r/BudgetAudiophile

Firstly I recognize that this post might be met immediately with read the FAQ but I tried to read the linked FAQ and the "I have $XXX for Y product" pages that are linked but they have all been removed and archived. The mods might want to refresh those links.

I was trying to find information on what receivers are recommended at each price point and what new features you get at each price point. I'm trying to buy a gift for someone who has some bookshelf speakers and a turntable. They also have a TV right next to these things but they are unable to use the speakers and turntable without a receiver which is the main problem I'd like to solve. Having Bluetooth casting ability might be nice. I was wondering if you have recommendations. I would love to spend less than $200 but I am willing to go for a bit more if there is a significant benefit.

I am a novice on this topic so any feedback and advice would be helpful. Thank you in advance and sorry if I broke any rules.

Currently rocking KEF Q150s powered by an SMSL AD18. Also have a cheap JBL sub (but I’ll prioritize upgrading the sub with a different budget later, as right now I’m focused on mostly speaker improvements).

Quick first question: If I would be only using this sound system for bluetooth connectivity (both from my phone and my tv, although I will eventually get a turntable and will want a wired/analogue connection for that) would I be getting more quality for less money by getting a new amp rather than a receiver? I understand that with a receiver you’re paying for something with much more capability than an amp which basically has more of a singular purpose. I assume that means for specifically powering and amplifying sound, you’d get much more out of an amp than a receiver where you’re paying money for many other capabilities that aren’t necessary for me. I don’t have any gaming consoles or anything. I only use my tv (AppleTV 4K) for this setup with no other inputs.

What I do love about my Q150s is that the soundstage is incredible. I’d like something with a similar (or obviously better) quality soundstage. I’m not really sure how different types of speakers handle different genres of music but my favorite type of music is basically Tipper: psychedelic bass music with tons of intricate layers and subtle sounds where you want to hear every little detail.

I like having bookshelf’s but I’m not opposed to floor standers. As I said, I’ll upgrade the subwoofer in the future as I often don’t use it anyways with sharing a house with roommates.

Also: if the amp I currently have will work fine with some much more expensive speakers then I’m okay with spending my entire budget on speakers but I’m guessing an amp (or receiver) upgrade would be helpful as well (or possibly necessary to power more expensive speakers).

Thanks so much in advance for any help. I’m not very knowledgeable about this stuff but I do love listening to my music the way it was intended to be heard and I love clean crisp sound. Even tho my current setup is quite cheap, I appreciate it everyday and I spend hours a day in my listening spot just admiring the music coming out of these things lol. I can’t wait to see what a 3-4x more expensive setup could sound like.

Hi all, long time lurker, first time audio enthusiast. I’m putting together my first hifi system for a medium living room open concept modern house. Vinyl only 2 channel setup. I enjoy a variety of music but no heavy metal. In Canada so prices are a lot higher.

I have a Yamaha RS300 amp and Fluance RT82 turntable. Bought Klipsch R50M on a black Friday sale. I enjoy very clear highs and lots of treble and noticeable bass but doesn’t have to be woofer level. I hate when a speaker sounds muddy or veiled. Clear vocals and highs are a must. I went to listen to the RP-600m’s and Q150s yesterday and in the big box store the Q150s really impressed me, even though I thought I was Klipsch fan because of how many reviews said they’re brighter. They didn’t have my R50m’s there for that comparison. I see the Oberon3 is on a good sale so tossing them in as well.

Curious what you reccommend across the 4 options. I know sound is personal but would like to hear your opinions and maybe something I’m not considering.

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my Elac DCB41 speakers. They are connected via USB to my iMac M3. When there is no audio, they seem to go into sleep mode, because any sound I play afterward (YouTube video, Apple Music, etc.) starts with a delay of about one second. The sleep mode kicks in immediately – even if I skip forward or backward in a YouTube video, I have to wait about a second for the sound to start. What’s especially frustrating is that they also turn off when a song has a brief musical pause. This causes a longer audio dropout.

This doesn't seem to happen if I connect the speakers via Bluetooth. However, I'd like to enjoy the full lossless apple music quality. Therefore I'd rather stick with the USB connection.

Has anyone had similar experiences or found a solution?

Thanks guys!

I'm upgrading my Bose Lifestyle v35.. i want something nicer and more powerfull i can choose between these two setups!

For 345 euros i can get this

2x Dali AXS 5000

2x Dali Blue R1000

1x Dali AXS Center

Nad T753 reciver

For double that price or 700 euros i can get this

Sony DH-820 reciver

Systems Audio center

Systems Audio Surround Speaker/Front-High x2

Klipsch Synergy F3 x2

I have max budget of 500 for speakers and a preamp, I am planning on getting a Rega planar 2. I don't know much about speakers but I know that I need an amp in the speakers. Any help is appreciated, thanks

They often pop up on marketplace, looking vintage and sexy, with a random price tag. But on Reddit I see *unanimous* opinion to avoid them. Technics, Akai...etc.

So, what's your ultimate "I know what you're thinking, but nope" list on vintage speakers?

Now, I don't know any better than the ones selling it but I appreciate the aesthetics just as much as the audio and I can't lug around my receiver to test them out, so hoping you can help

Hi folks, I've been offered a mint pair of Artis white Q Acoustics 3050i speakers for £250 the wife says they would look better in our front room than my vintage wharfedale dovedale 3's but I'm worried about it.

Has anybody heard both as I've never heard the Q Acoustics but I've seen the good reviews.Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

This would be my first setup, to listen mainly EDM music from Spotify. I can get all for around 370EUR.

What do you think, should I go ahead? thanks

Total noob but received a nice turntable as a gift. Will be placing it in the living room where the TV is. Main speakers for TV then TT then BT. Budget is around $400. Looking for something really small, looks nice.

Currently looking at the Kanto Yu6 as it doesn't need a phono and amp anymore. I guess that's the easiest setup and within the working budget. Not sure about the quality though. So if there are better alternatives given the budget, that'd be nice!

I am searching for a cheap (headphone-) amp that features 2 AUX inputs as well as Bluetooth and at least 2 AUX outputs (jack > cinch). I will be using it for playbacks and clicker when practicing on my drumset. Since I am lazy and don't want to keep unplugging cables, I need multiple in- and outputs.
A longer search on Amazon revealed stuff like this:

• with the drawback that the second output is for speakers via cinch

• with the same drawback

I was wondering if anyone can recommend a better amp in the same or slightly higher price range :)
2 or more outputs via cinch or better jack cable would be nice...

I'm so torn between these 2.

Assuming they're both the same price (within $20) - which would you choose?

Would love to hear from anyone who has heard both.

Looking to do a 2.1 bedroom setup 50/50 music vs home theatre.

Thanks very much!

I'm curious what the bass is like on these speakers, say compared to a cheap pc option like creative or Logitech 2.1 setups?

I'm looking for extra budget option to get Spotify streaming in small form factor. Is the Audiocast M5 connected to Fosi Audio V3 at 48V will be enough to get Spotify streaming going on? Does Audiocast M5 have some equalizer onboard so I can alter the sound in any way? Any better streamers than M5 for 25USD on AliExpress? The speakers will be Heco Interior 230S probably, or something that I can get used and cheap.

Currently have a 5.1 setup, all infinity: 2000.6 fronts (bought for $80 both + 40$ for replacement tweeter), RS1 rears ($18 both), and a CC3 ($25) center. My sub is a presonus Eris 8, a holdover from my studio till I can find a good really good deal on a sub in my area. I’m happy with my system currently, but I understand this stuff is ‘mid-fi’ from the 90s. So I’ve kept my eye on marketplace.

Negotiated a pair of pristine infinity Primus 360 towers down to 190, and found a set of Primus 143 bookshelf speakers for 20.

I’m definitely going to get the 143s, 20 bucks for better surrounds is worth it to me. I’ll find use for the rs1s. I’m having trouble justifying the towers though. I understand there’s about 10-15 years of engineering in between, and I could probably flip the 2000.6s for 80 bucks. I’m just not sure if it would be worth it? I’ve only heard amazing things about the Primus series and middling things about the reference 2000s.

To add insult to injury I’ve found some people were about to get the 360s for absolute bargain prices, which I can ever seem to find in my area.

I have good ears but by no means am I an audiophile, nor do I particularly want to identify one. I like good sound. I’m happy with the 2000.6s but know there’s room for improvement in the mids.

My room is L shaped, part living room part kitchen. Open concept.

Would you bite the bullet? I’m planning to, I think they look way better too. But 200 bucks is a lot of money, and it can get a lot of speaker! Am I foolish to stick to infinity?

Located in central Indiana if that helps.

Thanks

Hello !
I currently have a cambridge audio One+ (). Use it as an amp for my PC driving 2 passve cambridge audio S20 speakers and an active budget sub.

It's volume knob has been on the way out for a while, so looking to buy a simple 2.1 amp. I don't use the CD player or radio.

I am curious if DAC would be worthwhile, is there any advantage? Bluetooth connectivity would be useful for the rare occasion I connect my phone.

Ideally don't want an external power supply as think it's neater to have 1 kettle lead than yet another power brick, but looking at most budget options, they seem to be 48v DC, so would compromise to external power if that's the best solution.

Any suggestions?