MT-602 and bookshelf speakers

[ZoroBK]

Hello, how are you doing?

Sorry for my ignorance, but I have found some conflicting information online and I would like some thoughts on what I am trying to do.

Currently i have a Topping e30 DAC + MT602 tube amplifier.
I use this set up to power up my HD650, and I truly love it. However, i would like to get some passive bookshelf speakers so i can listen to music without headphones on.

MT602 has an aux out. Can I plug in passive bookshelf speakers on this aux out? I have read multiple different things on this issue. First, I heard that this aux out is "Pre-amp" only. Is this enough for a good listening experience?

What is a common set up for passive bookshelf speakers? Can my MT602 power passive bookshelf speakers?

Also, are there any sub US$ 200 dollars passive book shelf speakers that provide a good listening experience?
I listen to a variety of styles. Currently using Apple Music lossless.

Thank you for your help, sorry about my confusion.

 

[TheBatsEar]

Hello, how are you doing?

Cheers, fine, hope you do too. And welcome

MT602 has an aux out. Can I plug in passive bookshelf speakers on this aux out?

Nope, you either hook up an active speaker (it has a apower amplifier built in) or a power amplifier and that then plays into passive speakers.

I have read multiple different things on this issue. First, I heard that this aux out is "Pre-amp" only. Is this enough for a good listening experience?

Not by itself. The pre-amp part means the volume is attenuated as to not drive the power amplifier (or active speaker) at full tilt all the time.
In contrast to line-level output, which is not attenuated and can not used for a power amplifier (unless it has a volume knob) or active speakers (unless a volume knob is there).

What is a common set up for passive bookshelf speakers? Can my MT602 power passive bookshelf speakers?

No, it can not. You could buy a power amplifiers between 80€ to 100k€, lots of choice.

The Aiyima A07 would be a good fit, it's cheap, but of course doesn't have that much power. Probably good if your room is not large and the speakers have good sensitivity (larger than 86dB/m). You can get away with speakers with low sensitivity (lower than 86dB/m) if you listen at low volumes.

If you want better power handling, try to get a used Yamaha R-S700 for 200€ or so, you can ignore all of it's features and hook up your pre-amp to it's main-in, it then becomes a powerfull and cheap power amplifier.

Also, are there any sub US$ 200 dollars passive book shelf speakers that provide a good listening experience?

I leave this to other people, as i have no experience in that area. I know that you can get a pair of Focal Chorus 706 around here for maybe 200€ used, they probably beat everything you can get new for that money.

Buying used is where it's at

Thank you for your help, sorry about my confusion.

No worries, mate.

 

[ZoroBK]

Cheers, fine, hope you do too. And welcome

Nope, you either hook up an active speaker (it has a apower amplifier built in) or a power amplifier and that then plays into passive speakers.


Not by itself. The pre-amp part means the volume is attenuated as to not drive the power amplifier (or active speaker) at full tilt all the time.
In contrast to line-level output, which is not attenuated and can not used for a power amplifier (unless it has a volume knob) or active speakers (unless a volume knob is there).


No, it can not. You could buy a power amplifiers between 80€ to 100k€, lots of choice.

The Aiyima A07 would be a good fit, it's cheap, but of course doesn't have that much power. Probably good if your room is not large and the speakers have good sensitivity (larger than 86dB/m). You can get away with speakers with low sensitivity (lower than 86dB/m) if you listen at low volumes.

If you want better power handling, try to get a used Yamaha R-S700 for 200€ or so, you can ignore all of it's features and hook up your pre-amp to it's main-in, it then becomes a powerfull and cheap power amplifier.


I leave this to other people, as i have no experience in that area. I know that you can get a pair of Focal Chorus 706 around here for maybe 200€ used, they probably beat everything you can get new for that money.

Buying used is where it's at


No worries, mate.

Thank you for the thoughtful reply.

I also have a Fosi T20 amplifier, and per their website description, I can plug in passive speakers.
Do you know if this would provide a decent lossless audio listening experience?

Thank you!

 

[TimW]

Thank you for the thoughtful reply.

I also have a Fosi T20 amplifier, and per their website description, I can plug in passive speakers.
Do you know if this would provide a decent lossless audio listening experience?

Thank you!

Yes the Fosi has speaker outputs and a built in power amplifier (TPA3116 chip) so it can power passive speakers. It's not a very powerful amplifier and probably doesn't measure excellently but it will work. Not sure what you mean by lossless.

 

[TheBatsEar]

I also have a Fosi T20 amplifier, and per their website description, I can plug in passive speakers.

This would do to get sound.

Do you know if this would provide a decent lossless audio listening experience?

I think not, tube amps/preamps introduce heavy distortion.
Some people like it, some people don't.
If you want accuracy, which is what i'm after, tube amps are a nogo.

But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy them or groove to the music using them.

 

[TimW]

For decent passive speakers that can be found for around $200, I would look at:
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+
JBL Stage A130
JBL Studio 530
Polk ES15
Polk XT15

 

[ZoroBK]

I have purchased a JBL Stage A130, as they were exactly in my price range.
I will connect it to my T20 and see if it gets loud enough.
I will update you guys on my findings.

Thank you for your support!