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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
mesch
3,469 posts
 
A couple other floorstanding speakers that are within budget and would be compatible with the Marantz are the PSB T20 and the JBL A170 (or the larger A190).
mesch
3,469 posts
 
Having too much fun here. Two others to add, the Wharfedale D300 or the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 . 

All my recommendations have a US list price between $600 and $800 except for the JBL A190. 

Pay attention to the sensitivity rating and the minimum impedance. All are nominal 6-8 ohm.

Some offer more flex regarding decor.

Not sure of availability given your location.

Good luck in your search.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,274 posts
 
Kef LS50 wireless ii.
pblayer OP
3 posts
 
I really appreciate and value everyone response to this! Thank you very much to all. 
jon_5912
601 posts
 
If it were me I'd stretch for a pair of Vandersteen 1Ci's and just get a used receiver at a pawn shop or ebay or something.  Recent AV receivers tend to sound pretty darn good, and since the audio/video processing tends to go obsolete quickly the resale value is low.  I've got a couple in secondary systems that sound much better than most audio enthusiasts would want to admit.  You can find a Yamaha Aventage for <$200 on ebay.  They have preouts so you could buy a separate amp later to upgrade the power and eventually upgrade to a legitimate stand alone preamp if you want to.  I had a pair of Thiel 2 2s run by a Yamaha receiver in a living room system that I had a grand total of $1,300 into.  Had I started with that I might have lost interest in upgrading.  I think I added an old B&K ST202 amp to upgrade the power (not much difference) and it was wonderful.  
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