Seeking a bit of help on a new system

[kemmler3D]

Another question just to see what other options are...here's 10 grand build, a system for 50/50 music and tv that must have a streamer in it, no room requirements.

What I am doing is temporary anyways. I have sold my home and moved into what was once an apartment I own with plans to move again within 12 months. In the future location space will not be a factor. So I might as well work around things here temporarily and get something based on the future rather than kick myself in the ass in 12 months when I move and say...damn this stuff I bought was designed for a space I longer have.

If you're doing a 10 grand system the Dutch & Dutch 8Cs need to be mentioned. I think the MSRP is a little above that now, but if you get a refurb or lightly used pair you should come in under 10.

Similar functionality to the LS60s in terms of connectivity and you might still want a sub, but they are often said to be the all-around winner at that price point bar none. And because of the cardioid aspect, they do work in smaller rooms too. And the looks are a bit more traditional.

The Ascilab speakers (not out yet, but soon) should also be really competitive in that price range. They're teasing some stuff based on purifi drivers (by far the SOTA woofers out there) and with a bass module that might obsolete the 8Cs if things shape up the way they seem to be shaping up. They're sharing klippel measurements that deserve a fair bit of hype.

 

[BMCL]

I am really leaning toward the Apollon Amp and then just getting Wiim Ultra for streaming, saves a lot of budget for speakers. If I do this I would have 8k +/- for speaker budget and should be able to find some keepers for that. If the Wiim is garbage, at least it was cheap, the amp should last and in a different set up could be used flexibly.

Those who have bought from Apollon, do you recommend the 5 year warranty?

 

[kemmler3D]

I am really leaning toward the Apollon Amp and then just getting Wiim Ultra for streaming, saves a lot of budget for speakers. If I do this I would have 8k +/- for speaker budget and should be able to find some keepers for that. If the Wiim is garbage, at least it was cheap, the amp should last and in a different set up could be used flexibly.

Those who have bought from Apollon, do you recommend the 5 year warranty

That's pretty much what I would do if I was putting together a new passive system. Rule of thumb is put as much budget toward speakers as you can so I'm on board. $8K wisely spent can get you some really nice speakers.

I have a lot of WiiM units around the house and they work well, my wife doesn't even complain about the app, and she typically has low patience for that sort of thing.

As for the warranty - not a bad idea for +10% if you appreciate the peace of mind. These amps are really good, but failures do happen. I would definitely recommend it if you're going to keep them in a cabinet or something where heat could build up.

 

[VMAT4]

Did you move into an apartment, condo, or townhouse? You may want to forego the sub woofers. Just to be on good terms with your neighbors. If you do that, the you may be interested in the Ki Seven. I know I am.

 

[BMCL]

That's pretty much what I would do if I was putting together a new passive system. Rule of thumb is put as much budget toward speakers as you can so I'm on board. $8K wisely spent can get you some really nice speakers.

I have a lot of WiiM units around the house and they work well, my wife doesn't even complain about the app, and she typically has low patience for that sort of thing.

As for the warranty - not a bad idea for +10% if you appreciate the peace of mind. These amps are really good, but failures do happen. I would definitely recommend it if you're going to keep them in a cabinet or something where heat could build up.

Good to hear the Wiim products are decent, but at the price point they are at, I don't think I could complain. Any suggestions on "wisely spending" on speakers. I am in talks with a dealer who will sell me brand new Kef R11 Metas for 5k, which seems like a great deal but if i can get a better bang for the dollar I am in to that.

Did you move into an apartment, condo, or townhouse? You may want to forego the sub woofers. Just to be on good terms with your neighbors. If you do that, the you may be interested in the Ki Seven. I know I am.

It is an apartment but it is a totally isolated unit attached to my 3400 square foot shop, that I work from. The shop has its own sound system and is made out of steel which makes the building act as a huge speaker, the neighbors don't bother me

 

[kemmler3D]

Good to hear the Wiim products are decent, but at the price point they are at, I don't think I could complain. Any suggestions on "wisely spending" on speakers. I am in talks with a dealer who will sell me brand new Kef R11 Metas for 5k, which seems like a great deal but if i can get a better bang for the dollar I am in to that.

It is an apartment but it is a totally isolated unit attached to my 3400 square foot shop, that I work from. The shop has its own sound system and is made out of steel which makes the building act as a huge speaker, the neighbors don't bother me

A set of R11s for $5k is solid https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/kef-r11-meta-tower-speaker-review.53282/ but if your budget can expand you might want to look at some of Amir and Erin's reviews to see if anything else catches your eye.

I'd also have a look at the ascilab thread... the Purifi drivers have lower distortion than anything else I've seen and are usually described as being "spooky clean" by people who hear them. I think they're doing stuff in your price range that should be competitive with (or beat) the R11s. Caveat: They're not out yet, but I understand they're imminent, and my guess is once they hit the market they will be on a lot of shortlists.

 

[BMCL]

Is there any internal difference between the apollon NCx500 ST and the Lux version or is it just paint?

As far as speakers go I am going to go for towers and am partial to the following but open to other ideas.

Focal Aria 936 or Evo x 3---- I really like the looks of these, the evo slightly more, but the 936's are a pretty good value
Arendal 1732 s THX---I like the build quality and price point, save some for another day
Kef r7 or r11 meta--- Also like the looks and they review well, was offered a pair of new in box r11's for $4900
Mofi Sourcepoint 888--- Looks are okay by my eye, I like that they have a lot of range, seem to punch higher than the price.
Sonus Faber Sonetto V--- Seem to be well constructed, highest price.

Other options welcome under $8000

 

[Patrick4101]

My suggestion is to take a close look at users experiences for the M33, especially the BluOS platform part. Blown up speakers and all kinds of network problems are happening often. After 1 year of intense communication with their development dept, I returned the unit with relief and a smile. NAD ok, BluOS brought to market premature.