Seeking Guidance for a “Good Enough” HiFi Setup in livingroom.

[StefanSweden]

Hi everyone,

I recently asked questions in another thread but felt it would be better to start my own, so that's what I'm doing now.


I’ve always enjoyed good sound but never enough to dive deep into the technical aspects of HiFi. The more I read, the more I learn—but I’m also finding myself stuck in a cycle of “paralysis by analysis.” It’s consuming a lot of time that I’d rather spend on my job and family.

With this thread, I’m hoping to tap into the experience of those who’ve already walked this path and get some guidance on building a “good enough” system. My goal is to find a setup, buy it, and then leave all the forums, YouTube channels, and Reddit threads behind—just to focus on enjoying music and living my life.

The Context:​

We’ve recently moved into a house with a living room of about 430 sq ft (40 m²) in an open-plan layout. One side of the room is covered with windows, and it’s a typical living room with furniture (no acoustic treatments like panels or diffusers). Speakers will have to be placed close to the wall behind them, as there’s no space to bring them further into the room.

My current modest setup (Dali Oberon 1, SVS SB-1000 Pro, Bluesound Powernode Edge) will be used in a smaller space upstairs. For the living room, I’d like to build a new HiFi system.

• Budget: $3,000–$4,000
• Usage: Streaming only
• Listening Habits: I listen at moderate volumes (~60dB) most of the time but love cranking it up to ~100dB occasionally.
• Future Additions: Planning to add a subwoofer later, and this is very important for me. The system should allow easy subwoofer integration with proper bass management and crossovers.
• Requirements:
  • Power amp + streamer (I’d prefer to separate these for flexibility).
  • Room correction and subwoofer integration (Dirac or similar).
  • Must have an app for easy use, as my wife will also use the system.

I’ve been considering a Hypex Ncore 252 power amp paired with a streamer like the Wiim Pro Plus or Bluesound Node. This combination seems to check my boxes: compact, powerful, room correction (Dirac with Node or PEQ with Wiim), and future-proofed.

Speaker Choice:​

I’m allocating ~$3,000 for speakers. I’ve been auditioning various options at HiFi stores to understand what sound signature I prefer. I mainly listen to rock music but enjoy a wide range of genres.

I’m torn between standmount and floorstanding speakers:

• Floorstanding speakers: Likely better for hitting ~100dB without strain.
• Standmount speakers: May pair well with a sub in the future but might struggle with higher volumes.

Since speakers will need to sit close to the wall, I’d appreciate recommendations for models that perform well in this position. Design and footprint are important, too—speakers in light wood, white finishes, or generally discreet designs that blend into the living room would be ideal.

Constraints:​

The system must be simple enough for the whole family to use, capable of high volumes, and work in a living room without acoustic treatments (no panels, diffusers, etc.). Also, as I mentioned earlier, my technical knowledge is limited, so I’d appreciate it if recommendations and discussions could keep that in mind and align with my perspective.

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I’d greatly appreciate recommendations or thoughts on the setup I’m considering. Keep in mind my technical expertise is limited, and I want a setup that allows me to focus on the music and not the gear. I hope this is the last system I buy or at least for 20-30 years.

Thank you!

 

[JustJones]

Kef LS60

 

[ppataki]

Standmount speakers: May pair well with a sub in the future but might struggle with higher volumes.

I would recommend considering active speakers such as Adam Audio, Neumann, Genelec, etc.
You can read the reviews/measurements here, those are all really excellent speakers

 

[StefanSweden]

I would recommend considering active speakers such as Adam Audio, Neumann, Genelec, etc.
You can read the reviews/measurements here, those are all really excellent speakers

Thank you for your suggestion. Im sure they are good, but they would not qualify as "generally discreet design"

 

[StefanSweden]

Kef LS60

In Sweden they are quite above budget. Even if they were within budget, Im nor sure I would feel comfortable put all the money in actives.

 

[JeremyFife]

Spend the money on speakers - as you propose - and don't rule out Active speakers, which changes your budget for electronics. Get that decision sorted first.

You want subwoofer integration and room correction / DSP / EQ so don't lose sight of that.

I find it hard to look past the WiiM Ultra as a streaming pre-amp. No 'heavyweight' room correction like Dirac though.
miniDSP Flex is a very attractive option, just add a streamer.
You can spend more - Eversolo - but only if that doesn't mean you are compromising your speaker choice. The Eversolo units do look very nice though.

Don't discount an AVR - that's proper "fit and forget", with designed in room correction and bass management. If you've gone for Active speakers then get one with pre-outs. One of these should be on your short list

 

[anotherhobby]

MiniDSP Flex balanced w/ Dirac Live = $770
Hypex NC252MP 2-channel = $575
Philharmonic BMR Monitor = $2000

Total: $3,345 + shipping

Money left over for cables, speaker stands, and a WiiM to hook up to the MiniDSP.

When ready, add a pair of subs. The MiniDSP can handle 4 total outputs.

 

[Spkrdctr]

MiniDSP Flex balanced w/ Dirac Live = $770
Hypex NC252MP 2-channel = $575
Philharmonic BMR Monitor = $2000

Total: $3,345 + shipping

Money left over for cables, speaker stands, and a WiiM to hook up to the MiniDSP.

When ready, add a pair of subs. The MiniDSP can handle 4 total outputs.

Pretty much gave the perfect answer!

 

[wandulus]

I will go for the Wiim Ultra instead the Pro plus. It's possible in future to handle 2 subs via digital out.

 

[Looneybomber]

I want a setup that allows me to focus on the music and not the gear. I hope this is the last system I buy or at least for 20-30 years.

Thank you!

Do not get a speaker with built in electronics. In 20-30 years, there’s a very good chance something electronic will fail or become obsolete along the way.

A passive speaker will typically still be fine. Amps typically last a long time too, but 20-30 years for a built in amp is a lot to ask. Once it fails, if there’s not a drop-in replacement, you have a door stop. The streamer/DAC/computer on the other hand, they’re so complex, it’s easy for one thing to fail (like the Wi-Fi) and require the whole thing be replaced. Again, if there’s not a drop-in replacement… I would never want that built into anything I wasn’t prepared to throw away. With that said, the Kef LS60 is a nonstarter for me.

In the past, I enjoyed the sound and unobtrusive size of the Golden Ear BRX. I feel they’re a great living room speaker for those who don’t really want speakers.

 

[markstein]

With professional companies like Neumann and Genelec you likely get repairs of and spare parts for active speakers for a long time. I am not so sure about Kef.

 

[sapphari]

I'm in a similar boat to OP. Just picked up the LS50 Meta (they are on sale now), so that part's taken care of. Decision there was made a bit easier because I have a height limitation (the LS50 are pretty short). If I didn't have that restriction, I would have been looking at the Buchardt S400 mkii and MoFi SourcePoint 8.

For streamer, I am considering the Bluesound Node Icon. There's a sub out and you can add a Dirac license for $300 so bass management is there. Downside is it hasn't been measured yet.

I agree with earlier suggestion for the Buckeye NC252 (or similar models in Europe).

 

[unpluggged]

Do not get a speaker with built in electronics.

Yeah, real men only drive cars with hand crank start.

 

[StefanSweden]

MiniDSP Flex balanced w/ Dirac Live = $770
Hypex NC252MP 2-channel = $575
Philharmonic BMR Monitor = $2000

Total: $3,345 + shipping

Money left over for cables, speaker stands, and a WiiM to hook up to the MiniDSP.

When ready, add a pair of subs. The MiniDSP can handle 4 total outputs.

Something like this I had in mind. Have not heard BMR and think it would be pricey to ship and/or ship back if I dont like the sound.

 

[DanielT]

Spend the money on speakers - as you propose - and don't rule out Active speakers, which changes your budget for electronics. Get that decision sorted first.

Absolutely!

Stefan, if you are looking for passive floor standing speakers, then with your budget I would have chosen these:

Monitor Audio Silver 500 7g

Nice measurements today from Soundstage hifi…someone get Amir the 100 7g https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2685:nrc-measurements-monitor-audio-silver-500-7g-loudspeakers&catid=77:loudspeaker-measurements&Itemid=153

audiosciencereview.com

After that purchase, you have around $1000 left to spend. Considering then 90dB sensitive speakers plus what you said about listening volume you don't need much more than 50 to 80 fine amp watts. If it had only been as you said: I listen at moderate volumes (~60dB) ...then with 90dB sensitive speakers you really only need around 5 watts. But you added.. most of the time but love cranking it up to ~100dB occasionally. Then more than 5 watts are needed when you push the pedal to the metal.

I had bought a not too old used Yamaha or NAD amplifier. For example, a quick search on Blocket (a sell and buy site that everyone in Sweden knows), a NAD C356BEE, 80 watt amp, around 10 years old sells for $175. It's an ok price.

I would recommend considering active speakers such as Adam Audio, Neumann, Genelec, etc.
You can read the reviews/measurements here, those are all really excellent speakers

Good advice.

 

[StefanSweden]

Absolutely!

Stefan, if you are looking for passive floor standing speakers, then with your budget I would have chosen these:

View attachment 411796View attachment 411797

Monitor Audio Silver 500 7g

Nice measurements today from Soundstage hifi…someone get Amir the 100 7g https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2685:nrc-measurements-monitor-audio-silver-500-7g-loudspeakers&catid=77:loudspeaker-measurements&Itemid=153

audiosciencereview.com

After that purchase, you have around $1000 left to spend. Considering then 90dB sensitive speakers plus what you said about listening volume you don't need much more than 50 to 80 fine amp watts. If it had only been as you said: I listen at moderate volumes (~60dB) ...then with 90dB sensitive speakers you really only need around 5 watts. But you added.. most of the time but love cranking it up to ~100dB occasionally. Then more than 5 watts are needed when you push the pedal to the metal.

I had bought a not too old used Yamaha or NAD amplifier. For example, a quick search on Blocket (a sell and buy site that everyone in Sweden knows), a NAD C356BEE, 80 watt amp, around 10 years old sells for $175. It's an ok price.
View attachment 411813

Good advice.

Thank you @DanielT (as always)

I have had my eyes on the MA Silver series before. I have not yet seen them in person, but in pictures I cant help to think they look a bit cheapish? (even the wood finish). I much prefer Dynaudio Contour Legacy but not their price tag. I have been suggested Wharfedale Super Linton by others but Im not sure if everyone in our home apprechiate their looks as she had whishes for "a white slender speaker", like Q Acoustic Concept 50.

Thank you for suggestion about the amp. Im a little hesitant to used for the sake of used. I have set a side money ($4000) for this and want to spend every dime of it since its my ticket away from hifi forums, reddit, yt etc. Lets say I have a one time in life to splurge.

If I were to buy Wiim/Bluesound + power amp, would it just be plug and play or do I need to manage some settings etc?

 

[REK2575]

Well, for the WiiM or Bluesound there will be some settings management to be sure, but nothing far beyond what you'd have to set if you were using a regular integrated amp. From experience I can say the WiiM app, plus the device's user interface, are friendlier and more intuitive than BluOS/Bluesound. It's all pretty straightforward stuff.

 

[StefanSweden]

Well, for the WiiM or Bluesound there will be some settings management to be sure, but nothing far beyond what you'd have to set if you were using a regular integrated amp. From experience I can say the WiiM app, plus the device's user interface, are friendlier and more intuitive than BluOS/Bluesound. It's all pretty straightforward stuff.

Really? I have BlueOS now and find it very intuitive. I like that Bluesound has Dirac (extra cost) but then again, I have never heard Dirac in person, so I dont know if its a deal breaker. What I like about BlueOS is that you can limit the volume to say 50% even if you max out. Great with kids. Dont know if Wiim has that?

 

[REK2575]

WiiM does let you set volume limits. I used a pair of Bluesound Nodes for years. No complaints. I remember when a year or two they finally rolled out an update to the BluOS app that was a marked improvement. That said, I switched to the WiiM ecosystem recently (a WiiM Amp Pro in one set up, an Ultra in another) and I would never go back to Bluesound.

 

[Muddywaters]

You are able to set a limit in the audio settings of the WiiM (this is on one of my Mini’s