LHC Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 Just been corresponding with a relative who wants to buy a B&W Zeppelin Air to play music. I tried to convince him one should be able to get a decent turn-key component hi-fi system for similar amount of coins and get much better sound. Famous last words - when I tried to do some google searches the task appears much harder than I had anticipated. So the mission, if you choose to accept, design a 2.0 system for a decent sound costing no more than $800. Yes, I know second hand is much better value. But for this exercise please use RRP or assume a reasonable discount of 10%. You may assume there are no issues with space, life-style or WAF. Input sources - can be driven by iPhones, laptops (USB) or similar devices, wireless would be nice. Ability to play CD would be a bonus. At this price point it would probably be bookshelf speakers. You may leave out the cost of stands; but don't forget some cables. Don't forget synergy. Low power amplification means the speakers must be easy to drive. Go on and take the challenge. (p.s. if this does turn out to be mission impossible, I am prepared to swallow my pride and admit that I was wrong )
henry218 Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 (edited) i think the conveniency of the Zeppelin prob boost their value, besides their sound is clear and smooth enough for most people. looks cool too this is the same case with usher s520, i dont think anyone can DIY to be as decent sounding and good looking as the usher, its just impossible. Edited February 19, 2014 by henry218
Phantom Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 There is nothing wrong with the Zeppelin and it's a nice easy, elegant and decent sounding solution for a non enthusiast or where a system cannot be accommodated or afforded We have 2 audio systems and a Zeppelin in the kitchen. It's brilliant and sounds great for what it is. 1
RockandorRoll Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 http://www.deniswhitea2v.com.au/nad-d-3020-hybrid-digital-amplifier.html http://www.deniswhitea2v.com.au/q-acoustics-2010i.html Just over, by $200 I reckon the NAD 3020 has to be the basis though, does everything you need in a source/amp. Other than that would be the entry level PeachTree Audio or Wadia unit. SPeakers for cheap will be the difficult thing Ah, actually, do Aktimate MInis http://www.krispyaudio.com.au/products/AktiMate-Mini%252b-Bookshelf-Speakers.html And through a forum Sponsor!!
oldrose Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 (edited) Easy to do with pre loved gear, much harder with new.No source but the inevitable Usher 520s plus the low end nad or cambridge amp + cheap cables would come close in price. Edit: I'd still stick with the Zeppelin however as it is a fantastic sounding unit with high WAF both in looks and operation. None of the mini systems I've heard come close which is to be expected given they are also including some sort of tuner and Disc drive. Edited February 20, 2014 by oldrose
manchu Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 How about something like this denon micro. It's not really 'designing' a system and I can't comment on sound quality vs zeppelin, but I think it's a little more versatile. Maybe worth considering at least. https://www.videopro.com.au/p-5966-denon-d-m39-high-grade-micro-system.aspx?utm_source=getprice&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=getprice&utm_source=getprice&utm_medium=cpc
peacewise Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 (edited) http://www.thecableconnection.com.au/Usher-Audio---S520---Bookshelf-Speakers-pair---Black-Gloss.html http://www.thecableconnection.com.au/Cocktail-Audio-X10-Music-Streamer-and-Media-Player.html Usher s520. $359 Cocktail audio x10 music streamer CD player and amp. $539. Cable : sna mate donates 2m, or dick smith $5. I bust the budget at $903, but if you can wrangle 10%, very close. I have nfi if it'll be better than the zeppelin. Edit : couple of alternative speakers. http://www.thecableconnection.com.au/Wharfedale-Diamond-100-Bookshelf-Speakers-Pair---75-Watts-RMS.html Wharfedale diamond 10, $349. http://www.thecableconnection.com.au/Q-Acoustics-2010i-Bookshelf-Speakers-Pair---Graphite.html Q acoustics 2010i. $315. Edited February 19, 2014 by peacewise
Phantom Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 One thing that should be taken into account when recommending the Usher speakers is that they will sound crap with a wimpy amplifier. They may well be small and good value for money but they need a fair bit of current and wattage to have them sounding good. I have seen and heard this many times where people are trying to do a cheap system and they buy the Ushers. Don't be fooled by their low price, they demand a decent amplifier to deliver, just like most good quality stand mounts. 4
murrmax Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 Easy - well not quite plug and play atm but way more potential- Cubox-i $50 + DAC ($200)+ powered speakers ($300-500) ; too many options to choose from, you decide... this option gives you media streaming too Wireless version of Cubox 104$
DAMO 1147 Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 (edited) NAD 3020D + pioneer SP -BS22-LR, the Pioneers are better than you would think. This combo may be $50 over budget. Although i have not heard a zep to compare. Active speakers as previously mentioned a good fit as well. Alternate speakers - only guesing the amp has the power to get them to sing - leaves good money for an amp. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Yamaha-NS-BP110-Piano-White-Bookshelf-Speakers-NEW-2-YR-AUS-WARRANTY-/151193018268?pt=AU_Hi_Fi_Speakers&hash=item2333ce5f9c&clk_rvr_id=589979855423 Edited February 20, 2014 by DAMO 1147 3
Juicester Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 (edited) You could try an all in one for simplicity? http://www.whathifi.com/review/denon-d-m39dab http://www.audiotrends.com.au/Denon_DM_39DAB_Black.html?action=viewProduct&itemId=1753 --- Certain you could get it for less. How about something like this denon micro.It's not really 'designing' a system and I can't comment on sound quality vs zeppelin, but I think it's a little more versatile. Maybe worth considering at least.https://www.videopro.com.au/p-5966-denon-d-m39-high-grade-micro-system.aspx?utm_source=getprice&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=getprice&utm_source=getprice&utm_medium=cpc woops. we were on the same line of thought. the one we linked is well reviewed. Edited February 20, 2014 by Juicester
DAMO 1147 Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 I also note that Clef hi fi has a zep air for $599 is that the same one? http://clefhifi.com.au/catalog/specials.php It could re-set the paramaters of the challange.
davewantsmoore Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 You hit some pretty big runs in this range with DIY... although this doesn't factor in time or tools, which can be an enormous expense. Otherwise, some type of small active speaker, and a CD/BD player which has adjustable volume (many have network streaming and USB / ipod input) ... is the way to do this IMO
davewantsmoore Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 It could re-set the paramaters of the challange. KRK Rokit 5 = $460 Spinner with USB / ipod / network = $100
henry218 Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 i would go with either fostex or behringer with ribbon, KRK just too bright 1
manchu Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 woops. we were on the same line of thought. the one we linked is well reviewed. I've heard the Denon DM39 (or maybe 38) in person at Tivoli hifi and it was pretty good. I compared to an Arcam Solo & B&W 686 and there wasn't enough difference to justify price difference. Coincidently, the reason I was there was to check out options for my father in law who had returned a Zeppelin (non air) and got store credit. I think he'd had 2 or 3 play up so wanted something different. He ended up with the Denon and seems quite happy with it.
gainphile Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 For DIY: State of the art PLUTO http://www.linkwitzlab.com/Pluto/photos.htm For Lazy/Turnkey: Behringer b2031a Beat this directivity ! 1
Full Range Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 Some of those airplay products are surprisingly good I will post this link so one can see about 20 or so models on one page http://store.apple.com/au/ipad/ipad-accessories/speakers#! My pick - Klipsch and JBL
LHC Posted February 20, 2014 Author Posted February 20, 2014 Thank you all for many interesting suggestions, we will look into them. It occurred to me one deciding factor is whether the buyer has any ambitions to upgrade or expand the setup in the future. If there are such thoughts then starting with a NAD D 3020 or similar would form a good base for upgrade path. Otherwise I liked the suggestions of all-in-one powered speakers. Johnny Darko reviewed a pair of Vanatoo that could fit the bill http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2013/07/vanatoo-transparent-one-powered-loudspeaker-review/
LHC Posted February 20, 2014 Author Posted February 20, 2014 I also note that Clef hi fi has a zep air for $599 is that the same one? http://clefhifi.com.au/catalog/specials.php It could re-set the paramaters of the challange. It won't be fair to change now, but thanks anyway.
Full Range Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 Thank you all for many interesting suggestions, we will look into them. It occurred to me one deciding factor is whether the buyer has any ambitions to upgrade or expand the setup in the future. If there are such thoughts then starting with a NAD D 3020 or similar would form a good base for upgrade path. Otherwise I liked the suggestions of all-in-one powered speakers. Johnny Darko reviewed a pair of Vanatoo that could fit the bill http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2013/07/vanatoo-transparent-one-powered-loudspeaker-review/ The reason my pick was Klipsch is because it can be expanded Quote - You can have up to four Gallery - G-17 Air units on an existing network http://store.apple.com/au/product/H7953Z/A/klipsch-gallery-g-17-air-airplay-speakers?fnode=3f
Jake Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 Sonos Play 5 + Sonos iPod dock = $782 Clicky piccy for linky. 3
alittlewino Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 (edited) http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CAMBRIDGE-AUDIO-ONE-integrated-CD-player-DAB-FM2-1RS-/271396275739?pt=AU_hifi_system&hash=item3f307a861b&_uhb=1 plus http://www.audiotrends.com.au/Cambridge_Audio_S30_Dark_Walnut.html?action=viewProduct&itemId=1857 bit of bargaining and some speaker cables thrown in and you should just get there or you will go closer with some Wharfedale 9.1s from Caxton Audio or maybe Q Accoustic 2010i http://www.digitalcinema.com.au/Q-Acoustics-Loudspeakers-s/126.htm?searching=Y&sort=13&cat=126&show=15&page=2 Edited February 20, 2014 by alittlewino
Carrera1963 Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 (edited) These apparently give the Usher s520 a run for the (little) money - http://www.pioneer.com.au/au/products/42/99/161/SP-BS22LR/page.html Add in whatever ~$500 amp you like, etc Or the aktimate's from Krispy Edited February 20, 2014 by shaun.o
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