Active Bookshelf Speakers or Amp + Passive Speakers?

[Yogesh Sarkar]

I have a budget of around 20k for speakers, which will be used with my computer and TV (movies, music, gaming and general TV viewing). And I am torn between buying active bookshelf speakers like the Edifier R1850DB or buying an amp and a couple of passive speakers, so that I could upgrade the setup down the line.

There is always an option of spending more and getting the Yamaha 1840 HTiB, but that would be extra and I am not sure it would be as good as the above options.

Ps. Dropped the idea of buying a soundbar, since it seems they cannot compete with larger speakers.

 

[BenHur]

One of the major concerns I have is after sales services with bookshelf brands commonly available is their after sales service - either no service or not-repairable (at least with F&D). Common issues faced include button malfunctioning. Here's where getting a good amp + speakers combo score. Audiophiles may suggest better amp + speaker combo.

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

One of the major concerns I have is after sales services with bookshelf brands commonly available is their after sales service - either no service or not-repairable (at least with F&D). Common issues faced include button malfunctioning. Here's where getting a good amp + speakers combo score. Audiophiles may suggest better amp + speaker combo.

The issue with Amp + Speakers setup is, good ones are not available in 20k. Edifier does have sales and service in India, though I am not sure how good/bad it is.

 

[cat]

Same here, same everywhere. (Going by comments by British and Americans.) Amazon returns policy is good enough. Lower retail price trumps possibly good backup service at shops.

 

[anupamkansal]

First thing, make a playlist of songs that you generally hear, something like this list:

10 best songs to test your speakers

These are the tracks that will show off what your fancy new speakers are really capable of.

www.toptenreviews.com

Why you may ask? When you go to Nehru place / other shop , play your list on the selected speaker, this way you will know how each speaker behaves/sounds.

But first, google the best possible speakers (i would say go play your list at Bose showroom in CP). This way you know what the high end speakers system sound and gives you a frame of reverence.

IMHO, since I am trying to go minimalist, I would recomend to get a integrated bookshelg system with a acitve wireless sub. Upgrading down the line is an idea we all ahve but when time comes and we have money to buy, it is always better to get a properly matched system. the curren tsystem then is handed down to a college going youngster This makes you the favorite uncle too and earns you good karma.

 

[anupmathur]

I would recommend a 2.1 system so that you would hardly ever feel the need to upgrade. The bass from a bass unit is invariably better than similarly priced bookshelf speakers. Without going to other brands, do look at the following:

Edifier USA 2.1 Speaker System (M3200) Price: Buy Edifier USA 2.1 Speaker System (M3200) Online in India -Amazon.in


Edifier B7 CineSound Soundbar Speaker with Wireless Subwoofer (Black) Price: Buy Edifier B7 CineSound Soundbar Speaker with Wireless Subwoofer (Black) Online in India -Amazon.in


Edifier M3600D Multimedia 2.1 Active Speaker System - THX Certified - 200 Watts RMS Black Price: Buy Edifier M3600D Multimedia 2.1 Active Speaker System - THX Certified - 200 Watts RMS Black Online in India -Amazon.in

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

First thing, make a playlist of songs that you generally hear, something like this list:

http://[URL]https://www.toptenreviews.com/electronics/articles/top-ten-songs-to-test-your-speakers/

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Why you may ask? When you go to Nehru place / other shop , play your list on the selected speaker, this way you will know how each speaker behaves/sounds.

But first, google the best possible speakers (i would say go play your list at Bose showroom in CP). This way you know what the high end speakers system sound and gives you a frame of reverence.

IMHO, since I am trying to go minimalist, I would recomend to get a integrated bookshelg system with a acitve wireless sub. Upgrading down the line is an idea we all ahve but when time comes and we have money to buy, it is always better to get a properly matched system. the curren tsystem then is handed down to a college going youngster This makes you the favorite uncle too and earns you good karma.

I am not keen on Bose. Because they have a very peculiar sound signature, sort of what I am trying to avoid.

I would recommend a 2.1 system so that you would hardly ever feel the need to upgrade. The bass from a bass unit is invariably better than similarly priced bookshelf speakers. Without going to other brands, do look at the following:

Edifier USA 2.1 Speaker System (M3200) Price: Buy Edifier USA 2.1 Speaker System (M3200) Online in India -Amazon.in


Edifier B7 CineSound Soundbar Speaker with Wireless Subwoofer (Black) Price: Buy Edifier B7 CineSound Soundbar Speaker with Wireless Subwoofer (Black) Online in India -Amazon.in


Edifier M3600D Multimedia 2.1 Active Speaker System - THX Certified - 200 Watts RMS Black Price: Buy Edifier M3600D Multimedia 2.1 Active Speaker System - THX Certified - 200 Watts RMS Black Online in India -Amazon.in

The problem with 2.1 systems is that generally the Bass and lower Mid-Range over powers everything else and leads to very muddled sound. This is the reason I am returning Harman Kardon Omni 10+, they are really good for vocal bias songs, but for everything else, they are under whelming. Though, they are a single speaker unit, so cannot have good bass in any case.

Having said this, I will try and demo these, if available offline.

 

[anupmathur]

....
The problem with 2.1 systems is that generally the Bass and lower Mid-Range over powers everything else and leads to very muddled sound. .....

That is an ill-founded opinion. Speaker placement is important and so is the need to 'equalize' for your room's acoustics.

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

That is an ill-founded opinion. Speaker placement is important and so is the need to 'equalize' for your room's acoustics.

Good point. Speaker placement is good as far as I can tell. Room acoustics need to be worked on. I am planning to add acoustic foam to reduce outside noise and reverb.

 

[anupamkansal]

Good point. Speaker placement is good as far as I can tell. Room acoustics need to be worked on. I am planning to add acoustic foam to reduce outside noise and reverb.

Bhai tu phele speaker khreed le , fir make a house around it