Eliminating the weakest link/diminishing returns

[SlowJim]

Hello, looking for some advice on a speaker upgrade. Currently I have the following setup:

Wiim Mini (SINAD 141 using optical out)
SMSL SU-1 DAC (SINAD 116)
Topping Mini300 amp (Not measured yet but should be similar to PA5 which is SINAD 102)
Micca RB42 speakers

Use case is desktop, near-field. I know active is preferred for this but I prefer passive. Don't want to set a specific budget but what's the minimum I can spend to "match" to the amp?

 

[staticV3]

Don't want to set a specific budget but what's the minimum I can spend to "match" to the amp?

Doesn't work like that.

You can buy $5000 speakers that are fully utilized with the Mini300.

You can also buy $100 speakers for which the Mini300 does not suffice.

 

[SlowJim]

@staticV3 What speaker measurement values should I be looking at with this particular setup? It's not for critical mixing or anything, just CD quality music. Would like a speaker that can at least match the capability of active speakers like Adam D3V or Kali LP-UNF. So let's say $250 USD limit.

 

[Wolf11Man]

With a 250$ limit you are well served with the speakers you have. Any recommendation in that price range is likely to be a disappointment.
If you take this money for each speaker and can build a cabinet by your self, there may be some good DIYS speaker kits (drivers, x-over and a plan) that will sound much better than your current speaker. Nothing to gain by changing any other part of your set-up, it will even serve 2500$ speaker just fine.

 

[Redacted]

For a desktop setup with your existing kit, don't sweat it. But speakers make the biggest difference.

Assuming you cannot audition new speakers in your actual room, I'd just decide how much you want to spend on speakers, and pick one from a well-known brand that can take 100w (you'll probably never use that amount of power anyway). There is no real value in us recommending any specific speakers, as ears and rooms vary so much. If pressed, I'd say start at £250 and scan through a list like this, and then cross check to see if mentioned on ASR (other reviews are usually all made up).

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[Cote Dazur]

what's the minimum I can spend to "match" to the amp?

What do you mean exactly by this sentence?
If you specifically, if you can, express in details what you are trying to achieve that your present set up does not already provide, it is going easier to help.

 

[Wolf11Man]

He clearly doesn't like his speakers. Honestly, I wouldn't dare to put a pair like that in the kitchen; my wife would go after me with a rolling pin. They’re certainly okay for $100, but after a brief initial period, they’d likely become boring—or even fatiguing. It’s particularly bad when you occasionally listen to better equipment; then it’s often hard to get that superior sound out of your head. It's easy to upgrade, the downgrading is the diffilcult part.

 

[thcdru2k]

Placement , measurement, room treatment, room size, and listening volume make a large difference when listening. Many times when you upgrade speakers and place them in the same location any issues you had before in regards to SBIR are still there or just transferred to somewhere else along the frequency spectrum

 

[Flaesh]

Micca RB42

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/micca-rb42-bookshelf-speaker-review.11267/ - seems not SOTA.
I don't listen near-field\desktop and have a vague idea of the models range and prices, but in any case, I join in the question:

what you are trying to achieve that your present set up does not already provide

?..

 

[Cote Dazur]

?..

Sorry if my post is not clear to you, I do not see what is difficult to understand.

 

[Flaesh]

The question is addressed to the OP. Sorry if this wasn't obvious.

 

[SlowJim]

This thread is pretty old, no longer seeking advice but thanks all.