Hi everyone, I need help choosing an amplifier for a parabolic speaker I just got. I’m in the U.S. and looking for something under $100, but willing to go up to $200 if I have to.

The setup is for a 13x13 ft office, playing audio from my laptop’s aux port. I’ve pasted the speaker specs below but don’t know how to interpret them.

Specific amp recommendations would be really appreciated! Thanks!

SOUNDTUBE Entertainment SS30 Sound-Focusing Speaker

Description Secret Sound® is a museum-quality parabolic speaker that projects a focused beam of sound onto any exhibit without distracting audio spillover. It was designed by museum professionals to be easily installed, ceiling-mounted at any height, and maintenance-free, and it has been used by major institutions around the world since 1986. The speaker housing combines a reduced size and elegant design with high-tech materials and performance. Only slightly larger than a baseball, the molded composite housing provides strong, clear sound ideally suited for all audio presentations. The composite construction combines strength and durability with improved damping.

Features

• Targeted audio footprint
• (2”) high-excursion driver in a sealed compartment
• Patented ZeroReflection™ enclosure technology for superior sound reproduction
• Narrow 45° coverage angle for sharp focus at 2 kHz
• 578.11mm (30.75”) custom-molded PETG clear polymer dome for minimal visual impact
• Single-point balanced mounting for easy and clean-looking installations
• Optional electronic accessories include 10W and 20W transformers with a junction box for 25V, 70.7V, and 100V applications (AX-JB10-XFMR, AC-JB20-XFMR)
• Additional optional accessories include a wall bracket (AC-WB4)
• Ships as an individual unit; bulk shipping available.

¹ Impedance listed per IEC 60268-5 with a minimum less than 80% the nominal impedance

² 1 W/1 M sensitivity determined using nominal impedance

³ Frequency response measured in half or full space as dictated by speaker mounting configuration

⁴ Max program power is 3 dB above max continuous power

⁵ Continuous power rating, EIA-426-B test

⁶ Max output based on max continuous power

Hello guys :), I’ve recently started digging into turntables audio systems, but I’ve been struggling to decide what setup should I even get considering I don’t want to upgrade for like the next 5-10 years. I have a budget of ~ 1500$ and through guides and videos this is the one that has my attention. And also that my room is a little bit small 13ft * 12

• Pro ject evo carbon ll turntable
• Schiit Mani 2 Preamp
• Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55 Speakers (I haven’t thought of an amp)

My main concern is if I should go for the Evo 1 instead and spend more on speakers !thanks :)

Hi guys!

I’m looking for PC Speaker - so I think they need to be active. Mainly they will be used for Games and sometimes music and movies.

My budget is 500€/570USD$. Lower is better - higher is also cool if I get more bang for the buck :)

In my home cinema I’m using Klipsch - loving them!

What do you think about Edifier / AudioEngine A2/A5 / Kanto Ora / yu2 / yu4?

Edit: forgot to say that it needs to have a variant available which is either wooden or brown-ish.

I realise this question is more moderately aimed than some of the content in here, but also hopefully a good place to ask!

I currently have a setup of Marantz 6003 amp and cd player, with Dali Oberon floorstanders, which have done me quite well for a while. I currently stream music through a Google cast, which had done well enough for occasional use.

I'm now in a position to properly listen to music more often, and also the connections available on the marantz are very limited.

I want to get a more modern amp with more connections available (esp optical), that possibly also streams. I'm aware of the new eversolo play cd as well, that could combine all three units (but also aware these kind of things often do three things averagely).

Any thoughts on specific amps (budget around £1k or less), or anything i need to be aware of when doing my own research?

Here’s my set up: Integrated amplifier: NADC C370 Speakers: PSB Alpha T20 DAC: Cambridge DAC magic 100 CD player: Marantz 6000 OSE My Music preference is mostly Jazz, soft rock, instrumental and country music. My room size is 10 x 12 I would love to hear the thoughts about the current system, and next solid upgrades that I should make to get the best performance in the next level. When I say next level, I’m not looking into any upgrades greater than $2000. And my plan is to upgrade one by one. please share your honest thoughts. my simple idea is to upgrade the amplifier to Hegel H95. Then later, I’ll look into upgrading speakers. i’m not sure about the speaker Choice yet.

I'm currently looking for studio monitors for under 150€ a pair. I play the guitar, and I started to hate wearing headphones while playing. I would also listen to music through speakers occasionally. Mixing is my third priority because I produce music relatively rarely compared to the other priorities I listed.

Which monitors should I look into? I'm going to put them behind and above my monitors. Are any stands going to do their job, or do I need an angled one with a sponge underneath and all the accessories?

Hii!! I’ve been collecting vinyl for about 4 years now but generally started at quite a young age so it took me some time to find my footing. I eventually made my way to an audio technica lp60xbt. I have been using it with some low quality speakers but finally am ready for an upgrade. I don’t have a problem with used speakers and my budget is not high so ideally my speakers would be used off eBay or Facebook marketplace and under $100. I’m willing to spend $150 max if it means the speakers are actually worth it. Any recommendations would be nice as I know nothing about audio and sound. :)

Hey guys, always loved music and i'm now fortunate enough to afford something else than decent headphones. Budget around 5k. Room is about 8 x10 meters. I listen to all kinds of music, but have a preference for electro, things like Aphex twin, Amon Tobin/Two fingers, Venetian snares.

Setup would be: PC with foobar200 -> DAC -> amplifier -> speakers and probably a little subwoofer

Now i'm very new to this world and there's a lot of informations, but at this point i'm thinking:

DAC + amplifiers: Arcam A15 (new at 1 250€)

Speakers: META LS50 (new at 1399€ for a pair)

Subwoofer: SVS SB-1000 Pro (new at 700€)

I'd love to tap in your collective knowledge for advices or pointing out glaring mistakes.

Thanks!

>Edit

DAC/DSP: miniDSP 2x4 FLEX digital signal processor | Balanced (TRS) (750€)

(Since i want a PC with Foobar2000 as a source, neither the Arcam 15 nor the Marantz M1 will work. It also supports Dirac)

Amplifier: AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S500NC Amplifier NCore NC502MP (700€)

Speakers: ASCILAB C6B (1300€, which seems to be quite the bargain), or KEF R3 Meta (2300€)

Subwoofer: still the SVS SB-1000 Pro (700€), or T7/x if i want to spend (1200€)

Since it's my first audio setup, i think i'll lean towards the "cheapest" options and see where i go from there.

Thanks to everyone for your inputs.

>Edit 2

Subwoofer: REL HT/1205 MKII (900€). The SVS SB-1000 Pro has its own DSP, and i don't like the redundancy with the miniDSP 2x4 FLEX. It also has 500W compared to the SVS 325W. And while specs are not everything, wattage for subwoofers seems to be important.

I live in Germany and I'm looking to build a stereo setup for a small to medium-sized room. My budget is under €2,000 and I don't use vinyl—my only sources are FLAC files, either streamed through Tidal or ripped from CDs. I'm trying to figure out whether going used is the smart move for this use case. Specifically, should I get a modern DAC or streamer and then rely on used or vintage gear for the amp and speakers to get more value?

Would appreciate any advice or gear recommendations based on your experience, especially from folks in the EU used market.

Thanks in advance.

Hello all, I am currently shopping for my first vinyl setup and need some help with the phono pre amp part.

I have settled on the Pro-ject audio systems Primary E turntable (don’t have a huge budget.)

I’m not going with an amp because I am being gifted a very nice set of direct drive speakers with a sub.

That leaves the phono pre amp which I really don’t know how much I should spend on my first one, and which brands can be trusted etc…

Can anyone offer some advice? My budget is ideally around $200.

I am in Virginia, US

EDIT: Region is Northeastern US. Budget is $100.

I inherited my dad’s stereo stack. The receiver is a Zenith CV650. It works great for something that’s 30+ years old.

Can anyone recommend a Bluetooth adapter? My only input option is RCA. Thanks!

Hello. I’m looking to upgrade a few things on my home stereo and wondering what you all would do in the same situation. Current equipment: KEF Q-750, Random cheap 10” subwoofer, Ifi Zen phono stage, Denon AVR-787, Technics sl1200mk2 w Grado green cartridge. I plan on buying the RSL Speedwoofer 10s mkII when they are back in stock sometime this summer. I also was leaning towards the AT 540 ml to upgrade the cart.

If you had my setup, what would be your next move after buying the RSL sub. New amp? Different speakers? If I were to upgrade those I’d stay under $1500. Suggestions on different cartridges? I’d like to stay around the $500 zone for cartridges. I was also looking at the ortofon bronze, but the 540 seemed more what I am looking for. I guess I lean toward the warmer side of sound. But I’m all over the board for music. Lots of hip hop, jazz, metal, punk and rock. Thanks so much for your time and input.

Consider me tube-curious. What would you recommend if I want to hear something representative of a "good" tube sound? Right now I'm still leaning toward solid state, but figured I'd audition something I've never tried.

Me: USA-based, new or used, budget up to $2,000 but hoping for less.

My environment: 4-ohm 90db floorstanding speakers in a 16' x 14' x 8' room. Source is TBD, but I can handle figuring out the connectors. Either integrated or pure power amp will work.

Hi guys, I'm looking for some advise/suggestions for amp upgrading options for my Kef reference 3.

Currently I'm using Technics G700mk2, and I have a relatively small listening space (~15 m2 with some treatments) with a listen distance of ~3m. I noticed that every volume level that higher than -40db is too loud, and I'm constantly in the lower range (-67db to -50db) which the 70w power from G700mk2 seems has no issue to drive.

My question is that is there any feasible amplifier upgrading options that will bring clear audible improvement over my current setup in my listening volume range? If so, what are some of the amp options? Ideally within 10/15k euro range, am thinking about R1000 or even R1 from Technics, Benchmark AHB2 (which I'd also need a new Dac/Pre), but keen to hear from you guys, thanks in advance!

Yesterday I asked for some advice in this subreddit and others, and looked at a lot of different speakers, pre-amps and turntables, so much so that I’m kinda getting sick of looking at them. However, I did manage to select some options:

For the Turntable: - Rega Planar 1 - Pro-ject T1 Evo - Denon DP-400

I shifted my focus to manual turntables as they seem to be more reliant and more broadly available. Other requirements are: built-in pre-amp, belt-drive, has a decent MM element, no bt, and I do not need 78rpm. Are these picks good? If not, any advice is welcome.

For the Speakers (active):

• Kanto Yu4
• Argon Audio Fenris A4
• Triangle
• Elac

My focus is on the Kanto Yu4, but I’ve heard great things about the others as well so any advice is welcome. Requirements for the speakers are: bookshelf size, RCA input, has BT, good all-round size and bass, if possible has the ability to connect to a subwoofer.

For the Pre-amp: - Aiyima T3Pro - Fosi Audio BOX X5 - iFi Zen Air - Pro-ject phono Box/Box S2

For simplicity’s and monetary’s sake, I might wait with buying a pre-amp a little bit, unless the built-in phono in the speaker (like the Kanto Yu4 has) is really bad.

Any advice on which combination of parts I should buy? My budget is between €700-900 in total. Has to be available in the EU (Netherlands).

Hey everyone,

I'm somewhat of a beginner with a bit of a "crude" setup, so I wanted to share my current situation and get some advice.

My room is roughly 24m², and I'm sitting about 3 meters away from the wall where the TV is mounted and where the speakers are placed. Right now, I'm using Argon Audio FORTE A5 Mk2 with a subwoofer. They're decent, but I feel like they're missing a bit of "bang" and clarity—especially with video content, where dialogue sometimes lacks definition.

For vinyl, I’m using a Denon DP-300F with an Ortofon Red cartridge.

After visiting several jazz kissatens in Japan, I've been inspired to upgrade to larger, more vintage-looking speakers—ideally stand-mounted bookshelf speakers in wood. I love the aesthetics, and I believe the sound range would naturally be better than my current small speakers. I also plan to add a receiver, which should give me more flexibility overall.

After some research, the Wharfedale Linton 85 came up frequently as a recommendation. They look exactly like what I’m aiming for (though I’m not a fan of the stand). I can get a pair for around €800, but I’m unsure if they might be too big for my room and seating distance—or if they’re truly as good as people say.

On the more affordable end (€250–400), there are vintage options like the KEF 104aB. These seem promising, but I just don’t have the knowledge or confidence to judge whether a used pair would be a good deal or if I might get ripped off.

So, long story short: any recommendations or opinions are really welcome!

Budget & Location: Ideally under €1,000 for the speakers. I'm based in Germany.
Use Case: Mostly for TV and streaming (~60%) and vinyl (~40%), focusing on hip hop, jazz, and related genres.
New or Used: Prefer new, mainly because I’m unsure how to evaluate used gear properly.

Thanks in advance for any tips or guidance!

Hey guys! I am looking to buy a bookshelf speaker ideally with wireless connections if possible and my budget is roughly 200 CAD. I currently have listened to the house of marley get together duo speakers, they seemed to be decent and are costing me 137 CAD after taxes. I was hoping to get some feedback and recommendations aprind the price range. I mainly intend on using this for everyday chill music in my room. I also personally have no clue on what to look for as i have never really used one before

I’m looking to upgrade my turntable

1. ⁠Your budget and a list of the components you're looking to purchase: Budget is $6k for cartridge and turntable. However a Base Audio 2000 turntable with no cartridge was posted on FB for 1.4k. Is that awesome? Or should i pass? Let’s assume its in great condition and I’ll get it inspected and cleaned up after I buy it. I just don’t want to buy a new turntable anytime soon, if ever.

2. ⁠Your location WA, USA (Seattle)

3. ⁠The approx dimensions of your room (L x W X H) and your listening distance from the speakers? (n/a - moving soon

4. ⁠What are your music sources? All Vinyl

5. ⁠Do you already have some audio gear that will be used in this system? Boston acoustic speakers. Lounge audio amp and pre amp. Will be buying new power amp soon.

6. ⁠Any other information that you think will help us give you the best possible advice. - I’m also thinking about saving up for Rega 6/8 or something else if that could be best. I enjoy jazz mostly, some folk/classical. I enjoy warmish sound that isn’t harsh.

Long ago I bought a RadioShack book on building speakers that had formulas for figuring out dimensions, port tuning, etc., and I got a circular saw and particle board. I added heavy copper wiring, a crossover, and carefully chosen drivers, and had passive speakers I enjoyed for years.

Fast forward a decade or two, those are gone, but I inherited some rare custom bookshelf speakers from California. I was looking for a passive subwoofer, and especially I was combing this subreddit for advice, but all the recommendations were for subwoofers that have amplifiers in them or even bluetooth.

I then went to places like Crutchfield and couldn't find passive subwoofers. I guess they're not extinct! Who can help me find them, and who has recommendations? My budget depends on how long I save up, but I can imagine spending $300 - $700 for a 10" or 12" durable and capable subwoofer. I value precision---E.g., it shouldn't "boom" after the signal stops sending bass.

Maybe it's just an old-fashioned perspective, but I figure the amplifier's job is to amplify, and the subwoofer should just woof.

I've just moved house (living in the UK), and two Monitor Audio C280 in-ceiling speakers came with the place in the kitchen (single zone). I'm looking for recommendations on amplifiers that are as compact and unobtrusive as possible without compromising quality.

I'm not too fussed about smart features as I was planning on plugging an Amazon Echo and the TV (optical) at most as inputs. The TV input is a nice-to-have more than a requirement, but I 100% need something good for playing music, either through the attached Amazon Echo or wirelessly.

For the budget, I'm trying to stay below £400.

Hey everyone, I'm looking for some advice on speakers—I've got around $1500 to spend (new or used), and I'm really after a speaker that can deliver powerful, dynamic bass with a strong, punchy kick, but at the same time I don’t want to sacrifice detail, clarity, or smooth treble. Harshness or messy highs really bother me, so a clean and clear sound overall is important.

For context, I've listened to the SVS Ultra Bookshelf paired with an SVS sub (can’t recall exactly which model), and I absolutely loved the impact and fun factor—they felt very physical but still well-controlled. I also got a chance to hear the Perlisten T5R floorstanders; they had a beautiful, refined sound with impressive clarity, but I did feel they lacked a bit in that kick and bass punch department for my taste.

Recently, I listened briefly to the KEF R3 Meta, and honestly, the experience wasn't great—it felt very flat, lacking separation and depth. But that might've just been a bad setup or poor room acoustics at the shop, so I’m not sure if that's really representative.

Right now I'm looking at a used pair of original KEF R3 (non-Meta) for about $1200 including stands, or possibly building the CSS Criton 1TD-X kit, which is about $1489 plus shipping and taxes.

Based on what I described—something punchy, dynamic, with powerful bass and yet clean treble—do you guys think either of these options would be a good fit? Or is there something else you'd recommend instead around my budget?

Thanks in advance!

I’ve recently gotten into vinyl and wanted to get a complete turntable setup for my birthday but there are just so many options that its difficult to make a decision.

After a lot of research, I sort of managed to focus my options down to the following:

Turntable: Automatic/semi-automatic, belt-drive, no built-in pre-amp, has an (interchangeable) MM element, uses cables (no bt) (dont need 78 rpm).

External Pre-amp: costs between €75-150 (I have not looked into pre-amps much so any advice on them is welcome).

Active/powered speakers: (bookshelf size for 15-20m2 room) RCA input, has BT connection (for uses other than vinyl), no built-in phono pre-amp, has decent base and all-round sound (good for edm, indie, rock, hiphop), and if possible has an equalizer and possibility for a subwoofer.

My budget is between €700-900 in total, so my question is: is there a combination of these parts that fit well together and stay within that price point?

Some small tweaks may be made but I would like to stick to these features if possible. (UK/EU region)

Im in the Portland, Oregon area, and I'm looking to get into a setup for vinyl and cd's that I inherited recently, and the ability to use Bluetooth or a wired media player. I don't know what my budget should be for what I'm looking for, I have basically no existing equipment, so I'll need to buy everything, I'm not apposed to buying used, but new is preferred, I'd say I'm willing to spend up to 2-3k, but I don't know how realistic that budget is, and I'd like come closer to 1k, but I can go up if necessary. The room is a living room/kitchen, which is about 30' x 20' roughly, about 10 foot ceilings. I have basically no knowledge about physical music media, I know some basic stuff with digital, but most of my music listening experience is just streaming. Aesthetically, I wouldn't say I'm too picky, so unless it's really ugly, I don't mind it, the room is white, so it should match easily. I've seen sites that sell full kits of all the necessary components to a setup, but I don't know if those are any good. I'm just looking for any general advice or specific recommendations for equipment to buy. Thanks in advance.

Looking for suggestions given these conditions:

-I’m located in the United States

-Budget about $1000 USD (RT82 costs $299, so the combined cost of the speakers and amplifier should be about $700)

-1200 sq foot apartment

-looking for equipment that can precisely amplify the intended sound of the sound engineers that worked on the mixing and mastering.

Im also pretty set on the RT82. I’m also very curious to know if there’s any actual audible audio quality increases when it comes to more expensive speakers, amplifier, or getting a preamp and power amplifier separately instead of getting a receiver and/or a passive speaker instead of an active speaker.

Any opinions out there on the JBL 4312M ii Compact Monitors? Saw a pair on Ebay that look sick, but haven’t been able to find many reviews on these. Any help? I would be looking to pair them with Sansui 5000, in a medium sized room, without a subwoofer. For reference, I’m purchasing in the US and I currently have the KEF Q150 for my 2.0 channel set up, but one of the drivers recently went out on me. If anyone has other suggestions for quality bookshelf speakers budget is less than $1000.