SauRoNZA
Honorary Master
It’s a great all in one solution.
No need for DACs or cables or anything but the speakers, while getting top quality audio in the process.
Brand new the LT models are R23k or so without stands.
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Upgrading to an entry-level audiophile setup - Advice
- Thread starter ViciousClone
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It’s a great all in one solution.
No need for DACs or cables or anything but the speakers, while getting top quality audio in the process.
Brand new the LT models are R23k or so without stands.
Pax
Expert Member
You do not seem to know what a DAC (digital to analogue converter) is. You describe a graphic equaliser.
Learn more here : https://www.e-piphany.co.za/collections/shop-all-dacs
An amplifier that audibly varies in frequency response IS NOT an audiophile amp. It is a hallmark of an audiophile amp to have a very flat and neutral response. It is amongst other why they are so expensive.
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B-1
Honorary Master
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How much have you done to improve the room for audio? I think that's where your best bang for buck would be.
While your current setup isn't audiophile its pretty decent for the space you have. You will spend a lot to get something you can notice the difference in a normal room.
While your current setup isn't audiophile its pretty decent for the space you have. You will spend a lot to get something you can notice the difference in a normal room.
Fulcrum29
Honorary Master
Okay:
Did you also know that a DAC also has an amp?
I can tell you all about dynamic EQ. Anyway, OT.
Pax
Expert Member
Yes I know a bit. Been in the audiophile game since 1983. Again, an audiophile quality DAC will have as flat a frequency response as is possible to create.
My current DAC https://www.stereotimes.com/post/bel-canto-design-dac3-7/ and https://www.ebay.com/itm/186895500654 should you think to enlighten yourself about a decent DAC.
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ViciousClone
Executive Member
Ok just getting a feel if I’m on the right train of thought
For a AMP-
fosiaudio.com
Connecting to it
Polk MXT-15 as the active left and right
Polk Powered Sub. 10” (Pre out port on the AMP)
This with some room acoustics treatment, the wall behind my setup and speakers, as well as the wall behind me will be considered to get the ideal audio experience for what I’ve listed above
Can we say this would be a step up in a better audio experience from my current setup which is:
Optical feed to the Active speakers - edifier 1280dbs
From the Edifier set it has a pre out to the active sub that has its own power source.
For a AMP-
Fosi Audio MC351 2.1 Channel Integrated Amplifier
All-in-One DAC Amplifier: The MC351 integrated amp features high-resolution decoding capabilities, supporting Bluetooth, USB, Optical, and Coaxial digital inputs. With its extensive input and output options, you can easily set up a 2.1 home theater or other stereo HiFi audio systems. High Power...
fosiaudio.com
Connecting to it
Polk MXT-15 as the active left and right
Polk Powered Sub. 10” (Pre out port on the AMP)
This with some room acoustics treatment, the wall behind my setup and speakers, as well as the wall behind me will be considered to get the ideal audio experience for what I’ve listed above
Can we say this would be a step up in a better audio experience from my current setup which is:
Optical feed to the Active speakers - edifier 1280dbs
From the Edifier set it has a pre out to the active sub that has its own power source.
ViciousClone
Executive Member
Are the Jamo E640 any good, found a set on Carbonite ( the other forum we dare not mention around here ;p )Ok just getting a feel if I’m on the right train of thought
For a AMP-
Fosi Audio MC351 2.1 Channel Integrated Amplifier
All-in-One DAC Amplifier: The MC351 integrated amp features high-resolution decoding capabilities, supporting Bluetooth, USB, Optical, and Coaxial digital inputs. With its extensive input and output options, you can easily set up a 2.1 home theater or other stereo HiFi audio systems. High Power...
Connecting to it
Polk MXT-15 as the active left and right
Polk Powered Sub. 10” (Pre out port on the AMP)
This with some room acoustics treatment, the wall behind my setup and speakers, as well as the wall behind me will be considered to get the ideal audio experience for what I’ve listed above
Can we say this would be a step up in a better audio experience from my current setup which is:
Optical feed to the Active speakers - edifier 1280dbs
From the Edifier set it has a pre out to the active sub that has its own power source.
SauRoNZA
Honorary Master
Ok just getting a feel if I’m on the right train of thought
For a AMP-
Fosi Audio MC351 2.1 Channel Integrated Amplifier
All-in-One DAC Amplifier: The MC351 integrated amp features high-resolution decoding capabilities, supporting Bluetooth, USB, Optical, and Coaxial digital inputs. With its extensive input and output options, you can easily set up a 2.1 home theater or other stereo HiFi audio systems. High Power...
Connecting to it
Polk MXT-15 as the active left and right
Polk Powered Sub. 10” (Pre out port on the AMP)
This with some room acoustics treatment, the wall behind my setup and speakers, as well as the wall behind me will be considered to get the ideal audio experience for what I’ve listed above
Can we say this would be a step up in a better audio experience from my current setup which is:
Optical feed to the Active speakers - edifier 1280dbs
From the Edifier set it has a pre out to the active sub that has its own power source.
Was your R7k for everything or the speakers only?
Because that’s where the KEF starts looking not all that expensive at all when you consider you don’t need anything else.
Pax
Expert Member
Not audiophile, but decent enough. Those Fosi digital amps are surprisingly good, and my limited experience with Polk is that they are quite good, if only it lacks a little clarity and presence for my liking, but then I am used to upper end B &W speakers. We have a Fosi amp with Mission speakers in my wife's art studio. If the sound makes your feet tap and head shake, you've made huge progress. You may not ever have the need for 'audiophile ' equipment and be quite happy with other stuff.Ok just getting a feel if I’m on the right train of thought
For a AMP-
Fosi Audio MC351 2.1 Channel Integrated Amplifier
All-in-One DAC Amplifier: The MC351 integrated amp features high-resolution decoding capabilities, supporting Bluetooth, USB, Optical, and Coaxial digital inputs. With its extensive input and output options, you can easily set up a 2.1 home theater or other stereo HiFi audio systems. High Power...
Connecting to it
Polk MXT-15 as the active left and right
Polk Powered Sub. 10” (Pre out port on the AMP)
This with some room acoustics treatment, the wall behind my setup and speakers, as well as the wall behind me will be considered to get the ideal audio experience for what I’ve listed above
Can we say this would be a step up in a better audio experience from my current setup which is:
Optical feed to the Active speakers - edifier 1280dbs
From the Edifier set it has a pre out to the active sub that has its own power source.
ViciousClone
Executive Member
Fulcrum29
Honorary Master
I would agree with you, but since this will be my word vs your word, I will quote:
Amplifier Differences, Part 1: Frequency Response
Discover how amplifier frequency response affects sound in the first of our Amplifier Differences articles.
www.bestcaraudio.com
That is almost what I would have said, except that there is a whole lot more to it. It all boils down to knowing your electronics.
In layman's terms, your setup would need to be in harmony, except that we have loss, noise, etc. Though all this can be mitigated or negligible.
Today we have digital music tracks that are mastered to adhere to things like Apple's Adaptive Audio. In theory, the audio will always be at its best given the hardware used, but it is not up to standard as "audiophiles" would point out.
Personally, I consider the more 'vintage' hardware as being "audiophile" grade, and there are modernised vintage systems. New buyers like wireless hardware, and then we start to look at codecs and bitrate technologies. Then there is DSP, that no one with wireless hardware can escape. This said, some DSP applications are good, and can make 'cheap' hardware sound premium, and in high-end applications it can really give wires where there is none.
I'm no audiophile, but I do know audio, well, the engineering. It is a hobby.
There is a reason why tapes and vinyl are making a comeback, even CD, and the Walkman is coming back. Simply because it is less diluted, and people should thank IEMs.
Look, your remark isn't wrong, it is only that you can come very close to it, but then you have tracks that throws that balance and you would be pressed to EQ.
In the end, your outputs play the larger role, impedance and all that. Pairing audio hardware is like having a marriage, one that will divorce at some point in time.
ViciousClone
Executive Member
I have the sub
The AMP and passive speakers; this is why I’m digging around and getting input from the smart people of MyBB
The speakers can be a used set, even the amp
If it’s a bargain, then i’m in
I’m currently digging through AVforums listing
ViciousClone
Executive Member
Pax
Expert Member
Ok, now you start talking my language. Marraige of components etc........people should understand that although the aim is for a perfect amp/speaker, whatever in theory, none do exist. All have shortcomings and in the combining of components often, if not mostly, lie the secret of getting the best.I would agree with you, but since this will be my word vs your word, I will quote:
Amplifier Differences, Part 1: Frequency Response
Discover how amplifier frequency response affects sound in the first of our Amplifier Differences articles.
That is almost what I would have said, except that there is a whole lot more to it. It all boils down to knowing your electronics.
In layman's terms, your setup would need to be in harmony, except that we have loss, noise, etc. Though all this can be mitigated or negligible.
Today we have digital music tracks that are mastered to adhere to things like Apple's Adaptive Audio. In theory, the audio will always be at its best given the hardware used, but it is not up to standard as "audiophiles" would point out.
Personally, I consider the more 'vintage' hardware as being "audiophile" grade, and there are modernised vintage systems. New buyers like wireless hardware, and then we start to look at codecs and bitrate technologies. Then there is DSP, that no one with wireless hardware can escape. This said, some DSP applications are good, and can make 'cheap' hardware sound premium, and in high-end applications it can really give wires where there is none.
I'm no audiophile, but I do know audio, well, the engineering. It is a hobby.
There is a reason why tapes and vinyl are making a comeback, even CD, and the Walkman is coming back. Simply because it is less diluted, and people should thank IEMs.
Look, your remark isn't wrong, it is only that you can come very close to it, but then you have tracks that throws that balance and you would be pressed to EQ.
In the end, your outputs play the larger role, impedance and all that. Pairing audio hardware is like having a marriage, one that will divorce at some point in time.
We have derailed the OP's thread. I think he is getting what will serve him well, for now at least.......until the Upgraditis-bug bites.
garyc
Executive Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2010
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- 5,247
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- 3,746
As has been mention a few times it will be difficult to put together an audiophile system on this budget. Another alternative to consider is replacing those speakers with nearfield studio monitors. These are the things that musicians and people in the industry use to evaluate the music. Since musicians are normally more broke than audiophiles you typically get higher sound quality for the money from this type of equipment. The speakers tend to be amplified and can include inputs such as TRS, XLR or USB, with some also offering balanced inputs. Here are some examples: https://www.marshallmusic.co.za/product-category/studio/studio-monitors/nearfield-monitors/.
Do not expect club type thump from this type of speaker, they tend to be more on the analytical side.
Do not expect club type thump from this type of speaker, they tend to be more on the analytical side.
I’m also considering a Fosi as my next amplifier, likely from Faith AcousticsOk just getting a feel if I’m on the right train of thought
For a AMP-
Fosi Audio MC351 2.1 Channel Integrated Amplifier
All-in-One DAC Amplifier: The MC351 integrated amp features high-resolution decoding capabilities, supporting Bluetooth, USB, Optical, and Coaxial digital inputs. With its extensive input and output options, you can easily set up a 2.1 home theater or other stereo HiFi audio systems. High Power...
Connecting to it
Polk MXT-15 as the active left and right
Polk Powered Sub. 10” (Pre out port on the AMP)
This with some room acoustics treatment, the wall behind my setup and speakers, as well as the wall behind me will be considered to get the ideal audio experience for what I’ve listed above
Can we say this would be a step up in a better audio experience from my current setup which is:
Optical feed to the Active speakers - edifier 1280dbs
From the Edifier set it has a pre out to the active sub that has its own power source.
Spontaneous spinach
Expert Member
Run two 3way pioneer 6"x9"s , going for a good price at hificorp
ViciousClone
Executive Member
Forgot to ask, i'm guessing 14 or 16 gauge 100% copper speaker cables should suffice just fine?
Pax
Expert Member
100%. Although we all like to believe cables make a difference, some say it makes no difference. I could hear differences (maybe I imagined it though) between cables on systems in excess of R500k only. Lesser systems....nothing, nada. It is no biggie as long as you use some decent cabling. The volts & amps they must handle are rather low.