Speakers /Sound System Recommendation

[petermillard]

Pete, what source material was your sister using? I rip all my CDs to lossless FLAC*, and they sound fine to me. I do find that some of the streaming services use very low bit rates together with dynamic compression to the point that they're almost unlistenable. In truth I do very little 'pure listening' these days, the music and radio is just on as a background to daily living, as such convenience with 'fit for purpose' sound were my main criteria.

*In spite of my far from lossless hearing...

Kev, you're right, it was streamed - can't remember which service she subscribes to. The problem I find with a lot of these compact all-in-one speakers is a lack of base unless you crank up the volume. Like you, my far from lossless hearing (lol, btw) generally keeps me from being too picky - plus, I'm generally more interested in the music, than the sound. The 'thin' bass thing does bug me though...

Cheers, Pete

 

[nev]

you also need to take into account the room you will be putting it in. If it is for a big concrete and steel workshop, it will never sound any good so just go for big loud and cheap.
for the bedroom/ lounge /kitchen etc any of the midi/ mini systems from the likes of Denon Yamaha Teac and Onkyo will be as good as you can get for your money.
you will need to add a pair of speakers (richer sounds for AE, KEF, Gale, Wharfdale small speakers (avoid yamaha, panasonic, pioneer - all too harsh) ).
hth

 

[ChrisR]

A further vote for (Bose).
I have a Bose, VHF Radio/CD unit, purchased back in the mid 1990’s, it was over £400.00 then, but the quality is first class.
Have never regretted the purchase, for one minute.

Only snag, I now use an hearing aid, so can’t really appreciate the sound quality any more.

Take care.

Chris R.

 

[Mark A]

Only snag, I now use an hearing aid, so can’t really appreciate the sound quality any more.

I'm only 21 so hopefully it'll be a long time before I need a hearing aid! :lol:

 

[petermillard]

I'm after something compact with good rich sound. Apart from that I don't mind what it is...

Does it need to be compact so it can be easily moved from room to room, or compact so it can be 'chuck it in a bag and take it with you' portable? If so, then a Bose Soundlink mini may fit the bill - right on your budget too. I have one for listening 'on the go' and it's some of the best sound I've heard from anything that size.

HTH pete

 

[Mark A]

Does it need to be compact so it can be easily moved from room to room, or compact so it can be 'chuck it in a bag and take it with you' portable? If so, then a Bose Soundlink mini may fit the bill - right on your budget too. I have one for listening 'on the go' and it's some of the best sound I've heard from anything that size.

HTH pete

It's going to be kept on the worktop in the corner of the kitchen, so can't be very big.

So, as someone who's used to cheap computer speakers do you reckon I'll be happy with any of the offerings from a reputable brand, such as Bose, Sonos and Yamaha?

I'll phone Richer Sounds tomorrow for advice and perhaps drive over to their store in Cardiff to take a closer look.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[petermillard]

It's going to be kept on the worktop in the corner of the kitchen, so can't be very big.

So, as someone who's used to cheap computer speakers do you reckon I'll be happy with any of the offerings from a reputable brand, such as Bose, Sonos and Yamaha?

I'll phone Richer Sounds tomorrow for advice and perhaps drive over to their store in Cardiff to take a closer look.

Cheers,
Mark

Yeah, I think you'll be well served by any of the branded speakers mentioned here, but for a compact 'kitchen countertop' speaker, I'd probably suggest a Bose Soundlink Mini, or a Bose Soundlink if your budget can stretch to it. Most of the active multimedia speakers I've seen and used are 2.1 systems, i.e. a base unit and a pair of smaller satellite speakers, so not really ideal for a kitchen worktop as the bass units are pretty chunky, generally.

The Sonos Play1 could be a good starting point if you plan to expand to a multi-room system later on, albeit with the restrictions/caveats mentioned further up in this thread; bear in mind as well that it's a mains-only speaker, so needs to be placed within reach of a socket. Also, don't discount smaller portable Bluetooth speakers - I bought my son a JBL Flip Bluetooth speaker to take away to Uni and again, for the size and the money it sounds really very, very good.

One last thought; I agree that Richer sounds is a pretty good starting point, but bear in mind that they don't sell everything; good place to try out the sonos though

Let us know how you get on.

Cheers, Pete

 

[markturner]

The Bose mini sounddock....awesome sound and quality, just excellent

 

[Mark A]

Hi guys,

I called into Richer Sounds on Tuesday and tried out a few systems. In the end I settled for a Cambridge Audio Minx Air 100. It was almost double what I intended to spend but the sound quality won me over :roll: It's a Christmas present for my mum (though I'll use it as well :-$ ), and I've told her it's a big chrome-plated food processor - perhaps the the worst possible thing to buy her as she can't stand cooking! :lol:

Thanks for the advice!

Cheers,
Mark

 

[MMUK]

They are a nice piece of kit. You, erm, your mom I mean, won't be disappointed :mrgreen: