500-700 quid: Gaming, Music and Videos

Lambic

Lambic

Lambic

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Joined
20 Dec 2016
Posts
3
Hello Gents

Got a budget of 500-700 for some decent speakers and DAC, or all in one like HD6 or Yamaha NX500

Recently just commissioned a custom build high end PC for gaming, music and movies. The motherboard is Gigabyte Gaming 7, which apparently has above average onboard sound – but it is probably dire anyway. I have been using AV40 on a Sony Vaio for the last 4 years, so it is a big step up. However, I want to get a good sound system, much better than what I have now and what the onboard sound can provide.

I would have a wired connection in my study – USB or Optical or Coaxial. No great need for streaming etc., although Bluetooth Apt would be useful on rare occasions. The system needs to be able to play 24 / 192 music (which I need to acquire, current library is just 320kbps). Must be excellent for gaming, music and movies.

So, correct me if I am wrong, but money would be better spent on an external DAC and powered speakers? Or external DAC/Amp and passive speakers? Which is better out of the Yamaha and Audioengine?

Ideally a DAC or DAC/AMP which automatically powers up when in use and shuts down when not? (Years ago I had a Meyer device and some sennheiser noise isolating headphones connected to an iPhone and there were a lot of switches involved)

Needs to look tidy, minimal lag for gaming and decent audio performance.

Pay once, cry once approach.

Thanks for advice
 
Bit more research.....and a simpler question......for 130 quid, is there a better USB DAC than the Meridian Explorer 2?

What would be the perfect powered/active speakers for this DAC?
 
Below are some recommendations, which I've tried to order by price:

TANGENT SPECTRUM X5 BT
Q Acoustics BT3 Bluetooth Active Speakers
Roth Audio POWA-5 MKII Active Speakers (Pair)
Ruark Audio MR1 Active Bluetooth Speakers
audio pro addon t14
Audioengine A5+
DALI ZENSOR 1 AX (I like the look of these, but expensive)

All of these support bluetooth, but as I'm sure you will anyway it's worth nothing any differences in connections etc

Ideally you want something with at least a 5" woofer, which most of these have :)

For DAC I'm sure someone else can help, as I know more about speakers :p ("But you must have a DAC?!" Yes I do which I'm happy with)
 
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Buy British! You guys make awesome speakers. I'm very very happy with my KEF X300A which I've had for a year now. They are a pair of 5 1/4" speakers which have built in DAC and amplification. Everything you need comes in the box.
 
mistersprinkles said:
Buy British! You guys make awesome speakers. I'm very very happy with my KEF X300A which I've had for a year now. They are a pair of 5 1/4" speakers which have built in DAC and amplification. Everything you need comes in the box.
Click to expand...

Not a bad shout sir, although a bit over budget!

Won't be long before someone comes in with a hifi separates recommendation ;)

On that note, headphones could also be an option if you haven't considered already.
 
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Hello Gents

This is very reassuring.

I did not check the thread for 24 hours.

I have ordered some Kef X300A (406 quid! - not wireless) and Isoacostic L8R155 (95 quid).

Will be 4 weeks before I get it all, but gut instinct is telling me I picked a winner.

What do you think?
 
I think you will not be disappointed.. Kef is quality just look at those things :p

Let us know how you get on..
 
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