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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
rhljazz
1,254 posts
 
You might consider a powered speaker.  Something like the Elac Navis series.  You still need some form of volume control.  Perhaps, ranging from a basic preamp to one with integrated streaming and dac capabilities.  A popular budget streamer like a Bluesound Node has volume control but would not permit the addition of a CD player.
Does your current CD player incorporate a digital output?  If so, a preamp with dac could present an upgrade path.

The Navis stand mounts are $2300.00, figure around $450.00 for dedicated stands.  The least expensive preamp/dac I know of, the Cambridge Dac Magic is $349.00.  A Bluesound Node 2i is $549.00.  
You will have potential to upgrade to better preamps, streamers, power cords, and interconnects or just stop where you’re at.


jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@pblayer

your idea of q acoustics and marantz all in one are just fine you will enjoy them

of course you could spend more and get better sound - for example a naim uniti atom and spendor or dynaudio floor standers but you would be spending a lot more
mesch
3,484 posts
 
Not being familiar with your chosen components I looked them up and can understand your interest in the Marantz M-cr612. Seems to be a good fit, allowing CD playback, streaming playback, signal processing, inputs or other analog and digital sources, and SW output in a single component.  The Q acoustics speakers may  be a good fit as well, however there are many options at $800. One thing to consider is how loud you sometimes listen to music. You will want a speaker that represents an easy load for the Marantz. The Q speakers will serve however not at exceptionally loud levels.  
mesch
3,484 posts
 
Also, based on specs the Q speakers would be easier for the Marantz to drive than the Monitor Audio 200s. Which are 4 ohms speakers.  
mofojo
2,297 posts
 
As another said consider the Elac Navis or maybe the KEF LS50 Wireless if you want to keep it simple and clean.  I think the LS50 looks really slick and the active version has surprising bass. Also could add a small 8 inch wireless sub in a corner later if you felt the need. 
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