Audiophiles hifi appreciation thread old and new

Thanks @freddo! I just had a listen to their bigger brothers and they certainly seemed less susceptible to placement issues than the JBL, Genelec’s Audioengine ones I listened to. Unfortunately they had no 4.5s. As in, when I moved around, the SQ remained good. When I moved around when demo-ing the others, the sound sounded like it was recorded in mono. Food for thought....

Anyone flogging any Sonos stuff, let me know...

Maybe my perspective is skewed after years of being in and around recording studios and having unflashy hifi year at home but; I can’t help thinking trading in your decent hifi gear for low-end studios monitors based on hifi forum chat is silly. Studio monitors are not designed for listening pleasure and the ones linked to above are definitely at the budget/hobbyists end of the market. Keep your dedicated gear!

I think a lot of newer budget studio monitors do clever stuff with baked in DSP that significantly improve them over cheap monitors even just 5-10 years old. The manufacturers know they’re being used for general listening and I also think the weighting towards accuracy/imaging over hyped bass and ‘sounding impressive for their size’ means they actually end up sounding much better than the equivalent priced Sonos/Bose/etc all-in-one job - helped by having separated speakers. They’re also often being compared against affordable older hi-fi stuff which may be knackered now or just designed with different tastes in mind.

On that note, I just picked up a pair of Wharfedale Super Lintons for £15 and am assessing options for amping...

Low end studio monitors will likely be full of compromises, I went through a few before I reached the current setups. If wouldn't expect much change from £4k if you want to get a 'decent' pair or 2.1 set. Something like the Dynaudio Air series second hand might get you there for less. PMC would be more like £6k. You'll get listening pleasure for that money though, that I can vouch for.

I'm starting to look at ATC to replace my large Dynaudio. From this thread I'm tempted to look at Tannoy but ATC have been in my mind for a long time.

@fatberg If I didn't make it clear, I currently only have Sonos stuff that was built into my apartment when I moved in, hence the evaluation of active vs passive.

I wasn't initially looking at studio monitors at all. Mostly active speakers rather than monitors for example KEF LSXs.

Another option is something like Dynaudio's all in one Music 7 or Music 5 or Naim's Mu-so stuff. I really have no preference on form factor at all. The room it's filling is small, but the fact that I'm not always going to be in this apartment makes me think I shouldn't be buying near-field monitors.

The Dynaudio Xeo 2 are now discontinued but still available. Were originally $1500 here in the U.S. but are now available on Amazon for $899.... very tempting.

Found them for $799.. jeeez. Finger is very close to the order button. Will try and listen to some today.

Heard some Xeo's. Heard the new Dynaudio Music range, heard the Naim Mu. Didn't like the non stereo nature of the Music and Naim. Did like the Xeo's but probably a bit rich for my tastes at the moment.

So instead, I ordered these for $186: https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/elac-debut-b52
And this for $144.99: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071JN7GXN/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DLIZX4T1QPH&psc=1

Only read good things about both of them. I'm not woried about the speakers. Still on the fence about the amp - if it doesn't work out I'll return it. Hoping it does though. It's tiny which is a big plus. Went for the Elac's mainly due to reviews but also, they won't have much space to breathe so front porting is a massive bonus. If I don’t like, 60 day returns are offered, so it’s a win-win.

Yeah, ignore me. Just being grouchy.

Picking up my 1970s Sonab R3000 from some cool old guys who've serviced it, resoldered some stuff and hopefully got both channels levelled. Tried spraying things with isopropyl alcohol first but no improvement. I did find the wiring diagram taped to the inside of the lid though, pretty cool.

Giving Tidal another go. UI is better than the last time I used it. I also don't think I'd set up my Dragonfly properly last time I used it. I have now - sounds great with my Westone W40's. Really great. Will see what it can really do when amp and speakers turn up later this week.

Update: Really impressed. Fuck it. Making the switch from Spotify. I am actually astonished at how much more data these Tidal tracks contain. Especially 'Master' recordings. Sheesh. Having a blast. Their playlists have also improved dramatically in two years. Hoping they have an overly aggressive algorithm that picks up my listening habits relatively quickly.

Tidal is great. Can’t find everything I want but a lot is there.

Also finally picked up the odyssey 2 cables for front speakers and am really surprised at how much of a jump in sound has happened from old multi strand QED to the Chord cables. I wasn’t expecting to notice such an improvement (was thinking it’d be smaller) but have been really impressed.

It’s all in your head! Kidding. I am sure it did make a difference. Very pleased with this speaker/amp combo for a mere $350. Hand for scale.

Initial impressions of speakers are good. What I expected for the cash. Need stands so I can play with placement though.

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If I was interested in looking at turntables, what's the things I'm supposed to look for? What's the things for a good budget turntable?
And when I look at older ones, what are the pitfalls? Are there different connections or issues?

What’s your budget?

I like direct drives, but belt drivers are probably the best for budget options.

Rega RP-1 and be done with it. Sounds wonderful.

First time I'm asking so no idea.... The rega looks good though. But I'm just trying to get a feel for it.

I really don't think you can go wrong for the price. More refined than most entry level Pro-Ject's, though the high gloss paint is definitely an acquired taste. I don't currently have a turntable given my geography and small apartment, but I wouldn't hesitate in buying another RP1.

I loved the Sony PS-6750 that I had. I actually tried to buy it back but decided against it to try something different. The SL10 that I have at the moment is amazing for the money. It isn't really the genuine TtExperience though

Both can be had for 'budget' money.

I didn't get on with the michell focus or the rega. Both sounded wobbly. YMMV.

Things can break on older decks - hinges, buttons, switches etc. Arm bearings and platter bearings can get rough, motors can get wobbly.

Japanese decks are generally well made, and time was when you could pick up a not trashed SL1210 for under £300 which made a lot of sense as a no nonsense hifi deck. I suspect any good ones out there command a fair bit more £ now.

I would definitely be looking at Rega and ProJect if I wanted something low hassle.

Technics 1210 and be done with it. If you get a new one it won't lose much money if you decide to sell, or get an old one and maintain it. You still need a phono stage (might be in your amp) and a choice of cartridge, Nagaoka MP110, Audio Technica AT range are decent places to start. If you are going to play a lot of 12" dance music then maybe a Concorde DJ stylus.

Since i was about 14 id wanted a 1200/1210

Didnt regret taking the plunge, paired with a schiit phono and i couldnt be more stoked on it.

Interesting! Cheers guys. Appreciate it. I'll start sifting through the info

Thorens. And a Bozak.