? Well you have a number of good choices, you said you
didn't want any gimmicks so how the Rotel RA10, I have one of these.
It is indeed a basic amplifier with a great design and top quality
components.
I have the Rotel Amp connected to my Rotel DAC and that combination is
really something when listening to music, I can tell the difference
between the digital and analogue sources but its incredibly subtle and
perhaps another topic for another time.
The Rotel has 4 Line-in inputs and a tape facility should you want to
run it through a computer sound card or conventional recorder.
On the front left below the power switch are 2 3.5MM sockets, one being
for headphones and the other being a input for iPods and other portable
gear, quite handy.
And if you're thinking of purchasing a turntable? Well the sound of the
Rotel's fono amp might just make you buy one, that fono amp for such a
budget priced unit is incredible.
Now this is just an estimation but I reckon you'd get that rotel amp and
a very desirable pair of speakers for well in your price range, I walked
out the door of a Hi-Fi shop with my amp and Polk Audio speakers 3 years
ago - including connection cables - for $1000 and our dollar is worth
just over half your pound.
On 3/12/2016 8:25 AM, Colin Phelan wrote:
Hi All,
I am after your recommendations.
I am using a 30 year old hi fi system which is still working fine.
Mission Cyrus Amp and Linn Index speakers.
I have these connected through a DAC to my laptop from which I play all my
music which I have converted to MP3.
I am considering upgrading the speakers and amp and am completely out of
touch with what is in the market.
I am interested in sound quality not gimics
I don't stream and don't want to go wireless and am looking for good quality
speakers that I can mount on stands
and an amp that will work through my DAC
Budget 800 sterling.
Thanks
Colin
--
**********
“Oh, I’m an activist and I’m OK / I sleep all night and I tweet all day.”
