AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Cheap and Cheerful HiFi => Topic started by: witchdoctor on 14 Mar 2019, 02:45 pm
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I have been a proponent of "immersive audio" blowing away 2 channel. IF you have the space and the budget yes. What if you don't? Here are 3 PHENOMENAL rock star systems for less than $200. For BEST results you will need a mobile device and a wireless connection. All of these systems are part of the DTS Play-Fi ecosystem and will stream anything from anywhere, including hi rez.:
Rock Star System 1- A pair of DefTech W7 active speakers. Small, discrete, attractive and best of all ACTIVE! No preamps or amps need apply. These cubed speakers have an active driver in front, passive radiators on both sides, and a tweeter on each side. They sound good in the middle of a room but I found best results placing in the corner. The bass extends a little lower and those passive radiators help FILL the room. The W-7's also have an optical spdif port and an analog port. I recommend getting two and pairing them with the play-fi software. Price? $99 each.
https://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-W7-Wireless-Speaker/dp/B00OOXCMR8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=w7+speaker&qid=1552574109&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
Rock Star System 2- The Polk Omni S6 active speakers. This speaker is bigger and louder than the W7. It has 2 4 inch drivers and 2 tweeters. I use just a single speaker in the bedroom and the gym and it FILLS the room. A pair would defineitely bring rock star quality. Just like the W7 no amps, speaker wires or preamps need apply. Just plug 'em in and rock out. You can use them to stream anything or use the analog connection, no digital connection like the W7 though. Price of admission $79 each:
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Wireless-Streaming-Speaker/dp/B013UCJGZ4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=polk+s6&qid=1552574274&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Rock Star System 3- The first two systems include speakers. What if you already have speakers that are collecting dust somewhere? This Klipsch Powergate includes a DAC, a Preamp, an amp, a wireless streamer, a remote control, and can be used as a traditional system or a wireless system. All you need to do is plug it in, connect your speakers and rock out. Price of admission? $149:
https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-PowerGate-Amplified-Wireless-Gateway/dp/B01N0A7PH5/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=klipsch+powergate&qid=1552574496&s=gateway&sr=8-3
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If you are thinking about these systems watch this video on how to use the Play-Fi app. Also don't wait too long, DefTech and Polk have been acquired by Sound United. Sound United uses the Heos ecosystem so those speakers I posted won't be available much longer. The companies will still support them, they just have new ownership:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqNTCHKiong