Hey man, I'm still new to the audiophile scene but I always love budget minded channels for any hobby. The world of audio has a reputation for being wildly expensive, which it absolutely can be, but as with any hobby you can find some ridiculous value if you know where to look. And this is wonderful for beginners. Keep doing what you're doing pal.
I find the SithAudio high res coffee needs a solid 60,000 hours of break in to tame the digital sheen it produces right out of the canister. After that it becomes really warm, liquid and unctuous. The same effect can be achieved, almost, with Zert Tech tube/valve isolation feet. You have to replace the stock tubes with Micro Exotics JM-N95 or JR-101 995s or you'll get a nasty tazz in the high end before they have warmed up for at least 48 hours, but after that they produce resonance isolation to really bright audiophile coffee that is unsurpassed for less than $15,000.
Andy you failed to mention that it depends on where Sith Audio sources it's audiophiles from. Ultimately, we heard of the audiophile shortage coming out that one small mine in Zimbabwe and they had to outsource the mining and grinding process to a Chinese manufacturer. When they did this it reduced the required 60,000 hours of break-in down to 30,000 and can just barely be considered high res coffee now.
@@benignword8233 "Sith Audio" is an exclusive audiophile brand that only sponsors The Cheap Audio Man. Why such an esoteric and boutique brand would sponsor the guy who talks about great affordable gear is an exotic mystery, exactly like the source of the Sith Audio caps, dielectric materials, and zero feedback self-biasing pure class F semisolid-state amplification circuit design. The company is so exclusive and elusive that even the employees don't know where the paychecks come from, or go to, because no one has ever seen one! Sith Audio which imports all of the equipment that it makes in this country, regardless of which country you're reading this from, embodies the spirit of audio excellence in the most pristine and direct sense of the word. It is pure spirit. It is so pure that it has no substance and is therefore able to deliver faster bass, clearer treble and PRAT cannot be properly conveyed with anything made of actual matter. Randy has exclusive cyber promotional rights for Sith Audio because he's the perfect guy to present the claims of a company like theirs. The secret is, Sith Audio is a product of Randy's own intense audio research. They exist only to offer exotic possibilities in very high end, aspirational home audio. I hope someone with really good web development skills will soon create an e-commerce site for Sith Audio so Randy can really get down to business selling $240 "audiophile" coffee cups, $175 "audiophile" dust cloths, and $495 "audiophile" electrical tape . . . er um I mean "cable management system on a roll."
Randy, could you do a post on which coffee grinder pairs best with Sith Audio coffee? And will my coffee sound better if I upgrade my coffee maker’s power cord? Which do you recommend? Thanks!
This channel is such a good service to audiophiles on a budget. Most audio channels focus on mid to high level gear. So much good affordable stuff out there.
I'd be curious to see alot of these products compared to similar priced items on the used market, Alot if these are similarly priced to what Im using but my speakers / amp are 80s/90s
Videos like this are a real service. Sometimes I just need a pointer in the right direction. It really is amazing what you can get for very little money.
I was a bit dejected the other day on your show that under $1000 was cheap, suddently everthing seemed out of reach. You did a great job here and I now feel again that there are many options available to upgrade my entirely vintage rig (SX-450 / VSXD509S / SanyoPlasma / SS202 / ChromeStreamerDongle / laptop). I know, a whole lotta upgrading needed here. Thanks!
Listening to this through my Jamo s803 speakers! $120 refurbished, including shipping from Woot! Paired with a Denon AVR-391 and Martin Logans Dynamo 500 ($20 thrift store find; blown amp replaced with a Dayton Audio SA100). Great setup for under $300! Thanks for the inspo, CAM! 🖤
@@orwhat24 Landed a pair of Mordaunt Short 20i's for $38 at the local Salvation Army store. Great condition. Great sound. Unplanned purchase...saw them...grabbed them!
Hi Randy, I think, your channel is one of the most useful for reasonable audio gear. I have to take my 3000€ integrated/streamer to maintenance, so I needed a quick replacement for the time without it. Because you recommended Aiyima twice I stopped at the A05 integrated with bluetooth at only 75€. It provides a really solid build quality with Qobuz running over bluetooth and I'd say it performs at least at 70% of the sound the replaced amplifier at unbelievable 2,5% of the cost. It also drives my Dynaudio S40 speakers with ease. It's crazy, what you can get for very little money today! Thank you for your great work!
Hey Randy! Thanks for another awesome video. Just a quick recommendation. Add some time stamps please!! So we can come back to the video and search easily.
Great vid C.A.M.! Thanks for all of your suggestions and reviews. You sure make the choices in gear easier. My Dell desktop PC/Aiyima A07 amp/Sony SS-CS5 set-up sounds superb! I did have to bump up the bass and knock down the treble with the Equalizer APO software to help the Sonys become all they can be for me.
I lost a significant part of my hearing from chemotherapy, and of course it was all within the higher-range. My component system was rendered all but useless and I sold it off. So I discovered that a good portion of that hearing loss would be mitigated by buying some decent headphones and a DAC/amp. After I spent way too much money buying and comparing different devices, I settled on the Airmotive GR1s and the Ifi Zen DAC II. I am super impressed with this DAC amp and I am glad you mentioned it Randy. Some call it a "Budget DAC" but I call BS on that. After comparing it to my LittleDot 1100 dollar tube dac amp, I sold the LittleDot and stayed with the Zen. At right about five hundred dollars, I've got all the sound I will ever need. I just wish I hadn't spent thousands to come to that contusion. (conclusion)
Rate my budget $206 total hifi setup? * D DOLITY TPA3255 Class-D amp - amzn $69 (nice) ~ basically the Aiyama A07, but with passive sub out and bluetooth * 32V 5A power supply for amp - amzn $26 ~ Literally the one Aiyama sells separately for the A07 in their amazon store * Dayton Audio B652-AIR - parts express $65 * Sony SB102 passive sub - ebay $46 It sounds great, the B652 has great high end, the lacking bass of the B652 is more than made up for by the SB102, and the amp taking bluetooth is very handy. Could upgrade to the SSCS5 when it comes on sale again. Thoughts?
I have the Sony speakers and the sub to match and I turn the treble up all the way and bass all the way down and let the speakers do treble and the sub do the bass. Love it.
Randy I think you need to listen to the Kanto YU 5.25 passives. I feel like these are going to fall in your wheelhouse of cheap audio with a price of $199.
I am confused by the amps and hooking up a record player. SMSL DA-9 good for connecting a record player? I got the Pro-ject primary E with integrated pre-amp. Or should i go for the Cambridge?
You have a pretty cool platform and are fun to watch. I get a coffee when you post and listen to your reviews so I don't get involved in politics crap! I have been into audio for over 55 years. Cheap is good! I know production sound and DJ setups and Karaoke! My opinion is for pro PA we need power and dynamics to reach the crowd, this applies to DJ in most cases. Karaoke is a whole different gig as mixing live peeps to the mix can be a challenge. In a home environment , a box speaker if not sealed is a pile of crap , port noise is nuisance so Sealed or open baffle or magneplaner are the best option. If peeps want loud driving party then of course whatever! I have had and listened to so many speakers in my life. I am 65 years old in a home environment nothing is more true sounding than a open baffle or a Magneplanar! Sealed acoustic suspension will do well also but my third choice!
I had one of U-turn’s basic models. Most no frills table ever made but it sounded amazingly good for the price. Just, don’t expect the dust cover to stay when you tilt it up. Had the schiit phono pre on it. Fantastic stuff. Pretty much anything Schiit is a win. I also had those grados (older model) but sold them immediately. That little bump is more like a small mountain and oh yeah, they literally are designed to not stay on your head/ears.
Trouble is Randy, I'm in Australia, and your US prices are just a dream for me. We're at about US 0.75c for one of our wobbly plastic mung bean dollars. Our prices are probably double your prices. Doesn't matter much, I enjoy your presentation style...
Loved the video. But wait, there's more. It would be good to have a spreadsheet to keep track of the top 40 or so under $250 audio bargains. Anyone who lived through the 60's and early 70's has to be a sucker for the top 40!
@@cheapaudioman I could tell it was hard to do when I realized the Andover Songbird was in the video and not on the list. (The other streamer is missing from the list too.) I bought the songbird based on your video. I like the idea of the video and the list because it matches your Cheapaudioman theme.
For a portable dac I'd throw the Fiio BTR5 in the ring at $180. I love mine and with the app on my phone I get a ton of customization. Really woke up my TinFi IEM's.
I know folks love that one. Personally I prefer the Earstudio M100 ii. The Fiio doesn't allow EQ when using LDAC bluetooth and the earstudio does which is really the key factor for me personally. I wish it did have as much power as the Fiio though
For sure - I have that amp powering Elac 6.2 via SMSL M200 and the sound is gorgeous - detail, slam air etc... incredible amp - and I have 4 others it beats
Please forgive me going off topic here.I was hoping to get little help for my living room speakers amp. In my living room I have - 2 Klipsch R-820F Floor Standing Speaker 1 Klipsch RP-450C Center Channel Speaker 1 SVS PB 2000 Pro Sub 2 Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-140SA Dolby Atmos and I have them hooked with Dennon AVR-X3600H. I think Adding an amplifier will elevate the sound. I mainly use it for music, my TV is also connected with it but i hardly use it with my TV. What Amp would you suggest for this set-up? My budget is between 1000 to 1200. If i do get a Amp, should I connect it with my Dennon or get rid of the AVR and just use the AMP as standalone component? Once again i am sorry for the bother. Thank you so much for your help.
I’m about to go into shock with so much information i just want a 2.0 or 2.1 to connect my tv a turn table to a nice set of speakers. DAC, AMP, Pre-AMP, EQ…. Ahhhh too much I have $1,000 for this and is driving me crazy. I’m using my KRK VR6 and a SMSL SU-8. I want a setup like this but to use in my living room. I been considering Audio Bronze100 Bookshelf, KEF Q350 Bookshelf, Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 6.5", Klipsch RP-600M Reference, Jamo C 93 I, Q Acoustics 3030i Bookshelf. I also consider getting the Klipsch 5.0.2 bundle from CostCo but just use the rear speakers in another room as I don’t care much about surround sound, but $899 is a great deal.
Hello . Can anyone answer a question not related to this video please? Lol . I was handed down my dads Dual 701 phono player. It has a MA 630 stylus . What type of preamp can be used with it ? Do mm or mc work with electret stylus ? Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks .
Great video! More positive remarks from you on the M570 headphones. I have DT990 250 ohm and HD558 phones, and am contemplating an upgrade to work with an Audio-gd R2R11 DAC / AMP. I really enjoy the R2R sound for the genres I listen to.
Randy good stuff on all counts. I absolutely don't have the space for about 90%of...What chew got. But what l would like to know if possible es adding an Eq from my audio out to my soundbar and additionally any thoughts on Bluetooth Small Bookshelf speakers?
Randy, another awesome video! For a new guy I find it great to see all the cheap audio options. Not sure about anybody else here but it really gets me wanting to spend some more money and get myself into this uhhh, budget HiFi world. Lets just say better listening then my cellphone into audio IN. I was looking into something small for the living room and I am liking the D03 you have been mentioning. What's the difference the D03 and the D05? Their website is a little confusing when comparing. One more... A07 and T8 vs D03/05 Thanks!
Cambridge has a few. Emotiva also but it’s pretty pricey at $600. Audiolab. Teac has one for around $150. Best bet is just get a Blu-ray or DVD player with an optical or coax digital out and a decent dac. You could do that for less than $200 and have something that sounds great
Great stuff as usual. I have an idea for you. I'm upping my gear because I'm losing hearing slowly, normal age related stuff. I'm paying attention to speakers that can help with the high frequencies because that's what I'm losing first (Klipsch? Emotiva?). How about a review of gear for helping with the highs, or just hearing issues in general?
Like the glasses I noticed I get a cornea transplant soon. I have noticed my other eye got stronger. Maybe my ears will perk up too since I can't watch TV or read. That's a plus I'm looking forward to.
I just got a brand new pair of JBL Studio 530 speakers for $249.99 straight from JBL last week. Are they audiophile? I know they damn sure ain't worth the $600 retail price, but I'd buy them all day long at $250. Cheers 🍻.
Hey Randy,I just bought a pair of Polk R200 spkrs.After receiving them I thought I'd get myself a Yamaha R-N803D Network receiver.Is this a good match or have I messed up big time?
35 products in under half an hour. That's a lot. I'm sure a lot of people out there appreciate capsule reviews of more drawn out reviews you did earlier. When the better audio review magazines do a review they go into detail about how much run in time they give equipment before commenting anything about it. I've had cables that sounded like they didn't have any bass, and after 40 hours of random playing time a week later, sounded like they had bass a bit much. Other performance areas also. If cables take that long, I can just imagine how much break in time is required with most amps, speakers, cartridges, players, DACS, headphones etc. I buy mostly used, except for cables sometimes. Some have commented on here that other reviewers have said the exact opposite of what you heard about equipments perceived frequency response. Could that be the reason? On one of the forums a few guys who were audio salesman in the past, who had at their convenience dozens of different speakers to play music on; they started listing tracks or albums that sounded great on this and that speaker. I thought that interesting, since every record has its own frequency response, and it's the sources frequency response (and other things) combined with the equipments sonic signature that = what sound you get. For instance one guy said the rock track Gold Dust Woman with Stevie Nicks singing sounded great on the old DCM Timewindows, or the classic Joni Mitchell album Court And Spark sounded best on Quad 57 (of England) electrostatics speakers. Perhaps this would be a good thing to do, since albums are cheap and your average consumer doesn't have money to throw , away by buying all kind of different amplifiers to try with their speakers. I remember back in the 1970's when Infinity introduced their prodigious large and expensive Quantum Line Source speakers, they recommended in their magazine ads, going down to your local dealer and hearing them on the 1975 self titled Fleetwood Mac album. Most people had or had heard the album. Trouble was, not many stores carried them and most people in the mid 1970's had never heard of a speaker costing $2,400 a pair.
Sony SSCS5 amzn.to/3B1NMx2
JBL Stage A130 amzn.to/2YcjCcg
Jamo amzn.to/3iiM7vF
Elac B6 amzn.to/39VblM5
Elac B6.2 amzn.to/2Y326qK
Elac B5.2 amzn.to/3kYQ3Dy
Micca RB42 amzn.to/39Vbv69
Smsl da9 amzn.to/2Yi7SFb
Aiyima a07 amzn.to/3B32GTS
Fosi audio bt20a amzn.to/3mcI5WY
Cambridge axa25 amzn.to/39TeU5K
Aiyima d03 amzn.to/3mfGVdb
Geshelli J2 bit.ly/3l9ND4b
Schiit Modi 3+ amzn.to/3A0dKjj
Ifi Zen Phono amzn.to/2ZGyfVH
Schiit Mani amzn.to/3A2njhv
Eq570 amzn.to/3F2RNnD
Schiit modi 3 amzn.to/3a8lh5j
Ifi zen dac v2 amzn.to/3iomvh3
Ayima t8 amzn.to/3kTCJk6
Acrylic s50 pro + amzn.to/3AZY80q
AKG K361 amzn.to/3AYTsIk
Grado SR80X amzn.to/3ilQHJP
Hidizs S9 Pro amzn.to/2WvKZxi
Dragonfly red amzn.to/3kWiQZs
Helm bolt amzn.to/3D0uicN
Apple Lightining to 3.5mm amzn.to/39SglB4
Tin Hifi T2’s amzn.to/3D2X7VY
Blon BL05 amzn.to/3omYdrN
Tin Hifi P1’s amzn.to/3A0aSD3
Earstudio M100 ii amzn.to/3kVzCIc
Moondrop Kato bit.ly/3Dgep2j
SMSL SH8s amzn.to/2Wu3our
Xduo MT602 amzn.to/2Y50b4G
Xduo MT604 amzn.to/3omZKOz
no link for the Andover Songbird?
Turntable links?
@@pvater I posted a link but YT spat it out. Any search engine will work.
these are some weird looking timestamps…
Hey Randy, just found you and I love ya work!
Hey man, I'm still new to the audiophile scene but I always love budget minded channels for any hobby. The world of audio has a reputation for being wildly expensive, which it absolutely can be, but as with any hobby you can find some ridiculous value if you know where to look. And this is wonderful for beginners. Keep doing what you're doing pal.
I find the SithAudio high res coffee needs a solid 60,000 hours of break in to tame the digital sheen it produces right out of the canister. After that it becomes really warm, liquid and unctuous. The same effect can be achieved, almost, with Zert Tech tube/valve isolation feet. You have to replace the stock tubes with Micro Exotics JM-N95 or JR-101 995s or you'll get a nasty tazz in the high end before they have warmed up for at least 48 hours, but after that they produce resonance isolation to really bright audiophile coffee that is unsurpassed for less than $15,000.
Andy you failed to mention that it depends on where Sith Audio sources it's audiophiles from. Ultimately, we heard of the audiophile shortage coming out that one small mine in Zimbabwe and they had to outsource the mining and grinding process to a Chinese manufacturer. When they did this it reduced the required 60,000 hours of break-in down to 30,000 and can just barely be considered high res coffee now.
I searched up sith audio and nothing came up. I’m just curious where did this joke come from?
@@benignword8233 "Sith Audio" is an exclusive audiophile brand that only sponsors The Cheap Audio Man. Why such an esoteric and boutique brand would sponsor the guy who talks about great affordable gear is an exotic mystery, exactly like the source of the Sith Audio caps, dielectric materials, and zero feedback self-biasing pure class F semisolid-state amplification circuit design. The company is so exclusive and elusive that even the employees don't know where the paychecks come from, or go to, because no one has ever seen one!
Sith Audio which imports all of the equipment that it makes in this country, regardless of which country you're reading this from, embodies the spirit of audio excellence in the most pristine and direct sense of the word. It is pure spirit. It is so pure that it has no substance and is therefore able to deliver faster bass, clearer treble and PRAT cannot be properly conveyed with anything made of actual matter.
Randy has exclusive cyber promotional rights for Sith Audio because he's the perfect guy to present the claims of a company like theirs.
The secret is, Sith Audio is a product of Randy's own intense audio research. They exist only to offer exotic possibilities in very high end, aspirational home audio. I hope someone with really good web development skills will soon create an e-commerce site for Sith Audio so Randy can really get down to business selling $240 "audiophile" coffee cups, $175 "audiophile" dust cloths, and $495 "audiophile" electrical tape . . . er um I mean "cable management system on a roll."
Mt. Word. Randy has an amazing sense of humor no other audio reviewer has. He is one of a kind. By the way, I'm the CEO and President of Sith Audio
Randy, could you do a post on which coffee grinder pairs best with Sith Audio coffee? And will my coffee sound better if I upgrade my coffee maker’s power cord? Which do you recommend? Thanks!
Smith and Wesson? Colt?
🤣🤣🤣
I think you want the model they used in Fargo.
Thats F N clever very funny!!!
This is real audiophile laugh 🤣👌
Great run down of some amazing budget ASMACC certified products.
This channel is such a good service to audiophiles on a budget. Most audio channels focus on mid to high level gear. So much good affordable stuff out there.
Agreed, I'm not exactly someone with deep pockets myself.
Its that they call "mid" level like $1-2K
I'd be curious to see alot of these products compared to similar priced items on the used market,
Alot if these are similarly priced to what Im using but my speakers / amp are 80s/90s
Videos like this are a real service. Sometimes I just need a pointer in the right direction. It really is amazing what you can get for very little money.
I was a bit dejected the other day on your show that under $1000 was cheap, suddently everthing seemed out of reach. You did a great job here and I now feel again that there are many options available to upgrade my entirely vintage rig (SX-450 / VSXD509S / SanyoPlasma / SS202 / ChromeStreamerDongle / laptop). I know, a whole lotta upgrading needed here. Thanks!
How much information and experience can be packed into one video, you may ask?
A *whole* *lot* is how much!
You have outdone yourself, Randy!
Thanks Randy nice overview of high value products. Now I have to watch my back for Sith Audio trying to harvest me for coffee.
Listening to this through my Jamo s803 speakers! $120 refurbished, including shipping from Woot! Paired with a Denon AVR-391 and Martin Logans Dynamo 500 ($20 thrift store find; blown amp replaced with a Dayton Audio SA100). Great setup for under $300! Thanks for the inspo, CAM! 🖤
Thrift store audio deserves its own channel !
@@orwhat24 Landed a pair of Mordaunt Short 20i's for $38 at the local Salvation Army store. Great condition. Great sound. Unplanned purchase...saw them...grabbed them!
i love the sponsor part of the show (Sith Audio coffee) keep up the great work!!!
Nice one! And Props to your camera man, lighting crew, catering, and stuntman.
"smells bitter and old...that's when you know you've got real audiophiles!"
Hi Randy, I think, your channel is one of the most useful for reasonable audio gear.
I have to take my 3000€ integrated/streamer to maintenance, so I needed a quick replacement for the time without it. Because you recommended Aiyima twice I stopped at the A05 integrated with bluetooth at only 75€. It provides a really solid build quality with Qobuz running over bluetooth and I'd say it performs at least at 70% of the sound the replaced amplifier at unbelievable 2,5% of the cost. It also drives my Dynaudio S40 speakers with ease. It's crazy, what you can get for very little money today! Thank you for your great work!
Thank you, Mr Bunny. Big fan of yours. It’s amazing how optimistic you are with all you’ve gone through with Mr Fudd and the Coyote.
Great video, grabbed some renewed Sony SScS5s for $65-look brand new, sound great for the $, glad they made the list!
What's that streamer anover songbird @17:00? I don't see it in your list.
www.andoveraudio.com/products/songbird-hi-res-internet-audio-streaming-device
+1 for the Sith Audio coffee! Mmmm... Old and bitter... and then you said you're old. Like me. Thank you for what you do!!
Thanks Randy!!! You make me want to go shopping! 👍
Hey Randy! Thanks for another awesome video. Just a quick recommendation. Add some time stamps please!! So we can come back to the video and search easily.
The production team is working very hard! Great rundown on things that you have reviewed.
Great vid C.A.M.! Thanks for all of your suggestions and reviews. You sure make the choices in gear easier. My Dell desktop PC/Aiyima A07 amp/Sony SS-CS5 set-up sounds superb! I did have to bump up the bass and knock down the treble with the Equalizer APO software to help the Sonys become all they can be for me.
I lost a significant part of my hearing from chemotherapy, and of course it was all within the higher-range. My component system was rendered all but useless and I sold it off. So I discovered that a good portion of that hearing loss would be mitigated by buying some decent headphones and a DAC/amp. After I spent way too much money buying and comparing different devices, I settled on the Airmotive GR1s and the Ifi Zen DAC II. I am super impressed with this DAC amp and I am glad you mentioned it Randy. Some call it a "Budget DAC" but I call BS on that. After comparing it to my LittleDot 1100 dollar tube dac amp, I sold the LittleDot and stayed with the Zen. At right about five hundred dollars, I've got all the sound I will ever need. I just wish I hadn't spent thousands to come to that contusion. (conclusion)
Ifi hip Dac 2 and ifi go blu are on my shopping list.
You, Sir, continue to be the champion of us common folk! Thank you for all you do! Keep Trailblazing my friend!
Rate my budget $206 total hifi setup?
* D DOLITY TPA3255 Class-D amp - amzn $69 (nice) ~ basically the Aiyama A07, but with passive sub out and bluetooth
* 32V 5A power supply for amp - amzn $26 ~ Literally the one Aiyama sells separately for the A07 in their amazon store
* Dayton Audio B652-AIR - parts express $65
* Sony SB102 passive sub - ebay $46
It sounds great, the B652 has great high end, the lacking bass of the B652 is more than made up for by the SB102, and the amp taking bluetooth is very handy. Could upgrade to the SSCS5 when it comes on sale again. Thoughts?
Watching this video with the AQ Dragonfly Red DAC for audio (I was listening to music). The 50/60hz hum/buzz is super clear and dynamic, thanks.
I have the Sony speakers and the sub to match and I turn the treble up all the way and bass all the way down and let the speakers do treble and the sub do the bass. Love it.
Man, I love your videos and sense of humor. Always looking forward to the next one.
Topping just released their DX3 Pro+ for $250. The measurements are insane!
I like these videos. I'll keep watching them if you keep making them
Randy I think you need to listen to the Kanto YU 5.25 passives. I feel like these are going to fall in your wheelhouse of cheap audio with a price of $199.
I am confused by the amps and hooking up a record player. SMSL DA-9 good for connecting a record player? I got the Pro-ject primary E with integrated pre-amp. Or should i go for the Cambridge?
Bitter and old. Love it!
You have a pretty cool platform and are fun to watch. I get a coffee when you post and listen to your reviews so I don't get involved in politics crap! I have been into audio for over 55 years. Cheap is good! I know production sound and DJ setups and Karaoke! My opinion is for pro PA we need power and dynamics to reach the crowd, this applies to DJ in most cases. Karaoke is a whole different gig as mixing live peeps to the mix can be a challenge. In a home environment , a box speaker if not sealed is a pile of crap , port noise is nuisance so Sealed or open baffle or magneplaner are the best option. If peeps want loud driving party then of course whatever! I have had and listened to so many speakers in my life. I am 65 years old in a home environment nothing is more true sounding than a open baffle or a Magneplanar! Sealed acoustic suspension will do well also but my third choice!
Great post! Feeling a bit of a Darko style vibe
Randy your reviews are by far the best in the industry .. never stop please !! But where was the Emotiva B1 today?
I had one of U-turn’s basic models. Most no frills table ever made but it sounded amazingly good for the price. Just, don’t expect the dust cover to stay when you tilt it up. Had the schiit phono pre on it. Fantastic stuff. Pretty much anything Schiit is a win. I also had those grados (older model) but sold them immediately. That little bump is more like a small mountain and oh yeah, they literally are designed to not stay on your head/ears.
Cambridge linked your review on their website!
Came for the rant, staying for the insight lol
Great episode, man
Hi randy,
have you tried the audiopro link1?
Trouble is Randy, I'm in Australia, and your US prices are just a dream for me. We're at about US 0.75c for one of our wobbly plastic mung bean dollars. Our prices are probably double your prices.
Doesn't matter much, I enjoy your presentation style...
Loved the video. But wait, there's more. It would be good to have a spreadsheet to keep track of the top 40 or so under $250 audio bargains. Anyone who lived through the 60's and early 70's has to be a sucker for the top 40!
I need to do that. This video was pretty hard to make. Much harder than I thought it would be
@@cheapaudioman I could tell it was hard to do when I realized the Andover Songbird was in the video and not on the list. (The other streamer is missing from the list too.) I bought the songbird based on your video.
I like the idea of the video and the list because it matches your Cheapaudioman theme.
We can’t wait to hear about the Emu.
What is Bluetooth for on an amp that doesn't have a DAC? I'm new to this stuff. Mostly headphones and everything I have has a DAC/AMP combo
For a portable dac I'd throw the Fiio BTR5 in the ring at $180. I love mine and with the app on my phone I get a ton of customization. Really woke up my TinFi IEM's.
I know folks love that one. Personally I prefer the Earstudio M100 ii. The Fiio doesn't allow EQ when using LDAC bluetooth and the earstudio does which is really the key factor for me personally. I wish it did have as much power as the Fiio though
$180 is way more that I've paid or ever seen it. Got mine start if the year
@@cheapaudioman yeah the no EQ/LDAC deal sucks but I need Mr Kiedis to make my ears bleed. :) That requires power.
You need to look at some Edifier speakers.
I've got an early video up from them and just received a set in to review.
Just a little correction, it is the EarStudio ES100 MK2 not M100 ii. And it is FANTASTIC!
for amps i would have brought up the smsl sa300 it is a great little desktop amp, i have 2 of them and they are great
It is a great all in one that sounds great for class D
I like it. Personally I like the Aiyima D03 a bit better. I should have included it but the lack of digital inputs was a factor for me.
Ah that does make sense. I go from my zen DAC to the sa300 so I did not even think about that
For sure - I have that amp powering Elac 6.2 via SMSL M200 and the sound is gorgeous - detail, slam air etc... incredible amp - and I have 4 others it beats
Please forgive me going off topic here.I was hoping to get little help for my living room speakers amp.
In my living room I have -
2 Klipsch R-820F Floor Standing Speaker
1 Klipsch RP-450C Center Channel Speaker
1 SVS PB 2000 Pro Sub
2 Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-140SA Dolby Atmos
and I have them hooked with Dennon AVR-X3600H.
I think Adding an amplifier will elevate the sound. I mainly use it for music, my TV is also connected with it but i hardly use it with my TV.
What Amp would you suggest for this set-up?
My budget is between 1000 to 1200. If i do get a Amp, should I connect it with my Dennon or get rid of the AVR and just use the AMP as standalone component?
Once again i am sorry for the bother. Thank you so much for your help.
ROFL Soylent Green coffee! Love your show!
Looking good Randy, an interesting video.
excellent review. thx
It’s made with bits of real audiophile so you know it’s good.
I’m about to go into shock with so much information i just want a 2.0 or 2.1 to connect my tv a turn table to a nice set of speakers.
DAC, AMP, Pre-AMP, EQ….
Ahhhh too much I have $1,000 for this and is driving me crazy.
I’m using my KRK VR6 and a SMSL SU-8.
I want a setup like this but to use in my living room. I been considering Audio Bronze100 Bookshelf, KEF Q350 Bookshelf, Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 6.5", Klipsch RP-600M Reference, Jamo C 93 I, Q Acoustics 3030i Bookshelf.
I also consider getting the Klipsch 5.0.2 bundle from CostCo but just use the rear speakers in another room as I don’t care much about surround sound, but $899 is a great deal.
Hello . Can anyone answer a question not related to this video please? Lol . I was handed down my dads Dual 701 phono player. It has a MA 630 stylus . What type of preamp can be used with it ? Do mm or mc work with electret stylus ? Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks .
Great video! More positive remarks from you on the M570 headphones. I have DT990 250 ohm and HD558 phones, and am contemplating an upgrade to work with an Audio-gd R2R11 DAC / AMP. I really enjoy the R2R sound for the genres I listen to.
how about Benchmark DAC? any good?
Yes, you are dead on about the RB42a. They benefit from a 2-4k bump. And yes they need power, but the good news is they run great on the Aiyima a07!
Love all your reviews. Do you ever do vintage receivers from the seventies?
Well done. Value is King. By the way there is a spelling mistake on the links. Ayrlic not Acrylic
yeah. this computer always "self corrects" and it drives me crazy
I love your videos sir
You have not included any audio recievers like Yamana S R201 or S N303?
you're awesome brother thank you
You should check out the Moondrop Aria's. They are amazing IEMs
Randy good stuff on all counts. I absolutely don't have the space for about 90%of...What chew got. But what l would like to know if possible es adding an Eq from my audio out to my soundbar and additionally any thoughts on Bluetooth Small Bookshelf speakers?
It's funny there's a buzz in your audio. Got a sub anyway
Hey Randy, Do you know of any 3 or 3.1 amps that are not receivers?
Review this Russound ADP-1.2 Speaker-level to Line-level Adapter
Lol Randy. The white woofers on the Jbl speakers look like two eyes 👀 lol!. kinda!!
Randy, another awesome video! For a new guy I find it great to see all the cheap audio options. Not sure about anybody else here but it really gets me wanting to spend some more money and get myself into this uhhh, budget HiFi world. Lets just say better listening then my cellphone into audio IN. I was looking into something small for the living room and I am liking the D03 you have been mentioning. What's the difference the D03 and the D05? Their website is a little confusing when comparing. One more... A07 and T8 vs D03/05 Thanks!
If you want a headphone amp then go for the T8 and 07 combo. If you don’t need one the d03. I haven’t spent any time with the D05
@@cheapaudioman Thanks Randy. Looks like another order will be placed
thoughts on the aiyima t6 pro?
The Geshelli J2 DAC also has volume control.
Great information !!!!
What about the JBL A120 how are they
Whoa! A couple of C Notes and I can rule the audio world!
Great stuff and very Informative...I am however having visions of walter white season 5!😁
Review on E-Mu, hehe.
Thank you, .....that's it just thank you
Can you say something about HECO speakers good bad ok?
Great, great, great stuff Randy
I would add the E1DA DAC AMP combo to the list great sound and only costs 80$ in Aliexpress.
can you recomend a good budget cd player ,mine is from 1989 needs an upgrade!
Cambridge has a few. Emotiva also but it’s pretty pricey at $600. Audiolab. Teac has one for around $150. Best bet is just get a Blu-ray or DVD player with an optical or coax digital out and a decent dac. You could do that for less than $200 and have something that sounds great
You might want to look at a Rega Fono Mini A2D. A very nice phono preamp, with both analog and USB outputs. And a reasonable price.
Topping E30 is a nice DAC with a remote.
TOPPING E30 DAC Hi-Res AK4493 32Bit/768kHz DSD512 HiFi XMOS XU208 Decoder
Great stuff as usual. I have an idea for you. I'm upping my gear because I'm losing hearing slowly, normal age related stuff. I'm paying attention to speakers that can help with the high frequencies because that's what I'm losing first (Klipsch? Emotiva?). How about a review of gear for helping with the highs, or just hearing issues in general?
Great idea. There are some great affordable EQ’s out there that can boost up the top end but that’s still a great idea
Like the glasses I noticed I get a cornea transplant soon. I have noticed my other eye got stronger. Maybe my ears will perk up too since I can't watch TV or read. That's a plus I'm looking forward to.
Perfect timing! I'm working on my birthday / christmas list!
Oh...I LOVE EMU'S!
Bravo!
I love 5.1 or 5.2 setups
Sith Coffee is PEOPLE!
Good stuff randy.
I just got a brand new pair of JBL Studio 530 speakers for $249.99 straight from JBL last week. Are they audiophile? I know they damn sure ain't worth the $600 retail price, but I'd buy them all day long at $250.
Cheers 🍻.
Hey Randy,I just bought a pair of Polk R200 spkrs.After receiving them I thought I'd get myself a Yamaha R-N803D Network receiver.Is this a good match or have I messed up big time?
probably. I haven't heard either. I do have the Polk R200's here but I haven't hooked them up yet
@@cheapaudioman k thanks.look forward to your thoughts when you get round to it.
Surprised the JBL Studio 530's weren't on this list - frequently on sale for $240-$250
This is slap in the face for audiophiles.... They like expensive audiophile gear 😂
This is like Lord of the Rings with more cables
35 products in under half an hour. That's a lot. I'm sure a lot of people out there appreciate capsule reviews of more drawn out reviews you did earlier. When the better audio review magazines do a review they go into detail about how much run in time they give equipment before commenting anything about it. I've had cables that sounded like they didn't have any bass, and after 40 hours of random playing time a week later, sounded like they had bass a bit much. Other performance areas also. If cables take that long, I can just imagine how much break in time is required with most amps, speakers, cartridges, players, DACS, headphones etc. I buy mostly used, except for cables sometimes. Some have commented on here that other reviewers have said the exact opposite of what you heard about equipments perceived frequency response. Could that be the reason? On one of the forums a few guys who were audio salesman in the past, who had at their convenience dozens of different speakers to play music on; they started listing tracks or albums that sounded great on this and that speaker. I thought that interesting, since every record has its own frequency response, and it's the sources frequency response (and other things) combined with the equipments sonic signature that = what sound you get. For instance one guy said the rock track Gold Dust Woman with Stevie Nicks singing sounded great on the old DCM Timewindows, or the classic Joni Mitchell album Court And Spark sounded best on Quad 57 (of England) electrostatics speakers. Perhaps this would be a good thing to do, since albums are cheap and your average consumer doesn't have money to throw
, away by buying all kind of different amplifiers to try with their speakers. I remember back in the 1970's when Infinity introduced their prodigious large and expensive Quantum Line Source speakers, they recommended in their magazine ads, going down to your local dealer and hearing them on the 1975 self titled Fleetwood Mac album. Most people had or had heard the album. Trouble was, not many stores carried them and most people in the mid 1970's had never heard of a speaker costing $2,400 a pair.
Awesome, “when I say we I mean me”. 😂