Need advice on floor speakers, budget around 1,500 $

[DanielT]

Although, the Yamaha and the Lintons, do have a nice, retro 70s style, that would look good together.

Indeed! The look of the Yamaha has grown on me and it would match very well with the Lintons.

Absolutely, I agree. It's a neat speaker -amp combo. At least that's what I would have chosen with that budget.

Kaffe, Here you can calculate a little on this with amp power. There are also other threads with a similar theme that I refer to. Just a little note. Subwoofer's working range, the lowest frequencies, then those calculators don't quite match. A subwoofer can easily need upwards of 500 watts (especially if it has low sensitivity) to function good in a normal listening room at normal to slightly higher volume levels, but beyond that it can give you a small indication.
(on the other hand, tweeters usually need very few watts).

See it for a clue:

How much power does an amplifier need with this type of range of dynamic music

Feel free to use this calculator. Add sensitivity to the speaker and then tell which effect you have chosen and why. Weigh in that you want some headroom. http://www.mh-audio.nl/Calculators/REAP.html You can select music from this list. Or something else, but in that case tell us how you...

audiosciencereview.com

Yep. I couldn’t really adjust the volume properly

That's tricky. I bought a vintage receiver for my parents. It had fixed steps on the volume control. They play exclusively at a certain low volume but then it turned out that either the volume was too low or the volume was a little too high with the settings of that volume control. So I had to fix another receiver, or in this case amp for them.

 

[DearSX]

Linton and Polk Reserve (R600 or R700) series are very good speakers in that price range that I have owned. Polk R700 is more full range and neutral, Linton is a good all round for its size.

 

[rdenney]

I paid $750 for a used pair of Revel F12's.

Rick "and then spend the rest on other stuff" Denney

 

[kaffe]

Do you have multiple sources, CD player, tuner, turntable, etc., or just the streamer?

If you only have a single source, and don't need the multiple inputs provided by a traditional integrated amplifier, like the Yamaha you mentioned, you might consider one of the inexpensive TPA3255 based amps, some of which offer very good performance for the price:

Aiyima A07 Max Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Aiyima A07 Max stereo class D amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and sells for (I think) $85 with the included power supply: I like the little design touches and the much heavier enclosure (made out of steel?). I really appreciate the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Fosi Audio V3 Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Fosi Audio V3 stereo amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $89.99 with stock 32 volt supply. Price goes up to $109.99 with the 48 volt supply. There is a $10 discount coupon right now. Despite its budget price, the V3...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Pretty much state of the art, if you DIY or spend a bit more:

3e audio TPA3255 260-2-29A Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the 3e audio 260-2-29A TPA3255 chip based stereo amplifier. It was sent to me by the company as a complete unit even though they only sell the amplifier modules. As you see, it is a generic box which is something you can easily build yourself. I...

www.audiosciencereview.com

AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S2503E Power Amplifier 3E AUDIO 260-2-29A PFFB

The Audiophonics AP300-S2503E is a stereo power amplifier featuring a 3e Audio PFFB amplifier module. This enables it to develop 2x250W of power under 4Ω while delivering exceptional sound quality, combining precision and dynamics.

www.audiophonics.fr

Although, the Yamaha and the Lintons, do have a nice, retro 70s style, that would look good together.

I forgot to add that I'm only looking to connect a streamer. So plenty of options to choose from.

on sale

ARENDAL SOUND OUTLET

arendalsound.com

Arendal 1961 Tower Speaker Review

Arendal 1961 Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

Interesting pair!

Absolutely, I agree. It's a neat speaker -amp combo. At least that's what I would have chosen with that budget.

Kaffe, Here you can calculate a little on this with amp power. There are also other threads with a similar theme that I refer to. Just a little note. Subwoofer's working range, the lowest frequencies, then those calculators don't quite match. A subwoofer can easily need upwards of 500 watts (especially if it has low sensitivity) to function good in a normal listening room at normal to slightly higher volume levels, but beyond that it can give you a small indication.
(on the other hand, tweeters usually need very few watts).

See it for a clue:

How much power does an amplifier need with this type of range of dynamic music

Feel free to use this calculator. Add sensitivity to the speaker and then tell which effect you have chosen and why. Weigh in that you want some headroom. http://www.mh-audio.nl/Calculators/REAP.html You can select music from this list. Or something else, but in that case tell us how you...

audiosciencereview.com

That's tricky. I bought a vintage receiver for my parents. It had fixed steps on the volume control. They play exclusively at a certain low volume but then it turned out that either the volume was too low or the volume was a little too high with the settings of that volume control. So I had to fix another receiver, or in this case amp for them.

Glad to hear it! Sounds like I'm on the right track here

I'll take a look at the thread.

If I decide to pick a subwoofer at some point, I would probably pick an active one. However, from what I have read about the Lintons it probably won't be necessary with one. I hope not since it will get a bit too crammed in my living room. As far as I know, the sub would have to be placed somewhere between the speakers, right? If that's the case I am sort of limited.

Edit: what an awesome tool you've made there.
Honestly I don't know what data to plug in, but I'm figuring I can't be way off with these:

Distance to listener: 3 meters
Desired SPL at listener: 85 dB
Loudspeaker sensitivity rating: 85 dB (according to Wharfedale they have a 90 dB rating, but I read several places it's in fact lower, somewhere around 85 if I remember correctly). Just found out, the 90 dB is at 2.83v @1m - no idea how to take that into consideration.
Amplifier headroom: 10 dB (really not sure what is advisable here)

With 10 dB headroom I would need 90 watts.
What about impedance by the way? How is that not part of the calculation (newbie here)?

 

[kaffe]

Linton and Polk Reserve (R600 or R700) series are very good speakers in that price range that I have owned. Polk R700 is more full range and neutral, Linton is a good all round for its size.

I have taken a closer look at the Polk Reserve too, but they are quite a lot more expensive where I live. It's almost twice as much for the R700 compared to the Lintons.
The Lintons I can grab for around 1,240 on sale, stands included

 

[MKR]

on sale

ARENDAL SOUND OUTLET

arendalsound.com

Arendal 1961 Tower Speaker Review

Arendal 1961 Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

Indeed, Arendal also a good choice

 

[MKR]

Absolutely, I agree. It's a neat speaker -amp combo. At least that's what I would have chosen with that budget.

Kaffe, Here you can calculate a little on this with amp power. There are also other threads with a similar theme that I refer to. Just a little note. Subwoofer's working range, the lowest frequencies, then those calculators don't quite match. A subwoofer can easily need upwards of 500 watts (especially if it has low sensitivity) to function good in a normal listening room at normal to slightly higher volume levels, but beyond that it can give you a small indication.
(on the other hand, tweeters usually need very few watts).

See it for a clue:

How much power does an amplifier need with this type of range of dynamic music

Feel free to use this calculator. Add sensitivity to the speaker and then tell which effect you have chosen and why. Weigh in that you want some headroom. http://www.mh-audio.nl/Calculators/REAP.html You can select music from this list. Or something else, but in that case tell us how you...

audiosciencereview.com

That's tricky. I bought a vintage receiver for my parents. It had fixed steps on the volume control. They play exclusively at a certain low volume but then it turned out that either the volume was too low or the volume was a little too high with the settings of that volume control. So I had to fix another receiver, or in this case amp for them.

For what it’s worth, I had no issue adjusting volume using WiiM dig volume control direct to amp, worked very well. Maybe an impedance mismatch on your side

 

[Count Arthur]

On sale: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...exp_id=a9b5f528-dab0-4f1b-a2e8-ce4d6f6deb83-1

Even the 48v power supply won't give 300wpc, but probably more than the Yamaha. Decisions, decisions.

 

[kaffe]

For what it’s worth, I had no issue adjusting volume using WiiM dig volume control direct to amp, worked very well. Maybe an impedance mismatch on your side

Had the WiiM connected to a pair of 4 ohm speakers with around 92 dB sensitivity. Volume increased quite a lot with each "click".

On sale: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...exp_id=a9b5f528-dab0-4f1b-a2e8-ce4d6f6deb83-1

Even the 48v power supply won't give 300wpc, but probably more than the Yamaha. Decisions, decisions.

Oh, yes. At least I am pretty convinced about the speakers!

I need to figure out that tool Daniel T has linked to above. For example, I don't know how to convert the sensitivity indicated by Wharfedale (90 dB 2.83v @1m) to loudspeaker sensitivity at 1 watt at 1 meter. In general, I don't expect to blast the speakers, but I would appreciate avoiding any clipping on the rare occasion I would turn up the volume. I suppose I wouldn't care to turn it up above 90 dB under any circumstances. How many dBs for amplifier headroom is recommendable?

 

[DanielT]

For what it’s worth, I had no issue adjusting volume using WiiM dig volume control direct to amp, worked very well. Maybe an impedance mismatch on your side

Maybe but it was an old receiver they had and not WiiM. With that receiver 8 Ohm, 89dB sensitive speakers. Pretty standard. There was just too much difference in volume between the steps on their stepped volume pot.

 

[MKR]

Maybe but it was an old receiver they had and not WiiM. With that receiver 8 Ohm, 89dB sensitive speakers. Pretty standard. There was just too much difference in volume between on their stepped volume control

Sure, only saying in some cases, WiiM volume control works well and can’t blanket state it doesn’t work

 

[al2002]

Of that list, and based on measurements only, the Warfedales would be my top pick. You might consider the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX, and KEF R3 (non-meta) if you can find them. I personally would want a sub with any of the listed speakers however.

Agree

 

[MarcT]

Another option that is supposed to be pretty good is the Heco Aurora 1000. Available on Amazon under $900 with free trial and returns.

Aurora 1000 | HECO USA

HECO Aurora 1000 Floorstanding Speaker features a new Fluctus tweeter for perfect sound dispersion. Shop Now.

heco-usa.com

Amazon.com

 

[eddantes]

First... Lets just filter the test results

1. Keeping the price low - allows a small Subwoofer budget (and lord knows, a sub is a must!)
2. Keeping the sensitivity high (90db/1M/1W)- allows you to use your somewhat anaemic amp to provide good service
3. Keeping the measurements and score in mind - either the Infinity or the Revel will do the trick
4. Keeping the looks in mind - only the Revel is decent looking
5. Keeping Rick "knows what he's talking about" Denney's post in mind - see if you can grab those Revel's on the used market (speakers don't wear out) and use the savings elsewhere - right @rdenney ?

 

[MarkS]

List price on the Revel F35 is now $880 each, but they are currently on sale; Crutchfield has them for $616 each.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Crutchfield is also currently selling the Revel Concerta2 F36 tower loudspeaker for $770 each - list price is $1,100 each.

 

[kaffe]

First... Lets just filter the test results

View attachment 336409

1. Keeping the price low - allows a small Subwoofer budget (and lord knows, a sub is a must!)
2. Keeping the sensitivity high (90db/1M/1W)- allows you to use your somewhat anaemic amp to provide good service
3. Keeping the measurements and score in mind - either the Infinity or the Revel will do the trick
4. Keeping the looks in mind - only the Revel is decent looking
5. Keeping Rick "knows what he's talking about" Denney's post in mind - see if you can grab those Revel's on the used market (speakers don't wear out) and use the savings elsewhere - right @rdenney ?

Crutchfield is also currently selling the Revel Concerta2 F36 tower loudspeaker for $770 each - list price is $1,100 each.

First... Lets just filter the test results

View attachment 336409

1. Keeping the price low - allows a small Subwoofer budget (and lord knows, a sub is a must!)
2. Keeping the sensitivity high (90db/1M/1W)- allows you to use your somewhat anaemic amp to provide good service
3. Keeping the measurements and score in mind - either the Infinity or the Revel will do the trick
4. Keeping the looks in mind - only the Revel is decent looking
5. Keeping Rick "knows what he's talking about" Denney's post in mind - see if you can grab those Revel's on the used market (speakers don't wear out) and use the savings elsewhere - right @rdenney ?

List price on the Revel F35 is now $880 each, but they are currently on sale; Crutchfield has them for $616 each.

Unfortunately, I am having a difficult time finding these where I live (DK), and even in the EU. If I manage to find a pair, it looks like they will be much more expensive than in the US.

The Lintons however, I can get for just 1,240 for a pair, including stands.

 

[StefanSweden]

@kaffe ... Sverige?

I have lately read good reviews on the Q Acoustics 5040. No idea how they messure, but perhaps others is a vendor nearby for a listening session, If they fancy you.

 

[daverosenthal]

I'm running my Lintons with a WiiM pro plus and a Topping PA5 II amp--both are quite cheap. The PA5 has a volume control on it so you can use that to get the gain structure of the system correct and them the volume steps on the WiiM should work well (i.e. you'll be using more of the full range). I usually just use my phone's touchscreen to do volume and have had no problem, but I do agree that the WiiM remote's volume steps are not tiny, and that might be an issue if you like to dial in a very precise level. I will say that I really like the Lintons (see my post about them here.)

 

[kaffe]

@kaffe ... Sverige?

I have lately read good reviews on the Q Acoustics 5040. No idea how they messure, but perhaps others is a vendor nearby for a listening session, If they fancy you.

Copenhagen

Looks like those are a bit tricky to come across in DK as well. So far I mostly
just seen search results from GB.

I'm running my Lintons with a WiiM pro plus and a Topping PA5 II amp--both are quite cheap. The PA5 has a volume control on it so you can use that to get the gain structure of the system correct and them the volume steps on the WiiM should work well (i.e. you'll be using more of the full range). I usually just use my phone's touchscreen to do volume and have had no problem, but I do agree that the WiiM remote's volume steps are not tiny, and that might be an issue if you like to dial in a very precise level. I will say that I really like the Lintons (see my post about them here.)

I’m getting very convinced I should just buy the Lintons. The price also seems very favorable, at least in my case here. I see the them go for 1,500 $ on sale at Crutchfield in the US, I can get them for around 1,240 here. Normally I would have to add +25% or so to the US price.

You write:

“Personally, I don't like beaming in the upper frequency range and prefer the 'room filling' sound of wider dispersion speakers.”

I like this description of what to expect from them. It’s not easy for me to imagine the difference in sound between different types of speakers, but this helps to clarify some.

May I ask the dimensions of your room where the Lintons are placed and the distance to the wall?

About the amplifier choice:

I honestly prefer getting a properly time tested product to one which may have very fine stats and come with state-of-the-art components.

In that regard the Yamaha looks to be a solid choice. I think the loudness control could come in handy too.

From what I have read, the A-S501 should provide sufficient juice for the Lintons, at least I have read about multiple people doing this pairing. However, if that is actually not the case, I would naturally have to look for another amplifier. Also, if you can expect more clean and superior sound with another sort of pairing, which isn’t much more expensive, I would be inclined to consider that option even if the product is quite new.