Speakers, Hi-Fi, Tech etc...

[John Kimble]

tried unsuccessfully to get a similar thread off the ground on MI so absolutely no reason to assume this will fare any better...
Anyway, looking to get a decent Bluetooth speaker system that will work primarily for playing music through spotify, but also functions as a decent soundbar for telly. I've been recommended the Sonos Beam but it's ever do slightly outside my price range. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Makeshiftatomsmasher]

We have Lg sh5 soundbar. Sounds pretty good as tv tone. Both for shows and cromcasting spotify.

[Hambeast]

I've never been a fan of bluetooth speakers. It sounds like you've got a living room setup connected to a TV. I'd be much more inclined to get a proper set of bookshelf/floorstanding speakers and have them connected to a smart TV or a regular TV with chromecast if you're needing wireless audio. Not exactly what you're asking for, but that's my preference.

[Kurt Cocaine]

I've never been a fan of bluetooth speakers. It sounds like you've got a living room setup connected to a TV. I'd be much more inclined to get a proper set of bookshelf/floorstanding speakers and have them connected to a smart TV or a regular TV with chromecast if you're needing wireless audio. Not exactly what you're asking for, but that's my preference.

Agreed. I've recently gone back to 5.1 wired surround sound system again after a few years of Bluetooth shenanigans.
Bluetooth is grand for the kitchen or the outdoors when the weather is good, and even the bedroom I suppose, but keep it out of your main auditorial space. It sounds dead when compared to a proper wired speaker system.

[Goatlord]

I am looking to downsize from a 5.1 amp speakers etc... to a small  shelf hifi - its for a workspace - any recommendations on the micro side of things?

[Grahamer72]

Big tech enthusiast here. I have a sizeable Headphone collection. Newest addition is a set of AKG K702's. Amazing fidelity. Also recently picked up some Dali Zensor 1 speakers for my main separates. They sound incredible for the price.

[Kurt Cocaine]

Big tech enthusiast here. I have a sizeable Headphone collection. Newest addition is a set of AKG K702's. Amazing fidelity. Also recently picked up some Dali Zensor 1 speakers for my main separates. They sound incredible for the price.

I have the Dali Spektor 1 speakers on my Amazon wishlist. I must get round to purchasing them now that the Christmas shenanigans are long over.
Great to hear you're impressed with their sister speakers.

[Mithrandir]

Probably a simple question but I'm looking to get rid of my stereo/speakers and just have a standalone record player with something I can plug a headphone jack into. I can't really use my speakers anymore where I'm living so  I mostly use headphones anyway and now they're just in the way. What's the best way to do this? The cheaper solution the better.

[Juggz]

Rip everything and put it on your phone?

[ochoill]

Probably a simple question but I'm looking to get rid of my stereo/speakers and just have a standalone record player with something I can plug a headphone jack into. I can't really use my speakers anymore where I'm living so  I mostly use headphones anyway and now they're just in the way. What's the best way to do this? The cheaper solution the better.

Just get a phono preamp with a headphone out.
This is the cheapest option but there's no volume control on it: https://www.thomann.de/ie/behringer_pp400.htm
- You'll find similar for even cheaper if you go to amazon or aliexpress.

Here's one on Amazon with a volume control: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07HB2J4W5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_i1zuCbN9EAWT0 no idea if it's any good but it is what it is.

[Mithrandir]

Probably a simple question but I'm looking to get rid of my stereo/speakers and just have a standalone record player with something I can plug a headphone jack into. I can't really use my speakers anymore where I'm living so  I mostly use headphones anyway and now they're just in the way. What's the best way to do this? The cheaper solution the better.

Just get a phono preamp with a headphone out.
This is the cheapest option but there's no volume control on it: https://www.thomann.de/ie/behringer_pp400.htm
- You'll find similar for even cheaper if you go to amazon or aliexpress.

Here's one on Amazon with a volume control: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07HB2J4W5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_i1zuCbN9EAWT0 no idea if it's any good but it is what it is.

Great, just what I'm looking for, thanks. Never had to use a preamp as my stereo had one built in.

[Eoin McLove]

Got a loan from the credit union.  Going to invest in a proper stereo and whopper speakers for the first time in my life, having only ever had a basic setup until now.  I want something that will maximize the sound of my LPs, CDs and tapes and is built to last.  Maximum mega bass and ear splitting volume are not my priority,  just an excellent separation between instruments to maximise the experience.  As with all technology (and most things) I'm utterly clueless. What do the tech nerds recommend?

[Grahamer72]

Get yourself up to Richer Sounds in Belfast and get separate's. Alternatively HifiHut in Park West. They have a showroom where you can test stuff.

[Eoin McLove]

I'll give Hifi Hut a look.  Cheers!

[TheFlyingGiraffe]

Anybody know of anywhere I could pick up a second hand cassette player? Adverts seems to be either the really high end shit or car players. Ebay seems to be the only option I have but its dodgy considering I can't test the things and shipping costs the same price as the thing itself.