Complete beginner needing advice

[tkdj123]

Why the ES20?

Based on this review https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...re-elite-es20-review-bookshelf-speaker.33834/

Also based on other's opinions it seems to be highly regarded, and at $319 I think it is within my budget and a good value for money.

 

[Keith_W]

At that budget, I would get a pair of Adam T5V. USD$200 each, or $400 for a pair. I have seen them on the secondhand market for USD$250 a pair. These speakers are active, so only need a line level input and a power cord. This means you don't need that Wiim amp, you could get a Wiim Mini at USD$89. That would be a pretty nice system for under $500. Maybe more than $500 when you throw in things like speaker stands, cables, etc.

 

[JeffS7444]

What are your thoughts on the monoprice 8' 60 watt sub ?

Depends, what are your hopes and expectations? Someone like me living in an urban apartment might never come close to pushing it to it's limits. But if I were more of a gamer or action-movie fan, that might be another matter!

 

[scrubb]

My office desk system consists of a cheap Polk 10" sub (was about $130) paired with Vanatoo T0 speakers. The Polk is certainly not a premium subwoofer, but it smooths and extends the low end nicely down to around 40-45Hz according to REW. I am, however, using a minidsp 2x4HD for room correction and EQ which helps a lot. So, yes, an inexpensive sub can provide some benefit for casual or lower volume listening. Depends on the use case.

 

[Marc v E]

At that budget, I would get a pair of Adam T5V. USD$200 each, or $400 for a pair. I have seen them on the secondhand market for USD$250 a pair. These speakers are active, so only need a line level input and a power cord. This means you don't need that Wiim amp, you could get a Wiim Mini at USD$89. That would be a pretty nice system for under $500. Maybe more than $500 when you throw in things like speaker stands, cables, etc.

That is a very good option for that price. The OP could even dial in the eq in the WiiM (see ASR review).

 

[Power Pop 23]

Based on this review https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...re-elite-es20-review-bookshelf-speaker.33834/

Also based on other's opinions it seems to be highly regarded, and at $319 I think it is within my budget and a good value for money.

Agreed.


I missed in error your comment that you had already purchased the Sony loudspeakers.

If they are still in a 'return window', consider returning them for an alternative.

If you cannot return the Sony loudspeakers, add a competent (used ?) subwoofer and use the room correction feature and Parametric EQ of a WiiM Amp for control over the sound.


Consider the alternative of saving up for a loudspeaker with the measured performance of the $995/pair AsciLab F6B loudspeaker:

AsciLab F6B Bookshelf Speaker Review

This is a review, listening tests and detailed measurements of the AsciLab F6B stand mount speaker. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $835 for a pair (shipping included). In black, the F6B seems formal with a very clean design. It feels solid with sense of precision. Compared to...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Compared to the Polk Audio ES20, the measured performance (and perhaps, cost) of the F6B 'may' reduce the feelings of an itch to upgrade your loudspeakers in the future.



Regarding speaker stands,

The $99.99/pair option at the link below has a different aesthetic than the Monoprice stand:

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Speaker-Bookshelf-Stands-Wood-Surround/dp/B0F3D3XL1Z/

I read no mention adding of 'spikes' to the base for a carpeted listening space.

I do not know but it appears this stand is constructed mostly of solid wood.

 

[Power Pop 23]

@tkdj123,

Linkplay's outlet store on Ebay is currently selling refurbished WiiM Amps for $209 - with four samples in stock as of now

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