Stereo Set-up using basically 2 floor speakers (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

Already have a Denon AVR and a pair of floor speakers plus a center channel for the home audio, don't ask me why we don't have it set up 5.1, lazy mostly

-New 1200s and the Xone96 mixer has made it important to upgrade and get a stereo receiver dedicated to the home studio.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_642MM7025/Marantz-MM7025.html?tp=180
That will give you an idea when you look at the back photo, the XLR connectors are the main reason we want this, it's so we can connect the mixer directly into the receiver and also the speakers directly into the same component. Right now the Denon AVR we have will not accommodate what we need to plug in.
We will not be using this for home theater purposes, just for the mixer and turntables

"Power Amplifier" is what we are looking for?

Assuming that works, next up are speakers and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations?
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_839FF2B/MartinLogan-Motion-Foundation-F2-Black.html?tp=185
Maybe that's a good place to start? I'm not going to spend a lot more than that although there are some others we like

Wharfedale LINTON Heritage (Red Mahogany)

Matched pair of stand-mount speakers with speaker stands

www.crutchfield.com

Also high on our list right now

Feedback appreciated

 

[Sullie]

I have nothing to add except I'm thinking about the Wharfedale Linton Heritage edition speakers as well but then the Wharfedale Super Linton's just came out, they're on sale so now I'm torn. I saw this review and then I just really enjoy Skylabs Audio and The Cheap Audio Man channels on YouTube both really like both sets as well (the new Super's as well as the Heritage.)

My two cents would be this. To me, right now, I mean the part of the purchase that you're in (research phase) is the absolute best part of the purchasing of audio equipment. It's a chunk of change so, if at all possible, I would try to get to an audio store and listen to as many of these speakers, power amps and combinations as you can. For me, living in Indianapolis, we don't have nearly as many dedicated audio stores as we used to but they're out there. Don't be afraid to ask questions and sample as many different audio products as you can.

Sorry if that's not very helpful but that's my plan, shop around and listen to as much as I can right now. And for whatever it's worth, I have a totally different use case, mine will just be newer gear for my home office. I'm holding off on buying anything right now because I what I want to do is launch our son and dump my awesome 80's era gear off on him and buy just a dedicated 2 channel system for my home office. I figure he'll graduate in 2 years (unless he goes after a masters degree.)

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I have nothing to add except I'm thinking about the Wharfedale Linton Heritage edition speakers as well but then the Wharfedale Super Linton's just came out, they're on sale so now I'm torn. I saw this review and then I just really enjoy Skylabs Audio and The Cheap Audio Man channels on YouTube both really like both sets as well (the new Super's as well as the Heritage.)

My two cents would be this. To me, right now, I mean the part of the purchase that you're in (research phase) is the absolute best part of the purchasing of audio equipment. It's a chunk of change so, if at all possible, I would try to get to an audio store and listen to as many of these speakers, power amps and combinations as you can. For me, living in Indianapolis, we don't have nearly as many dedicated audio stores as we used to but they're out there. Don't be afraid to ask questions and sample as many different audio products as you can.

Sorry if that's not very helpful but that's my plan, shop around and listen to as much as I can right now. And for whatever it's worth, I have a totally different use case, mine will just be newer gear for my home office. I'm holding off on buying anything right now because I what I want to do is launch our son and dump my awesome 80's era gear off on him and buy just a dedicated 2 channel system for my home office. I figure he'll graduate in 2 years (unless he goes after a masters degree.)

Excellent post. Glad I'm not the only one who is thinking about them
Quite frankly, we're going to be pumping a lot of EDM thru them so we want something with a little bit more bass

-We have a pair of Klipsch floor speakers right now, the 6000s, they're good and we've had them about 4-5 years. They will remain in the home theater section of the house for now
These new speakers are going to be used for the 2 turntables and mixer.

The XLR issue might be cleared up with a converter sold thru Sweetwater, just found one for around $200 that would work. This would open up the field more for receivers/amps

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I have nothing to add except I'm thinking about the Wharfedale Linton Heritage edition speakers as well but then the Wharfedale Super Linton's just came out, they're on sale so now I'm torn. I saw this review and then I just really enjoy Skylabs Audio and The Cheap Audio Man channels on YouTube both really like both sets as well (the new Super's as well as the Heritage.)

My two cents would be this. To me, right now, I mean the part of the purchase that you're in (research phase) is the absolute best part of the purchasing of audio equipment. It's a chunk of change so, if at all possible, I would try to get to an audio store and listen to as many of these speakers, power amps and combinations as you can. For me, living in Indianapolis, we don't have nearly as many dedicated audio stores as we used to but they're out there. Don't be afraid to ask questions and sample as many different audio products as you can.

Sorry if that's not very helpful but that's my plan, shop around and listen to as much as I can right now. And for whatever it's worth, I have a totally different use case, mine will just be newer gear for my home office. I'm holding off on buying anything right now because I what I want to do is launch our son and dump my awesome 80's era gear off on him and buy just a dedicated 2 channel system for my home office. I figure he'll graduate in 2 years (unless he goes after a masters degree.)

Agree with going and listening, thre's a store in the downtoww WPB area we are going to try and gt to

Dayton Audio - Classic B65 Bookshelf Speaker Pair Wood

Classic B65 Bookshelf Speaker Pair Wood

daytonaudio.com

Check those out, silly inexpensive and not top of the line but I've seen them reviewed by audio snobs that nod and can't believe how good they are for the price
For folks that want something but don't want to over spend, pairs easily with a basic amp.

 

[cj*]

Not an audiophile but Svs is putting out some well reviewed gear. Their home theater stuff is top notch. I have a a PC2000 plus sub that puts out more than I would ever need.

https://www.svsound.com/

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Not an audiophile but Svs is putting out some well reviewed gear. Their home theater stuff is top notch. I have a a PC2000 plus sub that puts out more than I would ever need.

https://www.svsound.com/

I have looked at their floor towers, Pinnacle and the Prime, they seem pretty straight forward, wish i could hear them somewhere

Prime Pinnacle | Tower Speaker for Home Theater & HiFi | SVS

Audiophile refinement, breathtaking home theater dynamics. World class audio for everyone.

www.svsound.com

The Pinnacles with three 6.5" woofers are on sale for about $1500/pair which is right on point with the Martin Logan and the Wharfdales

 

[Ministry of Pain]

For tight budgets, small spaces or maybe just a garage/man cave solution for music

Dayton Audio - Classic B65 Bookshelf Speaker Pair Wood

Classic B65 Bookshelf Speaker Pair Wood

daytonaudio.com

They are remarkably good for the price, perfect set of speakers for.a young teenager wanting their 1st system.
You can pair that with a decent amp in the $150-$200 price range, don't need anything fancy with those Daytons

 

[Andy Dufresne]

My answer is always KEF.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Not an audiophile but Svs is putting out some well reviewed gear. Their home theater stuff is top notch. I have a a PC2000 plus sub that puts out more than I would ever need.

https://www.svsound.com/

I have two PB-3000s in my rec room and a 7.1 system with Polk in-wall speakers (modest quality). The SVSs turned a good view experience into movie-theater quality. They are unbelievable (and I got them on Craigslist).

 

[belljr]

Not an audiophile but Svs is putting out some well reviewed gear. Their home theater stuff is top notch. I have a a PC2000 plus sub that puts out more than I would ever need.

https://www.svsound.com/

I have two PB-3000s in my rec room and a 7.1 system with Polk in-wall speakers (modest quality). The SVSs turned a good view experience into movie-theater quality. They are unbelievable (and I got them on Craigslist).

My entire basement viewing area is svs. Someone recommended them in our home stereo thread. I have 2 pb 1000s. The prime 5.1 package (prime towers, center and rears) Added 2 prime bookshelf and with my 7.2 I am very very happy. The bookshelf can act as Atmos but I don't have area to place one speaker

 

[jerry jones]

Having turned a home office to a dedicated 2 channel listening room, I would suggest looking for some Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Baby Grands…either the symphony edition or the reference. Super speakers, 4 ohm so they love the power.

 

[jerry jones]

I have nothing to add except I'm thinking about the Wharfedale Linton Heritage edition speakers as well but then the Wharfedale Super Linton's just came out, they're on sale so now I'm torn. I saw this review and then I just really enjoy Skylabs Audio and The Cheap Audio Man channels on YouTube both really like both sets as well (the new Super's as well as the Heritage.)

My two cents would be this. To me, right now, I mean the part of the purchase that you're in (research phase) is the absolute best part of the purchasing of audio equipment. It's a chunk of change so, if at all possible, I would try to get to an audio store and listen to as many of these speakers, power amps and combinations as you can. For me, living in Indianapolis, we don't have nearly as many dedicated audio stores as we used to but they're out there. Don't be afraid to ask questions and sample as many different audio products as you can.

Sorry if that's not very helpful but that's my plan, shop around and listen to as much as I can right now. And for whatever it's worth, I have a totally different use case, mine will just be newer gear for my home office. I'm holding off on buying anything right now because I what I want to do is launch our son and dump my awesome 80's era gear off on him and buy just a dedicated 2 channel system for my home office. I figure he'll graduate in 2 years (unless he goes after a masters degree.)

I would add to this by saying to look into a “audio expo” of some sort in your area. Tampa has one every year and my current speakers I heard at one of the shows a couple years ago and continually checked the aftermarket until I found a price I wanted.

 

[Hawks64]

Already have a Denon AVR and a pair of floor speakers plus a center channel for the home audio, don't ask me why we don't have it set up 5.1, lazy mostly

-New 1200s and the Xone96 mixer has made it important to upgrade and get a stereo receiver dedicated to the home studio.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_642MM7025/Marantz-MM7025.html?tp=180
That will give you an idea when you look at the back photo, the XLR connectors are the main reason we want this, it's so we can connect the mixer directly into the receiver and also the speakers directly into the same component. Right now the Denon AVR we have will not accommodate what we need to plug in.
We will not be using this for home theater purposes, just for the mixer and turntables

"Power Amplifier" is what we are looking for?

Assuming that works, next up are speakers and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations?
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_839FF2B/MartinLogan-Motion-Foundation-F2-Black.html?tp=185
Maybe that's a good place to start? I'm not going to spend a lot more than that although there are some others we like

Wharfedale LINTON Heritage (Red Mahogany)

Matched pair of stand-mount speakers with speaker stands

www.crutchfield.com

Also high on our list right now

Feedback appreciated

You will need something to process the sound (either a pre-amp, or receiver) to feed line level signals to the amp.

In terms of speakers, make sure that you have a 30 day audition period or you're going to be stuck with them. I would recommend trying to find a few local places that carry the brands you're considering and then go and listen to them there.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Update

High efficiency hi-fi loudspeakers | Zu Audio | USA Made Hi-Fi Speakers and Audio Cable

High efficiency home audio loudspeakers designed and built with American quality and innovation.

www.zuaudio.com

Zu's Swiss Army knife loudspeaker - DWX | Zu Audio | Hi-Fi audio speakers and cables hand built in the USA

Zu DWX is a highly versatile loudspeaker, able to perform as a bookshelf, stand-mount, center, studio monitor, or low profile floor stander.

www.zuaudio.com

-They are made in the USA with US parts and I got to speak directly with the owner of the company, Sean!
I saw them reviewed by Steve Guttenberg on YT and while I was tempted to just get the floor speakers, I already have a set of Klipsch 6000 and I wanted something that would be a little more versatile. We might not get a set of stands right away, we might just hang them up in the corners around the DJ Booth/Table we have set up
They also can be put on the floor and simply tilted up, these speakers are rather large for shelf speakers

As of this minute we are using a 20 year old Panasonic SA70 receiver but we plan on getting an integrated amplifier
We have a Denon 2500 home theater receiver we use for TV/Movies
I'm sure the new speakers will sound pretty good on the Denon but we have our sights set on something else. We tried to call "Outlaw" and get a receiver from them but when we explained what we were doing, the sales man literally wouldn't sell us one and was suggesting other brands which I thought was kind of odd, not sure he understood what we were doing

Sean at ZU Audio pulled up the XONE 96 mixer we just bought and was able to fill in the blanks on what we need both immediate and also long term
The owner talked to us for over 30 minutes, I don't think that's normal but he loves to talk speakers
We were able to get a deal thru Black Friday and upgrade to the "Superfly" versions. I really like the Ruby Red but they had a set of white speakers that were returned for whatever reason and we saved roughly 30% by not being too picky.

-I doubt we will need a Sub with these plus we have a condo, luckily the old couple underneath us just got moved back to MN and it's vacant...perfect time to break them in with no one here.
These have 10 inch drivers and these "bookshelf speakers" weigh over 45 lbs each, i think the quality will be like nothing I've really experienced

Definitely will update after I have a chance to listen and not just EDM, we have a lot of 80s stuff especially Prince/Madonna/Movie albums like Flashdance, what we don't listen to a lot is the "Singer/Songwriter" from the 70s thru today, more into classic rock.

Good bump @Hawks64

 

[Wrigley]

Bought a nice set of Heresy IVs about 6 months ago....they will be my forever speakers.

 

[Hawks64]

Update

High efficiency hi-fi loudspeakers | Zu Audio | USA Made Hi-Fi Speakers and Audio Cable

High efficiency home audio loudspeakers designed and built with American quality and innovation.

www.zuaudio.com

Zu's Swiss Army knife loudspeaker - DWX | Zu Audio | Hi-Fi audio speakers and cables hand built in the USA

Zu DWX is a highly versatile loudspeaker, able to perform as a bookshelf, stand-mount, center, studio monitor, or low profile floor stander.

www.zuaudio.com

-They are made in the USA with US parts and I got to speak directly with the owner of the company, Sean!
I saw them reviewed by Steve Guttenberg on YT and while I was tempted to just get the floor speakers, I already have a set of Klipsch 6000 and I wanted something that would be a little more versatile. We might not get a set of stands right away, we might just hang them up in the corners around the DJ Booth/Table we have set up
They also can be put on the floor and simply tilted up, thee speakers are rather large for shelf speakers

As of this minute we are using a 20 year old Panasonic SA70 receiver but we plan on getting an integrated amplifier
We have a Denon 2500 home theater receiver we use for TV/Movies
I'm sure the new speakers will sound pretty good on the Denon but we have our sights set on something else. We tried to call "Outlaw" and get a receiver from them but when we explained what we were doing, the sales man literally wouldn't sell us one and was suggesting other brands which I thought was kind of odd, not sure he understood what we were doing

Sean at ZU Audio pulled up the XONE 96 mixer we just bought and was able to fill in the blanks on what we need both immediate and also long term
The owner talked to us for over 30 minutes, I don't think that's normal but he loves to talk speakers
We were able to get a deal thru Black Friday and upgrade to the "Superfly" versions. I really like the Ruby Red but they had a set of white speakers that were returned for whatever reason and we saved roughly 30% by not being too picky.

-I doubt we will need a Sub with these plus we have a condo, luckily the old couple underneath us just got moved back to MN and it's vacant...perfect time to break them in with no one here.
These have 10 inch drivers and these "bookshelf speakers" weigh over 45 lbs each, i think the quality will be like nothing I've really experienced

Definitely will update after I have a chance to listen and not just EDM, we have a lot of 80s stuff especially Prince/Madonna/Movie albums like Flashdance, what we don't listen to a lot is the "Singer/Songwriter" from the 70s thru today, more into classic rock.

Good bump @Hawks64

Sounds like you found a great resource, and those are gorgeous speakers!

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Bought a nice set of Heresy IVs about 6 months ago....they will be my forever speakers.

I was eye balling that one as well, pretty nice size driver pushing them, 12 inch I think?
Heresy are made by Klipsch I believe, just wanted to try something a little different
That's a helluva loudspeaker you have

 

[Hawks64]

Bought a nice set of Heresy IVs about 6 months ago....they will be my forever speakers.

I'm not sure I'll ever get to that point, I love my current Golden Ears but am always on the lookout for new stuff. Maybe if I ever get Martin Logan Renaissance or Wilson Audio, but until then I'll never have my forever speakers

 

[Wrigley]

Bought a nice set of Heresy IVs about 6 months ago....they will be my forever speakers.

I'm not sure I'll ever get to that point, I love my current Golden Ears but am always on the lookout for new stuff. Maybe if I ever get Martin Logan Renaissance or Wilson Audio, but until then I'll never have my forever speakers

Let’s just say, once my wife found out how much I spent, she declared them as my forever speakers.

I’ve got my eye on a pair of used La Scalas.

 

[jwb]

Bought a nice set of Heresy IVs about 6 months ago....they will be my forever speakers.

Nice. I recently got a pair of JBL HDI-3800 (they had a nice price drop). 80 lbs each, in my upstairs office, so yea, probably forever.