Recommend me 2.0 setup with amp

[DeludedGuy]

Hi Guys,

Background
Moved house, new home office is smaller (2mx2m), existing setup is too large and does not fit in with the new aesthetics.

Existing Setup:
BK Gemini II Subwoofer
5.1 Sony STR-DH530 receiver using Toslink Optical
Tannoy F1 Custom Speakers

What I Want
Small dedicated Amp connected via Toslink Optical
Good 2.0 speakers with decent amount of Bass (not overpowering, unlikely to be in a 2.0 setup anyway)

I was considering something like https://www.amazon.co.uk/Acoustics-3...ds=q+acoustics

or

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wharfedale-.../dp/B002WJAQY2

total budget for Amp and Speakers would be £250 max.

Thanks,

Fabio

[MrJim]

I've owned a mini digital amp in the past (Topping TP22), but it didn't have an optical input. I found this on Ebay though, which might meet your requirements, although I've not tried this particular one:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-100W-C...-/141666008967

I have the Q Acoustics 3010 speakers & love them, but they are quite small - I'm not sure the bass would be sufficient for you. The amp does have a subwoofer output though, so if you have the space, you could continue to use your sub.

[DeludedGuy]

Thanks MrJim, that amp actually looks really nice.

Would you say the bass on 3010 is not good enough for a small 2mx2m room? My existing subwoofer is just too large for my new home office, don't really have enough space to put it anywhere and my neighbors might have a heart attack.

[MrJim]

I think tastes differ as to how much bass people prefer, but I'm very happy with the bass on the 3010's. It's surprising how much bass they have, given their diminutive size. I guess the best thing would be to try & find a shop where you can demo them, & decide for yourself?

Edit!

I didn't realise that that amp is from a seller outside the UK, so you'll probably have to add import duty & VAT to the price quoted...

[Smudger]

Richer Sounds have the JBL Control 1s for £49 at the mo...

[MrJim]

Thanks MrJim, that amp actually looks really nice.

Would you say the bass on 3010 is not good enough for a small 2mx2m room? My existing subwoofer is just too large for my new home office, don't really have enough space to put it anywhere and my neighbors might have a heart attack.

Hmm...I just found this review of the Sure amp on Youtube, and unfortunately it doesn't get a recommendation...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQc_Y3QsiTU

[DeludedGuy]

What a shame - it really was the perfect amp.....will need to search for something else, thanks though.

[DeludedGuy]

I found this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NW-2x80W-1...cAAOSwAL9UgNxr

Anyone have experience with FX-Audio?

Cheers,

Fabio

[MrJim]

I found this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NW-2x80W-1...cAAOSwAL9UgNxr

Anyone have experience with FX-Audio?

Cheers,

Fabio

I haven't any experience with FX-Audio, but I have with Topping - my previous amp was the TP22, which was a great little unit (I sold it to Zak33, also on Hexus). This Topping amp might suit your needs:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOPPING-VX...3D321626146241

[DeludedGuy]

Thats brilliant, thanks, will check it out.

[DeludedGuy]

Took the plunge, ordered the Topping VX2 and opted for the Q Acoustics 3020 instead of the 3010 as they seem to have more bass, well, according to a couple of reviews from What Hi.

[MrJim]

Took the plunge, ordered the Topping VX2 and opted for the Q Acoustics 3020 instead of the 3010 as they seem to have more bass, well, according to a couple of reviews from What Hi.

Excellent - I look forward to hearing how you get on Remember that the speakers will probably need a bit of running-in, my 3010's sounded a bit muted for a few days before they loosened-up.

Also, one thing I forgot to mention about the Topping amps is that the speaker binding posts are quite small, which can make it difficult to use thicker speaker cable with them. The easiest solution is to use banana plugs rather than bare cable.

[DeludedGuy]

Right - had a play around during the weekend and so far I am impressed.

The Topping VX2 is good, I cant fault it - I compared it to my Sony AV and there isn't any noticeable difference in sound, obviously the Sony Receiver has more power but the Topping VX2 is more than loud enough, I don't think I will ever have it at more than 75% volume. You are also right about using the banana plugs, it's a must with this device otherwise it doesn't sit right, everything is too close due to its compact nature. I tested the USB and Optical inputs and both sound the same, I decided to use the Optical input via my Sound Blaster as this gives me added sound control.

The Q Acoustics 3020 are also impressive, I compared them to my Tannoys and they sound almost identical, now bear in mind that the Tannoy F1 Customs are slightly larger and fantastic sounding speakers and the Q Acoustics came straight out of the box with no running-in - I know the Q Acoustics will only get better with some running-in, the bass levels are also good enough for my 2mx2m office.

So thus far, I have a smaller setup but sounds just as good which is exactly what I wanted, now I just need to wall mount the speakers and I'm set.

Thanks for your help!

[MrJim]

Right - had a play around during the weekend and so far I am impressed.

The Topping VX2 is good, I cant fault it - I compared it to my Sony AV and there isn't any noticeable difference in sound, obviously the Sony Receiver has more power but the Topping VX2 is more than loud enough, I don't think I will ever have it at more than 75% volume. You are also right about using the banana plugs, it's a must with this device otherwise it doesn't sit right, everything is too close due to its compact nature. I tested the USB and Optical inputs and both sound the same, I decided to use the Optical input via my Sound Blaster as this gives me added sound control.

The Q Acoustics 3020 are also impressive, I compared them to my Tannoys and they sound almost identical, now bear in mind that the Tannoy F1 Customs are slightly larger and fantastic sounding speakers and the Q Acoustics came straight out of the box with no running-in - I know the Q Acoustics will only get better with some running-in, the bass levels are also good enough for my 2mx2m office.

So thus far, I have a smaller setup but sounds just as good which is exactly what I wanted, now I just need to wall mount the speakers and I'm set.

Thanks for your help!

That's great news, I'm glad the amp & speaker combination is living up to your expectations