★*QOTD: What are your favorite small Hi-Fi products, let us know below!* ★*NEED MORE INFO? ✔︎ THE LINKS IN THE ⬆︎DESCRIPTION⬆︎* ★ *COMMENT RULES:* - No outside URLs, TH-cam links or email addresses - Keep it civil. It’s okay to disagree, just don’t be a jerk about it.
My Schiit Mani phono pre for only $130 sounds really good, and it’s kinda surprising how it can somewhat compete with my Tavish Classic. Definitely a different, but not necessarily better type thing.
For my secondary system in the living room, I have a bluesound powernode 2I with the triangle br02 and a Rel t3. I am very happy with the results. I find myself (and my family) listening to more, and more music just because of the ease of use.
I cannot express how much I appreciate your professional, fair, detailed, and polished product reviews and other content. Bravo, on creating quality content that I enjoy greatly.
A bit disappointed when I realized the entire video was pretty much listing off all-in-one solutions or just average size bookshelf speakers. I was expecting there would be advice about room treatment and speaker placement, not product placement. Also, what's with the turntables with every setup? I have one myself but I don't think Hifi = turntable or am I missing something here...
You're the first to tackle this area, Andrew! Great job offering your suggestions and why you suggested them with a mini review. The video tags are always a kick!
Full credit where credit is due, this episode was completely Kristi’s idea. She put all of these matchups together with the exception of the Andover Model One, I just shared my thoughts.
Andrew Robinson 😍 We’re a team!! But yes, this was my idea. I kept thinking about all the people stuck inside in their small apartments and homes. We all need happy distractions. Hopefully it gives people ideas they may not have thought about.
@@KristiWright Yes, it is, I had to rewatch it too. I was so musing on the info, I didn't hear it. Right after I posted, I went to edit that line, but you guys were so quick... WOW, was I shocked! What a team you guys are! Stay safe! Thanks for suggesting this edition, Kristi!
I recently sold ALL of my components from the late 1970s/early 80s…my JBLs, my Bose, my Nakamichi, my Akai, my Kenwood, the Technics, my Pioneer…all with original paperwork, packaging…for a cool $500. I’m in my 60s…and had dual careers….one in the Navy and one in federal LE. Back then, through the Navy Exchange system - and world travel - stereo was all about “bigger is better”! Everyone back then, could indeed, “rock the house”, and everyone did. I’m older and calmer now, and ridding myself of all the ‘stuff’ gathered over 6+ decades. My Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, my camera and film equipment (four Nikons? What the hell was I thinking?), my extra “real” cars, my Lionel train set from the 1950s, stuff inherited from both my wife’s and my parents, woodworking tools, extra guns, extra bicycles, fishing equipment….and keeping ONLY what I use today. I’ve adopted a minimalist lifestyle. I like my Tivoli in the bedroom, and my Bose in the den. And dammit, watching your video--which incidentally was well produced and zen-inducing, so Bravo-Zulu, well done!--almost tempted me to “buy more stuff”! But, a little deep breathing and meditation, and my Aussie curled up next to me, my “cooler head” prevailed over the “hothead” holding the credit card! Phew! That was close. Again, I have contemplated a small system….for our living room…..but I’ll never return to LPs, CDs…I’ll opt instead for Bluetooth. I don’t want my kids to go through the hell we went through dissolving our late parents estates. I’ll leave them money, jewelry, accounts…and a small home furnished sparingly. Oh yeah….maybe my Jeep….and an old Porsche….with the caveat: they get nothing unless they ensure my dog is in their quality care through her life! She deserves nothing less. Again, brother, nice video.
@@captaincoyote1792 my dad passed recently and I gotta tell you: I'm thankful that you're thoughtful about not leaving them a mountain of stuff to, honestly, get rid of... but I've also loved going through my dad's old audio and video tech and better connect with him after he's gone, tinkering with his stuff and setting it up as he once might have. I guess it's a mixed thing.
@@screwthishi5thing cool online name! Yes…you’re right. It is mixed. After his Navy stint, my father found employment with an early supersonic jet, and early space race aerospace company. He documented his entire career….with professional desktop aircraft and spacecraft models, astronaut signatures, early Apollo checklists, coins, awards, etc. I worked hard to get the Smithsonian, Navy, Boeing--anyone interested in archiving his career. Surprisingly and sadly…no takers. It’s all up for auction, now. You’re point though, regarding “connecting”, I took to heart. I wish you well, brother (I’m assuming a male…I apologize, if not), I equally wish a sister well.
Helpful video, thanks Andrew and Kristi. My favourite small Hifi products: recently I bought (just for fun) a '97 Sony ghettoblaster second hand. Almost new. 20 watt output in total. It sounds amazing. The type is CFD-G50L. I use it a lot, because it's so easy to use. Just plug and play. And I also have a Harman all in one 2.1 speaker system. Small but amazing sound and image. Be safe everyone!
I live in a small apartment and having a giant pair of speakers isn’t an option as much as I wish it was. I opted for getting a pair of the Klipsch R51M and have been blown away. Great for listening at low volumes (if you’re worried about bothering the neighbors) and are always a blast to crank and fill the room. I have them running off an extremely small 50w two channel amp. Couldn’t recommend the setup enough. Especially when the total for everything was under $200...
We have become big fans of Klipsch in this house. The Three that’s featured in this video sounds really good considering its size. We also have a pair of the 600Ms for review and based on the few times we’ve listened, they’re pretty darn good.
Is that 50w a channel or overall? Also thinking of getting R51M pair for my Denon, but not sure if the 30w per channel would be sufficient to make them optimal.
Craig Bosman Sorry, 50w per channel. But honestly even at my loudest listening levels I usually only reach a little past half way on the volume dial. Klipsch is known to be highly efficient so your Denon is more than likely going to be able to push them to a good listening volume!
If you listen to music or watch movies via computer, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers are a great option. I have been using mine for 3 years, and they sound great and provide enough output for a small room.
Picked up the Kanto YU6 speakers for my near field office computer setup in a small room that is 8'X13'. Haven't looked back. They're wonderful. Not only that, I purchased them on Boxing Day sales and got a really good price. Ever since I've been watching them go up in price, so I think I jumped in at just the right time. Highly recommended.
Atc scm 11 speakers sealed so no problem with boom like most ported speakers always treat your room the best you can before you change any components .
i like your tip here, i was afraid to mention great speakers since they are more expensive and most of the video are cheaper options. also sealed often gives less low bass and subwoofer(which i recommend) matched great with sealed designs. Andrew recommended and reviewed some XTZ speakers, they also have a cheap sealed speakers called Spirit 2, looks like a great option.
@@sudd3660 iv played around with a rel sub but found even on low settings the sub ruins the character of the atc and theres more than enough bass for me remember all recordings will have different bass levels your always be messing around with the subs settings
With room gain, sealed speakers make sense in a small room. The prob with alot of commercial small ported speakers is they are tuned for specs, have a bump at 80hz and fall off a cliff under 50hz. Which means u cant put them nr a back wall, defeating the point of a compact speaker for a small room
My favorite desktop setup is my set of Stage Right by Monoprice 5" Powered Studio Monitor Speakers. Bought them awhile back for $125/pair. I also added a compact Sony powered subwoofer that I found at a thrift store for $10. Also hooked up is a Technics SL-1300 that I bought for $50. I’m all about finding the best bang from a small budget.
Guys, I have had the opportunity to listen to the Andover product on two separate occasions and both times with the subwoofer as the base and the single album bin in the middle and there are no issues with the record skipping or any sort of interference or anomalies. It sounds great. Shockingly so for such compact system. And no, we didn't listen to light jazz at only seventy decibels either. It has limitations but it will rock well enough for most. My only complaint is that the subwoofer probably should be included for twenty five hundred dollars. The sub is an additional eight hundred and the middle bin is an additional three hundred. So, thirty six hundred for the whole system. You can buy the sub without the middle bin but then you just have to find a separate space for the sub which sort of defeats the purpose of a small all in one system. However, as great as it sounds, for that sort of money I can find the space for something better. And for that sort of money one can easily find something better to fill that space. It is cool though.
one of the systems that i own is a NAD 3020 paired with Wharfedale 225's. its a very small setup that you can live with without a subwoofer in small rooms. the amp produces no hiss excellent for close to speaker listening, and it can be oriented vertically or horizontally. drawbacks are: the amp do run hot if that is an issue for you, and it has wireless tech. speakers are ported so some drawbacks there for future upgrades, like adding a subwoofer.
I've had a similar setup in the past, but it was an NAD 320BEE paired with Paradigm Mini Monitor loudspeakers. The 320BEE can't be positioned vertically (that would've been sweet), but it was a real gem sonically. I really wanted the smaller LINN integrated back then, but couldn't afford it! Be well!
Mine is the SVS Prime Wireless 2.1 system. 200W (4*50W) of amp power, both Bluetooth and WiFi. Hi res DAC. 300W sealed SB1000 sub. Gorgeous and great sounding system. I'd love your review because you do a great job.
Small rooms are a challenge for hifi just for the lack of real estate to place everything. My listening space is 9.5 x 14 feet with an 8 foot ceiling. I am really happy with my Harmon Kardon ST7 tt with ADC XLM cartridge, EAR tube phono preamp, schiit vidar amp and Freya S preamp into Magnepan .7 speakers. Very pleasing sound, but almost nearfield listening.
Sounds interesting, I've always dreamed of getting maggies, but their reported need for space has always kept me back. Did you do anything special i.t.o. room treatment?
@@brickZA No treatment, but the walls are thick and dense because of the age of my house. Scca till happy though I upgraded the cart to a Soundsmith Otello and the tibes in the phono preamp.
Living in a small footprint, this video was very helpful. Over the past 5 months, I've upgraded several areas of my house from this and other of your videos. I first purchased the Klipsch Heritage The One II. This is my general speaker for Bluetooth listening. It's corner positioning focuses on the kitchen, dining and living room. It fills these area perfectly. My second purchase was to upgrade and simplify my old stereo system of 30+ years. I broke down and bought the Kanto TUK speakers for my main system. It was an investment, but one I am happy with. I can enjoy my records, watch television and stream music in one high quality system. Your videos are enlightening and informative. I would never have found these quality products without them. Now I'm looking to upgrade my turntable, or at least my stylus.
my tips for Great audio in small spaces: 1.Avoid glas windows in a room, they "psyke" up the sound. 2. Avoid a huge distance between the gear and the wall. 3. And have paintings that do not have a glass frame. 4. Use a carpet to create a more natural and pleasant sound. 5. Small rooms usually have a more hard acoustic, so dampening can do a lot. 6. Having a side of the room opne up to another room is also normally very bad for the sound. 7. And if you spouse allows it, try and put plastic or something like that behind your listening posistion, it can many times remove a lot of harshness. 8. Not having an almost empty room also does a lot for the sound. Try especially using wooden chairs to give the room som natural lag, or sitting in a broad lazy boy leather chair can also absorb the bass so you feel the sound a lot more with your body. 9. Personally I have a double pull on the minus pole of my power cables, so I get a lot more natural and comfortable sound, so i does not sound thin/rushed. 10. I also recommend if it is possible having the equipment on standby, which normally opens up the sound and let's it flow more. But not all equipment do that. But if you have tube gear, listening to it 5 minutes after startup sounds many times very different from 5 hours or 1 day after startup.
A conventional 1 dollars power chord has a really bad combination of metal in the plug and the cable, plus the structure is very simple and noisy. It gives a very boring/non relevant/slightly numbing sound effect especially on high end gear. But when you have bad gear every cable sounds pretty much the same. Now what I refer to as a double pull on the minus pole, is just instead of having like 50 threads on minus and plus and earth connection in a power plug, I suggest if it is possible to increase the mass on the minus pole in the plug so there are for example 100 threads. What this does is change the sound priority so it is more solid/smooth/controlled/musical/discharges the energy better. Now if you do it the other way, so you have a double pull on plus (100 and 50 on minus) The sound usually gets too aggressive and can't figure out how to charge/discharged the energy in the sound. It just pumps endlessly music out of the speakers, making it very unsettling. It is worth trying, if you can figure out how to make your own sound cable. (it does not have to cost a lot)
Thank you and your wife for another great video. My wife and i was watching . I really like the way you explain everything . I am a fan of your channel , Youthman and Audioholics . I appreciate when people are humble , knowledgeable and speak with real facts .🔊🔊. GOD Bless and please be safe .
I have a pair of Eve Audio SC208 studio monitors and dual Martin Logan 12" 1000W subwoofers connected to Topping DX3 Pro DAC through a MiniDSP 2x4HD. Full range audio in my bedroom. REW and MiniDSP for the TV/hifi setup. I liked the setup so much I have one for my TV/hifi and PC setup (using REW and Equalizer APO).
I live on a narrow boat chugging along the canal system in the UK.. this home is a shade over 6' feet wide most of its 58 foot length.. I went for a pair Cambridge audio minx 22s with a small sub ....feeding this is a second hand 1st gen naim uniti .. sounds pretty decent..
Hmmm...... for what I feel would be a magnificent audio system for a small space, then definitely, large tower speakers are DEFINITELY out. In are going be speakers that are exude sound quality and performance on a large scale but present a small footprint, and is going to do the most with the very least (because I won’t be getting a large high-powered amplifier either). There...... now that I’ve said that. Here’s what my approach would be. For a modest outlay (and one that would punch WAY above it’s weight), I would put together this ensemble. ELAC Uni Fi UB5 Speaker System ($575.00) > NAD C-368 Integrated Amplifier/DAC ($1,000.00) > Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit Turntable ($600.00) > Nagaoka MP-110 Phono Cartridge ($125.00) - $2,275.00 The second would be Wharfedale EVO 4.2 ($998.00) > Pro-Ject MaiA DS Integrated Amplifier/DAC w Wood Side Panels ($1,200.00+) > Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit Turntable ($600.00 - Ortofon 2M Red Phono Cartridge Included) - $2,800.00+ And when I want to and have money to splurge KEF LS50 ($2,500.00) > Pro-Ject Phono Box RS w/Wood Side Panels ($1,000.00+) > Technics SL-1200GR ($1,700.00) > Nagaoka MP-200 Phono Cartridge ($400.00) - $5,600.00+ Well Andrew, what do you think?? Feel free to reply. Thank You and Happy Listening. -Charles-
I've had various DAC's from a UK firm, Beresford, for a number of years. Competitively priced and great sound, (IMHO), just an opinion of course. Also have Temple Audio (UK), Class D amps really, small and neat. Keep safe A & K, we need your vids to keep us on the straight and narrow. Thank you.
As a recovering audiophile myself, and one who loves the sound of British studio monitors (I've never bothered to replace my Spendor Preludes), I was really surprised by the quality of the Rokit KRK 6 powered studio monitors. I found them when upgrading my home studio, and I was just blown away by the detail. The 5s get all the press, but I kept coming back to the 6s. (Long ago, when I was but a cub audiophile, I learned that when you keep coming back to a component, that's the one for you.) I haven't regretted that purchase yet. Edit: I should note that they are UGLY. But so are a lot of very expensive components..
Not hifi by any means, but when I was living in a small apartment I used the Edifier R1280T powered bookshelf speakers. They only have two inputs and no bluetooth, but bluetooth receiverers and switchboxes are small and cheap. Plus, both inputs are always on, so I connected one to my television and the other to a switchbox, so I didn't need to worry about constantly switching when I wanted to watch TV. They definitely only really make sense for smaller spaces where you can't really crank the volume, but at $100 for the pair, I've heard a lot of systems that were much more expensive and sounded much worse (but maybe that's just nostalgia!)
Ryan Schroeder We’ve had symptoms in house at all price ranges and expensive doesn’t always mean better. Often the less expensive thing is just as good and occasionally it’s been better. Thank you for watching!
agentm83 I’ve always wanted to live in NYC and love traveling to large cities where you can be near so much within walking distance. Definitely a trade off for space. Thank you so much for watching.
@@KristiWright Yeah, I live in British Columbia, Canada. I'm looking at moving back to Vancouver potentially at some point to get into the Software Development industry. Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Luckily I don't need much space personally.
agentm83 I love Vancouver! I got to visit once for a photographer’s convention and thought it was beautiful. One of the cleanest cities I’ve ever been to and would love to go back some day.
My audio system is in my room. I’m running a Cambridge TOPAZ 10 into JBL G300( 3 way speaker) from the 90’s all under 200 bucks! I use the cd, phono, and aux inputs. My turn table is a U-turn orbit with a grado black. Not hi end, but sounds pretty good to me(: I use Spotify premium for my streaming.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews It will be interesting to see how it will sound like! My current audio setup could probably benefit from a different (and better) placement, and having it all placed in the corner of the room would also free up some much needed space. :-)
I used to love looking at the Adorama pages in the back of Popular Photography Magazine. I think they sold audio way back in the 80's, or even the 70" s.
I'm currently living with my KRK Rokit5 G4 plugged into my laptop, along with a midi keyboard I'm using for piano practices. I'm quite satisfied with what I got last Thanksgiving. :) The speakers are placed close to the windows near the front of the room and, to me, they sound good in my little corner. Thanks for the video, Andrew! It's nice to see different solutions. I am actually really interested in the Kanto YU line of speakers and how they sound, if they are along the lines of KRK. :)
Designer couple in Amsterdam(Bcxsy) asked me to suggest a small system for their place. Quite a hard process! Kanto Tuk's and basic Yamaha streamer didn't last long, then demo'd a ton of stuff and settled on Audiolab 6000a and Wharfdale 220's
I run a couple Audioengine A5’s with an Energy 8” sub in my 10x12 office and I I find them well presenting. The Energy sub is set obviously low level but adds the super-deeps I love even at near field volumes. (If I only had the $$ to buy the Energy 22 Reference Connoisseurs back in the 80’s - I still remember how good they sounded to me. But I digress). The Audioengnes are worth consideration to me anyway.
I have the Sony turntable with bluetooth in my apartment. I also have Edifier 360DB speakers. Got em used for like $150 (a friend of a friend gave me a good deal). I know Audiophiles whine about how bluetooth is unnecessary for a turntable, but I have roommates. It's great to put on headphones when I want to listen to my records in a crowded room.
Yeah, we love our bluetooth turntables. The Audio Technica LP60XBT has been the most popular one on the market since 2019, and a lovely turntable for it's price. Andy holds it in very high regard, and it's automatic operation makes it all the more tempting.
For those on a seriously low budget, speakers supporting the original iPod (the design with the wide connectors) are now getting dumped onto the used market regardless of quality. Most of them have 3.5mm input jacks, and many still look quite spiffy. Not the perfect solution for everyone, but at that price point, perfection is optional.
Another great system for those that want a CD player / AM FM radio / Bluetooth / WiFi / Hi-Res player is the Panasonic Technics OTTAVA f SC-C70 ($1000 US). A neighbor has one and it is excellent. Maybe a review in the future?
I appreciate it's a huge jump in price but the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo is an amazing all in one option. Obviously the cost increases if you want to add a turntable but the bang for your buck is phenomenal.
I took your advice on the Klipsch three ii....I’ve got a dedicated audio system with forte ones. This is strictly my Bluetooth streaming and Turntable setup. Thanks for the recommendation.
I just got the Nakamachi Shockwafe 9.2.4. I am experiencing incredible home theater/music performance in a relatively compact design. There is a small room setting, and the pairs of speakers can be connected to each other as dipole to save even more space. Music playback also sounds pretty damn good. I wish you can listen to it, because in my opinion it's money well spent.
I live in an old house with ridiculously small rooms. I bought JBL Flip 4 bluetooth speakers for everyone in the house(2 adults and 3 tweenish kids) and we use them frequently in our small bedrooms and elsewhere, too. Two speakers can be paired together to play in stereo and sometimes we'll have 3 or more going in mono(Party) mode when we go on family outings. Our speakers have been kicked, dropped, paint splattered, and left out in the rain and they still sound good enough to get the job done. If we get a house with larger rooms, I will look for something better. Until then, my family will likely remain content with our little Flip 4s. Side note: Flip 4s in stereo mode image fairly well with proper placement but one channel frequently drops in and out. When I want a better sit down listening experience I use headphones or commandeer the modest A/V system in our living room.
Great vid, guys. These are all great options for people looking for a simple set up that sounds great without breaking the bank in most cases. Thanks so much, Andrew and Kristi! You guys do such a wonderful job of putting together a lot of vids, especially as of late. People need it, especially now. This one was just jam packed. Much appreciated! 🎶👍🔊🙂
Just ordered Klipsch the sixes, which for me are baby Heresy ;) they are also powered with all the inputs (phono, Bluetooth,...) and look awesome 😎 will update on the sound but as far as I could read online they are underrated or overlooked. Thanks for the tips!
Ray Cimbalnik I’ve read the same about the phono but 1. Not really into vinyl yet and 2. You can get a separate pre Phono or one that has it built in... For now I am going to use it with my PC and TV... should get them on Monday 🤞
My wife's office system: PS Audio sprout and a pair of KEF LS50, Imac streaming. Amazing little system. Another is our living room. Klipsch "The Sixes" powered monitors and a UTurn turntable. Both simple and sound great.
Michael Cottle Love hearing about women’s audio set ups! I’ll admit that I am using the pink SYD from Kanto while working. Major upgrade from my iMac speakers.
Hi Andrew, thank you for the great video and recommendations. HiFi in small spaces is what most of us in Europe have to deal with. Most of my non-audiophile friends avoid HiFi that takes up space in our (usually) small living rooms. The audiophile leaning people I know will look for the kind of equipment you recommend but they will still shy away from placing them in the room (away from walls). Aesthetics and sharing one's living room with others means that most will want to place speakers either next to the TV (left and right), on bookshelves or furniture cabinets and most times very close to the wall. There are very people I know who are willing to place speakers for optimising sound (such as the corner placement you illustrate in the video). This of course introduces sonic challenges that can be resolved either through room correction or at the very least with tone controls. Sadly there is only a minority of bluetooth speakers that offers tone controls. Most 2 channel amps also don't offer EQ or even tone controls (there are some exceptions). Lastly, most bookshelf speakers are rear ported and sadly sound bad when placed as most people choose to. So where does that leave us people who like good sound and who share a small living room with family? This is where products like Sonos (some effort at room correction) become attractive to the consumer who values convenience and aesthetics. Sonos is not for me though (I find them harsh sounding). I have tried a number of bluetooth speakers that don't offer EQ and they are usually boomy sounding when placed close to walls. For the more audiophile leaning person, perhaps a receiver with EQ is the way to go for adjusting the sound to the aforementioned placement challenges.
I recently purchased two Minirig Mini 2 bluetooth speakers for my desktop/computer setup. No cables! They are really well built, minimalist design, have great battery life, and sound great! I'm not kidding, as an audiophile I was surprised how good these little speakers actually sound. They also are very portable, so I can take one or both on the go if I need to. Definitely check these out!
gld3gld3 Definitely will. I can’t stand wires so these sound awesome. We have one of those tiny Bose Bluetooth speakers we took with us on our honeymoon and I couldn’t believe the sound that came out of of such a tiny package. We’re living in the future! 😊
I enjoyed your video. Small system suggestion - I’m using an Outlaw Audio RR2150 receiver, Klipsch RP M-160 bookshelf speakers and a vintage Dual turntable with a vintage Shure V15 type IV cartridge. A clear sound with lots of punch if you want it.
Hey Amigo! I'm from Colombia and I am really enjoying this channel, thanks for all your honest talks about this magic world (Audio) ... I have a little Question for you mate, what do you think about SONOS an all their ecosistem? Thanks in advance for your answer. Cheers!
Is it ok to use turntable with the tabletop speaker like this? As I heard many told about the feedback from the speaker to the turntable and make it bad. I actually own AudioTechnica ATLP-120 and considering Naim Muso 2 since I have small space and want to put them on the same shelf. Please advice.
For my newbie audiofile journey into sound, I have started with Micca RB42 speakers, Douk Audio ST-01(dac/amp like Aiyima T9), and SVS SB 1000 pro for my PC Bedroom setup. Way better than any prior pc 2.1 setup. With max volume easy rock out the whole room and enjoy listening room over. Enough to be too loud for an apartment. Yet tuned with quite clear listening at max volume. I'm guessing amp wise the RB42 could use more watts for louder solo play. The Bluetooth tuning app on the SVS sub is such genius. No issues with my iphone bluetooth streaming apps to the ST-01. For the PC Optical or USB both work without issue. Switching between gaming, music, streaming shows, and dj stuff. The small size of Micca RB42 were easy enough fit along 32inch Monitor on gaming desk. The ST-01's orange VU and Tube glow has that cool "Fallout" feeling. Still have the RCA's input open for CD/Cassette/phono preamp/or some other sound thing.
Of all the speakers I've heard, my favourite small, budget speakers have to be the JBL Control 1s, I loved my first pair so much that I bough a second pair. The first pair is on my secondary stereo system while the second pair act as my PC speakers with a cheap class D amp off eBay, they really do sound great! I used to use them on my main hifi too but I replaced them with some other speakers after a year of looking for a superior replacement.
Great video and thanks for the tips. Did you use the focal stands? I read the are tilted to assist with time alignment. Are they necessary? Also do they compare to the Buchardt S400 in the bass?
I did not use the Focal stands, but rather the Buchardt stands. As for a comparison, the two are comparable. I do think the Focal are likely a little more balanced or "seamless" top to bottom. In my S400 review I did mention the subtle presence of a sonic "gap" between the mid/bass driver and tweeter, which is down to the crossover. The Focal doesn't have this same trait, subtle as it may be in the S400. Now, the S400 may have more noticeable in-room bass response that feels or seems a touch more punchy compared to the Focal. Whether or not that is "better" is up to the end user/listener. I think the Focals are just a bit refined at the extremes. But that's not my full review, for that you'll need to tune into my Focal review. Be well!
Andrew Robinson wow thank you for the reply...I always look forward to getting home, from work, safe to my wife and to watch your new videos they are very insightful...thank you.
Another great video! Just ordered the Klipsch through crutchfield in walnut, but having second thoughts about the gray grill. The matte black looks much better in my opinion. Thank you for making these videos.
Great video. I almost bought the Kanto YU6’s based on your review and others, but have held up because although I am in a small room now, it might not always be that way. So maybe looking for something that I can “grow with” while staying on a budget. I am considering some Klipsch bookshelf speakers but am still a little concerned with the treble. I, like many others seem to be, am very sensitive to sibilants and super detailed sound that can lead to listening fatigue.
May I suggest taking a peek then at the Focal Chorus line (amzn.to/3b0HUHy ). This video shows the Chora, but the Chorus line up just below the Chora is comparable in many respects and might give you that longer term upgrade path you might be looking for.
So here's a question, or rather a recommendation request, that I hope you can answer. I'm moving soon and my bedroom is my primary TV/Movie watching & gaming room. My new room is 11ftx11ft, not a terrible size, though I feel like I wouldn't call it a large or perhaps even medium room. I was originally considering buying a soundbar to pair with my aging LG B7A TV, but I kept drifting towards more expensive bars because they came with more powerful subs and satellite speakers because I want surround sound and not just stereo. So now I've been looking into traditional home theater setups with speakers, center channels, subs, etc. because I can expand and upgrade it as I please with time. But it's a completely different ball game from a soundbar or set-in-stone soundbar setups. So my question is, what exactly would you recommend I go with in terms of speakers? Any particular brands? Package sets? What might be overkill for my space? I'm not exactly looking to break the bank right out of the gate, especially since I still need to get a receiver too and figure out how to wire everything. I was looking at the various package sets that Klipsch offers, namely the Black Reference 5.1 Theater Pack and the Synergy Black Label B200 Home Theater Pack. Those two, via Amazon, do fall within my price range.
I just got some Kef q150’s brand new for $200. I’m an MQA person, so looking to get a used bluesound powernode 2. Do you think that would be a good match? This will be in my office. I listen to a lot of hip hop and electronic music. Any reply would be much appreciated, thank you!
It really depends on your needs. We still love both of those tables. We also really enjoyed the Yamaha (bit.ly/YamahaCast) we recently reviewed which falls in that price range.
Great video! Currently i have a Yamaha Rn602 and a pair of PSB P5 in a small room, do you think adding a pair of Elac Unifi 2.0 ub52 would be too much?
Purely from the audio quality perspective (forget features and looks), how would a Kanto YU6 compare to a pair of Adam T5V amplified speakers? I'm looking for speakers to put on the fridge in my kitchen.
I am running a VXS 933 pioneer av receiver and i'm switching from 8ohm to 6ohm but it seems other then streaming music my new speakers are an ear bleeder but not I have to turn up my receiver whenever I watch TH-cam or watch a movie....bluray.....can you tell me why this is.....I think it's cause with less ohms they run at higher output but should a song play 3 times as loud as a movie!!!!!! Any suggestions.....
Great start for me as I contemplate a system for a new workshop I built in my barn. It's a 16'X16' space and I'd like top go wireless with the speakers, and have a good, compact AM/FM receiver, (or internet radio connection), with a turntable and bluetooth connectivity for my iPhone. Stylistically, I like the whiote Kanto YU6 'look'. Suggestions? I've subscribed to channel after enjoying this video!
Hi Andrew, can you do a video for people who sit close to speakers ? I usually work on a desktop system which is also my WFH setup and the speakers are going to be placed on a 6-7 feet long table and I will be about 3 feet from each speaker. I have a setup with Kanto yu6 in one city. Now looking forward to making a new setup in Singapore.Harbeth P3ESR , Graham’s LS6 and Tannoy Autograph mini are the ones I found after researching on the subject.
Very good video, love the info and different perspective. I have watched many of your videos and I might be a bit of a heretic for asking but have you ever heard or tested a HomePod and it’s audio performance?
★*QOTD: What are your favorite small Hi-Fi products, let us know below!*
★*NEED MORE INFO? ✔︎ THE LINKS IN THE ⬆︎DESCRIPTION⬆︎*
★ *COMMENT RULES:*
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Denon DM-41 with it's speakers.
Devialet
Klipsch the sixes, sound great for the price,can connect almost anything to them
My Schiit Mani phono pre for only $130 sounds really good, and it’s kinda surprising how it can somewhat compete with my Tavish Classic. Definitely a different, but not necessarily better type thing.
For my secondary system in the living room, I have a bluesound powernode 2I with the triangle br02 and a Rel t3. I am very happy with the results. I find myself (and my family) listening to more, and more music just because of the ease of use.
I cannot express how much I appreciate your professional, fair, detailed, and polished product reviews and other content. Bravo, on creating quality content that I enjoy greatly.
I appreciate your comment very much. Thanks for watching!
A bit disappointed when I realized the entire video was pretty much listing off all-in-one solutions or just average size bookshelf speakers. I was expecting there would be advice about room treatment and speaker placement, not product placement. Also, what's with the turntables with every setup? I have one myself but I don't think Hifi = turntable or am I missing something here...
Yes, couldn't agree more when you said: 'the only person that has to like the sound of your system is YOU.' Thanks for this informative video. :-)))
You're the first to tackle this area, Andrew! Great job offering your suggestions and why you suggested them with a mini review. The video tags are always a kick!
Jon Mason It’s in there. We had to rewatch to make sure. Whew! That was close.
Full credit where credit is due, this episode was completely Kristi’s idea. She put all of these matchups together with the exception of the Andover Model One, I just shared my thoughts.
Andrew Robinson 😍 We’re a team!! But yes, this was my idea. I kept thinking about all the people stuck inside in their small apartments and homes. We all need happy distractions. Hopefully it gives people ideas they may not have thought about.
@@KristiWright Yes, it is, I had to rewatch it too. I was so musing on the info, I didn't hear it. Right after I posted, I went to edit that line, but you guys were so quick... WOW, was I shocked! What a team you guys are! Stay safe! Thanks for suggesting this edition, Kristi!
I recently sold ALL of my components from the late 1970s/early 80s…my JBLs, my Bose, my Nakamichi, my Akai, my Kenwood, the Technics, my Pioneer…all with original paperwork, packaging…for a cool $500. I’m in my 60s…and had dual careers….one in the Navy and one in federal LE. Back then, through the Navy Exchange system - and world travel - stereo was all about “bigger is better”! Everyone back then, could indeed, “rock the house”, and everyone did. I’m older and calmer now, and ridding myself of all the ‘stuff’ gathered over 6+ decades. My Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, my camera and film equipment (four Nikons? What the hell was I thinking?), my extra “real” cars, my Lionel train set from the 1950s, stuff inherited from both my wife’s and my parents, woodworking tools, extra guns, extra bicycles, fishing equipment….and keeping ONLY what I use today. I’ve adopted a minimalist lifestyle. I like my Tivoli in the bedroom, and my Bose in the den. And dammit, watching your video--which incidentally was well produced and zen-inducing, so Bravo-Zulu, well done!--almost tempted me to “buy more stuff”! But, a little deep breathing and meditation, and my Aussie curled up next to me, my “cooler head” prevailed over the “hothead” holding the credit card! Phew! That was close. Again, I have contemplated a small system….for our living room…..but I’ll never return to LPs, CDs…I’ll opt instead for Bluetooth. I don’t want my kids to go through the hell we went through dissolving our late parents estates. I’ll leave them money, jewelry, accounts…and a small home furnished sparingly. Oh yeah….maybe my Jeep….and an old Porsche….with the caveat: they get nothing unless they ensure my dog is in their quality care through her life! She deserves nothing less. Again, brother, nice video.
@@kilomintoni4556 Wish you could have been where, my friend?
@@captaincoyote1792 my dad passed recently and I gotta tell you: I'm thankful that you're thoughtful about not leaving them a mountain of stuff to, honestly, get rid of... but I've also loved going through my dad's old audio and video tech and better connect with him after he's gone, tinkering with his stuff and setting it up as he once might have. I guess it's a mixed thing.
@@screwthishi5thing cool online name! Yes…you’re right. It is mixed. After his Navy stint, my father found employment with an early supersonic jet, and early space race aerospace company. He documented his entire career….with professional desktop aircraft and spacecraft models, astronaut signatures, early Apollo checklists, coins, awards, etc. I worked hard to get the Smithsonian, Navy, Boeing--anyone interested in archiving his career. Surprisingly and sadly…no takers. It’s all up for auction, now. You’re point though, regarding “connecting”, I took to heart. I wish you well, brother (I’m assuming a male…I apologize, if not), I equally wish a sister well.
Thank you for your great content. I really appreciate the no BS no nonsense approach to the audio world.
James Lester 😊
Helpful video, thanks Andrew and Kristi. My favourite small Hifi products: recently I bought (just for fun) a '97 Sony ghettoblaster second hand. Almost new. 20 watt output in total. It sounds amazing. The type is CFD-G50L. I use it a lot, because it's so easy to use. Just plug and play. And I also have a Harman all in one 2.1 speaker system. Small but amazing sound and image. Be safe everyone!
I live in a small apartment and having a giant pair of speakers isn’t an option as much as I wish it was. I opted for getting a pair of the Klipsch R51M and have been blown away. Great for listening at low volumes (if you’re worried about bothering the neighbors) and are always a blast to crank and fill the room. I have them running off an extremely small 50w two channel amp. Couldn’t recommend the setup enough. Especially when the total for everything was under $200...
We have become big fans of Klipsch in this house. The Three that’s featured in this video sounds really good considering its size. We also have a pair of the 600Ms for review and based on the few times we’ve listened, they’re pretty darn good.
Oh and thanks for sharing your set up.
Is that 50w a channel or overall? Also thinking of getting R51M pair for my Denon, but not sure if the 30w per channel would be sufficient to make them optimal.
Kristi Wright once I get a bigger place the 600M’s are definitely what I hope to get!
Craig Bosman Sorry, 50w per channel. But honestly even at my loudest listening levels I usually only reach a little past half way on the volume dial. Klipsch is known to be highly efficient so your Denon is more than likely going to be able to push them to a good listening volume!
If you listen to music or watch movies via computer, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers are a great option. I have been using mine for 3 years, and they sound great and provide enough output for a small room.
Oh shit I think I had those in college and they absolutely bumped. At least it was some sort of Klipsch with 2 small speakers and a sub.
Picked up the Kanto YU6 speakers for my near field office computer setup in a small room that is 8'X13'. Haven't looked back. They're wonderful. Not only that, I purchased them on Boxing Day sales and got a really good price. Ever since I've been watching them go up in price, so I think I jumped in at just the right time. Highly recommended.
Have you considered the YU4? We have a room that is 21x12, and I am trying to decide if the YU4 will be sufficient.
Atc scm 11 speakers sealed so no problem with boom like most ported speakers always treat your room the best you can before you change any components .
i like your tip here, i was afraid to mention great speakers since they are more expensive and most of the video are cheaper options.
also sealed often gives less low bass and subwoofer(which i recommend) matched great with sealed designs.
Andrew recommended and reviewed some XTZ speakers, they also have a cheap sealed speakers called Spirit 2, looks like a great option.
Please don't be afraid to mention a more expensive (or super cheap) product. All recommendations are welcomed.
@@sudd3660 iv played around with a rel sub but found even on low settings the sub ruins the character of the atc and theres more than enough bass for me remember all recordings will have different bass levels your always be messing around with the subs settings
With room gain, sealed speakers make sense in a small room. The prob with alot of commercial small ported speakers is they are tuned for specs, have a bump at 80hz and fall off a cliff under 50hz. Which means u cant put them nr a back wall, defeating the point of a compact speaker for a small room
My favorite desktop setup is my set of Stage Right by Monoprice 5" Powered Studio Monitor Speakers. Bought them awhile back for $125/pair. I also added a compact Sony powered subwoofer that I found at a thrift store for $10. Also hooked up is a Technics SL-1300 that I bought for $50. I’m all about finding the best bang from a small budget.
Brian Matthews How I wish we could get out and do some thrifting and vintage shopping. Thank you for watching!
Guys, I have had the opportunity to listen to the Andover product on two separate occasions and both times with the subwoofer as the base and the single album bin in the middle and there are no issues with the record skipping or any sort of interference or anomalies. It sounds great. Shockingly so for such compact system. And no, we didn't listen to light jazz at only seventy decibels either. It has limitations but it will rock well enough for most. My only complaint is that the subwoofer probably should be included for twenty five hundred dollars. The sub is an additional eight hundred and the middle bin is an additional three hundred. So, thirty six hundred for the whole system. You can buy the sub without the middle bin but then you just have to find a separate space for the sub which sort of defeats the purpose of a small all in one system. However, as great as it sounds, for that sort of money I can find the space for something better. And for that sort of money one can easily find something better to fill that space. It is cool though.
Dave P good to know. i showed this vid to a friend and he expressed interest in the model-one.
Great piece here that showcases many products, several of which I have never heard of. I certainly applaud the flexibility of several of them.
one of the systems that i own is a NAD 3020 paired with Wharfedale 225's. its a very small setup that you can live with without a subwoofer in small rooms. the amp produces no hiss excellent for close to speaker listening, and it can be oriented vertically or horizontally.
drawbacks are: the amp do run hot if that is an issue for you, and it has wireless tech.
speakers are ported so some drawbacks there for future upgrades, like adding a subwoofer.
I've had a similar setup in the past, but it was an NAD 320BEE paired with Paradigm Mini Monitor loudspeakers. The 320BEE can't be positioned vertically (that would've been sweet), but it was a real gem sonically. I really wanted the smaller LINN integrated back then, but couldn't afford it! Be well!
My little klipsch "the one" on my kitchen island always floors me with the sound it produces.
Mine is the SVS Prime Wireless 2.1 system. 200W (4*50W) of amp power, both Bluetooth and WiFi. Hi res DAC. 300W sealed SB1000 sub. Gorgeous and great sounding system. I'd love your review because you do a great job.
So glad you like them, I’m quite fond of the SVS Prime Wireless too. Be well.
Yet another, stellar video... well done master of the mini spaces
Small rooms are a challenge for hifi just for the lack of real estate to place everything. My listening space is 9.5 x 14 feet with an 8 foot ceiling. I am really happy with my Harmon Kardon ST7 tt with ADC XLM cartridge, EAR tube phono preamp, schiit vidar amp and Freya S preamp into Magnepan .7 speakers. Very pleasing sound, but almost nearfield listening.
Sounds interesting, I've always dreamed of getting maggies, but their reported need for space has always kept me back. Did you do anything special i.t.o. room treatment?
@@brickZA No treatment, but the walls are thick and dense because of the age of my house. Scca till happy though I upgraded the cart to a Soundsmith Otello and the tibes in the phono preamp.
Living in a small footprint, this video was very helpful. Over the past 5 months, I've upgraded several areas of my house from this and other of your videos.
I first purchased the Klipsch Heritage The One II. This is my general speaker for Bluetooth listening. It's corner positioning focuses on the kitchen, dining and living room. It fills these area perfectly.
My second purchase was to upgrade and simplify my old stereo system of 30+ years. I broke down and bought the Kanto TUK speakers for my main system. It was an investment, but one I am happy with. I can enjoy my records, watch television and stream music in one high quality system.
Your videos are enlightening and informative. I would never have found these quality products without them.
Now I'm looking to upgrade my turntable, or at least my stylus.
my tips for Great audio in small spaces:
1.Avoid glas windows in a room, they "psyke" up the sound.
2. Avoid a huge distance between the gear and the wall.
3. And have paintings that do not have a glass frame.
4. Use a carpet to create a more natural and pleasant sound.
5. Small rooms usually have a more hard acoustic, so dampening can do a lot.
6. Having a side of the room opne up to another room is also normally very bad for the sound.
7. And if you spouse allows it, try and put plastic or something like that behind your listening posistion, it can many times remove a lot of harshness.
8. Not having an almost empty room also does a lot for the sound. Try especially using wooden chairs to give the room som natural lag, or sitting in a broad lazy boy leather chair can also absorb the bass so you feel the sound a lot more with your body.
9. Personally I have a double pull on the minus pole of my power cables, so I get a lot more natural and comfortable sound, so i does not sound thin/rushed.
10. I also recommend if it is possible having the equipment on standby, which normally opens up the sound and let's it flow more. But not all equipment do that. But if you have tube gear, listening to it 5 minutes after startup sounds many times very different from 5 hours or 1 day after startup.
What is meant by "a double pull on the minus end of my power cables"? How is it different from a conventional power cable?
A conventional 1 dollars power chord has a really bad combination of metal in the plug and the cable, plus the structure is very simple and noisy. It gives a very boring/non relevant/slightly numbing sound effect especially on high end gear.
But when you have bad gear every cable sounds pretty much the same.
Now what I refer to as a double pull on the minus pole, is just instead of having like 50 threads on minus and plus and earth connection in a power plug, I suggest if it is possible to increase the mass on the minus pole in the plug so there are for example 100 threads. What this does is change the sound priority so it is more solid/smooth/controlled/musical/discharges the energy better.
Now if you do it the other way, so you have a double pull on plus (100 and 50 on minus) The sound usually gets too aggressive and can't figure out how to charge/discharged the energy in the sound. It just pumps endlessly music out of the speakers, making it very unsettling.
It is worth trying, if you can figure out how to make your own sound cable.
(it does not have to cost a lot)
Your videos are visually appealing, very informative and pedagogical and can reach to a varied public. Congratulations!
Thank you. We try and stay focused on helping others and inviting others to the hobby. Be well and thank you so much for watching!
Thank you for watching!
Thank you and your wife for another great video. My wife and i was watching . I really like the way you explain everything . I am a fan of your channel , Youthman and Audioholics . I appreciate when people are humble , knowledgeable and speak with real facts .🔊🔊. GOD Bless and please be safe .
I have a pair of Eve Audio SC208 studio monitors and dual Martin Logan 12" 1000W subwoofers connected to Topping DX3 Pro DAC through a MiniDSP 2x4HD. Full range audio in my bedroom. REW and MiniDSP for the TV/hifi setup. I liked the setup so much I have one for my TV/hifi and PC setup (using REW and Equalizer APO).
This video is what I needed! I have a 12x12 bedroom I converted to my music room and I’m getting one of the systems you talked about here. Thanks!
and remember to clean your ears properly and hold them in the direction of sound, it's very important
I like the vibe your channel has. Including the color of your sweater matching the door in the background.
AIRSHIP312 This is a nice comment. Thank you.
This b-roll is making me drool! Great job, Kristi and Andrew.
nl_2 🙋♀️ Thank you!
I live on a narrow boat chugging along the canal system in the UK.. this home is a shade over 6' feet wide most of its 58 foot length.. I went for a pair Cambridge audio minx 22s with a small sub ....feeding this is a second hand 1st gen naim uniti .. sounds pretty decent..
chevyimp What a uniquely cool way to live. Hope you’re staying safe and healthy on the other side of the pond.
Hmmm...... for what I feel would be a magnificent audio system for a small space, then definitely, large tower speakers are DEFINITELY out. In are going be speakers that are exude sound quality and performance on a large scale but present a small footprint, and is going to do the most with the very least (because I won’t be getting a large high-powered amplifier either).
There...... now that I’ve said that.
Here’s what my approach would be.
For a modest outlay (and one that would punch WAY above it’s weight), I would put together this ensemble.
ELAC Uni Fi UB5 Speaker System ($575.00) > NAD C-368 Integrated Amplifier/DAC ($1,000.00) > Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit Turntable ($600.00) > Nagaoka MP-110 Phono Cartridge ($125.00) - $2,275.00
The second would be
Wharfedale EVO 4.2 ($998.00) > Pro-Ject MaiA DS Integrated Amplifier/DAC w Wood Side Panels ($1,200.00+) > Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit Turntable ($600.00 - Ortofon 2M Red Phono Cartridge Included) - $2,800.00+
And when I want to and have money to splurge
KEF LS50 ($2,500.00) > Pro-Ject Phono Box RS w/Wood Side Panels ($1,000.00+) > Technics SL-1200GR ($1,700.00) > Nagaoka MP-200 Phono Cartridge ($400.00) - $5,600.00+
Well Andrew, what do you think?? Feel free to reply.
Thank You and Happy Listening.
-Charles-
I've had various DAC's from a UK firm, Beresford, for a number of years. Competitively priced and great sound, (IMHO), just an opinion of course. Also have Temple Audio (UK), Class D amps really, small and neat. Keep safe A & K, we need your vids to keep us on the straight and narrow. Thank you.
European brands are great for small spaces. I find myself drawn to English and Nordic designs.
As a recovering audiophile myself, and one who loves the sound of British studio monitors (I've never bothered to replace my Spendor Preludes), I was really surprised by the quality of the Rokit KRK 6 powered studio monitors. I found them when upgrading my home studio, and I was just blown away by the detail. The 5s get all the press, but I kept coming back to the 6s. (Long ago, when I was but a cub audiophile, I learned that when you keep coming back to a component, that's the one for you.) I haven't regretted that purchase yet.
Edit: I should note that they are UGLY. But so are a lot of very expensive components..
Not hifi by any means, but when I was living in a small apartment I used the Edifier R1280T powered bookshelf speakers. They only have two inputs and no bluetooth, but bluetooth receiverers and switchboxes are small and cheap. Plus, both inputs are always on, so I connected one to my television and the other to a switchbox, so I didn't need to worry about constantly switching when I wanted to watch TV.
They definitely only really make sense for smaller spaces where you can't really crank the volume, but at $100 for the pair, I've heard a lot of systems that were much more expensive and sounded much worse (but maybe that's just nostalgia!)
Ryan Schroeder We’ve had symptoms in house at all price ranges and expensive doesn’t always mean better. Often the less expensive thing is just as good and occasionally it’s been better. Thank you for watching!
Edifier seems to have built an excellent reputation for producing low-cost, high value speakers.
Very useful video for many folks! I expect to be stuck living in small spaces for possibly the rest of my life.
agentm83 I’ve always wanted to live in NYC and love traveling to large cities where you can be near so much within walking distance. Definitely a trade off for space. Thank you so much for watching.
@@KristiWright Yeah, I live in British Columbia, Canada. I'm looking at moving back to Vancouver potentially at some point to get into the Software Development industry. Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Luckily I don't need much space personally.
agentm83 I love Vancouver! I got to visit once for a photographer’s convention and thought it was beautiful. One of the cleanest cities I’ve ever been to and would love to go back some day.
@@KristiWright I lived in Metro Vancouver for about 3 years. It definitely can be a fun city, with some great scenery.
@@agentm83 It's GORGEOUS.
Well thought out & lots of effort & useful & interesting info in this video. Thanks for posting it!
mkfmkf55 Thanks for watching!
My audio system is in my room. I’m running a Cambridge TOPAZ 10 into JBL G300( 3 way speaker) from the 90’s all under 200 bucks! I use the cd, phono, and aux inputs. My turn table is a U-turn orbit with a grado black. Not hi end, but sounds pretty good to me(: I use Spotify premium for my streaming.
I had G400s! Great speakers! I was thinking about getting a used pair of ebay and doing a throwback video. Be well!
I’ve never thought about placing speakers in a corner before. Definitely going to try that!
You definitely should.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews It will be interesting to see how it will sound like! My current audio setup could probably benefit from a different (and better) placement, and having it all placed in the corner of the room would also free up some much needed space. :-)
@@andrewrobinsonreviews It seems interesting but I don't know how I'm gonna arrange that seeing as I have furniture and all.
The JBL 305 Mark IIs are clean sounding self-powered speakers that work in small spaces. I use a Gallo sub with them at my computer.
I had those for years. Lovely speakers.
I used to love looking at the Adorama pages in the back of Popular Photography Magazine. I think they sold audio way back in the 80's, or even the 70" s.
kcarlson2006 Sigh...remember print? 😊 They’re good guys based in NYC & could probably use a little love right now. Appreciate you watching.
as always guys great, polished and wonderfully shot ....brilliant ..take care and be well x love for Scotland c
Thank you so much. Be well.
🙋♀️
Love that b-roll. Best looking audio channel there is.
Thank you so very much.
I'm currently living with my KRK Rokit5 G4 plugged into my laptop, along with a midi keyboard I'm using for piano practices. I'm quite satisfied with what I got last Thanksgiving. :) The speakers are placed close to the windows near the front of the room and, to me, they sound good in my little corner. Thanks for the video, Andrew! It's nice to see different solutions. I am actually really interested in the Kanto YU line of speakers and how they sound, if they are along the lines of KRK. :)
Thanks for sharing! I've reviewed the Kanto line on the channel and think they make a great solution.
The pity thing is, I can't seem to find a demo in a store in my area, and there are no online audio demos either... :)
Designer couple in Amsterdam(Bcxsy) asked me to suggest a small system for their place. Quite a hard process! Kanto Tuk's and basic Yamaha streamer didn't last long, then demo'd a ton of stuff and settled on Audiolab 6000a and Wharfdale 220's
I run a couple Audioengine A5’s with an Energy 8” sub in my 10x12 office and I I find them well presenting. The Energy sub is set obviously low level but adds the super-deeps I love even at near field volumes. (If I only had the $$ to buy the Energy 22 Reference Connoisseurs back in the 80’s - I still remember how good they sounded to me. But I digress). The Audioengnes are worth consideration to me anyway.
Micca RB42 speakers. $150 on Amazon. Small form factor. Amazing sound for the price.
I have the RB42's (among others) and they are one hell of a small pair of speakers.
I like the fact that you didn't say you are recovered.
Thank you (and to your wife) for all the videos you guys do!!
Thank you for watching, Les!
I have the Sony turntable with bluetooth in my apartment. I also have Edifier 360DB speakers. Got em used for like $150 (a friend of a friend gave me a good deal). I know Audiophiles whine about how bluetooth is unnecessary for a turntable, but I have roommates. It's great to put on headphones when I want to listen to my records in a crowded room.
Yeah, we love our bluetooth turntables. The Audio Technica LP60XBT has been the most popular one on the market since 2019, and a lovely turntable for it's price. Andy holds it in very high regard, and it's automatic operation makes it all the more tempting.
For those on a seriously low budget, speakers supporting the original iPod (the design with the wide connectors) are now getting dumped onto the used market regardless of quality. Most of them have 3.5mm input jacks, and many still look quite spiffy. Not the perfect solution for everyone, but at that price point, perfection is optional.
Another great system for those that want a CD player / AM FM radio / Bluetooth / WiFi / Hi-Res player is the Panasonic Technics OTTAVA f SC-C70 ($1000 US). A neighbor has one and it is excellent. Maybe a review in the future?
The Technics OTTAVA is in this video.
Excellent video
Love the look of the project
Upstaged by the dog again
Mark She is such a scene stealer! 😉 appreciate the view, Mark.
Your welcome
Excellent production and informative vids always brings me back 👍🏻
I love the end of the video (mess-ups) for me it was the best part of the video, besides it's nice to see your true character!
6:50 What do you mean by "European and upscale"?
I mean, I'm European, but I have no idea what you're talking about 😅
I appreciate it's a huge jump in price but the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo is an amazing all in one option. Obviously the cost increases if you want to add a turntable but the bang for your buck is phenomenal.
I agree. The Formation Duos are amazing.
I took your advice on the Klipsch three ii....I’ve got a dedicated audio system with forte ones. This is strictly my Bluetooth streaming and Turntable setup. Thanks for the recommendation.
I needed this video! Thank you so much!
Glad you enjoyed it and I hope it was helpful in your journey. Be well.
I just got the Nakamachi Shockwafe 9.2.4. I am experiencing incredible home theater/music performance in a relatively compact design. There is a small room setting, and the pairs of speakers can be connected to each other as dipole to save even more space. Music playback also sounds pretty damn good. I wish you can listen to it, because in my opinion it's money well spent.
Not helpful. Doesn’t even say why these speakers are great for small space. This is just your affiliate marketing video.
he is a businessman..
I live in an old house with ridiculously small rooms. I bought JBL Flip 4 bluetooth speakers for everyone in the house(2 adults and 3 tweenish kids) and we use them frequently in our small bedrooms and elsewhere, too. Two speakers can be paired together to play in stereo and sometimes we'll have 3 or more going in mono(Party) mode when we go on family outings. Our speakers have been kicked, dropped, paint splattered, and left out in the rain and they still sound good enough to get the job done. If we get a house with larger rooms, I will look for something better. Until then, my family will likely remain content with our little Flip 4s.
Side note: Flip 4s in stereo mode image fairly well with proper placement but one channel frequently drops in and out. When I want a better sit down listening experience I use headphones or commandeer the modest A/V system in our living room.
I just checked the features of the MaiA-DS2. Very intriguing.
Great vid, guys. These are all great options for people looking for a simple set up that sounds great without breaking the bank in most cases. Thanks so much, Andrew and Kristi! You guys do such a wonderful job of putting together a lot of vids, especially as of late. People need it, especially now. This one was just jam packed. Much appreciated! 🎶👍🔊🙂
Nick Pantazi Thanks, Nick! We had fun doing this one.
Great Video as always you two. It’s nice to see you two being silly or whatever at each end of the videos. Keep up the hood work
Michael Olsey 😊 Thanks, Michael. If we can’t have fun with it, it’s not worth doing.
Just ordered Klipsch the sixes, which for me are baby Heresy ;) they are also powered with all the inputs (phono, Bluetooth,...) and look awesome 😎 will update on the sound but as far as I could read online they are underrated or overlooked.
Thanks for the tips!
They sound great,my favorite speakers so far,I've heard the phono pre amp is not the greatest but I haven't tried it out yet.
Ray Cimbalnik I’ve read the same about the phono but 1. Not really into vinyl yet and 2. You can get a separate pre Phono or one that has it built in... For now I am going to use it with my PC and TV... should get them on Monday 🤞
Ordered the 6s from where? I cant find them anywhere other than ebay. Thanks
FelixtheMetalcat hi, I am in Israel and found a local shop... check the importers for klipsch on their web page...
Andrew, great job! I appreciate your candor!
My wife's office system: PS Audio sprout and a pair of KEF LS50, Imac streaming. Amazing little system. Another is our living room. Klipsch "The Sixes" powered monitors and a UTurn turntable. Both simple and sound great.
Michael Cottle Love hearing about women’s audio set ups! I’ll admit that I am using the pink SYD from Kanto while working. Major upgrade from my iMac speakers.
@@KristiWright I've created a audio snob in her. She's been around my systems long enough.
Michael Cottle That’s awesome! I definitely feel like my knowledge and appreciation grows every day.
Hi Andrew, thank you for the great video and recommendations. HiFi in small spaces is what most of us in Europe have to deal with. Most of my non-audiophile friends avoid HiFi that takes up space in our (usually) small living rooms. The audiophile leaning people I know will look for the kind of equipment you recommend but they will still shy away from placing them in the room (away from walls). Aesthetics and sharing one's living room with others means that most will want to place speakers either next to the TV (left and right), on bookshelves or furniture cabinets and most times very close to the wall. There are very people I know who are willing to place speakers for optimising sound (such as the corner placement you illustrate in the video). This of course introduces sonic challenges that can be resolved either through room correction or at the very least with tone controls. Sadly there is only a minority of bluetooth speakers that offers tone controls. Most 2 channel amps also don't offer EQ or even tone controls (there are some exceptions). Lastly, most bookshelf speakers are rear ported and sadly sound bad when placed as most people choose to. So where does that leave us people who like good sound and who share a small living room with family? This is where products like Sonos (some effort at room correction) become attractive to the consumer who values convenience and aesthetics. Sonos is not for me though (I find them harsh sounding). I have tried a number of bluetooth speakers that don't offer EQ and they are usually boomy sounding when placed close to walls. For the more audiophile leaning person, perhaps a receiver with EQ is the way to go for adjusting the sound to the aforementioned placement challenges.
Starting my record collection and set up in a small space so thanks for the video
doritos cheetos or fritos That’s awesome! Have fun and thanks for watching.
When it comes to Definitive Technologies speakers which one do you think sounds best even when it comes to their book shelf speakers? Thank you
I recently purchased two Minirig Mini 2 bluetooth speakers for my desktop/computer setup. No cables! They are really well built, minimalist design, have great battery life, and sound great! I'm not kidding, as an audiophile I was surprised how good these little speakers actually sound. They also are very portable, so I can take one or both on the go if I need to. Definitely check these out!
gld3gld3 Definitely will. I can’t stand wires so these sound awesome. We have one of those tiny Bose Bluetooth speakers we took with us on our honeymoon and I couldn’t believe the sound that came out of of such a tiny package. We’re living in the future! 😊
I enjoyed your video. Small system suggestion - I’m using an Outlaw Audio RR2150 receiver, Klipsch RP M-160 bookshelf speakers and a vintage Dual turntable with a vintage Shure V15 type IV cartridge. A clear sound with lots of punch if you want it.
Hey Amigo!
I'm from Colombia and I am really enjoying this channel, thanks for all your honest talks about this magic world (Audio) ... I have a little Question for you mate, what do you think about SONOS an all their ecosistem? Thanks in advance for your answer. Cheers!
My TV/music room is 15X14 on has open entryways on both sides. I’m running a Yamaha AVR (Apple Music over HDMI from my Apple 4K TV) and Bose 301 II’s.
Love it. Much thanks to you and your wife for another excellent video!
Thank you for watching!
😍
Awesome review Andrew. I LOVE the white cube shelf your setup is on....Where can I buy one myself ? Thanks
IKEA
Is it ok to use turntable with the tabletop speaker like this? As I heard many told about the feedback from the speaker to the turntable and make it bad. I actually own AudioTechnica ATLP-120 and considering Naim Muso 2 since I have small space and want to put them on the same shelf. Please advice.
For my newbie audiofile journey into sound, I have started with Micca RB42 speakers, Douk Audio ST-01(dac/amp like Aiyima T9), and SVS SB 1000 pro for my PC Bedroom setup. Way better than any prior pc 2.1 setup. With max volume easy rock out the whole room and enjoy listening room over. Enough to be too loud for an apartment. Yet tuned with quite clear listening at max volume. I'm guessing amp wise the RB42 could use more watts for louder solo play. The Bluetooth tuning app on the SVS sub is such genius. No issues with my iphone bluetooth streaming apps to the ST-01. For the PC Optical or USB both work without issue. Switching between gaming, music, streaming shows, and dj stuff. The small size of Micca RB42 were easy enough fit along 32inch Monitor on gaming desk. The ST-01's orange VU and Tube glow has that cool "Fallout" feeling. Still have the RCA's input open for CD/Cassette/phono preamp/or some other sound thing.
nice, i'm looking to buy a similar setup
I use micca mb42x for surrounds and the centers for L/R/C and they work decent for a small space. No shame in a small budget.
Really nice review. Must have been a lot of work to stage all of those products.
Thank you for noticing, it was. Be well.
😍
Of all the speakers I've heard, my favourite small, budget speakers have to be the JBL Control 1s, I loved my first pair so much that I bough a second pair. The first pair is on my secondary stereo system while the second pair act as my PC speakers with a cheap class D amp off eBay, they really do sound great! I used to use them on my main hifi too but I replaced them with some other speakers after a year of looking for a superior replacement.
Great video! Looking forward to the new Focal review.
We're looking forward to bringing it to you!
Great video and thanks for the tips. Did you use the focal stands? I read the are tilted to assist with time alignment. Are they necessary? Also do they compare to the Buchardt S400 in the bass?
I did not use the Focal stands, but rather the Buchardt stands. As for a comparison, the two are comparable. I do think the Focal are likely a little more balanced or "seamless" top to bottom.
In my S400 review I did mention the subtle presence of a sonic "gap" between the mid/bass driver and tweeter, which is down to the crossover. The Focal doesn't have this same trait, subtle as it may be in the S400.
Now, the S400 may have more noticeable in-room bass response that feels or seems a touch more punchy compared to the Focal. Whether or not that is "better" is up to the end user/listener.
I think the Focals are just a bit refined at the extremes. But that's not my full review, for that you'll need to tune into my Focal review. Be well!
Andrew Robinson wow thank you for the reply...I always look forward to getting home, from work, safe to my wife and to watch your new videos they are very insightful...thank you.
Do you think the KLH model 3 would work for an apartment?
Yes they would. That said, I prefer these: bit.ly/3Ak39C6
@@andrewrobinsonreviews thank you
Another great video! Just ordered the Klipsch through crutchfield in walnut, but having second thoughts about the gray grill. The matte black looks much better in my opinion. Thank you for making these videos.
Great video. I almost bought the Kanto YU6’s based on your review and others, but have held up because although I am in a small room now, it might not always be that way. So maybe looking for something that I can “grow with” while staying on a budget. I am considering some Klipsch bookshelf speakers but am still a little concerned with the treble. I, like many others seem to be, am very sensitive to sibilants and super detailed sound that can lead to listening fatigue.
May I suggest taking a peek then at the Focal Chorus line (amzn.to/3b0HUHy ). This video shows the Chora, but the Chorus line up just below the Chora is comparable in many respects and might give you that longer term upgrade path you might be looking for.
Andrew Robinson thanks. I’ll do that.
The Klipsch RP series have excellent tweeters which maintain a flat response up to 18 KHz. However if the recording sucks they'll let you know it.
Haha! Love the blooper reel! I think we’re all burned in and burnout at this point. lol Thanks again, guys!
Thank you for watching all the way to the end. Be well!
Sorry if already asked, but where did you find the square record-holding shelves, both wall and corner variety?
They are from IKEA they are from the Kallax range
@@shaidrehman Thanks!
The PS Audio Sprout100 also appears to be a good amp, and fits great in small spaces.
Sure, that's a way to go.
So here's a question, or rather a recommendation request, that I hope you can answer. I'm moving soon and my bedroom is my primary TV/Movie watching & gaming room. My new room is 11ftx11ft, not a terrible size, though I feel like I wouldn't call it a large or perhaps even medium room. I was originally considering buying a soundbar to pair with my aging LG B7A TV, but I kept drifting towards more expensive bars because they came with more powerful subs and satellite speakers because I want surround sound and not just stereo. So now I've been looking into traditional home theater setups with speakers, center channels, subs, etc. because I can expand and upgrade it as I please with time. But it's a completely different ball game from a soundbar or set-in-stone soundbar setups. So my question is, what exactly would you recommend I go with in terms of speakers? Any particular brands? Package sets? What might be overkill for my space? I'm not exactly looking to break the bank right out of the gate, especially since I still need to get a receiver too and figure out how to wire everything. I was looking at the various package sets that Klipsch offers, namely the Black Reference 5.1 Theater Pack and the Synergy Black Label B200 Home Theater Pack. Those two, via Amazon, do fall within my price range.
I just got some Kef q150’s brand new for $200. I’m an MQA person, so looking to get a used bluesound powernode 2. Do you think that would be a good match? This will be in my office. I listen to a lot of hip hop and electronic music. Any reply would be much appreciated, thank you!
Ok... question of the day... I’ve budgeted $500 for a new Turntable. U-Turn or Fluance ? Is there another I should also consider?
It really depends on your needs. We still love both of those tables. We also really enjoyed the Yamaha (bit.ly/YamahaCast) we recently reviewed which falls in that price range.
Hey Andrew, would be really cool if you could do a full review on the Maia DS2. I can’t find any full reviews that aren’t in German lol :)
X2
Great video! Currently i have a Yamaha Rn602 and a pair of PSB P5 in a small room, do you think adding a pair of Elac Unifi 2.0 ub52 would be too much?
Purely from the audio quality perspective (forget features and looks), how would a Kanto YU6 compare to a pair of Adam T5V amplified speakers? I'm looking for speakers to put on the fridge in my kitchen.
SisterRay100 We aren’t familiar with Adam so I’m afraid we can’t help you there. Love the Kanto line.
Andrew, loved the video. What speaker stands are you using and do you recommend them. Thanks.
Robert Funk The stands featured in the video are ones from our time with the Buchardt S400 speakers. They do the job.
What is the name of the speaker stands you were using for the 806s?
Those are no longer available for purchase but these are close match and highly recommended: bit.ly/Kanto26
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thank you!
I am running a VXS 933 pioneer av receiver and i'm switching from 8ohm to 6ohm but it seems other then streaming music my new speakers are an ear bleeder but not I have to turn up my receiver whenever I watch TH-cam or watch a movie....bluray.....can you tell me why this is.....I think it's cause with less ohms they run at higher output but should a song play 3 times as loud as a movie!!!!!! Any suggestions.....
Nice placement of the vintage Yashika. My first camera. :-)
Great start for me as I contemplate a system for a new workshop I built in my barn. It's a 16'X16' space and I'd like top go wireless with the speakers, and have a good, compact AM/FM receiver, (or internet radio connection), with a turntable and bluetooth connectivity for my iPhone. Stylistically, I like the whiote Kanto YU6 'look'. Suggestions? I've subscribed to channel after enjoying this video!
Hi Andrew, can you do a video for people who sit close to speakers ? I usually work on a desktop system which is also my WFH setup and the speakers are going to be placed on a 6-7 feet long table and I will be about 3 feet from each speaker. I have a setup with Kanto yu6 in one city. Now looking forward to making a new setup in Singapore.Harbeth P3ESR , Graham’s LS6 and Tannoy Autograph mini are the ones I found after researching on the subject.
Very good video, love the info and different perspective. I have watched many of your videos and I might be a bit of a heretic for asking but have you ever heard or tested a HomePod and it’s audio performance?
The HomePod, sound-wise, is fantastic.