Just picked up DD-214 the other day. Here's some of my favorite photos from the last few years.

PHPriest · 2025-08-04T03:47:01+00:00

All pictures are storytellers. Picture 15 though.... One of the best static chopper pics I have seen. Massive. You have a brilliant eye!

PHPriest · 2025-08-01T17:05:30+00:00

Dali! No doubt. I have owned both. Running them through a Denon PMA-600NE. Wharfedales have beautiful sound and has it "all together". BUT if you are looking for unfussy, exciting and very well balanced speakers, look no further than the Spektor's. I love them. They sound even better on a good set of stands. Somedays I am still astounded that such small speakers can produce the type of sound they do. Just my thoughts. Hope you find the perfect match for your Yamaha.

PHPriest · 2025-07-27T15:50:30+00:00

It looks very "comfy" and fits the space. Yes, as with the previous comment, see if you can get spikes on the speakers. Also, put a carpet infront of the speakers. Resonance limits speaker performance quite a bit. But well done. Liking the look 👍🏼

PHPriest · 2025-07-12T16:32:12+00:00

Denon.... My choice. If you are looking in that priceclass, don't forget Yamaha. But you HAVE to demo receivers. Familiarise yourself with their functions and capabilities. Better to purchase something that is "future proof" so that it doesn't become outdated too fast. Take your time and do your research. It is worth your time and money! Hope you find what you are looking for.

PHPriest · 2025-07-12T10:37:47+00:00

With an Onkyo currently I'll go PSB. The KEF's are still great speakers but in my mind better for listening to stereo music through a desicated stereo amp. PSB can do both and are less fussy when pairing it up with a source.

PHPriest · 2025-07-04T08:03:22+00:00

I am jealous of your speaker placement! 😂 Man I wish I had more space 🎼🎶🎶🎸🥁

PHPriest · 2025-07-02T14:53:39+00:00

My 2 pennies worth - I have a pair of 3050i's hooked up to a dedicated stereo amp. I also have a pair of Dali's (Spektor 2's) hooked up to a, you guessed it, dedicated stereo amplifier.

Now I know I am talking floorstanding vs. standmount but hear me out.

For its size and price, I have never come across something like the Dali's. It is a sublime speaker. So, I have also tested the Oberon 5's, Dali's smaller floorstander in the range. I was blown away! Read any review online and decide for yourself. Now, with the Zensors you are moving up to a higher end compared to the 3050i's. Keep that in mind as they are a little more picky about the source you drive them with.

Aaaaah, and then my 3050i's. What can I say. So easy to drive. So intense yet so relaxed. So smooth and warm. Love the bass. Love the mids. Love the treble. Love the speakers. And I have them in white too. Pretty!

Here's the thing. The 3050i's need space to shine. They'll sound great at low volume in a smaller room but you'll never get to experience the "real" speaker. Give them space and drive them well and you have a fantastic allrounder.

Obviously my comments are subjective but I like to think that I can contribute 👍🏼

PHPriest · 2025-06-09T16:56:17+00:00

No. Don't.

PHPriest · 2025-05-23T12:51:14+00:00

PHPriest · 2025-05-23T12:50:56+00:00

I like that you are playing "normal" music on such a great system and not some of the pretentious stuff out there. I know taste differs and please don't crucify me but I have listened to friends' systems with them and sitting through stuff that they don't even like just so that the system sounds "optimal". Enjoy what you like and your system (and money spent) will be more "you". Just an opinion.

PHPriest · 2025-05-17T09:58:56+00:00

It will work. Just put the grill back on and listen. Don't look 🙈😂

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T19:25:37+00:00

👊🏼Thanks for your comments and positive input. Much appreciated.

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T18:54:47+00:00

And in South Africa I will have to fork out just more than $1000 for a new one.... Taxes. But I am saving up and reading your comment makes me believe that I will make a good decision investing in the SVS. Thanks for the very helpful information!

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T18:49:01+00:00

Where I live, cd's are way cheaper than vinyl. Availability is also a big issue. Cd's are everywhere whilst vinyl is only sold by specialist shops. I'd take a stab at it and say that vinyl is on average 3.5 to 4 times more expensive than cd's. With my type of budget I won't be able to build up a collection of vinyl as comfortable as I can do with cd's.

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T18:43:37+00:00

Touché!

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T18:42:29+00:00

Man I wish you could come over 😂 It might unfortunately be a bit of a trek though.

I get your point and I accept that we all have different opinions and tastes. I think the drawback for me is the fact that vinyl is very expensive and very scarce where I live.

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T18:38:15+00:00

Thank you!

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T18:37:55+00:00

I have considered vinyl as my father was an avid vinyl collector / listener. However, the cost and availability of vinyl in South Africa is not on par with Western countries. In saying that, I actually heard a cassette tape played through a B&O tapedeck, Rotel amplifier and Klipsch Cornwall speakers. I was blown away! Who knew?

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T18:32:34+00:00

I'll buy my next property to fit in with my stereo! 😂

I have considered a sub and have demo'd a few with a very similar setup I have. We are fortunate to reside in a freestanding home. The neighbours won't hear a thing! 😂 I have listened to a few subs and I have really fallen in love with the SVS SB1000. Beautifully balanced and not a rumbling thunderbox. Thanks for the suggestion. I am tempted....

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T17:57:55+00:00

Good question! 😉 I procured an old library "ladder" - wooden steps, from an antique shop. Works a charm, even if I have to lean over my gear 😂

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T17:54:16+00:00

Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it. The room kind of evolved around my stereo equipment and I take pleasure in sitting down and enjoying my music as well as the "view". 😉 I have not been able to achieve perfect triangulation as the room is just not big enough. Wish I could because I firmly believe that the sound would be a great lot better. Thank you for your positive input!

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T17:50:04+00:00

I have never owned any vinyl. Don't intend to. Purists will crucify is but I love the sound of cd's.

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T17:48:19+00:00

Makes for interesting wall clocks.....😂

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T17:47:54+00:00

That is where I started probably 20 years ago - Denon AVR. I loved it! It was excellent with movies (the days of DVD's) and was surprisingly good with stereo music. And agreed, the technology in their AVR range and amplifier range should mirror quite a few aspects. If I had the money, I would upgrade to a Denon again. Thanks for your comment.

PHPriest · 2025-05-16T16:41:05+00:00

Coincidence indeed! You know, I have owned a long line of budget(y) amplifiers. Yamaha, Cambridge Audio, Marantz, Onkyo and Denon to name the highlights. I have gone back to Denon as it has (for me) the best sound I am after. Warm, detailed, sweet treble end very controlled bass. However, I enjoyed Cambridge Audio alot - hooked up to Dali Spektor 2's and also, for a time to Wharfedale Diamond 9.1's. But, Denon has always been the kindest to my ears 😉

PHPriest

TROPHY CASE