Need help buying my first Audio setup in tight budget

[vijay96]

Hi folks,

This is my first post here on the forum, so please bear with me if I make any mistakes.

I'm looking to set up a basic Hi-Fi system within a budget of under ₹18,000 , primarily for movie and music. I know this isn’t much to work with, but it’s all I can afford at the moment. Eventually, I’d like to expand the setup over time as I invest more.

Initially, I was considering a mass-market 5.1 home theatre system or even a soundbar, but I’m pretty sure those would lack clarity and detail. Since I'm not doing full surround sound right now, I’m leaning toward a stereo setup with active bookshelf speakers , focusing on quality over quantity but I am going to invest gradually on AVR, Sub and Surrounds.

I'm open to suggestions — whether new or used gear — and I'd really appreciate help in putting together a great-sounding system that gives the best performance possible under this tight budget.


I'm based in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh , so if anyone has recommendations for local shops or pre-owned options in South India, that would be very helpful too.


Thanks in advance for your time and advice!

 

[sandeepmohan]

You may have to resort to a budget Active loudspeaker like an Edifier. Unfortunately you cannot expand or extend this to a Home theater later on. However, this will sound way better than all the plastic Htib junk.

Alternatively look at Norge. They do have something within your budget. Its a good brand to consider when you are starting out.

Used is usually the better path to take. More value for money. That said, I have yet to come across anything within the price range you have. The quality of the equipment is always an issue at these price points.

 

[chander]

I am not sure how would you connect these to your TVs as most of them in the budget will come with RCA only. Do they still give RCA on TVs?

Regardless - check something LIKE THESE - https://www.amazon.in/PreSonus-Eris...e=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&th=1. (just an example)

This is a monitor with 4.5 inch mid/woofer driver, comes with BT so ease of connecting music directly & has the option to tweak the sound a little to your taste.

You can try and look for similar products - there are many companies that make them - from the pro world - it will be PreSonus, Mackie.
Form consumer world maybe edifier in this budget.

 

[rwnano]

Micca? Maybe ..

Amazon.in

 

[cosmic]

You can try this company under your budget - https://www.doogesound.com/

 

[ronthedon]

Hi folks,

This is my first post here on the forum, so please bear with me if I make any mistakes.

I'm looking to set up a basic Hi-Fi system within a budget of under ₹18,000 , primarily for movie and music. I know this isn’t much to work with, but it’s all I can afford at the moment. Eventually, I’d like to expand the setup over time as I invest more.

Initially, I was considering a mass-market 5.1 home theatre system or even a soundbar, but I’m pretty sure those would lack clarity and detail. Since I'm not doing full surround sound right now, I’m leaning toward a stereo setup with active bookshelf speakers , focusing on quality over quantity but I am going to invest gradually on AVR, Sub and Surrounds.

I'm open to suggestions — whether new or used gear — and I'd really appreciate help in putting together a great-sounding system that gives the best performance possible under this tight budget.


I'm based in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh , so if anyone has recommendations for local shops or pre-owned options in South India, that would be very helpful too.


Thanks in advance for your time and advice!

I think the option for you would be the Active Speakers PreSonus Eris 4.5BT that someone has already mentioned (Or Edifer, M-Audio or Yamaha studio monitors). The Eris doesnt have any USB input but you can connect and play music over bluetooth (although Bluetooth cannot be considered HIFI as it compresses/decompresses the files). It seems to have two 3.5mm for inputs. So you will have to use like RCA<->mono3.5mm cables for each channel (not the generic 2xRCA<->stereo3.5mm that are available). If not active speaker, then the other option would be 50/50W rms passive speakers + some good class D amplifier like Fosi Audio or Aiyima.
I see that you have asked about used gear. There are whatsapp channels that you can join for south India that sell such items, like "South Electronics" contact admin Tulasidhas 9443830852, but that one group is enough as most sellers sell the same wares on other whatsapp groups too. Kindly note that used gear will always need service/repair+recapping.

 

[rwnano]

If Rajahmundry is close by to you...then

https://www.olx.in/item/tvs-video-audio-c1523-psb-bookshelf-speakers-bwjbl-paradigm-monitor-focal-in-hukumpeta-rajahmundry-iid-1811446254

PSB