Until recently, a stereo set was one of the mandatory elements of equipment in almost every living room or room intended for relaxation after hours of work. Over time and with the spread of new technologies, it had to give up some of the market to alternative solutions, such as Bluetooth speakers, multiroom systems, etc. The quality of speakers built into TVs has also improved, which is why some people decide not to buy any additional audio equipment. When we add soundbars to this, the choice becomes really big.
This does not mean, however, that good stereo sets do not find their place in the new market reality. On the contrary, they still do really well, because the sound that many of them offer defends itself. Amplifiers, which have gained many new functions over time, often integrating the function of a network player with access to many different services, streaming services, etc.
What’s more, it’s hard to deny the charm of popular sets consisting of stereo speakers and an amplifier. This already classic form, combined with the habit of some music lovers, means that there is no shortage of people willing to buy them. And rightly so! What else can be written on the side of advantages of a stereo set? For example by far the widest possibilities for modification and modernization. Replacing the speakers with others? No problem. A new amplifier that will work even better with the speakers you already have? Nothing easier. We can experiment as much as we want, as long as our budget allows.
Stereo sets from 4,000 to 8,000 PLN
In this article, we will look at the possibilities of the sets available in the Top Hi-Fi & Video Design store. In cooperation with specialists from this store, we have selected five different sets, the price of which ranges from four to eight thousand złoty. All sets feature speakers from the same manufacturer – Indiana Line. Why them? The deciding factor was primarily the attractive price-to-listening experience ratio.
The Indiana Line speakers are accompanied by amplifiers from renowned manufacturers: Bluesound, Rotel i Yamaha. These are modern designs that, in addition to allowing you to extract the full sound from your speakers, offer many useful functions that make everyday use of the set a real pleasure.
Let’s start with the cheapest option, in which The Indiana Line speakers are accompanied by a Rotel amplifier.
Rotel A11 Tribute + Indiana Line Diva 3
The first of the recommended sets includes speakers Indiana Line Diva 3. Why did we choose them? First of all, because of their universal nature. This two-way bookshelf speakers distinguished by a clean, clear sound, which is why they are not afraid of any music genre. They can work in pair with any amplifier with power from 30 to 100 W, which significantly facilitates any future upgrade of the set.
Equally interesting is the amplifier that accompanies them, the Rotel A11 Tribute. Postscript Tribute in the name of the model comes from the fact that it is a tribute paid by Rotel to one of the greatest sound engineers, Ken Ishiwata.
This amplifier stands out for its presence of both modern wireless standards (Bluetooth with aptX and AAC codecs), as well as something that will certainly appeal to fans of analog solutions. On the rear panel of the amplifier we will find four pairs of analog RCA connectors, and inside the device something especially for those who would like to listen to music from vinyl records: an MM phono preamplifier.
Both the amplifier and the speakers are available in two different color versions.to choose from depending on the user’s preferences.
Bluesound Powernode Edge + Indiana Line Diva 3
In the slightly more expensive set we left the same, proven Indiana Line Diva 3 speakers, but we decided on a completely different amplifier. Why such a change? This is a proposition for those who expect much more extensive network functions from the amplifier than just Bluetooth connectivity. The choice fell on Bluesound Powernode Edgethat is definitely one of the most interesting network amplifiers in its price segment.
What makes it stand out? In addition to the multitude of supported standards, above all, modern design and really compact dimensions. We can easily place this amplifier in the living room, even if it is kept in a modern style. What is very important, The Bluesound Powernode Edge has an HDMI eARC input, so you can easily connect it to your TVwhich will significantly improve the sound when watching your favorite movies and series.
The Bluesound Powernode Edge amplifier is available in two colors: black and white, which makes it even easier to blend in with your surroundings.
Yamaha R-N600A + Indiana Line Diva 5
In this set We give up bookshelf speakers in favor of floorstanding ones, i.e. the Indiana Line Diva 5. They were not included in this set by accident. Their choice was primarily influenced by how much good sound they can offer at a really reasonable price. However, this was not the only argument. Although the Indiana Line Diva 5 are floor-standing speakers, thanks to their slim design they take up little space. Since they come in two color versions (black and oak with a white front), you can easily find a place for them among both lighter and darker elements of the room’s equipment.
What else is worth knowing about them? These are 2.5-way speakers focused on universal, pleasant sound. Their magnetic systems of mid-bass drivers have been optimized based on the finite element method (FEA) and use inductance linearization rings. Thanks to this the sound has become more legible and clear, even at high volume levels and regardless of the selected song.
The Indiana Line Diva 5 speakers, in a set costing around PLN 6,000, are accompanied by an amplifier Yamaha R-N600A. Its heart is the renowned ESS Technology Sabre ES9010K2M digital-to-analog converter, which is a very solid bridge between music written in the form of zeros and ones and what reaches our ears from the loudspeakers.
As befits a Yamaha amplifier, the R-N600A offers very extensive network functions available as part of the Yamaha MusicCast system. It also supports wireless connection with Apple devices using the AirPlay 2 standard.
Bluesound Powernode + Indiana Line Diva 5
As in the case of smaller speakers, here we also recommend a set with another amplifier. Bluesound Powernodelike the Powernode Edge model described above, is an amplifier focused on network functions. It supports the BluOS system, providing the user with a lot of possibilities for configuring the amplifier. It is also virtually full support for wireless standards, including Apple AirPlay 2. Naturally, the specification also includes access to the content of the most popular streaming services, support for operation using voice assistants.
Bluesound Powernode is an amplifier offering a lot of power, as much as 80 W per channel. Thanks to this, it can easily work with many speakers available on the market. Like the Powernode Edge, it is available in two colors: black and white, which makes it easy to match a given interior.
Yamaha R-N1000A + Indiana Line Diva 5
Finally, one more set, in which the pair of speakers are the Indiana Line Diva 5 speakers. This time, they are accompanied by an amplifier Yamaha R-N1000A. Where does this choice of 8 thousand zlotys come from? It differs from the above-described R-N600A amplifier primarily in its rich selection of wired connections. On the rear panel of the Yamaha amplifier we will find, among others: HDMI input with ARC, coaxial input, two optical inputs and four analog inputs, including phono. There is also a place to connect an active subwoofer.
The beautiful sound of music from network sources in this amplifier is due to ESS Technology Sabre ES9080Q digital-to-analog converter ensuring high SNR value. The Yamaha R-N1000A amplifier is available in two color variants: black and silver.
The material was created in cooperation with Top Hi-Fi & Video Design
Source: antyweb.pl
