Audiophiles hifi appreciation thread old and new

Lovely. Get them positioned right and enjoy the wonders of single driver soundstage.

Then get a sub.

Personally that sounds like the kind of thing I'd DIY (either with a tablet or, more likely, a Pi with a DAC and a screen). Fancy streamers always seem to be expensive and interface and features become outdated too quickly for the price.

I can see the appeal of LS50s, they've got pretty much everything you currently need in two boxes, if you're not playing physical formats. They've also got DSP to keep the frequency response as flat as possible, and to give bass extension (not sure how great this sounds in a ported cabinet, presumably they dip the resonant frequency).

I know they're fairly expensive but they've got 4 amps, active crossovers and a DAC, in reality they're not bad value. I'm terms of longevity - how long will they be supported? How long will their inputs remain relevant?

KEF have not released a firmware update for the LS50 Wireless I since 19-Nov-2019 and the speaker was released in very late 2017 IIRC. Which just doesn't seem like very long for a 2.5k pair of speakers.

Especially if they've got a common fault!

Dammit has Wireless IIs so slightly different, but yeah, still, not very long to push updates.

Another wireless system gripe:

I have a Ruark MRx wireless speaker thing which as far as that type of device goes, sounds and looks pretty nice.

Ruark tell you to control the device using the UNDOK app. That's a pretty lame app. Ok it works,.but the UI is awful and it lacks a lock of basic functions.

The MRx itself has more or less zero controls built into it so you have to use an app to e.g. select a radio station.

Somehow this situation seems a bit wrong. Are other apps available?

Found this on What Hi-Fi from a quick google. Might be worth plugging a third party dongle into the USB input, that should show up within native apps like BBC Sounds and Spotify etc.

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I use BubbleUPNP to serve stuff (mainly Tidal or Plex) to my Super Connect which also uses undok. It's good but probably not the best to quickly put a radio station on or similar.

There is some windows app I seem to remember but I didn't find another dedicated android app.

Thanks - could be a good option

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Is there much difference between different speaker stands? Is the only difference visual or does SQ vary? Considering getting the dedicated Focal Aria 900 stands for my Focal Aria 906 speakers. Fairly big investment, so just thinking through whether it's worth it, and also whether the stands can be used for different speakers in future, since the platform itself seems relatively small (the speakers are supposed to be screwed into them).

Stands are in the area of marginal or perhaps minimal gains, however they are reputed to make small differences. The main benefit is being able to get the speakers into a decent position in the room, which is hard to do without stands, unless the speakers are floor-standers.

Some like to go for mass (e.g. tubes filled with sand), some like to go for open frames. Rigidity tends to be desirable to both camps.

Whether the Focal stands will be suitable for future speakers depends on what those future speakers are, so it's probably best not to base a purchase on future utility.

Had this emailed to me:

https://www.lissongallery.com/exhibitions/devon-turnbull-ojas-hifi-listening-room-dream-no-1

I almost got on a plane from Berlin, if it sounds as good as it looks it must be quite good.
Idiot designer toys for boys wankery at its best.

Most of this stuff is!!

My Cambridge AR60 has lost a channel. Local store can’t be arsed to fix it. Anyone fancy giving it a look?

Is there such a thing as a reasonable secondhand sub for under 100 quid? I am by no means an audiophile, I have a couple of 1210s with a secondhand technics amp and some cheapish eltax speakers but would like a bit more punch for some of my dub tunes. Never owned a sub and really have no idea about what is good on a budget.

Oh definitely.
On the sub question, I really like my rel.
Might be able to find an old one for under 100 in the UK?

I find stands are merely:

1. Ability to position the speakers to enable your listening position.
   
2. Aesthetics.
   
   

I don't buy the "stands improve sound" because either the improvement is virtually non-existent or the room really sucked and your expensive speakers were wasted in that space.

As nearly all stands solve positioning, you may as well buy according to aesthetics.

Note: This doesn't hold up if your speakers are super heavy, etc... as you do want stands to provide stability and be safe against children/pets pushing on them (not top heavy)... so if you have huge speakers, you probably do want to consider stands more for their structural function.

here's one

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225696175107

Thanks very much! That one is collection only but I will keep my eyes peeled for another.

had my second time there today, will go again, both times music has been very similar, but from catching other sessions looks like theres some more interesting electronic music played at times

Devon hasn’t been there either time i’ve been so might need to go later in the afternoons rather than first thing in the morning..

I also put in an order for the DIY kit, why not eh

put in an order for the DIY kit

Well interested in this, report back! Was tempted myself but it was a bit rich for me

He said he was leaving London for a bit then returning later in the summer.