New speakers for PC and PS4

mikeym · 10 Jun 2018 at 21:27

Looking for some advice. Don't know too much about the technical aspects but do appreciate decent sound quality!

I have recently moved my old Denon Dm31 and mission speakers that came with it away from the computer to connect directly to my turntables and mixer. I also bought a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver which works quite well sending audio from PC / PS4 but want to return to having proper speaker placement rather than next to turntables behind me. They also need to be white!

I was originally looking at some Q Acoustic 3020's before deciding to move the Denon unit. I love my home cinema 5.1 setup which uses all Q Acoustics speakers.

Since then I've been looking at powered speaker contenders including Ruark MR1 mkII and Audio Engine A5+.

I have an aging Z77 v-deluxe mobo and wondered if I should also consider a new soundcard or DAC? I listen to a lot of wide ranging music mainly and also do some gaming, mainly sim racing.

I currently use a CYP AU-D3-192 to convert optical to phono from PS4 and a two into one Lindy phono switch that connects to an Avantree Oasis Bluetooth transmitter.

Amy advice welcomed... :confused:

Edit: I also have a pair of Harmon Kardon BT headphones for music and cheap pair of
HyperX Cloud II's for gaming.

mikeym · 11 Jun 2018 at 22:09

Thanks for the replies. I'm probably destined to change my mind multiple times but do enjoy doing the research

Reading up on the KEFs has me thinking maybe I should actually consider some larger passive speakers and amp. A lot of comments on MR1s, for example, regarding lack of bass and reduced sound quality at higher levels.

On another note, I was thinking I'd be limited with input options but found that you can get optical switches and could use one of these to select either optical from my PC mobo or PS4 if I did end up going down that route with potential for sub plugged into active speaker output.

Then again, MR1s would be quick and simple solution

mikeym · 13 Jun 2018 at 16:00

Thanks nicknack, you may have brought me back down to ground just in time! I've seen they do that sub in white too, which is good.

I was starting to look into mini/micro systems and speakers last night and ended up progressing to Cambridge audio cx60 amp and matching speakers. Would cost far more than I was originally thinking!

Leaning back towards ruarks now with a sub.

mikeym · 15 Jun 2018 at 20:20

O

Bluntwrapped said:
Deffo get the Ruark MR1’s. I think nicknack and I have previously shared our enthusiasm for them amazing upgrade (I’m on a Z77 Gene V) so bought the AE-5 and MR1’s. Wow!

For small speakers I think the bass is fantastic - more than adequate for my living room. I’ve even dialed mine down slightly.

I would try without the sub first and see how you get on.

Order placed this evening for collection tomorrow

Will then see if I feel the need for a sub as you suggest ..

Thanks for everyone's input :cool:

mikeym · 16 Jun 2018 at 21:59

Spudgun said:
I'll be interested in your thoughts on your new speakers. Also, how are you connecting everything up? optical from the PS4 (assuming you don't have a slim) to the speakers and using the 3.5mm connection to your soundcard?

Won't have time to set them up until tomorrow but plan is optical from PC mobo and PS4 into optical switch to speakers.

My PC only has on board sound (Asus P8Z77 V deluxe).

mikeym · 17 Jun 2018 at 00:04

Couldn't wait so have quickly set up and done a bit of fiddling. Strangely I seem to be getting some 'crackling' using optical. Changed some settings and checked cables which has all but eradicated it.

Very impressed with sound quality, separation and particularly how it brings out vocals. Playback via Bluetooth is also impressive. I think I will add a sub though. Played The Black Keys, Little Black Submarine and was a bit disappointed when the drums kicked in.

Look forward to listening to more music through them...

mikeym · 17 Jun 2018 at 01:29

I should really stop listening to music and go to bed!!!

Think ill have to put together a new play list of favourite songs to listen to on these...

Have listened to a wide range of music now and have to say I've generally been impressed with bass response, suits some songs better than others, notably the electronic / dance end of my collection. Still needs a bit more oomph for certain tracks though, which is understandable considering their size.

mikeym · 17 Jun 2018 at 22:24

Which stands did you go for nicknack?

mikeym · 20 Jun 2018 at 00:25

nicknack35 said:
Atacama MOSECO 10

Thanks. Sorry one last question! Did you need to buy separate cable to connect mr1's to the rel? If so, what type is needed and what did you go for?

mikeym · 21 Jun 2018 at 12:56

nicknack35 said:
Just need a Sub cable from the Sub out on the Ruarks to the High/Low level input on the REL but don't put the sub cable into the L/FE Input as that's for 5.1 if your going for the REL sub look on there site for info

https://rel.net/how-to-connect-my-rel/

Cable there is different types the one i went for is this one

https://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/product/7228/fisual-rio-custom-made-miniature-subwoofer-cable/

Thanks. I thought the sub connection was 3.5mm on the ruarks? At work right now so will have to double check when home.

https://www.ruarkaudio.com/questions-and-answers/answer/how-should-i-connect-a-subwoofer-to-mr1

mikeym · 21 Jun 2018 at 16:00

mikeym said:
Thanks. I thought the sub connection was 3.5mm on the ruarks? At work right now so will have to double check when home.

https://www.ruarkaudio.com/questions-and-answers/answer/how-should-i-connect-a-subwoofer-to-mr1

At home now and have checked - it is indeed a miniature rca output for sub as you already know nicknack. I guess the old version of the MR1's was 3.5mm? :confused: