Audiophiles hifi appreciation thread old and new

This. Get a Wiim Mini.

I think the Avantree is more what I’m looking for tbh because it just sits there and works. I just want to send music using the phone’s built-in functionality. No additional app and I don’t want the extra stuff like Alexa/Siri integration. I had a cheap eBay USB dongle which actually worked just fine in terms of range - it was just clunky to use because it started in transmit mode and had one-button control which bleeped really loudly.

I looked at integrating a board in my preamp (home-built Mullard valve), but there isn’t space inside and the cast alloy case kind of prevents that anyway. Best for me might be to add a USB power port to the back so the Bluetooth adapter turns on with the preamp. As long as the adapter starts in receive mode it’ll just switch on and work.

Is this good? It looks really good. My domestic audio setup is atrocious; DAB radio only. Feel like I could be utilising my phone. This would do that, and sound great, when I get a streaming subscription too. Or is it just B&O overpriced nonsense? It is expensive.

https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/technology/audio/speakers/ruark-r410-review

Ruark's are always expensive, when listening to them in places like John Lewis audio department, or random lifestyle/vintage stores, they sound good. Look good as well.
But once again pricey.
If I had the cash and the space I'd probably have one as a secondary system in a room somewhere..

Ruark stuff is nice but pricey. You're obviously paying a fair chunk for the design as well as the sound.

I like the Revo stuff for slightly more palatable prices but similar sound and style. I think the SuperSystem would be the equivalent. They often have good deals on refurbished stuff if you keep an eye out.

I can give very positive feedback on the MR1 mk 2 speakers. Would be a lot less money and still give you dab / connect your phone for music etc.

They are more than adequate for my front room.

https://shop.ruarkaudio.com/products/mr1-mk2-bluetooth-speaker-system

That looks good in grey.
Would definitely also look at https://teenage.engineering/products/od-11
If I wanted compact and design, but no idea how they compare, od 11 is a few years old and maybe more expensive.

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This is interesting but definitely way more expensive.
https://www.poetsound-english.com/pandoretta

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What were those colourful boxes with a bulge in the fabric over the speaker, back in iPod dock times?

I've a couple of earlier Ruark products; they do sound good and are still working well after 5+ years.

The only thing I'm not overly impressed with is having to use the UNDOK app to control them.

Oh undok is bad. Not unusable but not really nice. Our "smart" kitchen radio has it.

My Revo superconnect is still going strong after 7+ years - decent sound for the size and visually acceptable for a casual front room.
Does use the UNDOK app which is not good but generally not required as Spotify connect controls it fully.

Yeah, it's a pain. I'm really surprised someone hasn't come up with a better option.

I also can't understand why UNDOK don't improve their product, and makers like Ruark who completely depend on it don't force this issue.

Edit: it would be way better if I could just use the Tidal app or Roon but Ruark do not support these.

I use BubbleUPNP to send Tidal and other stuff to my Revo. Both that and UNDOK are a fair way from the functionality of something like Sonos though.

I can play Tidal through UNDOK, it's just really clunky.

Thanks all, some really good recommendations, and eye openers to alternates to the r410.

All-in-one CD ripper storage and playback, is that a thing? Did I imagine it? Wouldn’t know what to start searching for, but feel there is something out there.

All-in-one CD ripper storage and playback, is that a thing?

You definitely used to see them. Seemed to be hugely expensive from big budget companies.

Ah, like this https://www.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk/p-29182-naim-uniti-star-cd-streaming-system-ex-speakers.aspx

Seems like the kind of thing where you can get some secondhand bargains.

How do you do that? I remember looking before and couldn't see how.

Tidal comes up in the "source" tab. I just select that and then I can search or browse in Tidal via the UNDOK app.

Yes @aggi that’s exactly it (apart from the hefty price tag of the uniti star) maybe something like this with built in speakers. Physical space in the home is limited.

https://luxe.digital/lifestyle/technology/brennan-b2-review/

This but it’s a bit open-source, enthusiast level.

https://brennan.co.uk/pages/b3-overview

Ah, this probably explains it
Latest revision SuperConnect with 'Airstream' includes compatibility with additional subscription streaming services Amazon Music, Napster, Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal and of course Spotify Connect.

I suspect mine must be an older model.

I really don't think all-in-one CD ripper things are a good idea. If you rip from a computer onto a NAS you can make sure your data is properly backed up and can then be used from any smart speaker type system in the future. you can get a USB CD drive for your PC for peanuts. It's also way easier to make sure the tagging is correct.

I get that, but my appetite for computer / network tinkering is minimal, am really looking for convenience over customisation.