Topic: Suggestion on Simple Audio Setup

[bogart.2006]

Audition is key. The brands that I recommended may not suit your preference but I believe they are good all rounders that can deliver the goods. Good idea to be on the lookout in the Marketplace since most of the guys here in PDVD take care of their gears hence you get a better price to performance trade off in going pre-owned. 

Thanks sir.  Just one last thing...

Given that I will only listen to music on this setup, I ditch the receivers with AV functions.  But does that also mean that I will just shop for 2 channel stereo receivers right?  Preferably with Phono and Subwoofer capabilities?

[hi-fidelity-4-all]

Thanks sir.  Just one last thing...

Given that I will only listen to music on this setup, I ditch the receivers with AV functions.  But does that also mean that I will just shop for 2 channel stereo receivers right?  Preferably with Phono and Subwoofer capabilities?

AV (audio/video) or HT (home theater) Receiver = AM/FM Receiver + Preamplifier + Amplifier (generally, 5+ channels for surround sound and provide video functions to hook up a display

Integrated Amplifier = Preamplifier + Amplifier (generally, 2 channels for audio only setup)

Preamplifier = multiple inputs (to connect analog sources - CDP, phono, tape, Aux, etc.), at least one set of outputs to feed an Amplifier

Amplifier = Amplifier (at least 2 channels for stereo, 5+ for surround)


The benefit of separate components is flexibility and upgradability.

Also, if you go the AV Receiver route now, with a low budget, another upgrade path is an external DAC.

Enjoy your search.  It's half the fun of music listening (?)   : )

[disturbed]

Thanks sir.  Just one last thing...

Given that I will only listen to music on this setup, I ditch the receivers with AV functions.  But does that also mean that I will just shop for 2 channel stereo receivers right?  Preferably with Phono and Subwoofer capabilities?

Most 2 channel amps do not have subwoofer out..kaya normally 2.0 lang setup..kasi satisfied na madalas sa bass coming from the speakers..pero pag bitin ka talaga sa lows you can incorporate a subwoofer..kahit walang subwoofer out ang amp..meron naman line level inputs/outputs mga subs ngayon..so dun mo padaanin

[Gino]

Some subwoofers have speaker level inputs. These are used when a subwoofer line level (rca) is not available. The speaker level terminals connect in parallel with the main speakers.

[synchro_01]

Some subwoofers have speaker level inputs. These are used when a subwoofer line level (rca) is not available. The speaker level terminals connect in parallel with the main speakers.

This is the method that works best for me.

[synchro_01]

Thanks sir.  Just one last thing...

Given that I will only listen to music on this setup, I ditch the receivers with AV functions.  But does that also mean that I will just shop for 2 channel stereo receivers right?  Preferably with Phono and Subwoofer capabilities?

Yes. The subs can be easily integrated using RCA Y jacks via pre out or via speaker input of sub. If phono is your poison then look for a used integrated 4140 CREEK. The phono stage of that unit is impeccable plus it pumps out a clean and rated 40watts x 2. Just be patient in looking for one since it seldom pops out in the Market place but is worth the wait.

For speakers go for a Brit made para all brit set up ka. Bagay sa New Wave yun 

[bogart.2006]

Yes. The subs can be easily integrated using RCA Y jacks via pre out or via speaker input of sub. If phono is your poison then look for a used integrated 4140 CREEK. The phono stage of that unit is impeccable plus it pumps out a clean and rated 40watts x 2. Just be patient in looking for one since it seldom pops out in the Market place but is worth the wait.

For speakers go for a Brit made para all brit set up ka. Bagay sa New Wave yun 

Thanks bro, will be on the look out for a Creek then

[dodie]

btw boss ano ang gamit mong turntable at karayom?

eto sir baka gusto mo?

for sale by sir nolax...
UPDATED PRICES!
Rotel RA1520 and B&W 685 combo

1. Slightly used  Rotel RA1520 (2.1 plus a bery goo mm phono section) and B&W 685 combo @ P58k price drop to p48k.
with Wireworld entry level speaker wire as freebie.

[bogart.2006]

btw boss ano ang gamit mong turntable at karayom?

eto sir baka gusto mo?

for sale by sir nolax...
UPDATED PRICES!
Rotel RA1520 and B&W 685 combo

1. Slightly used  Rotel RA1520 (2.1 plus a bery goo mm phono section) and B&W 685 combo @ P58k price drop to p48k.
with Wireworld entry level speaker wire as freebie.

Yeah, I saw that post nga.  But 48k is a little steep. Wala pa ko cabinet dyan and wires.

Wala pa ko turntable sir, which is also why tempting as Nolax's post is, i have to reserve funds din for a turntable pa haha

Is Cambridge any good?

[dodie]

cambrigdege tt50? nope bossing...

yung kay nolax, give away na yung 685 dun.  then youll be spending at least 20k for a decent TT plus karayom. then another 5k for the stand ang rack. then another 15-20k for a good sub...then another 4k for the voltage regulator And line filter...medyo mahal boss pag inisip mo...pero pwedeng sleeper na yang setup na yan.
may kasabihan nga tayo "what is money compare to happiness"

[mbtorn]

cambrigdege tt50? nope bossing...

yung kay nolax, give away na yung 685 dun.  then youll be spending at least 20k for a decent TT plus karayom. then another 5k for the stand ang rack. then another 15-20k for a good sub...then another 4k for the voltage regulator And line filter...medyo mahal boss pag inisip mo...pero pwedeng sleeper na yang setup na yan.
may kasabihan nga tayo "what is money compare to happiness"

+ 1000   No price for happiness!!

[Superman]

If it is from Nolax, it must be EXCELLENT!

[CoolTOYZPH]

A CREEK 4040 is in the market place. Unfortunately it is over your set budget
http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,205864.msg2369872/topicseen.html#new

Thanks bro, will be on the look out for a Creek then

[bogart.2006]

cambrigdege tt50? nope bossing...

yung kay nolax, give away na yung 685 dun.  then youll be spending at least 20k for a decent TT plus karayom. then another 5k for the stand ang rack. then another 15-20k for a good sub...then another 4k for the voltage regulator And line filter...medyo mahal boss pag inisip mo...pero pwedeng sleeper na yang setup na yan.
may kasabihan nga tayo "what is money compare to happiness"

Haha... Ang layo na ng tinalon ng budget ko. From 15k to 100k, hehe. I'm already open to increasing the budget. I figure that if this is anything like car audio, I'm better off spending for high end equipment than settling and just spending more down the road for an upgrade. The problem is, funds won't come in until around end of March and not sure that Nolax's items will still be available by then. Baka pwede hulugan haha...

[zram18]

15k for a decent setup, that's really impossible sir.

maliit na lang po 15k ngayon. sa Raon nga, Konzert/Sakura amp with speakers 15k plus na but i dont think you will be satisfied with that. kung gusto mo, marami sa pier mura, amp and speakers from Japan pero not in good condition and you need to have a techie partner to identify the good from the bad or else mapapagastos ka rin for refurbishment and replacement of wornout parts.

my advice is to keep your 15k and wait for the next fund "reinforcement" kahit mga 15k lang ulit. so with a budget of 30k, you will have more (and better) options.

[Gino]

Decent is relative. Like I have small Denon bookshelf at the market place for P5000. It's a pocket rocket. Get a Chinese digital amp with at least 70w x 2ch and you get decent sound with good midbass. A phono stage preamp must come later since that is expensive.

[bogart.2006]

Did some canvassing today. How does this package sound? Creek 4040s, Polk RTi A1 and a Rega Turntable (forgot the model, but the entry level one). Still hunting for a good cd player and a subwoofer. Any ideas?

[synchro_01]

Did some canvassing today. How does this package sound? Creek 4040s, Polk RTi A1 and a Rega Turntable (forgot the model, but the entry level one). Still hunting for a good cd player and a subwoofer. Any ideas?

I'd ditch the Polk and get something warmer in signature sound but that's just me. No offense to Polk users. I use Polk as well on my HT.

can your budget reach for an Epos? or B&W?

That would be a GREAT starter system.

[mbtorn]

Get the creek amp then try to score a wharfedale denton as speakers then rega tt & phono preamp for an all british set up!

[ndotcom]

Are you keen on the Creek 4040 and this from Forseti? The owner have lot of speakers to test them with and try to ask if he still have the epos es11's and audition the pair.

This could also be considered

http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,160415.msg1621252.html#msg1621252

I have an epos M12 still lying around not used if this helps. 

Try the new Epos lines too I think a shop in Makati Cinema Square offers them.

[synchro_01]

Rega + Creek + Epos = killer starter set up

[bogart.2006]

Thanks for the input, much appreciated. I only went to one store so limited ang na-canvass haha. I'll have a look at other speakers din.

To be honest, dahil medyo strecthed ang original planned budget, I might defer on the TT and just go muna with a CD player. Any leads?

[DTNS]

Thanks for the input, much appreciated. I only went to one store so limited ang na-canvass haha. I'll have a look at other speakers din.

To be honest, dahil medyo strecthed ang original planned budget, I might defer on the TT and just go muna with a CD player. Any leads?

for a budget CD player, I'd suggest the following:

Marantz CD5005
Onkyo C-7030

[-mhan-]

for a budget CD player, I'd suggest the following:

Marantz CD5005
Onkyo C-7030

san store nabibili yung C-7030 sir?

[DTNS]

san store nabibili yung C-7030 sir?

directly from Toyama or from one of their dealers. check out this link:
http://www.onkyophilippines.com/#!dealers/bpfsy

pwede rin online. pero walang discount pag bumili ka online.

[synchro_01]

To be honest, dahil medyo strecthed ang original planned budget, I might defer on the TT and just go muna with a CD player. Any leads?

If all your media is backed up on a drive/PC/Phone/Tablet etc you can use that for the moment as your basic front end source or just use a DVD player as a temporary option.
 
Put all your initial budget on the integrated amp / speaker / sub combo so you can get the basics really right. The foundation of your system according to impact on overall performace should be the speaker then the amp. Get this wrong and no matter how good your front end is it will not be maximized.

Once you have recovered from the initial purchase shock then you can then decide to get a cdp or a TT

[junji]

If you have pc or laptop, you can use as a source by installing foobar2000 for free. Look for bs and amp used from marketplace. Basa ka lang ng feedback from audioreview site at dito sa pdvd for actual users. Wag sa whathifi ha.

[Nelson de Leon]

And don't forget, audition auditiom audition. You should know kung ano ang preferred SQ mo before you buy. Bring some of your favorite and test tracks. Minimum 6-10 systems bago mo malaman ang preference mo. Then you build your system based on your preferred SQ.

[synchro_01]

And don't forget, audition auditiom audition. You should know kung ano ang preferred SQ mo before you buy. Bring some of your favorite and test tracks. Minimum 6-10 systems bago mo malaman ang preference mo. Then you build your system based on your preferred SQ.

This part of the hobby is very important. Dont be in a hurry to fork over your hard earned cash so that you could take home the kit and begin to enjoy it. Enjoy the process.

[bogart.2006]

This part of the hobby is very important. Dont be in a hurry to fork over your hard earned cash so that you could take home the kit and begin to enjoy it. Enjoy the process.

I just had a meeting with our interior designer yesterday.  The bad news is that the current layout and design of our living room won't accommodate my planned audio setup.  The good news is, I would have to squeeze this into our dedicated TV room which is a lot smaller and I gather would be better for a pure audio setup. 

The only concern I have at the moment is how to integrate the audio setup into the TV room (10 to 12sqm) as I don't really want to have separate speakers for the TV and another set for my music.  I already have a simple setup for my movies which I'm happy with (Pioneer VSX405) with basic Pioneer speakers. 

I guess the logical choice for me is to use the bookshelf speakers I plan to get as the front speakers for both my movies and audio.  Since they're going to be driven by separate devices, I get a speaker selector switch? 

The other alternative is to retain the Pioneer floor standers and install the bookshelf speakers I'm getting for audio, but kind of cluttered. 

Thoughts?