What speakers for existing amp?

Mint_Sauce · 7 Nov 2012 at 22:19

Hi all,

I've had my audio set-up for about 13 years and still love it. It's a Videologic Sirocco 4.1 crossfire set-up. Recently our cats have been having altercations with the satellite speakers and since they're not meshed the speakers have been losing the fight.

I'm currently running 2.1 and the sub still works great but just need two decent satellite speakers to replace the Sirocco ones which are torn to shreds.

Back of the amp (in case it helps?):

http://www.firingsquad.com/media/article_image.asp/496/b

What's out there that's going to give good quality audio or would I be better off replacing everything?

TIA

EDIT:
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I found some blurb (http://www.techspot.com/reviews/hardware/sirocco_crossfire/crossfire-3.shtml) that might help match up speakers with the amp?

Subwoofer and Satellites

The Subwoofer that comes with the Crossfire is the same one than the original Sirocco system. Using an Audax 6.5" cone housed on a black MDF cabinet, the Sirocco subwoofer is capable of a 40W RMS output.

In the case of the Satellites, they come with 3" mid range Audax cones (bass) and a high frequency (tweeter) 10mm polymer dome from Audax as well. Each channel can output up to 10W RMS, that would be a total of 40W in quad output mode.

According to the Crossfire specs, the system is capable of 80W RMS output (full system) at 1% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) or 100W RMS output at 10% THD.

Kei · 7 Nov 2012 at 23:56

If you can, measure the resistance of one of the satellites as this will help immensely. The amp will need this to be very close and definitely not less than. (Draws more current which could very well fry the amp if its not up to the task)

Mint_Sauce · 8 Nov 2012 at 22:42

My voltmeter is showing it as 8-9 ohms, is that about standard?

Kei · 8 Nov 2012 at 23:22

Yes 8 ohms is quite common for hifi speakers, should be able to find something roughly suitable with that impedance. Just make sure not to use anything less that 8 ohms as there is no guarantee that the amplifier can handle the current demands.

I'd say you'd probably be better off replacing the lot though, as making new speakers match the rest will be lucky dip. If you can pick up some cheap 8 ohm home cinema satellite speakers though, it may be worth a go as it'll probably be cheaper than buying a whole new set up.

Mint_Sauce · 8 Nov 2012 at 23:38

Kei said:
Yes 8 ohms is quite common for hifi speakers, should be able to find something roughly suitable with that impedance. Just make sure not to use anything less that 8 ohms as there is no guarantee that the amplifier can handle the current demands.

I'd say you'd probably be better off replacing the lot though, as making new speakers match the rest will be lucky dip. If you can pick up some cheap 8 ohm home cinema satellite speakers though, it may be worth a go as it'll probably be cheaper than buying a whole new set up.

Ok, thanks. I'd like high quality audio with meshed speakers. I know the amp is high end for PC stuff so would like speakers that are going to give good quality audio. Maybe I could get some Mission speakers or something?

Kei · 8 Nov 2012 at 23:47

Might be able to find some missions with mesh grilles, although mesh grilles aren't all that common in hifi. JBL control 1's are 8 ohms with metal mesh grilles IIRC.

melmac · 9 Nov 2012 at 14:08

Well I would do what Kei says and replace the whole lot. There are some really good bargains out there if you check the second hand stuff. Or try to find some box open or refurbished stock. IF I was you set a budget and stick to it. With Audio it's so easy to spend a lot of money very quickly!!

Generally speaking you want to split that budget like this 70% speakers, 30% AMP/Receiver.

If you give a budget then we could help you more :-)

Mint_Sauce · 11 Nov 2012 at 15:52

I guess I'd want to max out around ooohhh, £200, preferably £130ish if I can get away with it. Not much for audio I realise but that's why I was hoping to just buy some good second hand speakers like the missions (I only know of this make because a mate has and loves his

) and plop them on my existing amp.

Good to know about the 70/30 split.

What do you reckon I could do with £200?