HiFi Audio Setup Thread

[Andrew]

Klipsch rf82 10 inch klipsch sub pioneer 7.1 receiver (bought in 2010)

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Did you get a chance to try the sound bar yet? I'm curious to know of your experience with the head tracking 3D sound. Gimmick? Awesome? Didn't notice?

A few more home theatre soundbars are advertising something like this. Knowing if it's worth considering would give me an idea if I want to save up and wait a little more to target one of those for the family TV (needs to be lower complexity for them, but I'd still like the slightly higher quality sound).

It's awesome! I'm still working on this desk, gotta tie in an electrical outlet into the wall, so its a mess. Otherwise I'd take pics. I will soon tho.

[bossy22]

So I got a pair of Sennheiser HD660S2 headphones with airmiles points. Right now I am listening through my macbook pro and trying out soundsource as an eq. Does anyone have any recommendations on a DAC/AMP for these? It seems the fiio k11 r2r is a popular choice.

[calumniate]

Originally Posted by bossy22

So I got a pair of Sennheiser HD660S2 headphones with airmiles points. Right now I am listening through my macbook pro and trying out soundsource as an eq. Does anyone have any recommendations on a DAC/AMP for these? It seems the fiio k11 r2r is a popular choice.

Looks cool! Have the fiio k5 pro which is maybe dated now. This should be great for you.

[Raekwon]

I don't see this being practical but its damn cool.

[photon]

I watched that too and I thought it might be adapted with infrared LEDs so you could transmit it depending on just the light bouncing around rather than having to have direct line of sight.

I actually bookmarked it though as I thought it'd be interesting just to build the speakers themselves without the wireless aspect.

[TorqueDog]

DIY Perks is one of those channels that I'm always impressed by the build even if it is kind of an odd thing to want / need in the first place. Although his laptop screen skylight is a pretty cool idea if you're someone with seasonal affective disorder.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by bossy22

So I got a pair of Sennheiser HD660S2 headphones with airmiles points. Right now I am listening through my macbook pro and trying out soundsource as an eq. Does anyone have any recommendations on a DAC/AMP for these? It seems the fiio k11 r2r is a popular choice.

Honestly speaking, anything highly ranked is likely a good option. But also keep in mind that some of the newer computers and phones are surprisingly capable in powering headphones, especially when using a cheap data to 3.5mm (ie: lightning or USB C).

The Fiio offerings should all work quite well. I honestly don't think there's been much in terms of ground breaking offerings for DACs in the last 5 ish years. It's mostly just better performance and value in the <$250 offerings.

If you can swing the budget, a Fiio mp3 player might be worth looking into. I had a gen 1 Fiio X3 (discontinued) that could used as a USB DAC on my computers. It'll cost a little more, but then you have a unit that has more then one function than a DAC and you can use it for offline music listening.

[Cappy]

I want to start getting into vinyl. Anyone have a mid-priced entry-level vinyl player and passive speaker recommendations?

Looking for good quality but great look (to ensure my wife will allow me to have it)

[slash&burn]

Wirecutter has some good recommendations for turntables and speakers in different price ranges:
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...est-turntable/

Some Calgary record stores sell refurbished turntables and stereo gear as well if you are looking for something more vintage looking.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Cappy

I want to start getting into vinyl. Anyone have a mid-priced entry-level vinyl player and passive speaker recommendations?

Looking for good quality but great look (to ensure my wife will allow me to have it)

Serious question, what do you mean by mid? Audio is subjective, so you'll have to define it based on what you actually think. There's so much subjectivity in the audio world that a question well posed is a question half answered.

Mid based on budget? Some people think $500 is mid ($500 for everything). Others think $2500 is mid (ie: average $500 per major component). It can also mean high end equipment that's used vs new. Don't laugh. I've dealt with people who get offended about stuff like this. "That's too cheap DoubleF Do you think I can't afford several thousand for an entry level system?

Mid based on performance? Are you just wanting a set up with minimal distortion, clipping, static etc.? Or do you want a chance at easily differentiating half a dozen different but similar sounding instruments. Certain set ups can be more "accurate" but less soothing and enjoyable.

Mid based on looks or brand recognition? I've had someone tell me bookshelf speakers will never be anything but entry/mid level regardless of price. Someone told me without wood, probably not mid or high level. Some have said certain brands/DIY kits are never past entry/mid, even though they do produce excellent stuff is recognized by audiophiles. You hinted a premium on aesthetic might be important to impress the wife, even if it won't affect performance. The ability to "display" isn't a silly consideration at all.

Are you hoping to do turntable/pre amp/power amp/speakers or turntable/receiver/speakers? Do you have existing equipment or doing it from scratch?

There's Audio technica turntables for $200-400 you can connect to to a home theatre receiver via phono that could work. Some people think that a non-dedicated system or receiver over pre/power amps will be nothing greater than entry level. I'm not great at telling you exactly what to buy, but I can try to explain how to help you answer your own question and why certain reviews seem so accurate or horribly off the mark.

[Table 5]

Depends what you're looking for, but if you're going for more of a vintage vibe, The Old Retro Store in Inglewood has nice quality gear and I found them to be pretty good service wise too. Turn it Up Records on 16th tends to have lots of amps and speakers too (and also is my personal favourite for vinyl).

Once you have a better idea of what you want, I've found a lot of great audio gear on canuckaudiomart.com. Lots of enthusiasts and well-off boomers there cycling through gear, so you can find some good deals (I bought quality speakers and amps that I otherwise couldn't afford new).

If you're going for new and have a healthy budget, hit up the guys at the Audio Room.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by Cappy

I want to start getting into vinyl. Anyone have a mid-priced entry-level vinyl player and passive speaker recommendations?

Looking for good quality but great look (to ensure my wife will allow me to have it)

if you are prepared to wait get an old pair of B&W matrix 805's they are small so the wife won't get mad and when they show up they run at around 500 to 800 on Canuckaudiomart

[bossy22]

I just got myself a setup for home.
NAD C 3050 amp (with the optinoal MDC2 BluOS-D module), some Monitor Audio Gold speakers I got on consignment and then I ended up getting a Fluance RT85 turntable. I'm pretty happy with it. I have really no reference if it's good or not, but seems pretty decent to me. It's my first real system.

[Cappy]

Originally Posted by afc wimbledon

if you are prepared to wait get an old pair of B&W matrix 805's they are small so the wife won't get mad and when they show up they run at around 500 to 800 on Canuckaudiomart

Canuckaudiomart looks like a good place for speakers. have you had any issues buying from there before? shipping etc?

Im pretty well set on a Pro-ject Debut Carbon Evo for a turntable. Now working through speakers - about a $1,000.00 budget. Would prefer active speakers just for simplicity and space

[DownInFlames]

Originally Posted by Cappy

Canuckaudiomart looks like a good place for speakers. have you had any issues buying from there before? shipping etc?

Im pretty well set on a Pro-ject Debut Carbon Evo for a turntable. Now working through speakers - about a $1,000.00 budget. Would prefer active speakers just for simplicity and space

I’ve used it and it worked great. It’s a decent community and their rules keep people honest I think.

If you want to buy Canadian Kanto makes really good powered bookshelf speakers with phono stage.

[Cappy]

Originally Posted by DownInFlames

I’ve used it and it worked great. It’s a decent community and their rules keep people honest I think.

If you want to buy Canadian Kanto makes really good powered bookshelf speakers with phono stage.

Didnt realize Kanto was Canadian. The YU6 are on my list.

Also looking at
Audioengine A5 Plus
Edifier R1280DB or the S1000DB
Klipsch R50 or 51s

B&W 607s and KEF LS50 are just over my price range, but may get them on sale.

Looking at some tower options as well, depending on my space (just wrapping up a reno).

[DownInFlames]

Originally Posted by Cappy

Didnt realize Kanto was Canadian. The YU6 are on my list.

Also looking at
Audioengine A5 Plus
Edifier R1280DB or the S1000DB
Klipsch R50 or 51s

B&W 607s and KEF LS50 are just over my price range, but may get them on sale.

Looking at some tower options as well, depending on my space (just wrapping up a reno).

I have the YU6 and love them. I don’t use a turntable though.

[InglewoodFan]

Originally Posted by Cappy

Didnt realize Kanto was Canadian. The YU6 are on my list.

Also looking at
Audioengine A5 Plus
Edifier R1280DB or the S1000DB
Klipsch R50 or 51s

B&W 607s and KEF LS50 are just over my price range, but may get them on sale.

Looking at some tower options as well, depending on my space (just wrapping up a reno).

I managed to pick up B&W 606s for $1050 on a boxing day sale last year. Very happy with them. I think the 607s were under $900. Keep an eye on Bay Bloor Radio out of Toronto, shipping was easy.

[Cappy]

I have time so maybe will wait for a sale .