Wowza! Complete audiophile systems for $2,500 or a lot less
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2024
- The Audiophiliac picks for complete systems, for $2,500 or a LOT less.
If $2,500 is out of reach check out my $500 system picks video, • The best $500 or a lot...
Or my $1,250 systems video, • Believe it: $1,250 (or...
I misspoke at 11:11 when I said the "Onkyo RR 2160," I meant to say the Outlaw RR2160.
Speakers prices are PER PAIRS of speakers.
Magnepan LRS, $649, • First review: Magnepan...
Wharfedale Linton, $1,200, • First review: Wharfeda...
KEF Q550, $1,200, • The KEF Q550 tower, th...
KEF LS50, around $1,100 , www.cnet.com/news/the-audioph...
Dynaudio Evoke 10, $1,499, • The Dynaudio Evoke 10 ...
Klipsch RP8000F, $1,380, www.klipsch.com/products/rp-8...
Klipsch RP600M, $629, www.cnet.com/news/the-klipsch...
Zu Dirty Weekend MKII, $999, www.zuaudio.com/loudspeakers/...
Triangle Titus EZ, $1,250 in white • Triangle Titus EZ vs. ...
Electronics
Outlaw Audio RR 2160 stereo receiver, $849, www.cnet.com/news/outlaw-audi...
Rogue Sphinx 3 integrated amplifier, $1375, www.rogueaudio.com/Products_sp...
Onkyo TX 8270 stereo receiver, $499, www.cnet.com/news/onkyos-new-...
Denon PMA 600NE integrated amplifier, $399, • Review: The almost too...
I forgot to include the Denafrips Ares II DAC in the video, US price $768 (price on the worldwide Denafrips distributor site is listed in Singapore dollars, which converts to $1028 Singapore dollars)
Schiit Saga preamp, $299, www.schiit.com/products/saga-s
Schiit Modi DAC, $99, www.schiit.com/products/modi-1
Schiit Aegir amplifier, $799, www.schiit.com/products/aegir
Schiit Mani phono preamp, $129, www.schiit.com/products/mani
Denon DCD 600NE CD player, $299, • Denon DCD-600NE, just ...
Turntables
Rega RP1, $449, www.amazon.com/REGA-Rega-RP1-...
U Turn Orbit, prices start at $179, uturnaudio.com/products/orbit...
Pioneer PLX-1000, $599, www.pioneerdj.com/en-us/produ...
Fluance RT84, $450, includes Ortofon 2M Blue www.fluance.com/rt84w-referen... - บันเทิง
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Mr. Guttenberg, at what you do there is no one who can do it better. I am thoroughly enjoying your videos...and I am learning!
I'm so glad I stumbled on your channel. Been binge watching. Fabulous.
I just want to take this moment to show gratitude for Steve we are lucky to have someone as experienced giving such good advice.
Thx Steve and god bless your kind heart.
Thanks for looking out for those of us who love good sound at good prices. I always enjoy your videos.
I love your presentation, Steve - to me it is so deliberate, unagitated, comprehensible, witty and with a positive feeling altogether. Subscribed already!
Hi Steve. I'm subscribing to your podcast after many years of enjoying your down to earth reviews. Keep it coming. Thanks. Al
Thanks for th summary Steve. Fascinating to see what's out there. Some great solutions for a reasonable price.
Hi Steve I’m a first time viewer from Australia. Love your reviews. Having just turned 60, I am in control of my ‘tyme’. You are an inspiration. Thank you. daVid
Hey Steve it’s time to add to your Complete Audiophile System series. Please do $5000 This should be a hard one given speakers will be at $2500 pair.... ;)
I misspoke at 11:11 when I said the "Onkyo RR 2160," I meant to say the Outlaw RR2160.
SG this series rocks and I think that you are spot on.. I know that I've spent so much more, but, having heard many of those in your post i can only agree with your choices. If only I could hear the remainder (like Zu ) here in Wales. Total respect for your efforts in posting what would be a very attainable system with room for expansion and improvement in the future. Indeed giving this some thought I could probably get rid of.My current HiFi (cry an awful lot) and live with this level of loveliness for the rest of my life. Keep on keeping on Steve.
I just stepped up from a little 2.1 system thanks to your vids. Its not a highend system but does a good Job for its money. Iotavx SA3, B&W 685 S2 and a Polk HTS 10. I'm really happy to enjoy and explore my music from a new perspective. Thanks man, you have done something (good) to me :)
Great rundown! Keep up your great work. You are tops online!
This is the one I have been waiting for! Really excellent work, Steve. Naturally, any list of any sort is also going to be notable for what it excludes almost as much as for what it includes - this in no way "enraged me", merely raised an eyebrow. For my part, I was curious about the omission of any Tekton product. We all know you enjoyed them. Perhaps it is just the case that the Tekton speakers you listened to were/are appropriate to other price points? Whatever the case, it was a mere trifle. Can't wait for the next edition in this series!
Another great video Steve! These are very helpful
Great show. Thank you for all the great information.
I am addicted to these videos. Steve is great!
This video showed up in my suggested videos menu a couple months ago. I've had the same system for almost 20 years and have been satisfied with the sound for how much it cost back then, about $2000-$2500. Well this video was so interesting that I have since gone down the audiophile rabbit hole. Along the way, one thing became clear, you can put together a damn good system for very little money. Thank you Mr. Guttenberg! Since I've been using the same CD player for 20 years, the first upgrade i'm making is a DAC, the Schiit MODI 3. Heard about this DAC first on this chanel, and everyone else raves about it also. Should arrive in the next couple days, can't wait. One more thank you, first learned of the streaming app TIDAL on this chanel. I've been using it for a couple weeks now and i'm loving it!
Thanks Steve you come across as a caring person who is passionate about music and the best reproduction of it for average person.
Appreciate your hard work and dedication!
Thank you for listing speaker prices by the pair!!
I have to say, Steve, you seem so much more genuinely appreciative of your subscribers. Thank to you too for making excellent content. It's really helping me negotiate my entry into this hobby. Oh, and, awesome shirts! :-)
Nice video thanks. Love your channel. I have vintage Magnepan "Maggies", DIY flat computer cables, heavy vintage 1999 Onkyo Integra integrated amp with lots of power + midrange vintage Onkyo cd player. Both work beautifully and look like brand new. For me it's great.
You hit good with this series. Please keep going up. Maybe $5k, 10k next. Also you should mention buying used. $2500 carefully spend can net a $5000 system.
jep, used is often the way to go!
Another very useful video! Thank you!
This is a great mix of recommened equipment.
👍 awesome video, please keep climbing the latter. Your the top dog in audio!
Thanks again Steve! Great suggestions for anyone in the market to make an upgrade or a quality first system. The insights and recommended amp-speaker pairings you suggest are invaluable in getting the best bang (or is it “boom”) for the buck. Although certainly out of my price range I’m curious about your next video in this series, what you get for 5,000, 7,500 and $10,000 😮😉😂 Happy Holidays to you and “Audiophiliacs” world wide. Make music not war!
Steve Thank you for your great content !
Great video from a great guy. Thank you Steve😄
Awesome video! Thank you for your videos!
Thanks man! This is greatly appreciated!
I've been through 2 good AV receivers in the last 4 years. I just returned the most recent one. Nothing sounded as good for CD's and vinyl as my vintage Yamaha (sorry to this day that I sold it) and I don't use home theater much. Went with a good sound bar for movies and TV and just ordered the Denon PMA 600NE and DCD 600NE based on your recommendation and they'll arrive in a few days. I have Elac Debut B6's and a vintage Pioneer PL 610 turntable. Happy to replace my Sony CD player I've had since the early 90's. My ears have missed great sounding music for too long. Waiting with great expectations to see how this combo sounds. Many thanks!
I still have my older Yamaha receiver from ‘92 (Not vintage like you’re referring to but Yamaha has always had a nice emphasis on sound quality at almost any price point), and my somewhat rare NS-25T’s from 87ish. I just recapped the speakers last year and cleaned up the output relay in the receiver around the same time.
I can’t claim the receiver holds a candle to my newer preamp and power amp but I still use the receiver nearly daily (more for TV as the Schiit just sounds more musical). Until I build a new pair of speakers the NS-25T’s are currently my only pair...not much of a problem as I love them.
Boy, you covered a lot of Schitt. Thanks Steve.
Merry Christmas and happy new year!
Thank you, Steve
Thank you Steve.
Another great list from Steve and these choices have some style as well, because you want your gear to look and feel as good as it sounds. If you go U-turn, Outlaw/Schiit, Klipsch/Zu/Magnepan you can even spend most of your system dollars in the US. Nice
I love schiit.
I just ordered my first hifi system! Maybe not quite audiophile quality, but I bet I'll be amazed. Sony STR-DN1080 receiver with a pair of Klipsch R-51M bookshelf speakers. Costs: 650 CHF (650 USD). It will be perfect for streaming my music and watching Netflix!
Nice.👍
Congratulations and Enjoy your new audio system
Watch it ,this is a real addictive hobby in a good way .enjoy the sound .
You are going to love those speakers. I am using them with my Denon AV receiver (nothing fancy) for movies/TV and it amazes me how fantastic they sound. Congrats!
Jochem "I bet I'll be amazed."
Yes!! Have fun, enjoy yourself, blow your own mind. Right now, I'm amazed at some new stuff I've bought. I hope you have similar experiences. Cheers.
There is no phono pre-amp on the PLX-1000. It also does not come with a stylus, but I agree with you it is very much a great turntable even without those items.
Great video, as usual.
Great info for newbs and not so newbs, seeking to get the most for their money!
Just had to add my suggestion of these separates:
Emotiva PT-100 preamp/DAC/tuner/phono stage.
Emotiva A-300 power amplifier.
All the inputs you could ask for, great musicality, 150 wpc @ 8ohms, and 300 wpc @ 4ohms.
Plenty of clean power to make any speaker sound it's best, including the Maggie LRS' for $100 less than the price of the Outlaw 2160.
Just got those Evoke 10s for my bedroom and they are definitely awesome sounding. Open, clean, detailed, surprisingly quality bass for their little size - natural voices, great soundstage etc
What's the size of your bedroom? I've been thinking of Evoke 10 to a smaller room - 4,5x4,5m, they would be close to a rear wall (around 35cm).
Michal Stano my bedroom is probably 10x10 feet or so. They are a foot away from the wall and there is a little bit of wall bloom going on. They sound great regardless and come with foam plugs for the rear port if you need them very close to a wall but I haven’t used those yet.
Curious- what amp are you using and did you audition any others? Thanks
Dollard Buchanan currently Schiit Aegir with Schiit Freya Plus Preamp - Denafrips Ares 2 R2R DAC. The system sounds lovely in that small room.. I also have a Schiit Ragnarok version 1.5 which handles them well too if I needed more power in the living room.. But the 40 Watt at 4 Ohm Schiit Aegir has surprisingly been all the power I need for them and the sound has actually continued to grow on me
Great!. More of these!
Love this series. Hi-fi does not have to mean hi-cost but you do need some guidance to find the components that punch above their weight.
petestowne - but I think Steve should talk more about the comparisons to other gear. He seems to always recommend the same brands and only certain pieces. Need to explain what he has tested and what he hasn’t tested to give true value to his recommendations. For example, I’d like to know how something like a Denon AVR-X2500h with features like 4 ohm setting, MultEQ XT, Heos, Airplay2, BT, DAC... compares. Even if only using as a 2-channel setup, these are nice features.
My whole system is on the list Denafrips Ares II DAC, Rogue Sphinx integrated, and Kef LS50s! It sounds amazing, thanks Steve for getting me excited about hifi!
honestly, would this beat the ls50W?
R W not really. The wireless version is even sonically ab improvement. But “audiophiles” live the sentiment of three or more devices...and all those cables...mmmm! It has to look like a rig otherwise what’s the point :)
More Spinach The gear is part of the fun for me. Active speakers take away the ability to tweak things which is part of the reason I enjoy audio.
Just ordered my new bookself speakers very linear, good mids and decent treble, 90db sensitivity and no colourization plus deep low frequency bass down to 30hz. Just got 3 more speakers to get later in the year to complete my 5.1 system in my small living room.
Didn't get any speakers from the video as they weren't to my taste aesthetically and low frequency wise. Will continue using my trusty Oppo UDP 203 4K blu ray player's very good DAC and analogue outs for all the speakers, sub, amp.
Ps I'm clued up regarding audio but still love watching these videos, Steve Guttenburg looks like he's lived a colourful life. Plus good unbiased audio advice for the novices out there.
Great vid Steve Thx enjoyed
Good suggestions.
Steve stickin up for the audiophile on a budget.
Andreas Leon Landgren - yes, but I think Steve should talk more about the comparisons to other gear. He seems to always recommend the same brands and only certain pieces. Need to explain what he has tested and what he hasn’t tested to give true value to his recommendations. For example, I’d like to know how something like a Denon AVR-X2500h with features like 4 ohm setting, MultEQ XT, Heos, Airplay2, BT, DAC... compares. Even if only using as a 2-channel setup, these are nice features.
Tall Paull Well said!
When $2500 is "on a budget" you know your hobby is too expensive. I have way too many expensive hobbies >_>
praetorxyn yeah I hear you I buy used.
Thanks. How about systems in the 4000-$5000 range?
Love Love Love... Thank You!
I am paired Wharfdale Linton with mine Kenwood KA-1000 and its beutifull.. aplifier is old but gold for me. I am happy for now.. Also have B&W DM1800. Sound perfect too
Great video! He is so good.
Thanks for the great channel and interesting videos. Could you do a feature on speakers that sound best up against a wall, for those of us lacking space? Thanks
I am a recent sub of your channel and enjoy your videos and descriptions of sound. Just dipping my toe in with a pair of Micca rb42’s arriving via post later this morning. Running with a Yamaha R series integrated amp, SL-5350 Technics table, and a Denon CD player. A lot of room to grow.
Keep up the wonderful reviews.
I put the Micca RB42 speakers in my TV area as the front left and right speakers. I was really impressed by the bass and had to experiment with my Denon AVR to get a sound that was balanced. Straight Audyssey was had too much bass for my taste. But in addition to enjoying the Micca speakers daily this gave me better audio away from my stereo room.
An interesting finding was that Spotify from my Samsung smart TV run through the Denon was no where near acceptable. It cut out occasionally even though the TV is CAT wired to my router. But the bass and treble boost from the Samsung was horrible through the Denon. Switching to the Spotify app on my Roku was a big improvement.
And parenthetically I would like to hear from anyone who uses Tidal as I think there is a 6 month promotion for those of us on the fence. Is it a great service and how do you use it in both the home theater and stereo systems?
The Miccas are great daily drivers so to "speak"!
I have the RB42s in my LR, love em. Need a bit more bass extension, so I’ll be mating them to a sub soon. I have them hooked up to a PS Audio Sprout 100 and a Schiit Modi. Adding a Raga phono player in the new year.
Great thing about this hobby, you can add things over time, and sell components as you switch/upgrade
I was never even interested in home theatre gear. That is, until the Micca line came on to my radar. Now I'm thinking, "Well, why the hell not? They're inexpensive, sound good, and don't take up a lot of room!"
@@martytoo I recommend you check out this forum, tons of tidal info and people sharing their expiriences here
forum.hifiguides.com/t/spotify-tidal-how-do-you-get-your-music/1598
@@joseg8747 Thank you! I'm still interested in just how much better people find Tidal compared to Spotify.
Hello Steve, I bought a pair of Kef q 750 speakers with an emotiva TA-100. I found that this combination works very well in my small living room. I spent 2k on this setup.
Thanks Steve for this series and for the heads up on the Zu Audio Dirty Weekend Omens. I bought a pair and never looked back. Took them up on their very generous trade in policy and now have a pair of Druids(V)!
Steve is usually pretty spot on with his reviews and suggestions.
Listen up people!
Thanks again Steve!
Druids? WOW, that is quite a jump up the food chain. I have a pair of Zu DWs and plan on upgrading to the Souls or full fledged Omens. Big Zu fan. Cheers!
Would love to have some episodes where you play some audio and comment like “see how thats warmer now “ or what would be great is you showing the difference in sound when components are connected in different configurations - thatd be alot more work and you do enough as it is -just saying no ones done that yet (probably cuz it’d be quite a hassle ;) anyway we all love sound so it’d be nice to share sound experiences with you (our professor :) and not just geeking out over hardware all the time - just sayin :)
I am on a budget so I'm looking at the RP-600M. They have them at Fry's Electronics for $549.00, and Best Buy told me they would price match them. I'm also looking at the Swan M3A, which I'd like Steve to review.
Hi Steve , I'm a subscriber and love your videos, and am seriously considering a few of your recommendations. I am really interested in The Pure Audio Projects Open Baffle Speakers that you reviewed, and can't wait to hear them! I also wanted to let you know that one of your fellow reviewers - New Record Day , has sponsored a "Tech Talk" series of 4 or 5 videos, where GR Research shows how to upgrade the Klipsch RP600M speaker - it's a step by step "How To" to make the changes that represent a Huge improvement in an already Very Good speaker! As you are very aware of , a speaker manufacturer builds to a price point and the accountants don't let them do all they could do when designing a speaker - they HAVE to meet that price point, consequently in this case they had to use small iron core Inductors, Ceramic Sand Resistors, and low end Capacitors (caps which cost only a dollar or two) in the crossover - So in the Upgrade they get a bunch of new very good parts for the crossover, which he shows everyone how to solder and put together. Then he shows how to deaden the box which has no bracing in it, and change the speaker binding posts for much better ones - this all actually turns that very good speaker - into a GREAT SPEAKER ! -- GR Research has the upgrade kits available - ( i think it's about 200 dollars for everything) .... you can email to their website - or you give them a call for the kit --- If Klipsch had used the same kind of upgrades, and they certainly know how -- the speaker would have cost probably between $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 dollars . It would be awesome if you could do a review of the upgraded RP600M Speakers - I know I would love to hear your thoughts on the difference in sound between the two speakers, it would be helpful to get a second opinion - and it would be very educational for a lot of people who don't know about what goes into making a better speaker. Thanks for letting me get the word out - there's going to be a lot of viewers that took your advice on buying those speakers that are going to be even happier Klipsch RP600M Speaker owners! -- PS. not affiliated in any way with GR Research : ) Best Wishes in the New Year , Dean
Steve new subscriber here. Awesome videos. You have re-energized my love for classic traditional audio. I have a Denon PMA-700z amp, TU-500 receiver, DP1700 direct drive TT. All were bought new in 1978 and still perform flawlessly. I also own a Carver TFM-45 amp (375 w/channel, 8 ohms) and Carver Ct-17 receiver which I purchased in 1990. All components have been properly stored for 15 years.
I want to purchase a pair of speakers for each system. I would love to here your recommendations on both vintage and current speakers that would compliment my components. I would also like to hear from your subscribers also…. I feel like I’m 25 again! Thanks again.
Still have cobwebs, this helps. Now to figure out what a dac is. Onward. Thank you.
Hi Steve! Any recent reviews of audiophile headphones and headphone amps? Also, how do you compare speaker audio versus headphones? Back in the late 70s my studio recording class was taught by an audiophile who brought in his $10k+ system so that we could experience Billy Joel live, directly from master recordings that he had made ... wow! I’l never forget it! You could hear him breathing ... placing his hands on the piano keyboard ... it was, intense! The speakers he brought in were HUGE! It’s one of the few experiences I still vividly recall from college. Thanks for a great show!
I was very suprised that you didn't include your recently reviewed Tannoy Platinum F6. You had said it was a "handmade tower speaker made in England with real wood veneers" for only $1100 per pair. Because of your review I am going to be looking at a pair of those this week in my local high-end dealer in Denver.
The Shootin' Dutchman I didn’t review that speaker. But I will review another Tannoy soon
My cheapie setup that I really like: TEAC DAC/AMP (AI-301da), KEF Q100 speakers, laptop connected to DAC/AMP playing FLAC and DSD files. Cost about $500 USD (laptop not included in price).
It would be nice if you could review and recommend streaming DACs. This source is more and more common why it would be great if you could dig a bit deeper in that category of sources. Thanks!
If you have the room (space behind the speaker) the LRS are phenomenal! I would suggest the best amplification you can afford or least something you are comfortable with that can drive 4ohm loads at a 50% increase over its 8ohm rating. A sub is NOT required though it's output below 50hz or so is limited so if you must have lower frequencies that is the option. The sense of space rivals my 7.2.4 Atmos system, obviously, there isn't the localization available with multiple sources but the experience is similar.
Onkyo 9010 integrated amplifier, pro-Ject Début carbon and Klipsch RP-600 M. I had the cables made by a local sound engineer. This system really rocks. The TX-8270 would be a great upgrade
Would love to see Steve take a look at a pair of Quested monitor speakers, maybe like the H108.
I use the Schiit Mani (phono) and sys to feed my Event 20/20 BAS monitors in my main listening room. I source it from a Fiio X7 for my digital FLAC collection and my Thorens TD mk ii / sme 3009 turn table. I love my setup for a 12 X 12 room and have a pretty decent headphone setup with Schiit lyr (upgraded tubes) and brifrost DAC & Audeze LCD-X & LCD-3F. It's a great hobby and I'm pretty happy per $ I've spent.
Schiit Mani user here. Big thumbs up on that little guy.
Spread the word.
Schiit is the Schiit!
my personal&recommended 2-channel setup - $1890 altogether.
components:
Elac Uni-Fi UB5's
Emotiva A-300
Schitt Saga+
(Electro-Harmonix 6SN7 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube)
Schitt Wyrd USB DECRAPIFIER
AudioQuest Jitterbug
cables:
three Pangea AC 14CE power cables.
one AudioQuest forest SPFIF cable.
two BlueJeans LC-1 Stereo Audio Cables, 3-foot sections.
two BlueJeans Canare 4S11 speaker cables.
one AudioQuest Cinnamon USB A/B cable.
one Pangea USB A/B cable.
just some simple food for thought from a different perspective ...
This really needs to get pinned up somewhere. This is a solid setup that anyone would be hard pressed to upgrade without spending thousands more. And that's what an audiophile is about. Enjoying music on solid gear not blowing as much as their bank account allows.
No need to thanks us we should be thanking you for sharing all your knowledge and delivering great content.
I do have a problem with my system. I am sat about 2.5m from the speakers. Thanks for the couple of suggestion in your list. Have you got any other speakers I should be looking at budget 500/1200.
Thanks one again
Just getting back into this after an adult life of putting family first, etc. So much has changed in music systems. I really appreciate your price range videos, its a great place to start for sure. For me, I listen to my music in my woodworking shop, so I am trying to employ some of the basic dynamics you teach here. Being in my work space for 10 - 14 hours a day I need great sounding music, but its dusty so a sealed plexi glass door on the stereo cabinet is important. I do wonder what gauge of speaker wire I should be running if my run is 40' away. Lamp wire is a good heavy gauge and cheaper then monster cable, etc. I shut down the shop for 2 weeks to make the upgrade, nearly there. When done, I will have 14 speakers hooked up to 4 different amps. For each set of 4 speakers I can color differently and adjust volume, finding a suitable balance between them all. One amp runs a pair back behind me, while all the rest are about 15' away from me on the 'wall of sound'. Once volumes are set on individual amps, the volume control on my ipad will maintain the balance uniformly as I raise or lower it. It may just be a foray into ridiculousness, but one thing I can say is, there is no way I can go back to listening to just one pair of speakers, lol. I can only imagine what 14 of your speakers would sound like hooked up to four amps!
I wish you would do a video describing from start to finish how to set up a complete system. From turntable to preamp to amplifier to speaker suggested cables etc. also, Since Technics has come back the Audio-technica products aren’t mentioned much. I’ve been using the Audio-technica AT LP240-USB turntable with the AT440mla. cartridge with a Yamaha RXV 765 receiver played through Klipsch Synergy Series speakers. The system also is used for my home theater surround system. I can’t say anything bad about the turntable; it’s dead quiet and has worked flawlessly for me. My son-in-law gave me the amp and seven speakers that include two bookshelf and the subwoofer...all Klipsch. The system sounds great to me, especially with the wonderful new top end reissues. Just played the Buckingham Nicks Sterling Sound pressing and it’s great. I know Michael Fremer would probably scoff at this setup but do you have any thoughts...improvements etc. I really enjoy your videos especially your smooth, mild mannered, approach.
Steve's shirt game is always 11/10
His Woodstock shirt from 1969 🎶
I can't imagine going out and buying a complete system at one time. I have always purchased a piece at a time and traded in and out until I was satisfied with my sound.
Remember to keep the speakers all from the same brand if your using a 5.1/7.1 system. Mismatching speaker brands will lead to a mismatch of sound.
Hi Steve. Thanks for a good review. Have you ever reviewed speakers from Paradigm? I'm curious as to what you think of the Premier series line.
Klipsch la scalas $800. Crites c125 tweeters and crossover upgrades $450. Fisher 800c $525. Sony 400 disc changer $150. To my ears I've certainly reached some peak of modest financial output for wonderful returns😉.
neil welner very good.
very good info
I'm looking for solid turntable..i got my answer trough this video ..thanx Steve
Steve, loved the video. I saw that you recommended the Cambridge axr 35. Could you also recommend the axr 100? Have you ever listened to it?
Steve - love all your reviews! I was wondering how do you think the Outlaw RR2160 would run a pair of Polk 705's? I had a NAD 375 BEE integrated that bit the dust. I've been thinking about some integrated amps like the Rotel RA-1572 ($1,399 Factory Certified Refurbished), Hegel ROST ($1,400) , Vincent SV-227 ($1,500) - but for the price the Outlaw seems like an interesting option and in the same power range.
I've recommended some people that recently joined the vinyl revival to get the Mani, great midrange phono preamp.
But I always discourage people to get the Uturn Orbit, because it lacks adjustable anti-skating. Uturn has anti-skating factory set.
You're doing good by also recommending the Pioneer DJ turntable, I really appreciate that! 👍
Most audiophiles are like: ewww DJ turntable, not made for audiophiles, so it's not good.
I have had the PLX-1000 for about two years and it sounds great. So ridiculous to judge based on the target audience being DJs.
It's like saying a Linn Sondek LP-12 is not an audiophile turntable, because it was designed for broadcasting.
Now I'm spinning a Technics SL-1200G which is a studio/audiophile deck.
It's re-engineered to modern standards (2016) using the latest technologies, but it's actually based on the old 1200 DJ decks.
FWIW I find the U-Turn's antiskate to be agreeable with many cartridges, certainly the ones they have as factory options, and probably many others.
I love my Schiit Mani. I got it when I ordered my Orbit Custom. You are correct about the anti-skate, but with the right cartridge(I had an Ortofon Om5E), it was great for the price.
I bought it to replace an older table that I really didn't want to fix while I searched for a table to match the rest of my system.
Well, I found it and sold the Orbit to a friend who loves it.
Oh, I ended up getting a new Technics SL-1210GR. Installed a Zu Audio ZU/DL-103 and it is a stunning combo.
If you think you can't afford the gear you lust after, save and wait.
It'll be worth it.
Trust me.
@@motocommando2477 Yes indeed.
Same story for me with my SPL Phonos preamp. I waited quite some time before buying it (had a Cambridge Audio 651P, which also is a nice one for its price). It is a very good phono preamp, but I didn't really want to spend over 1500 euros on it. Waited about two years until a piano store got it on sale.
The piano store wanted to expand their business by selling HiFi gear, but that didn't work out very well, so they changed their mind and wanted to quickly sell their leftover stock. Got a huge discount on it.
It is a great combination with my Technics SL-1200G, since both are very neutral and I think it'll suit the 1200GR very nicely as well. Phono preamp upgrades are often overlooked, I can highly recommend investing in it.
@Fat Rat Yes indeed and especially the modern redesigned ones sound sportive, because they have an accurate response on quick transients and attack, making music sound a bit more bassy and bouncy.
Hi Steve! Great Videos! I see you love turntables. I just watched a vintage video from 1984 on the NEW technology "Laser Compact Disk". They talked about all the benefits over vinyl including a 30dB dynamic range improvement, no wow or flutter, totally flat frequency response, no snap crackle or pop. We thought we died and went to heaven when the CD arrived; and we did. Have we all been duped into falling in love with Thomas Edison technology again. Maybe I should buy a 1894 Victrola to improve my music room. Could you do a video on how a vinyl LP can ever be technologically better than a CD? Thanks!
great video, ide like to see a streaming desktop setup :dac,headphone amp ,preamp,powered monitors or a power amp and passive bookshelves and the most important part: headphones. all the components must be small .the dac has to be 24/192 ,dsd and mqa able and upgradable with firmware updates ,why not?
Love my new Warfedale Heritage Lintons!! After 20 hrs even nicer
Mark Vuchetich what amp have you got for them?
Muzyczny Gumiś pre amp is a used Roque Audio 99 Magnum ( newer vintage tubes) and solid state Marantz MM7025 power amp. They also sounded great on my vintage Marantz 2238B integrated receiver I just traded in with my Klipsch Heresys ( one with a blown tweeter) yesterday for a Bluesound Vault 2i👍👍
Hi Steve and Thanks. I believe the small Klipsch you mentioned as RP51M is actually the RP-150M www.cnet.com/news/stand-back-and-deliver-the-mighty-little-klipsch-rp-150m-speakers/
They are still available for sale in a few places but have been superseded by the RP-500M
Great video Steve! For what its worth, I have owned the Schiit Saga Pre-amp for 9 months, and I am very happy with its performance (paired with powered speakers). Plus the remote works very well.
I think I am going with the Klipsch RP600M, Fluance RT84, and an old school Yamaha CR1020 receiver to begin my journey back to my musical roots. One round of upgrades to get to a set of Dirty Weekends, Rega P3, and a Zen Triode amp. There are almost 1900 people ahead of me in line for a Zen Triode amp so I have plenty of time to save for the upgrades.
Hi Steve, thanks for your videos, they are so useful for me as i’m looking for new speakers. I have a question for you. I was looking to get the Klipsch rp600m but you also think about the rp8000f for more basses. What would you think of the rp600m combine with subwoofer and an amplifier that managed the sub ? Would that be a good option or you would rather choose the rp8000f for a “all in one” solution ? Thanks in advance for your help ?
Steve great stuff dude. What do you think about the Definitive Technology pro monitor 1000's. I have a pair as my front height speakers. They are AMAZING!!!!
LOVE. THAT. SHIRT!!!
I'm in the market for a new desk setup, as I'm getting some kind of hiss intermittently whether I'm using head phone or preamp to speaker amp output. Current setup is USB out to Audio-gd NFB 11.32 DAC / amp combo -> preamp to SMSL SA50 spe aker amp -> Pioneer SP-BS21-LR speakers. So all my stuff is reasonably old anyway.
For all I know it could be a USB issue, or dirt in something, but I don't like that the Audio-gd requires a driver for USB either.
I see that Cornell ‘77 peaking out of your CD collection ;)
BTW I have been supporting a friend as she makes her first decent HiFi purchase/decisions, having heard my set up. Firstly I gave her a load of links to read and your and others video.posts to watch. We then went auditioning, starting out with those on the What HiFi awards lists.
My suggests were: Marantz PM6006, Marantz CD6006, Rega Planar 1, Dali Sensor 3 or Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and Grado SR80e headphones. Approx cost =£1350 including cables & interconnects.
Then, after 'fantastic ', came the question "how much would it cost to get the sound to be excellent (for her ears that is). So, after much listening, we ended up with: Cyrus One HD, Rega Planar 1 + Goldring E3, B&W 606, Onkyo C-N7050 and Grado SR325e. Approx cost =£2350 inc cables and interconnects.
She already had a laptop/external hard drive and a Pure Evoke 2 (optical output) that could be used as sources.
The dealer also gave her some discount, came to her house to set it all up and had the patience of a Laurent as she went through 20 listening options to arrive at her final choice. Needless to say that she is extremely happy and I must say so would I be.
One thing that did really impress me was a Rega system ie a Rega Brio, Apollo, Planar 1 +Goldring E3, DAC R and Dali Oberon 3 or the B&W 606. Approx cost=£2400. It sounded epic in the audition room and I could easily live with the system.
Another great shirt!
I was thinking the same thing, like "man, where does he get these shirts!?"
Jacob Adkins absolutely!
Funny how audio value changes over time. In my (black and white) 1977 Tech Hifi catalog their top system consisted of a Pioneer SX-1250 receiver, Technics SL-1300 turntable (with M/A QDC1e electret condenser pickup) and a pair of Ohm model F speakers all for $1,999. That's about $9,274.00 in todays dough. The $499 system included Cambridge Audio 2500 receiver, Philips GA-427 turntable (with Audiotechnica AT90E pickup) and a pair of Large Advent speakers.
All great suggestions
I got a little better cables (kimber 8vs) it whas worth it thanks
Steve this budget is blown all to hell, lol
Cables, tax, shipping etc.....
that said if you bought all this stuff used...
You would have not problem getting in under budget.
Love the videos.
Just put on $10 cables, I'm sure they will do $1000 speakers/components justice /s
Nice segment Steve. How about one on affordable integrated tube amps w/ speakers? Have had solid state equipment for50 years. want to try tubes!
george vera rogue is tube preamp.
george vera - Check out a company called 'Jolida' - For many years they have been the manufacturer of excellent tube gear at reasonable prices.
Steve...have you auditioned Canadian-made PSB lodspeakers?? Excellent value across the line!