Audiophile System Under $350 - This Budget Audiophile System Will Knock Your Socks Off
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2024
- Homes For Our Troops - CSS Audio Raffle www.myhfotusa.org/cheapaudioman
Sony SSCS5 amzn.to/3hCaEuG
Elac Debut b6.2 amzn.to/3ysoRBc
Neumi BS5 amzn.to/3Axu4JP
Aiyima A07 amzn.to/3dSg6bJ
Aiyima T8 amzn.to/3jVBJMl
SMSL SA300 amzn.to/3Au0XXX
Loxjie A30 amzn.to/3ytt3AD
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
3.5 mm to RCA amzn.to/2TzuS0j
RCA Cable amzn.to/36iUyAQ
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DIY Assembly for $350 email me with “DIY Assembly” in subject line cheapaudioman@gmail.com
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio.com/products.htm
Recommended DACs
Ifi Zen DAC amzn.to/2T3wuyY
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
![If you can't hear this then you're not an audiophile [See description for link to followup video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/48PxwspDvrE/mqdefault.jpg)
Just started down the HiFi rabbit hole and after watching multiple reviews on equipment that I’d didn’t even know existed, this is the most down to earth video that shows you don’t need $20k plus to have a cranking set up! I grew up in the 80’s so loud music is part of my lifestyle, can’t wait to build a system with all these new gadgets!
Cables are what gets me. "Our equipment wont sound as accurate, rich, and detailed without our specially designed audio cables. The center is not copper. It's mithril mined by dwarves in Moria. A real value at $20.00 a foot".
@@keithmarlowe5569 😄this is great.
@@keithmarlowe5569 That mithril is the real deal!
I put together a bookshelf setup about two years ago and spent around 450 bucks for a good preamp, amplifier, and a pair of speakers. I was blown away by the fidelity and anyone who came over and heard music playing on my setup couldn't believe it. Since then I've built setups for some friends ranging in price quite a bit and anything over like 300-400 you get seriously diminishing returns. To the trained ear you can pick up the nuanced differences and of course the volume can get higher without distortion, but just a nice setup to listen to while you're around the house can be purchased for 250.
Ya , crap that probably sounds good at low volume, anything any louder sounds like barf.
No one brings Audio Value to the people like the Cheap Audio Man!!! Bravo Randy... BRAVO!!!
Agreed, I love watching and sharing his videos
@@anilm.s8356 👍👍👍
He brings it no frills. I dont think speakers like this sound that much better with my expensive amp.
The cheap audio man sounds like the screaming character in a 70's electronic store commercial.
"Come on down to the Hifi Mart this Friday and get $20 off a new Pioneer receiver, JVC dual cassette deck or RCA color television when you tell'em The Cheap Audio Guy sent you"
Hey Randy...Wow! Good work, and thank you! Thanks for bringing attention to gear that is more accessible to people who are interested in this hobby. This is the content we need to keep it alive! Keep doing what you do!
Just found this channel. This channel is absolutely gold. My ears are not good enough as a musician for all the mad expensive hifi stuff. So a resource pool like this from a knowledgeable person like yourself is literal treasure. Thank you so much!
I just discovered your channel and I absolutely love it. There are so many channels that talk about "cheap HiFi systems" and they end up being $700+. It really puts people off and scares them away from the amazing hobby. I am rebuilding a setup that I tore down years ago and while my budget is a bit higher, it is still good to know that cheap stuff exists too. I will most likely pick up those sonys as rear speakers because that price is so good!
Found this video before I made my purchase and am I ever glad! I can't believe I suffered so long with my garbage sound equipment. I'm falling in love with my music all over again! All this for a heck of a lot less money than I ever dreamed. Thanks so much!
I'm relieved to see a review like this. After yesterday's review of a $900 super DAC I was thinking CAM was experiencing mission creep and moving slowly over to the dark side. I was missing your Saturday Speaker Shootouts, best speakers for $100, $200 ,$300 etc. It was cool when you pushed a speaker off your desk or poured port lube into it because it just didn't measure up sound wise value wise. Other reviewers cater to the high dollar stuff occasionally doing a small spiel for a decent cheap option. Sort of like a big law firm doing pro-bono work. But CAM started out as the idealistic public defender, looking out for the regular Joe who didn't have the big buck resources. Much admired. Often folks who live with a smaller budget need to be educated about the tech, about what to listen for so they can hear what they might have been missing. But music is in their soul and for them CAM was a hero. CAM is not just a name for a product but a real concept. Thanks for keeping it real.
Dean that was one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about me. Thank you so much.
I can't find a video that I believe you made. I want to buy a brand you recommended that come as 2 units: the amp and a DAC I believe
100 is almost my öld böse nö köss pc-x?? i ölmöst gifftät för my pärentz. they meant 20 xD
im still ön a quaRD like quarter centüry aghöh ^^ and fössteckce
Wtf is “port lube”?? This is the wrong channel for you, brah. Please try again.
@@hardtymz2517 "port lube" refers to one of CAM's Sith products which he demonstrated by pouring oil into the port of a speaker he really didn't like. Might have been the same speaker he shoved off his desk because it just wasn't worth it. Iirc it was a Polk T15 but don't quote me. This video is a year old. Port lube refers to an even older video. I've followed CAM since his early days. Apparently you haven't
Finally I can BREATHE! Ive been holding my breath for a year waiting for the Cheap Audio Man to recommend a complete cheap audio system. Thank you, thank you, thank you...... now im out of breath.
I would love to see a future version of this video for a price point build of a system based on balanced components. Great work!
I just hooked up a new Aiyima A07 and this little amp is awesome. I'm pushing a pair of old inefficient KLH 15" floor speakers and the sound is incredible. The highs, mids and are all there and clear, as well as the crisp, punchy lows. What a bargin. I can't wait for the T8 preamplifier to show up and hook it into the mix. Thanks for the review.
Yes! More of these budget system build vids! I learned a lot from your early ones (Fosi + B6)
I used to be an audiophile back in the 70's but when I got married, my wife didn't share my interest so it got sold off. Now 44 years later she has her TV in the living room where she sits with the dog and watches all that Hallmark stuff. I now have my room where I have a flat screen and sound bar with surround speakers. The whole surround thing really didn't work for me so I've removed it. Don't know why I started watching TH-cam videos on audio stuff but found out the hobby was not dead as I had assumed. I discovered this guy called the Cheap Audio Man and he "spoke to me". I see that there is actually a whole new genre of equipment that you can put in the palms of your hands and with a couple of bookshelf speakers, let's you have a nice system! So I got the Aiyima T10 and the A7. I have one Oppo DVD/CD player so I had just enough room in my dinky corner cabinet for this set up. I got the cheap Klipsch sub and the JBL stage 120 bookshelf speakers. Quite a nice little system if I do say so myself. I committed a cardinal sin that I would never have done back in the day and that was not going down to my local audio store to audition them but I just went by the Cheap Audio Man's reviews and did ok. I'd like a bit more clarity from the speakers but I guess that's where the ear buds have influenced me some. All in all a nice system that ought to last me until they put me in the casket.
Got real grim there at the end, why do all "old" people always manage to squeeze their own death into every sentence they speak..
Thanks so much for your videos! You just helped me get a great Christmas present for my father. You've also helped me so much at my new job. I am doing smart home systems now (including high end home theater) and your videos have really helped me get acclimated to developing those projects and communicating with my clients about their systems as well.
I just discovered this channel. Technically, I'm not in need of a system, but so impressed that i bought the amp and preamp anyway. thank you Cheapaudioman for your info. So useful.
I've been using mono all in one Bluetooth speakers for many years now (Libratone) but I wanted to listen to music in stereo again. I just got the A07 and T8 based on your advice. Paired them with Dali Spektor 2 and I'm now enjoying hi-fi stereo sound again. Thanks Randy!
Great stuff! Keep these budget system options coming. It's fun seeing what you and Guttenberg come up with at various price points... I love the Aiyima 07. I'm thinking of building a system for my son with the new Aiyima 08 (same amp as the 07 + bluetooth + dac (usb in), Elac 5.2 or Airmotiv B1+ (if they ever come back in stock) and, eventually an RPI streamer with the Boss2 hat. Total approx. $400.
Totally agree Randy. There is great sound quality to be had at budget price points. It's just a matter of putting some effort in into looking for the gems that are out there.
I feel schiit audio deserves a chance to be on your recommended list. They have budget friendly prices for the low end of their products which are also made in the States.
Great to see how you've grown over the past year Randy!
I appreciate all the hard work you put into this video
Thank you for this great video about getting a great system on a small budget!
All I have left from my old system is a pair of B&W 602 mk2 speakers and their stands (Atacama ballast filled)
This video is great to help me build a system again since I've been out of it for a decade now.
Amazing the quality you can get these days on the cheap...I remember when it wasn't like this.
Saw the title and said there is no way unless using the Sony. I wasn't disappointed. Great video!
I recently put together my first system for under 260-270ish Euros with used Klipsch R51m's that were used as demo units and an SMSL AD18 hooked up to my TV as a source.
The best speaker I had before was a Sonos Play5 and the difference is huge, I'm having a blast listening on it
Klipsch is great. I fell for them in 1974 when in an audio equipment store years before I was able to buy my first good audio system.
I have the R50s facing me in my living room with a pair of Bose 301s surrounding me at the sides of my sofa outside of the side tables. The two pairs together compliment each other nicely, give great imaging and fill in nuances between each other. Best of all both engulf the room with detail without a need to play them loudly.
Great channel - an antidote to those hifi chatrooms where each person cannot resist adding what their own system consists of as a badge of status.
GREAT system match vid. This build would fit budget, space in home, etc for anyone. Also great closing exit
Dang, you put a ton of work into this video, research, and description details. Thank you!
Agree on giving the Elacs some time. Although you won't hear audiophile and powered speakers mentioned in the same sentence very often, there's a few in this $350 price range that would be a great solution for a lot of folks.
I got the a07 and T8 with the Nuemi BS05 for all under $300 and I can't thank you enough! I would have thought so much more money was necessary but this is all I need for a desk setup.
Just found your channel, love your vibe and grateful for the knowledge!
Don't need a new stereo system, but I still watch for fun
Same here, but my problem is I end up buying a new system anyway.
I spent a lot on my main system with the Kef LS 50 Metas, however I want a second setup for my personal little PC hangout area. Your channel rocks for these kind of project, and if I didn’t have the money to afford the Metas I’d still be able to have a nearly identical setup with all the info you put out there. Thanks dude!
I can vouch for those Sony’s. I’ve got them paired with an SMSL Sanskrit Mkii, and a little Fosi audio amp, and I’m running them through optical out of my bedroom tv-sounds pretty excellent to me, and that system was only about $225. Definitely blows my living room soundbar out of the water.
I have the Sonys CS5s in my HT. I was thinking of getting a 2nd pair for a hi-fi system. Do I need both the Preamp and amp or should I shop an integrated amp? I want some connection options but not all are necessary.
@@mikeortiz2139 What did you end up getting? I'm running an Aiyima D03 with my Sonys. I haven't heard a better speaker for the value yet!
@@veeclash4157 I still haven't allowed myself to buy anything hifi. I bought some Emotiva E2+ surround speakers for my HT. I was thinking of getting the Aiyima 07 and the T8 preamp from Aiyima as well. It's either those two or the $350 Yamaha integrated amp or reciever. Forget what it is.
@@mikeortiz2139 The Aiyama combo sounds pretty cool. I think my next upgrade will be a Monolith THX 10 Subwoofer. I'm running an Aiyama D03 myself. In future I'm either getting a dedicated DAC like the IFi Zen DAC V2 or maybe picking up a Yamaha RX-V385 if I add a second set of speakers to my 2.1 setup.
@@veeclash4157 I'm looking at getting dual Monolith 10's or 12's for HT. I already have the Sony Core Series sub that I upgraded from. I'll use that for a 2.1 set up.
Thanks much! The Aiyima T8 resurrected my Bose Wave radio AWR1-1W with blue tooth function through RCA cables. Sounds great!
You have some of the best videos and tons of humor 😁🤣
Better than the serious guys who review snobby equipment with stuck up attitude!
Keep up the great work sir!!
I bought the Sony RX66 Mini Hifi System back in the 1990s. It was only $299 for 2 3-Way Speakers, 60WPC Amp with Reciever built-in. 3CD changer, Dual Cassette player, Mic Input, Good Headphone amp. To top it off the sound is actually really great. Clear and gets loud with minimal distortion. Speakers are made of fairly cheap material but still handle sound surprisingly well. Today good luck even finding just a 100 wpc power amp for under $500.
This may not be a popular comment, but I’ve really enjoyed a pair of Sonos Play:1’s that I found on sale after they came out with the newer versions. They may lack the low end, but they have separate amps and crossovers for the individual components, they are wall powered, plus you’re getting hi quality streaming through the wifi vs bluetooth. The app plus the ability to have different things playing throughout the house is really nice. Very hard to beat in a "bookshelf" type application, but I do think there are much better options for home theater.
Hey Cheap Audio Man , we here in Costa Rica really appreciate your videos , I agree with you , an excellent sound shouldn't necessarily cost more than a having a good time with your friends sharing some beers.
Regards from Costa Rica Pura Vida 😎
Perfect video for the brand you are building. Now double it...the list at $700 or $999! This is way more fun than when I had $20,000 invested in my audio system! Again, great video!
Yo Randy!! Great review! Back to the roots!
thanks for this!! was gonna buy directly thru Amazon but have now clicked to buy via your links above.. thanks again
Yikes Randy! That’s cheaper than just my single eArc hdmi cable! Cool!
And yes. There is such a thing as soft parts break in with speakers, there just isn’t any need to use special processes to break them in 👍🏻 I’m into car audio as well and you wouldn’t believe the lengths to which some people go to loosen up their subs before installation haha.
The woofers on those Sony's remind me of my Polk LSI15's. New fav channel!
I’ve heard good things about those Sony speakers. The only thing I have under $350 are Martin Logan Forte wireless amp. It was on sale for $249 (was $599). AirPlay, DTS Play-Fi and analog input. Digital 100w RMS into 4ohm and if you need more bass it has a subwoofer output. The package also includes Anthem Room Correction with the mic. I was pretty impressed, I bought a second for a cheap audio system.
Went from here to Amazon. My speakers will be here in 3 days. Thx for the tip! I was looking to upgrade my old Logitech which have held up well over the years.
Absolutely love using my father's 1985 Honda Big Red 350 ATC! Tipsy but fun!
Hi Randy,
New subscriber here. First, thank you for all you do because you make audio simple and fun. In my case, you inspired me togo back into audio and set up my 'cheap' system (after many years away from the hobby.)
Based on you videos, (which I binge watch, by the way) I got the Andover Songbird, the Aiyima T8 Pre-Amp along with the A07 Amp and I will pair them with a set of Q Acoustics 3020i. Although it's twice as much as the under-$350 you suggested, I believe this is a system I can be very happy with for a few years. I can't wait to put it together (everything is in the mail.)
Keep up the great job!
PS. I'd appreciate your opinion on this combination (if at all possible)
Just bought me the Aiyima A07 for my workbench. (Where i do diy speaker repairs and listen to my Frankenwonders. I just cant walk away from a secondhand cheap pair of good speakers...🤷♂️ ) Saves me a lot of space! I always was in the understanding that an amp needs to be heavy and hot to be good. 😅 At least to produce a decent sound. Thanks!
Update: Just arrived and installed it. This is indeed surprisingly good! Even at high volume, what I didnt expect for that price!
I already brought Sony SSCS5 and I am running the pair with Sony STRDH190 with a little help from S.M.S.L M100 Dac cost me less than $300 total. Thanks to this channel!!
So good. Thank you. And yes, “always being recording”.
Great job Randy! I remember back to my very first system which was in about 1981. I bought a Technics 25 wpc Receiver for about $120, a Technics turntable for about $120 and a pair of Bose 201 bookshelf spkrs for about $120. So for a little less than that today you can still buy a complete system and it probably sounds better than what I had 40 years ago! It is an amazing time to be an audiophile!
I dont think it would sound better. 1981 360$ with inflation is 1176$ today
@@tassostsoutis601 I disagree with you. I understand the inflation over that period, however electronics today is far better than it was 40 years ago. Inexpensive gear today sounds way better than inexpensive gear from 40 years ago. Also as electronics has gotten way better, it has driven the cost down, so even with inflation $350 today buys way more than $350 did 40 years ago. For example what would you have paid for a 40 inch TV in 1990. Probably $2000. Today a 40 inch TV might be $200 dollars and the quality is incomparable. While audio gear hasn't changed as much as video gear, it has improved considerably as well.
@@neilfisher7999
Do you still have that Technics receiver? If you do, it will sell for the cost of Randy's system with the Elac's. You'll probably have money left over. My dad has that same receiver...gorgeous. BTW, advancements don't always mean better quality. You can use a receiver with a pc board to save space and money. That will not make it better than point to point wiring.
There is no chance this will sound better than your vintage Technics and Bose 201.
Another great example that you can have a great sounding system on the cheap 👍 I put together my bedroom system on your recommendations (Fosi BT and CS5s) Thanks Randy!
Now excuse my while I resist the urge to buy the Elac's on sale.....
Just bought the Sony's around $70 to start a cheap system... Thanks to your help
I built myself a cheap system using quality 70s equipment. May not have all the bells and whistles but I love the sound
Yes Randall , There absolutely is such a thing as break in. On speakers. That is a fact.
WOW! What a system for people on a strict budget! University students would love this!!
Thanks for a great video for obtaining a cheap 350 starter system loved It! Let me suggest an alternative that some may prefer and that is buying used! I have been involved in audio for over 45 years and I have never seen such a glut of quality high quality equipment on Craig'slist that exist right now. If you are care ful about checking the condition of equipment before you purchase you can buy a nice system for 350 easily After I watched video I did a little experiment went on Craig's and found a pair of KEF towers an Adcom amp/preamp and a energy sub and a Sony 5 disc SACD player for 325.00 total ! Add a blue tooth adapter for 30 to 50 dollars and go.
Thank you for this wonderful video Randy!!… just newbie and stating with the hifi sound. I purchased the Sony sscs5 , aiyima a07 and aiyima t8.. I’m excited.!!😁
I have the Elac 6.2s and I can confirm that about 100 hours of break-in was required . Well, "required " isn't quite right I guess because the speakers sounded good initially . They just kept getting better and better for the next 100 hrs or so .
Excellent ,I have heard many positive things about Elac . Are these designed by Andrew Jones. I bought some 3 way Pioneers with a 12 inch woofer. These were excellent. I had a good system with a Kenwood reciver,CD and tape deck. I would use Bose 30's as my front speakers in a small room and the Pioneers in a big one. I bought each piece one at a time. It lasted fromm 88 till I gave it to my niece going to college.
Good subject. Yes, burn in is real. I have the Elac B6.2's, they took maybe 200 goes to burn in but worth it. Then I Toed them in SLIGHTLY and angled them about 3 degrees up. Nice sound. But need some volume to really bring them to life. The woofer is nice and quick. I use a sub also, which I think all book shelves need. Thanks Randy.
You bring up a good point. The 6.2's are truly excellent, the best under $1000 imo, but they need power to get the most out of them. People need to choose the amp with this in mind.
Randy - Thanks for these videos, which are entertaining, comparative, and informative... All rolled up into one!
Right now, I'm trying to move up, from - an active speaker setup - a PSB Alpha PS1.
I was, at first, considering a pair of studio monitors, but the good stuff, ie. Genelec 8020D or Adam A5X, at over $1,000, is quite a bit, over my budget. And, even though, more affordable options, like Adam T5V, Yamaha HS5, or JBL 305P MkII ould be likely, they turn out to be only would-be candidates, because the built-in amps in those setups are said to be quite hissy, if lisening up-close, in the nearfield, which is me.
Based on your reviews, I'm considering passive speaker options, like the Emotiva B1+ (if they are again available, soon), the JBL Stage A130, or even the Elacs, you review here.
And, as you say, I now need an amp! So, more specifically, in your review of the Emotiva B1+, you specify that listening tests were with the Emotiva TA-100. Then, in another one of your videos - about having a system for under $500 - you mention the SMSL AD18, which I might just consider! But, first... a question or two, maybe, three! What is the difference in audio fidelity between the two - Emotiva TA-100 and the SMSL AD18? Also, I own a very decent audio interface - Motu M2, which already has a DAC, and outputs both balanced (TRS) and unbalanced (stereo RCA). In this scenario, if I go with something like the SMSL AD18, would I lose any audio quality, outputing an analogue stereo signal - via RCA cables - from my MOTU M2, into the AD18? Or, do I have to forget the audio interface altogether, and just rely on the SMSL AD18, if I want the finest audio quality obtainable?
Great review!!, get these kids in early...cheap and good...they are the future
My dad died on a 3wheeler at Sand Mountain Nevada. The thing flipped and landed on his stomach. They revived him in the helicopter, flew him to the hospital and took his guts out on the table, pieced them back together and shoved them back in. He’s still alive now at 60.
Completely agree on the break in for the elacs! The bass difference after a month is amazing
Jamo speakers are weird in that they need break in for the tweeters. Out of the box they have no treble. I wanted to return mine as defective when I got them. You start hearing treble after about 10 hours and by about 100 they get bright. Which is why I wonder how come Andrew Robinson who uses Jamo a lot doesn't believe in burn-in.
@@ArturdeSousaRocha All stereo components, speakers, and cables require burn-in. My modified Cary 300SEI integrated amp took 250 hours to burn in. There's a device called a Cable Cooker specifically designed to burn in cables. You can also buy an IsoTek Full System Enhancer CD to decrease burn-in time and demagnetize your stereo.
I watched a couple videos by Andrew Robinson and he's not qualified to talk about anything audiophile related. His main thing appears to be making affiliate commissions on soundbars and money off his videos.
Great video Randy! My Amazon wish list is steadily growing haha!
Zeos gave a great tip for adding a sub to an amp without a output using the subs RCA inputs ( low bypass or something? ) I tried it and it’s a MUCH better option than using the speaker level inputs…less cables too
Yeah. Great options. Actually mentioned the same thing when I talked about the emotiva subs
You are the man with the master plan 🙌
Randy this is an awesome review !!!
A well deserved 🌮 🌮 🌮 🌮 🌮 award!!!!!
Totally awesome
Stumbled upon this video and wow! I am floored...
Hopefully in a good way
Love this! Just dipping my toes into hifi and buying all of the gear at once is really intimidating. This system looks like it could work for me, but I had a question. I definitely wanted to add a subwoofer, and I also will have two line input sources (computer running through the dac as well as a dj controller/turntable). Would it make more sense to upgrade to an amp with a sub out and multiple line in, or just run the sub the way you described it and either plug/unplug line sources or use an rca switcher? Thanks!
This is easily the best 10 bucks a month sub I have.
Nice video. My non-pro tip is, of course, to buy used stuff. Last time I bought a new piece of hifi kit was in 1993: a Sony CDP-X33ES. Still have that player, but it's currently in storage.
Great system, thanks!
Those Sony speakers are crazy good for the price you talked me into those awhile back... the idea that the more something costs is the only way to enjoy music is being righteously challenged here ....its about the music and a cool hobby...nice job Randy
I took a few spills on 3-wheelers as a kid. Then I got a Honda TRX125 4-wheeler for Christmas! I was the happiest kid in the world. I rode that little 4-wheeler several hours every single day for many years.
Still got a pair of the Sony SS CS5. They perform great for the price. Only thing slightly lacking would be the mids. If it had a bit more weight there, they will be really great to own.
Pair them with the Yamaha RN303 and it’s a done deal. You got all you need to stream music. Total: $600 max.
I paired these speakers with a Sony STRDH190 stereo receiver, I have a 40+ year old Sony PS-T3 turntable that sounds great together, considering the age.
i’m seeing a nirvana poster in the background, i’m hearing about cheap audiophile setups… i’m a simple man, i hit the subscribe button.
Thanks cheap audio guy! I was about to scrap my cs5s and Marantz amp until discovering your channel YESTERDAY. You told me how I was doing it wrong. Now I’m not going to buy anything, saving hundreds, possibly thousand. Much better than Andrew Robinson. Thanks,
Your best video to date! 😍
Awesome video! I'm not in need of a good stereo but if I was, I'd be looking at this. Right now I have a pair of HZ Audio's speakers which use Vefa components. I worked in the shop that built them and we built probably over 100 pairs. Very small company. I have a Dynakit 70 stereo tube power amp and a NAD pre-amp. I use my DVD player for CDs and it all sounds fine!
I love my Sony’s and bought with the Sony Subwoofer, very happy with them . . . .
I'm loving my JBL Stage A130's. For the money, they are insane.
Just found the channel, thanks for cutting the snobbery out of this mystical world known as hifi!
In an interview with Steve Guttenberg. Alex Jones confirmed that speaker break-in is a very real thing. With mid and bass drivers, the suspension is elastic in nature and requires a little bit of time to loosen up. I should post a link, but I'm driving. Lol
I should post a link, but I'm driv
That's Andrew Jones. Alex Jones is the insane conspiracy nut. LOL
It's true, Joe Rogan confirmed it when he was talking to Tackleberry.
@@rapaudiophile2881 "We're breaking in the conditioning!"
Love vids like this! Just a note: it looks like no headphone amp on the SMSL. This is going to be my desktop setup so I would rather have the headphone amp and no sub woofer with the Aiyima setup. Thanks Randy.
I'd prefer the Andrew Jones Pioneer bookshelf's over the Sony's....great budget system you put together...geared for people living in Apartments, college dorms and even a garage man cave !!
Years ago I had Paradigm 7se speakers (late 80s) and later picked up a pair of Radio Shack Nova bookshelves at 1/7 the price. At lower volumes the tonality and detail were similar between the two until you increased the volume. That's when you realize what you pay for.
Thanks for this video! I am just diving down this HiFi/vintage path. I ordered the A07 to hook up from my pre out on my AV receiver to the A07 and then some huge 85 lb speakers I got while thrifting. They are 200 watt 4 ohm speakers, so I hope this does the trick.
This is a great channel. You are 100% correct. You don't need 10 Grand to have a great sounding stereo system. Thanks for the info. I have 3-Fosi P3's and a Fosi V3 amp. I bought those Jamo speakers you reviewed for $100. from some guy on Marketplace. Very happy with them and because my Kenwood KA-3500 has Speaker A&B, they sound incredible together with my old Large Advents. The Fosi P3 is the Preamp. Keep up the great work. There are enough Audiophile snobs who usually go by specs and not their ears. And half the stuff they listen to is terrible music imho. Rock, Jazz & some occasional Classical is what I listen to. Thanks for being you.
Thanks for watching!!
I just picked up some mission mv8's. A Yamaha v475 receiver. A topping dac. A chrome cast. And a audio separator all for $250 and in great condition separate on ebay. I couldn't be happier as it my first system. Just need some cables now. So will be checking more of your videos for advise. Thankyou very much great vids.
Another great & truthful video man.. Rock & Roll
Love the channel! Wondering what you think of buying a used receiver (Yamaha HTR-5730) to serve as a dac (optical in) and amp. Got it for $30 and paired it with SSCS5 (based on your and Z's recco). Have it paired with a used Sony SA-W2500 subwoofer and it all sounds amazing! to me...
Randy,
Excellent video sir. Love the set up here.
Beyond streaming from my iPhone, I’d be playing from a cd player.
Can you recommend something in a cd player to go with this? Remote would be nice. Thanks
There's also the PSB Alpha P3's, been running those on my desk and love them!
Just got these speakers 2 days ago / impressive sound from a 4" mid bass driver.
I paid $220.00 for mine - add the Yamaha - 200W 2-Ch. Stereo Receiver - Black
Model:R-S202BL
And for $380.00, you have way better sound thanks from that little cheap chinese amp and DAC. And real stereo sound with all the functionality.
I'm surprised no one ever mentions the Fosi Audio BT30D integrated amplifier. It has Bluetooth 5.0, sub outputs for both a passive or powered subwoofers, subwoofer controls, and tone controls for bass and treble. At $90 with a 5% coupon, it is an all-in-one solution at a real bargain price. I'm using it in a secondary system powering the JBL Studio 530s and loving it. It's strictly analog but my small system sounds great. You can run the Aiyima preamp into it if you want digital inputs added.
I just checked (July 19, 2021) and the Sonys are $73 on Amazon! Get'em!!
Thank you!!!! I just missed CDs and was just trying to figure out if it’s worth buying em again and good Lord every other video I saw said so many words I couldn’t understand. Thank you for speaking plain language. I was getting turned off of the whole idea and it was making me so sad cause I hate streaming. But then you popped up! I want a set up for my downtime after work but I need my money to do other things too like clothe and feed my children.
You are the GOD! Much appreciated! Superb content
I would love to talk to this guy one day, he makes great content. ❤️
This is your best video mate
Love cheep audio! Great job Randy!