Upgrading to an entry-level audiophile setup - Advice

ViciousClone

ViciousClone

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As the title states, I'm considering leaning into the audiophile world, but let me give some insight into what I currently have, and what my setup as well as requirements are - Seeing as I require the good ears and advice from the Audiophiles :)

Currently, I work from home, and the office space is 4x4sqm (Plus minus)

My current audio setup is connected to my computer through SPDIF (Optical)

Steaming is my form of listening while working, and Apple Music is the current platform of choice, Tidal also being an option.
Driving my music is a set of Edifiers, r1280dbs and connected to that is a Polk 10" sub set to 50% to help with that lower end thump - The Edifiers were lacking bass in my opinion.

I have the Edifiers currently pre-set to; Treble-Max, Bass-Half

They are stationed on stands that are about ear height and slightly outside my shoulders width apart.

Ok, that's what I have currently, now for the rabbit that is the internet and audio equipment and opinions ;p

What I'm gathering and need your thoughts:
Polk XT15 and the Aiyima T9 Pro (Added would be my Polk 10") would be a very decent entry level audiophile setup to start with that would not cause too much ear fatigue - I sit at easily in front of my desk for 8-9 hours a day and listening to music and playing games is the primary focus (As well as teams meetings during business hours)

Connection points I'd like to see and connect to my PC, USB or Optical.

Now, this is still in planning, I'm not ready to just swipe and pay anything, i'd rather start getting ideas and feedback before going down this massive rabbit hole (It can quickly get expensive). If anything, this would be next month's project.

Music genre - Rock, Metal (Metalcore/Death Metal), Indie-rock, and at times, I don't mind some Armin Van Buuren

Side NOTE: I'm from South Africa, and the above-listed are items I can either locally source and through shipping on company websites.

Thank you for reading, TL-DR might apply here ;)

WhatsApp Image 2025-04-12 at 10.23.21.jpeg
 
EDIT: Budget is +- R7k for a budget entry audiophile setup.

I'm thinking of spending a bit on the pre-amp (Liking those small form factors) and upgrading the speaker later?

Quite green in this area, so buying advice is welcome

Going off a few reviews, these are a few considerations currently for a DAC/Amp that would connect my speaker to PC setup

rslspeakers.com

rogersound-labs-ia255-1-integrated-amplifier

RSL Speakers - A division of Rogersound Labs - is a factory direct loudspeaker manufacturer, since 1970, based in Los Angeles, California. Family owned and operated.
rslspeakers.com rslspeakers.com
or
www.aiyima.com

AIYIMA T9 Pro

Product Descriptions:T9 PRO TPA3250 power amplifier 100Wx2Chipset: TPA3250+Jan5725+QCC3031+ES9018K2M+SA9123L+OPA1656+NJW1194PC-USB sampling rate: 24bit/192khz, 16bit/192khz, 24bit/96khzPC-USB operating system: Windows XP / VIsta7/8/10 / Max OS/MAC/LinuxBluetooth/optical fiber/coaxial sampling...
www.aiyima.com www.aiyima.com
www.aiyima.com

AIYIMA A80

Features: All-in-One DAC Amplifier:Using the ES9038Q2M high-performance decoder chip, combined with the TPA3255 high-power ultra-low distortion amplifier chipset, the AIYIMA A80 supports DSD512 and PCM ultra-high-resolution audio, providing users with rich and delicate sound details. Hi-Res...
www.aiyima.com www.aiyima.com

I believe the Polk XT15's would work just fine with the above-listed Pre-amps (Dont kill me if I get the naming conventions wrong haha, green as they come!)
 
Personally I wouldn't stream through a PC - too much noise/interference with all the internals.

Rather invest in a decent streaming amplifier, something like a Marantz M1, or a NAD C700.

Head over to https://www.avforums.co.za/, some decent bargains to be had in the Classifieds section, e.g., a one-week old Wiim Ultra for R7k.
 
7 k will NOT buy you anthing remotely audiophile quality.

You can only use a computer as s streaming device to stream the digital signal, though it is very far from being good as steaming device. Not audiophile quality!

You need a decent DAC to convert the signal from digital to analogue. Then you need a proper amp. If it has knobs for changing treble and bass from flat curves, it disqualifies as audiophile already. The music must be fed on a flat neutral curve as the artist intended.

Any form of decent speakers classed as audiophile quality will cost R20 -R30k for standmounts and a lot more for floor standing.

I suggest you buy what makes your feet tap, and forget the "audiophile" notion.
 
Naks said:
Personally I wouldn't stream through a PC - too much noise/interference with all the internals.

Rather invest in a decent streaming amplifier, something like a Marantz M1, or a NAD C700.

Head over to https://www.avforums.co.za/, some decent bargains to be had in the Classifieds section, e.g., a one-week old Wiim Ultra for R7k.
Click to expand...
I've completely forgotten about AVForums! Thanks bud
 
Yea best bet would be the used market on avforums where you can get things less than half the price from new.

I was in the process of simplifying things and if I had the chance again, I’d probably go for a used set of active speakers like the Kef LSX or so.

You’ll need to add a sub to the above - but you can do it at a later stage.
 
rh1 said:
@Dolby @Grant
Click to expand...
im no audiophile - my father was, i simply inherited the equipment.
having said that, i find myself inadvertently becoming my father in becoming unnecessarily picky & demanding in a never ending quest for better sound.

as for the op - i can be of no use, the photo threw me right off - the very 1st thing i would do is toss out all that pc equipment and the nest of cables attached - but that is me.

to the op:
i would advise you start off with good quality shielded cabling to carry audio out and away from the existing pc equipment.
be guided by your ears, not brand names & technical specs.
also the source of the music, that is where it all begins
 
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Dolby said:
Yea best bet would be the used market on avforums where you can get things less than half the price from new.

I was in the process of simplifying things and if I had the chance again, I’d probably go for a used set of active speakers like the Kef LSX or so.

You’ll need to add a sub to the above - but you can do it at a later stage.
Click to expand...
this guy in cape town sells excellent used audio equipment - all with a 3 month warranty

WeBuyHifi Ads | Gumtree Classifieds South Africa

Check out WeBuyHifi Ads and Profile! View Gumtree Free Classified Ads to see all their latest items, listings, activity and more.
www.gumtree.co.za www.gumtree.co.za
 
Pax said:
7 k will NOT buy you anthing remotely audiophile quality.

You can only use a computer as s streaming device to stream the digital signal, though it is very far from being good as steaming device. Not audiophile quality!

You need a decent DAC to convert the signal from digital to analogue. Then you need a proper amp. If it has knobs for changing treble and bass from flat curves, it disqualifies as audiophile already. The music must be fed on a flat neutral curve as the artist intended.

Any form of decent speakers classed as audiophile quality will cost R20 -R30k for standmounts and a lot more for floor standing.

I suggest you buy what makes your feet tap, and forget the "audiophile" notion.
Click to expand...

Every DAC adjusts the level or amplitude of specific frequencies. Your curves don't remain flat when using a DAC. For that you have disqualified yourself. This is part of the reason why "audiophiles" use EQ, unless you are speaking of something purist. Then you should also know that AMPs varies in response to frequencies. This said, there are a massive amount of different DACs/AMPs and combos.

No, you don't need to spend that much money for a decent audio experience. Being an audiophile is, in any case, a self-applied label.
 
Naks said:
Ah, forgot about active speakers.

I have a pair of PSB Alpha iQ in our holiday flat, and bang for buck that is one of the best you can have. You can also look at the KEF LSX
Click to expand...

Yeah in this particular use case for 7k I would probably say buy a solid pair of headphones to complement what he is already using.

Otherwise I would save my money and look for a second hand pair of Kef LSX II’s.
 
Note: i am not against second hand equipment to get a feel for good audio experience

Yes the budget is low, again, guidance and advice to upgrade my current edifier and polk 10” setup is the aim.

I’ve stumbled across a Wiim Amp Pro and Polk MXT-15 idea that might just bump my overall audio experience .. the rabbit holes are immense!
 
SauRoNZA said:
Yeah in this particular use case for 7k I would probably say buy a solid pair of headphones to complement what he is already using.

Otherwise I would save my money and look for a second hand pair of Kef LSX II’s.
Click to expand...
Im seeing quite a few people talk about these speakers, hmm.
 
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