Looking for advice on 2.0 Speakers

[RevolverChocolot]

Hi everyone!

Nice to meet you all.

I've decided it's a good time to properly dip my toe into the audiophile world after sitting on the side-lines and watching for quite some time but kinda need a lil advice from the audiovets as how to proceed. I've asked across a couple of different places but hoping to get as many experienced opinions as possible so any help is appreciated.

I'm looking to set up a new passive speaker system to run from my PC (and eventually maybe add BT in the future etc) . I already have a pair of (active) Edifier 360dbs and I do love them however they do have faults that are quite annoying such as a relentless bass and a terrible remote (like, the worst remote I've ever seen, wtf were they thinking?).

I've always had 2.1 set ups but I want to focus on clarity for this set up, more specifically, really great mid-ranges from a 2.0. I like bass but I don't ever really feel it's the part of music I crave when I'm listening.

So far I've been considering PC (optical out)> Topping E30ii (optional to bypass the eh Yamaha DAC)> Yamaha E-S301.

I have no interest in bass heavy songs really and so rarely listen to any rock or metal etc.

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For reference, below are some of the types of tracks I mostly listen to. (sorry for all the Clair Obscur tracks, it's literally the perfect OST and fits my average listening quite well).

I seem to heavily favour female singing voices in case that's relevant? The high pitched strings of violins not getting distorted and really piercing the msuic is so pleasing to me too (see around 3:50 of Une Vie A T'aimer below for instance):

Clair Obscur: Aline

Claire Obscure: Une vie à t'aimer

Clair Obscur: Alicia

Attack On Titan: Zero Eclipse

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

With all of this in mind, I'm looking for a pair of 2.0 speakers that will really, really focus on the mid-ranges and highs rather than floor shaking bass. I want to be able to hear as many details as possible while really getting a new appreciation for good soundstages etc. I am looking for a speaker that 'wows' not with bass or pure loudness but the sense of depth, clarity and 'feel'. I hope that makes sense?

They will be on my desk by my monitor so technically near-field and at a toe in. About 30cm between the backs of the speakers and wall. With this in mind, I won't need crazy high volumes.

I'm happy to spend up to (around) £500 on the speakers alone to start with. I know I might not get a top of the line super amazing speakers at that price but I'm an audio peasant so to my uncultured ears I'm sure they will be good.

I've been looking at these speakers as options:

• Elac Uni-Fi 2.0
• Dali Oberon 3 (apparently sound great but poorly made with cheap comps. Slightly leaning toward this from reviews)
• Triangle Borea Bro2 (heard great things and then...mixed things)
• Wharfedale Denton 80 or 85 Anniversary Editions (These things look damn nice)

With the songs above as reference, I'd really appreciate either the best pick from the above or a speaker you think would be a better pick.

Thanks alot everyone!

 

[Mechnutt]

The Elacs will give you clarity. They will need some power to get the most out of them as they are rated at 85db sensitivity at 6 ohms.

The Wharfedale's may be the best choice though.

I would also look at Monitor Audio Silvers and the Wharfedale Evo series. My son owns the Evo 4.4's.

Magnepan LRS+ would be a great choice but they need power and current. They will also need a sub.

Also consider Q Acoustics speakers which have great sound.

I would not buy that Topping DAC. Watch the review on YouTube from the Cheap Audioman on this DAC. The E30 dacs are thin and bright sounding. I own 2 Topping E50 DAC's which is a higher model than the E30's. I use one for TV and another for a Bedroom system with an old Marantz receiver and a pair of Monitor Audio RX1 speakers using Audirvana music player. It sounds pretty good but in my son's or my reference system (about $35,000) it sounds like ass. Don't buy a cheap Chinese DAC. These Topping DAC's also have a high failure rate, just look at the reviews on Amazon. I would look at the DAC's from Schiit Audio. Or go used.

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Made in USA

www.schiit.com

 

[Michaels HiFi]

Hi everyone!

Nice to meet you all.
With the songs above as reference, I'd really appreciate either the best pick from the above or a speaker you think would be a better pick.

Thanks alot everyone!

Hello! Welcome to this crazy world of hifi.

It's certainly great to get ideas and recommendations from people on Facebook and forums. Just remember they don't hear the same way you do nor do they have the same room/gear/cables as you.

In the end it's great to get suggestions but the ONLY way you will be happy is if you listen to them for yourself before making a decision.

Even on my channel I say in every video it ONLY matters what you think about the gear - not me nor anyone else.

Good luck!

 

[nicoff]

To the Op:
You make no mention of your room. The room will have a big role in the sound that you hear from any speakers.

The speakers/room have the most impact of any component. So consider allocating most of money there.

Below are links to videos of reviews of speakers in the less than $1k dollar range. I realize that you want to spend only $500, but you might be able to stretch it a bit. Good luck!

PS #1. Just realized that you said pounds not dollars.
PS#2. Consider not buying a new DAC now and put that money into the speakers.