Stand mounted or floorstander?

padyjoe

I'm a returning timewaster who still has not been able to make up his mind! :-) Looking for the first hi-fi setup.
Few months ago I was settled for a QA 2050i and Onkyo A9010 but I'm not convinced I'd need floorstanders. The room is not big 6m x 3m with a 2m x 2m kitchen which isn't separated. So one side is closed by wall, the other is 'open'. Reading the recommendations with fs speakers you have to arrange your room around it then they give you a better soundstage. Them sm speakers have more attack and speed. They'll go beside the tv if I look it at that way, there's room for both types.
I'd put my listening levels at low to mid levels with a wide range of usage. (pop, rock, acoustic, movies, etc.) I like dynamic pieces not much fan of a sleep inducing music.
I'm happy with 2 channel amplifier (so stereo will do) and don't need any fancy. (I had a 2.1 PC speaker once, I know it's not good for comparison but I was shocked how it had too much bass and completely lacked the mid and high range!)
I know speakers are down to personal preferences and the pros go for auditions. I'm far from being a pro but still believe in a  good recommendation could make you happy as well.
Budget? That's always a good question, let's limit at a 3 digit figure. ;-)
Thank you!

Regards
Joe

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

I'm a returning timewaster who still has not been able to make up his mind! :-) Looking for the first hi-fi setup.
Few months ago I was settled for a QA 2050i and Onkyo A9010 but I'm not convinced I'd need floorstanders. The room is not big 6m x 3m with a 2m x 2m kitchen which isn't separated. So one side is closed by wall, the other is 'open'. Reading the recommendations with fs speakers you have to arrange your room around it then they give you a better soundstage. Them sm speakers have more attack and speed. They'll go beside the tv if I look it at that way, there's room for both types.
I'd put my listening levels at low to mid levels with a wide range of usage. (pop, rock, acoustic, movies, etc.) I like dynamic pieces not much fan of a sleep inducing music.
I'm happy with 2 channel amplifier (so stereo will do) and don't need any fancy. (I had a 2.1 PC speaker once, I know it's not good for comparison but I was shocked how it had too much bass and completely lacked the mid and high range!)
I know speakers are down to personal preferences and the pros go for auditions. I'm far from being a pro but still believe in a  good recommendation could make you happy as well.
Budget? That's always a good question, let's limit at a 3 digit figure. ;-)
Thank you!

Regards
Joe

Hi Joe.

If you wanted to move off of floorstanding speakers then you could perhaps look at the Cambridge Audio CXA60 paired up with the Bronze 2 priced at a deal at £699
https://www.richersounds.com/cambridge-cxa60-monitor-audio-bronze-2.html

You could set the Bronze 2 speakers on the Mission Stancettes priced at £59.00
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-200307-stancette.aspx

If you wanted even more detail and a refined sound then I could offer a deal on the CXA 60 with the Monitor Audio Silver 50 for £899.
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-202734-black-oak-319124.aspx

Let me know what you think.

padyjoe

Thanks for taking time to reply, Kenny!

One problem solved, the "Boss" reckons that the stands don't look good. :-) She likes the floorstanders much more. I'd appreciate if you posted recommendation for that as well, some good package topped with a boardsie deal. Thank you!

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

Thanks for taking time to reply, Kenny!

One problem solved, the "Boss" reckons that the stands don't look good. :-) She likes the floorstanders much more. I'd appreciate if you posted recommendation for that as well, some good package topped with a boardsie deal. Thank you!

Hi Padyjoe.

Have a little look at the following.

Marantz PM6006 UK SE Edition paired with the Monitor Audio Bronze 5's
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-202931-black-319695.aspx

http://www.richersounds.ie/p-12904-black-314448.aspx

Retails at £864. I could offer this package for £800.00 delivered.

For the Onkyo A9010 paired with the 2050 you would be looking at £474.00 Delivery. No deal on this as a package as already discounted.

You could maybe also look a the Yamaha RN602 for the amp as it is packed with features.
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-201953-rn602.aspx

I could do the RN602 with the Bronze 5 for the same price of £800 or with the 2050 for £648.00

If you went for the CXA60 along with the Bronze 5's I could do these as a package for £910.00

Let me know if any of these options catch your eye.

padyjoe

Thanks Kenny!

I'm just scratching my head as I can't justify spending too much. I'm afraid I won't be able to hear the difference let's say between a 500 and a 1000 euro setup. :-) I'd like to get something decent though and I know it's not easy to pick anything without listen to it. I'd say I'm going to limit my budget at e700 and try to look for reviews. Won't be easy. :-(

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

Thanks Kenny!

I'm just scratching my head as I can't justify spending too much. I'm afraid I won't be able to hear the difference let's say between a 500 and a 1000 euro setup. :-) I'd like to get something decent though and I know it's not easy to pick anything without listen to it. I'd say I'm going to limit my budget at e700 and try to look for reviews. Won't be easy. :-(

Hi PadyJoe.

You could either the Onkyo A9010 or the Yamaha RN602 up with the Tannoy Eclipse 3 (5 star reviewed)
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-202089-eclipse-three.aspx

A9010 with Eclipse 3 I could offer together at £449.95

Or with the RN602 I could offer together at £618.95

Or you could go for the above listed A9010 with the Q Acoustics 2050 for £474.00

Let me know once you have read over some reviews.

padyjoe

I turn the questions around: would be any difference between for example A9010+Eclipse and Marantz Pm6006+QA 3050? :-)
I'd need an additional CD player (like PM5005). It's so hard without listening to them. I want something better, the requirements have not changed. Thanks!

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

I turn the questions around: would be any difference between for example A9010+Eclipse and Marantz Pm6006+QA 3050? :-)
I'd need an additional CD player (like PM5005). It's so hard without listening to them. I want something better, the requirements have not changed. Thanks!

Hi paddyjoe,

There'd be a big difference between the two set ups. The new PM6006 is a fantastic amp witch great components and is a significant jump from the A9010. As well as that the 3050s are much better speaker with better attack and mid range. The Eclipse speakers are very detailed but you get more out of the 3050s in my opinion. Around that price as well it would also be worth looking at the Monitor Audio Bronze 5s. They are stunning speakers.

Let me know what you think.

Kind regards

David

padyjoe

Hi Dear RS,

the search still goes on. How would you rate this set: Dali Zensor 7+Marantz PM5005+CD5005. What I've read, the Dali's are bright sounding and for this reason they need warmer sounding amps. Thank you!

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

Hi Dear RS,

the search still goes on. How would you rate this set: Dali Zensor 7+Marantz PM5005+CD5005. What I've read, the Dali's are bright sounding and for this reason they need warmer sounding amps. Thank you!

Hi PadyJoe.

The Dali Zensor 7 with the PM and CD5005 would be a great system. 
We have ran the Zensor 5's off of the PM5005 here at our store and they do pair together well.

This system retails for £1067.00. I could offer at £1000 delivered.

If you wanted to go next level and go up to the PM and CD6006 UK SE version which would retail at £1465.00. I could offer this package at £1350.00

You might also require some speaker cable and interconnects if you do not already have them.
Audioquest Tower priced at £25
https://www.richersounds.com/audioquest-interconnect.html

Or the QED Performance Audio 40 .6m priced at £44.95
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-201532-performance-audio-40-06m.aspx

For speaker cable I would look at something like the Cambridge Ultra micro which is priced at £3.19 per meter
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-910743-ultra-micro.aspx

Or the very well reviewed QED Silver Anniversary XT priced at £7.50 per meter
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-100619-silver-anniversaryxt.aspx

If you do need cables I can work you a bit of a deal on them also.

padyjoe

I can't thank you enough, Kenny. Yes, I need cables as well, I've nothing I can use for connecting them. (I thought I might ask you for further amps recommendations but I'm afraid of getting more confused again. As you see, started with a lower budget compared to current system and it's doubled already.)

I'm still focused on a moderate budget set which could serve me a detailed soundstage on lower volumes and spirited enough for response. (This could be gibberish to you as I'm far from being hi-fi expert.) I'm excited to hear new dimensions in music, hopefully won't get it wrong.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

I can't thank you enough, Kenny. Yes, I need cables as well, I've nothing I can use for connecting them. (I thought I might ask you for further amps recommendations but I'm afraid of getting more confused again. As you see, started with a lower budget compared to current system and it's doubled already.)

I'm still focused on a moderate budget set which could serve me a detailed soundstage on lower volumes and spirited enough for response. (This could be gibberish to you as I'm far from being hi-fi expert.) I'm excited to hear new dimensions in music, hopefully won't get it wrong.

Hey PadyJoe.

You could maybe also look at the following:
Monitor Audio Silver 100 retail at £649.00
https://www.richersounds.com/monitoraudio-silver100-blackoak.html

Cambridge CXA60 which retails at £579.00
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-201266-black201266.aspx

With the CXC retailing at £299.00
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-201326-black.aspx

Totals £1527.00. I could do a package deal on this for £1360.00

It does drop to bookshelf speakers but what bookshelf speakers they are.

I'll also see what other deals I can offer around the £1000 mark.

padyjoe

Cheers, Kenny! But no bookshelf ones for me. Better off sticking to floor standing speakers.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

Cheers, Kenny! But no bookshelf ones for me. Better off sticking to floor standing speakers.

Hey Padyjoe.

No problem.

Let me know if you decide on any of the above setups or come across any others that catch your eye.

padyjoe

Haven you found any other deals hiding around, Kenny? I'm still listening to my thoughts, instead of my new system. It's laboured enough decision but I feel not worth of stretching too long as we could discuss it for ages with no end to it. ;-)

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

Haven you found any other deals hiding around, Kenny? I'm still listening to my thoughts, instead of my new system. It's laboured enough decision but I feel not worth of stretching too long as we could discuss it for ages with no end to it. ;-)

Hey Padyjoe.

No the real deals other than what is listed above.

The A9010 with the 2050 deal would be no longer available as the 1050i's are now finished and sold out.

The NEW Monitor Audio Monitor range has been released.
They have the Monitor 200 retailing for £400.00 
https://www.richersounds.com/moni-audio-monitor-200-wht.html

I could offer them with the A9010 for £546.00
With the PM5005 I could offer at £524.00
PM6006 UK SE with the Monitor 200's I could offer at £715.00

They also have the NEW Monitor 300 retailing for £550.00
https://www.richersounds.com/moni-audio-monitor-300-blk.html

I could offer them with the A9010 for £680.00
With the PM5005 I could offer at £649.00
PM6006 UK SE with the Monitor 300's I could offer at £849.00

Let me know what you think.

padyjoe

Cheers Kenny! Looks like I can't avoid a demo with you...

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

Cheers Kenny! Looks like I can't avoid a demo with you...

Hi Padyjoe.

We would love to have you call for a demo.
Sometimes its the only way to put your mind at ease when there are so many options.

When you are thinking of coming let me know and we can book you into the demo room.

padyjoe

I know it's a short notice, any chance of dropping in to you tomorrow? (I'm undecided on whether I'm going to make the long trip or not.) I see you have Easter deals going as well. I wonder, do you have a list of demo amps and floor standing speakers available? And if I like something, do you have in stock or it has to be ordered? Thank you!

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

I know it's a short notice, any chance of dropping in to you tomorrow? (I'm undecided on whether I'm going to make the long trip or not.) I see you have Easter deals going as well. I wonder, do you have a list of demo amps and floor standing speakers available? And if I like something, do you have in stock or it has to be ordered? Thank you!

Hi PadyJoe.

You could drop in and see us tomorrow for a demo.

We pretty much have everything mentioned in this thread on display for demo. The Q Acoustics 2050i however are now discontinued and stock has ran out of them.

What time do you think you might be at the store so we can book you a slot.

Richersounds.ie: John

..Just as an update..

we hold huge stocks locally and we normally have everything available in most finishes - however in the unlikely event that we have sold out of something our main warehouse will almost 100%  have anything available at short notice.

In terms of Open Box Speakers - we are really low - we do have:

Mission LX3 * 1 Pair / Ex Display Black
Reduced from: £349 / €399
Now: £269 / €299
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-202549-lx3.aspx

Monitor Audio MR4 - Brand New ( overstock)
Reduced from £279 / €349
Now: £199 / €219
Black & Walnut available
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-200806-mr4.aspx

Open Box Amplifiers:

Cambridge Audio AM5 Amplifier Black - Open Box
Reduced from: £119 / €149
Now: £99 / €119
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-10594-topaz-am5.aspx

Arcam A39 Black - Open Box as new
Reduced from: £849 / €999
Now: £749 / €849
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-202279-a39.aspx

Yamaha AS201 - Open Box
Reduced from: £169 / €194
Now: £145 / €164
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-12592-black-amp.aspx

Marantz PM5005 Black - Open Box
Reduced from: £169 / €199
Now: £145 / €164
http://www.richersounds.ie/p-200719-pm5005.aspx

Keep us posted,

ATVB,

John Mc & Crew

padyjoe

Cheers lads! If we go at all, I'd say 1pm-(ish). I'm sorry about not being more specific but have to work out the details yet.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

Cheers lads! If we go at all, I'd say 1pm-(ish). I'm sorry about not being more specific but have to work out the details yet.

No Worries Padyjoe.

You can let us know if you are coming and we can then get the items ready for demo.

padyjoe

I've sent you a PM, thanks!

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

padyjoe wrote: »

I've sent you a PM, thanks!

Sorry for the delay, we'll get back to you asap.

padyjoe

Just a quick recap, Gentlemen!

I went for demo and was expecting the usual boardsie goodies with a brilliant Richersounds service. I'm not sure I feel I've missed something. 

Here is why:
Open box KEF Q350 was sold to me for £515. It translate into €606 with your exchange rate. Richersounds.ie has a brand new for €560! :eek: Which is not a mistake as another ROI website has it for €569.
Mission Stancette was offered for £59 in this very thread 2 months ago, was £74 on the day of purchase. (I'm not sure about this one, I agree on the price fluctuation.)
While I don't deny I've got few pounds off the total amount but I'd have gotten this anyway if I wasn't a boardsie, just some lad in the street. You had a promotion on your website that claimed £25 off any amps over 100 pounds. I can't find it now, it was taken off. The cable was a pound cheaper per m too(on website), opposite as to what is claimed. Considering this, it's £30 less on the spot.
I feel, my effort of bringing my custom to you and long journey has gone to the dogs. :(

Richersounds.ie: John

padyjoe wrote: »

Just a quick recap, Gentlemen!

I went for demo and was expecting the usual boardsie goodies with a brilliant Richersounds service. I'm not sure I feel I've missed something. 

Here is why:
Open box KEF Q350 was sold to me for £515. It translate into €606 with your exchange rate. Richersounds.ie has a brand new for €560! :eek: Which is not a mistake as another ROI website has it for €569.
Mission Stancette was offered for £59 in this very thread 2 months ago, was £74 on the day of purchase. (I'm not sure about this one, I agree on the price fluctuation.)
While I don't deny I've got few pounds off the total amount but I'd have gotten this anyway if I wasn't a boardsie, just some lad in the street. You had a promotion on your website that claimed £25 off any amps over 100 pounds. I can't find it now, it was taken off. The cable was a pound cheaper per m too(on website), opposite as to what is claimed. Considering this, it's £30 less on the spot.
I feel, my effort of bringing my custom to you and long journey has gone to the dogs. :(

Dear Padyjoe,

apologies for the delay getting back to you and your PM's - unfortunately I'm off for the weekend and I don't have access to all your information - however to be fair to us we have been dealing with you since January and we have done our very best to answer all your queries - I'm sure you can see that from the beginning of this thread.

I can't go into detail here on your purchase as we have a duty to protect your privacy and again I'm not in the office but just a couple of things:

1: we operate on wafer thin margins and we cannot guarantee Boardie specials on every product - we do our best for Boardies but sometimes the bottom line is the bottom line.

2: We operate a price beat policy - if you can find the same product available in the UK or Ireland cheaper than our price for 14 days AFTER you make your purchase we are happy to price match subject to our normal T's and C's.

3: I understand that you elected to pay in Sterling - we operate in both euro and sterling and in-store and online and you can elect to purchase anything in euro or sterling ( or both) and we actually emphasise this on the banner headline of our website
 ' Please checkout our Euro pricing - lots of our Audio products are even better value in Euro!'


4: We do from time-to time offer £XX off vouchers but these are time limited and it just depends on what vouchers are around at the time of purchase - unfortunately if vouchers are past their valid date we cannot always include them in a discount.


5: Of course we don't want you to be unhappy and if you would like to return your purchase we will happily collect it from you and give you a full refund, or as above we are happy to price beat any cheaper price within our normal T's and C's.


Again - I'm on holidays and not returning until wednesday but I'll answer your PM's in more detail on my return but if you need anything urgently in the meantime you can contact David our store manager over the next couple of days. 


ATVB,
John McDoanld
 

padyjoe

Thanks for getting back, John! And enjoy your holidays! (It's not that urgent but want go get this sorted before it lapses.)

Ok, I get your point. I've filtered my problem down to one thing: the speakers. Let's forget about the others. I'm fine with the components and grateful for answering my questions.

What I find strange, as you mentioned above: better prices in euro. I've chosen to pay in euro in the shop, the only thing happened that the total sum was converted from GBP to EUR. Richersounds.ie has the speakers for EUR 560, I've paid €606 for them.
To be honest I don't know what's the small print on your euro pricing but wouldn't it be fair after mentioning the euro payment 'Oh, Sir, let me redone the invoice for you because we've better euro price'. End of story, everyone happy.

I'm sorry for running this long but this is the real reason what made me confused. Yes, I want to avail your price beat policy but how to use it to beat your very own price? 

All in all: the KEF Q350 is available on 2 other websites, €560 for a brand new one. I've paid €606 for ex-demo using my euro based card. Thanks a million!

Richersounds.ie: John

padyjoe wrote: »

Thanks for getting back, John! And enjoy your holidays! (It's not that urgent but want go get this sorted before it lapses.)

Ok, I get your point. I've filtered my problem down to one thing: the speakers. Let's forget about the others. I'm fine with the components and grateful for answering my questions.

What I find strange, as you mentioned above: better prices in euro. I've chosen to pay in euro in the shop, the only thing happened that the total sum was converted from GBP to EUR. Richersounds.ie has the speakers for EUR 560, I've paid €606 for them.
To be honest I don't know what's the small print on your euro pricing but wouldn't it be fair after mentioning the euro payment 'Oh, Sir, let me redone the invoice for you because we've better euro price'. End of story, everyone happy.

I'm sorry for running this long but this is the real reason what made me confused. Yes, I want to avail your price beat policy but how to use it to beat your very own price? 

All in all: the KEF Q350 is available on 2 other websites, €560 for a brand new one. I've paid €606 for ex-demo using my euro based card. Thanks a million!

Padjoe,

I do understand you are annoyed but I think you are being a little unfair and putting into print things which are just not correct - you refer to small print on our Euro pricing - we are not a 'small print' type of company! - if you check out our website it clearly says - DIRECTLY under our Banner headline - IN BOLD PRINT:

Please checkout our Euro pricing - lots of our Audio products are even better value in Euro!


This is before we list a single product or price - its hardly small print and hidden away in our terms and conditions?



You also refer to being overcharged for cable above - to be fair this is not the case - perhaps you would check out your receipt?


I have already offered to collect all your purchases and give you a full refund


We have already offered to break down your individual sale into components and you can choose if you would like to pay for each component in euro or sterling.


We are pretty unique in Irish Hi-fi stores in that you can come in and decide to pay which £ or € price is cheapest AND BE CHARGED in whichever currency you prefer - Honestly we cannot do any more than that - try doing that in Currys in Dublin?


If you would like a refund, partial refund, the best way to achieve this is to contact the store or if you prefer I will ask Kenny our manager to give you a call?


Keep me posted,


ATVB,


John Mc & Crew

padyjoe

My sincere apologies John! It's hard to discuss something in writing. Some words might take a different meaning in that case. It's no insult meant to you at all, not accusing anyone of doing wrong! I must admit I was exhausted and overreacted things. I'm sorry!

Can we focus on this post only as a clean sheet, please? (If you or the mods reckon all the above posts stands as a clutter, feel free to delete it.)


I, in person, have bought speakers, stands, amp, cd player, cables and interconnects from you. Invoice in GBP, paid in EUR. (Fair play to you of making it possible!) I'm ok with pricing, except the speakers. They are GBP 529 brand new, they are ex-demo, sold to me for GBP515 (EUR606). I've noticed the very same speakers are for 560 as brand new in euro pricing on richersounds.ie. (One irish retailer offers them for €569, one northern iris for €560.)
My question: where do I stand in this case? Can I ask you to rectify the price of the speakers or not? (If yes, it's an auto refund or not?) The pricing on the other components are spot on!

And hats off to you on giving detailed answers and guidance to everyone's questions! I know, it has taken me a long time to make up my mind, but I reckon the Q&A's on this forum are benefit for others too. I don't want waste time, I want to resolve it quick.

Richersounds.ie: John

Padyjoe,

no problem - as per all my earlier posts we DO want you to be happy - so again as per my earlier posts if you would prefer to purchase the speakers in euro with the same discount off the euro price that's not a problem - we are happy to refund your speakers and charge them again in Euro at our Euro published price less the same % discount.

I'm happy to continue to answer all your queries in this public forum but again as I suggested earlier - if you want to resolve the issue you will have to chat to either Kenny or David our store managers who can actually resolve your queries - we are happy to do whatever you want, but we don't store credit card details and you will 100% need to contact the store when you make up you mind as to how you would like to proceed- we cannot do that automatically.

Again I'm happy to keep answering your queries on this open thread if you prefer - but I honestly cannot suggest any further solutions other than what I have already proposed:

1: If you would like to return the system - we will collect it and offer you a full refund.

2. If you would like to pay for each individual component in a different currency ( £ / € ) - we are happy to do that for you.

3. If you would like to select whichever published retail price € / £ for each component individually we are happy to do that for you.

Above that I'm not sure how we can assist - if you would like to resolve the issue as you say above then I'd suggest that the best route would be to have a think about what you would like to do and give us a call and we will do that for you?

ATVB,

John Mc & Crew