Upgrading to an entry-level audiophile setup - Advice

[Grant]

Wow this place is stacked. Thank you

mike is very very clued up and wise - and helpful.
i gain the impression audio is more of a passion than a source of income for him.

it may be worth your while giving him a call and let him know what it is you are looking for, budget etc.
he will be more than willing to part with advice and help guide you - he's a good man.

if you do ever contemplate buying from him, know this - he is very picky about stock he purchases, everything has to be 100% original, and in pristine condition, tests the stuff thoroughly, then offers a 3 month warranty on anything he sells no matter the age.

 

[Grant]

Bruh, be careful of that slope. It's slippery.

a post of mine from last yr - about my father and that slope:

An Audiophile’s $1M Dream Stereo System Gets Sold for Just $156K After His Death

As an aside and somewhat related to the OP story, what is the resale value of these high end audio components? In general, you spend R50k on speakers, in a year or two can you get most of your money back, is there a decent second hand market here in SA specifically? *I'm still rocking a...

mybroadband.co.za

 

[ViciousClone]

Verdict after the set was installed in the office space; love it

The sound is clean, there’s separation, vocals don’t get squashed when the mids come through. The crossover from the amp to the sub works great, instead of boomy bass I have strong thump when those drums get a good beating.

I couldn’t believe that something this simple gave me this much in return

In fact: blind tested the wife, and asked her to just follow me and give me her best song, and then listen.
“It sounds so open and detailed” she took opened her eyes and saw why, i then got the “ jy mors geld “ lecture, but then she sat in my office space for 2 hours listening to music and I ended up making food

My wife is by no means into audio head, she just loves music and to sing. If she could tell there’s a difference, then clearly we have stumbled into the right path of music and sound enjoyment.

She has now indicated that where they were standing earlier (I showed her the photo when I was testing) that it wouldn’t be a bad idea for another set stationed there as well more money haha.

After we enjoyed our meals, she cleaned up the kitchen and turned on the JBL Xtreme, quick to run to me and say “do you hear that, now I have to listen to this, compared to that” pointing to the WiiM amp and Polk set

I’m very very impressed; Recommended little amp.

What I like:
Vocals are to my liking - A little forward at times when it’s at higher listening volumes, but clean
Mids are immense and detailed
Lows are a bit hit and miss for me right now, might need to reset everything again and re tweak
(Some songs that don’t have lows are extremely thin sounding and other are so extreme I have to turn down the volume to calm the sub down haha) might be something I set it this image

 

[Nod]

Bruh, be careful of that slope. It's slippery.

I started with a stereo-only setup maybe 12 or so years ago. My purchases and upgrades since day one have been 99% second-hand items.
I started with a Nad C320 amp and Monitor Audio Bx-5 floorstanders. Then changed to a set of B&W 683 S1 floorstanders and changed the amp to a Valve Audio Exclame 150. Added an SVS Sub somewhere along the line. Then changed the speakers to a set of Bentley Acoustics FS150 floorstanders.

Then I upgraded the amp to a Valve Audio Predator. I then changed the speakers to a set of B&W 804 Diamond floorstanders. And I changed the sub to a 15" Wharfedale.

I have been using a Wiim Mini since they launched and have now changed to a Wiim Pro +.
Using an iFi Zen One Signature DAC. Also using a Topping P50 Linear Power Supply for the DAC and the Wiim.
Had some Audioquest Rocket 11 speaker cables and changed that to a set of Cardas.

Over the years I also put together systems for the holiday homes and for my fathers house.

So there are still a few NAD amplifiers in use at different places and a set of Monitor Audio RX6 speakers.
The only thing I have sold throughout this whole time was the Exclame amp. That was to make the sting in my wallet hurt a bit less when I got the Predator.

As I upgraded I moved components to holiday homes, home office, home cinema, etc.
Next up is a setup in my room. I have the system my dad had now with me and it needs a spot.

So ja, upgradetitus is real.

I think I am done for now. I really need to start throwing money at treating my main setup room. As you can see it is a lot of glass and stuff.

The pics are current.


View attachment 1812692

Was about to recommend Valve Audio. Have a smaller unit than you, bought almost 20 years ago, and still going strong.
My B&W speakers are also smaller

Support local:

Valve Audio Stereo Hybrid Amplifiers

Valve Audio's range of hybrid valve amplifiers offers exceptional sound quality, no more and no less. Immerse yourself in the music.

www.valveaudiosa.com

 

[Grant]

Verdict after the set was installed in the office space; love it

The sound is clean, there’s separation, vocals don’t get squashed when the mids come through. The crossover from the amp to the sub works great, instead of boomy bass I have strong thump when those drums get a good beating.

I couldn’t believe that something this simple gave me this much in return

In fact: blind tested the wife, and asked her to just follow me and give me her best song, and then listen.
“It sounds so open and detailed” she took opened her eyes and saw why, i then got the “ jy mors geld “ lecture, but then she sat in my office space for 2 hours listening to music and I ended up making food

My wife is by no means into audio head, she just loves music and to sing. If she could tell there’s a difference, then clearly we have stumbled into the right path of music and sound enjoyment.

She has now indicated that where they were standing earlier (I showed her the photo when I was testing) that it wouldn’t be a bad idea for another set stationed there as well more money haha.

After we enjoyed our meals, she cleaned up the kitchen and turned on the JBL Xtreme, quick to run to me and say “do you hear that, now I have to listen to this, compared to that” pointing to the WiiM amp and Polk set

I’m very very impressed; Recommended little amp.

What I like:
Vocals are to my liking - A little forward at times when it’s at higher listening volumes, but clean
Mids are immense and detailed
Lows are a bit hit and miss for me right now, might need to reset everything again and re tweak
(Some songs that don’t have lows are extremely thin sounding and other are so extreme I have to turn down the volume to calm the sub down haha) might be something I set it this image

/raises hand
what device is the source / player of the music before it reaches any amp / crossover / eq etc ?

 

[Pax]

Was about to recommend Valve Audio. Have a smaller unit than you, bought almost 20 years ago, and still going strong.
My B&W speakers are also smaller

Support local:

Valve Audio Stereo Hybrid Amplifiers

Valve Audio's range of hybrid valve amplifiers offers exceptional sound quality, no more and no less. Immerse yourself in the music.

www.valveaudiosa.com

We should not. Our inputs here could cost the OP...

2020 I upgraded from a Emotiva pre with Linn power amp to a Predator......never looking back. Best amp I ever owned.

The jury is still out on my swopping my Magnapans for B & W's though. If only the Maggies weren't so selfish on space, I probably never would have swopped. The Predator made them sing angelicaly.

 

[Pax]

Verdict after the set was installed in the office space; love it

The sound is clean, there’s separation, vocals don’t get squashed when the mids come through. The crossover from the amp to the sub works great, instead of boomy bass I have strong thump when those drums get a good beating.

I couldn’t believe that something this simple gave me this much in return

In fact: blind tested the wife, and asked her to just follow me and give me her best song, and then listen.
“It sounds so open and detailed” she took opened her eyes and saw why, i then got the “ jy mors geld “ lecture, but then she sat in my office space for 2 hours listening to music and I ended up making food

My wife is by no means into audio head, she just loves music and to sing. If she could tell there’s a difference, then clearly we have stumbled into the right path of music and sound enjoyment.

She has now indicated that where they were standing earlier (I showed her the photo when I was testing) that it wouldn’t be a bad idea for another set stationed there as well more money haha.

After we enjoyed our meals, she cleaned up the kitchen and turned on the JBL Xtreme, quick to run to me and say “do you hear that, now I have to listen to this, compared to that” pointing to the WiiM amp and Polk set

I’m very very impressed; Recommended little amp.

What I like:
Vocals are to my liking - A little forward at times when it’s at higher listening volumes, but clean
Mids are immense and detailed
Lows are a bit hit and miss for me right now, might need to reset everything again and re tweak
(Some songs that don’t have lows are extremely thin sounding and other are so extreme I have to turn down the volume to calm the sub down haha) might be something I set it this image

I am so glad you hit a sweet spot there. Do not be too harsh on your system sometimes sounding 'flat' before you have ensured is is not the source or the actual recording. Often, recordings leave a lot to wish for with little or no dynamics, especially the more contemporary recordings that fell victim to the so-called 'loudness war'.

 

[Nod]

We should not. Our inputs here could cost the OP...

2020 I upgraded from a Emotiva pre with Linn power amp to a Predator......never looking back. Best amp I ever owned.

The jury is still out on my swopping my Magnapans for B & W's though. If only the Maggies weren't so selfish on space, I probably never would have swopped. The Predator made them sing angelicaly.

Audio, like most hobbies can turn expensive very fast, but good quality equipment can be handed down to your grandchildren without problem.

South African speakers: https://www.bentleyacoustics.com

 

[Grant]

The jury is still out on my swopping my Magnapans for B & W's though. If only the Maggies weren't so selfish on space, I probably never would have swopped. The Predator made them sing angelicaly.

i have an old pair of maggies in the dining room , fantastic things !

 

[ViciousClone]

/raises hand
what device is the source / player of the music before it reaches any amp / crossover / eq etc ?

Playing with both Airplay 2, and Optical from the computer, I do fear the computer is messing with something, as the Ariplay sounds better, might be in my head.

I am considering a USB to Optical, WiiM forums report that you get less "messing around" from the computer's optical port.

EDIT: Streaming from Apple Music.

 

[ViciousClone]

I am so glad you hit a sweet spot there. Do not be too harsh on your system sometimes sounding 'flat' before you have ensured is is not the source or the actual recording. Often, recordings leave a lot to wish for with little or no dynamics, especially the more contemporary recordings that fell victim to the so-called 'loudness war'.

Indeed, I'll fine tune a few things first before coming to a verdict, but I've amended the Sub's dials in and I'm getting a better "thump" now and not a boom

Using Meat Loaf - I'd do anything -> As my point of reference while tweaking.

The piano at the start is pure bliss now, compared to the Edifiers that were flat and lifeless

 

[Pax]

Indeed, I'll fine tune a few things first before coming to a verdict, but I've amended the Sub's dials in and I'm getting a better "thump" now and not a boom

Using Meat Loaf - I'd do anything -> As my point of reference while tweaking.

The piano at the start is pure bliss now, compared to the Edifiers that were

A favourite tune of mine to assess a system is Hans Theessink's Missing You. If you can get it in high res e.g. from Tidal, it is very well recorded, lots of dynamics and from low to high frequencies and all inbetween. A real tester for a system.

 

[ViciousClone]

A favourite tune of mine to assess a system is Hans Theessink's Missing You. If you can get it in high res e.g. from Tidal, it is very well recorded, lots of dynamics and from low to high frequencies and all inbetween. A real tester for a system.

Amazing suggestion, let me play around while listening to this song, the acoustic guitar is so alive and sounds like it's live, as well as the vocals.

 

[ViciousClone]

My JBL 5.1 Soundbar that's installed at the living room TV sounds terrible now

 

[Grant]

A favourite tune of mine to assess a system is Hans Theessink's Missing You. If you can get it in high res e.g. from Tidal, it is very well recorded, lots of dynamics and from low to high frequencies and all inbetween. A real tester for a system.

i often use Yello to tweak things.
have the same track in multiple formats / res

 

[ViciousClone]

So WiiM has this built in room correction function and PEQ, that you can alter according to your liking, surprisingly, it widen the sound stage and the speakers sound bright now

See the attached images, before and after

 

[Grant]

Amazing suggestion, let me play around while listening to this song, the acoustic guitar is so alive and sounds like it's live, as well as the vocals.

i uploaded this for a friend last nite - download it on to your system and give it a go.
quite a wide range in there, along with deep tight low frequency bass.

 

[Grant]

some time back i was scratching around in the store room and unearthed my old sony minidisk recorder and dat player.
the sound quality they produce is unbelievably impressive for the tech at the time.
both working 100%

 

[SauRoNZA]

this guy in cape town sells excellent used audio equipment - all with a 3 month warranty

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Do you have a direct contact for him? Maybe I can have him keep a look out for some KEF actives for me because buying them new while my default need is just a bit rich at the moment.

 

[Grant]

Do you have a direct contact for him? Maybe I can have him keep a look out for some KEF actives for me because buying them new while my default need is just a bit rich at the moment.

i do
give me a moment


mike:
0827017681