First HIFI system


Hi everyone! I'm on the market to buy my first HIFI system without breaking the bank and have done some research without being able to make a decision so far. My biggest limitation is the layout of the living room. Although is a decent 38m2 with high ceilings I'm limited on the spacing between speakers at about 2 meters apart.
I'm inclined to the Marantz M-CR612 with a pair of decent column speakers, first option was the Qacoustics 3050i for their 91dB sensitivity but one of the vendors I've contacted advised to go with the MonitorAudio Bronze 200 since the drivers are about 1" smaller and would perform better at 2meters apart. I understand that both of them have their on pros and cons and sound quality will depend on my own sensibility, but do you guys think this will be a good match?
I'm thinking on using QED XT40 speaker wires.
Thanks and looking forward for your feedback!
pblayer

Showing 3 responses by mapman

Just for example, in the case of the Vanatoo, you can connect any laptop or home computer with a CD drive to the USB input and play from your computer. THe USB input has Max sample rate of 96K at 24 bits. OR CD via standard S/PDIF input. Check the specs/photo of rear for all the input options. The small size but big sound and overall flexibility would make it a slam dunk to start with for only ~$600. I’d predict the sound is at least as good as the combo you are considering, probably better given all the flexibility to adjust the sound including built in DSP and also tone controls. Not to mention each speaker is biamped internally so 4 internal amps in use overall for well over 100w/ch into 8 ohm. No joke!

I first heard them at a high end audio show, Capital Audiofest, where the room was one of the busiest in the show...lots of impressed audiophiles listening including me.

Mine are in my wife’s sunroom where space is limited and hifi gear only tolerated if unobstrusive.
It should be pointed out that smaller speakers that are also higher efficiency will tend to have more limited bass extension. That’s just physics and the way it works, including Tekton. So a separate sub will likely be needed to get full or near full range bass. You need larger speakers in general to get full extended bass AND high efficiency.

So just pointing out that high efficiency speakers are not a panacea and like most things have a down side. One can choose to live with or work with that or not......its all good.

Also integrated amp technology has come a long way in recent years. Much more can be accomplished in tight quarters there than in years past. Good modern integrated amps can deliver a lot of power and current and a lot of features with a very very low noise floor, unlike much vintage gear of the past. The Vanatoo products are a good example.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/xH2JKLfBkodynuzaA