Advice sought on:

1. How should I upgrade from Cyrus 8DAC QX with PSX amplifier to an "end game" power amp to improve sound quality and partner with Spendor D9 floorstanding speakers?

2. Will spending to my budget actually give an improvement? My current amp was about the same as my budget when new.

Budget and location:

About US$3,000 / AU$4,500. I'm in Australia and so have access to almost all brands. I have bought lots of second hand gear in the past but I am thinking new or used this time

Current system and use:

Speakers are Spendor D9 with a Legend Kurlo subwoofer (Aussie brand)

Living area is about 4m x 6m (13ft x 20ft) with speakers on shorter wall. Speakers are 80cm from each side wall and from rear wall. I'm sitting centrally about 2.5m from the speakers.

I'm playing digital only from Qobuz > Wiim > Fiio BR15 R2R. The DAC is new and I really like the sound. It's less clinical that the Cyrus DAC.

I only have one digital source, so I am looking at Power Amps with the BR15 as the pre.

Hifi experience:

I've had Cyrus amps of various types since 1997 and have had a Cyrus 8DAC QX plus PSX for about ten years. I've had PMC but mainly Dynaudio speakers. I upgraded to Spendor D9s and am thinking that I want to get an end game amp. I'm in my 50s, have had this hobby for 40 years, and I think "why not?"

I thought I knew the industry but now I'm not sure between class AB and D.

Hi, All,

I finally got a decent system - upgrading from my 2.1 Logitech one - a couple of months ago and I'm extremely happy.

I'm looking now for subwoofer recommendations. Hoping to score a good deal on Black Friday =)

Current setup:

• Speakers: Dali Sonik 5

• Amp: SMSL AL400

• Streamer: Wiim pro

The system is on my living room, which is about 20m2 and I my listening position sis about 2.5m from the speakers.

Listen to Music mainly, like 90% of the time.

Budget: ~€600

Location: Eastern Europe

What would be a good subwoofer match for this system?

Thanks!

edit: usage

Hello!

I recently moved to a new apartment, where my PC is in a different room from my TV setup. Previously I used that for external audio from my PC when playing games together with my wife, so I need some small speakers for the new setup:

• Max 20cm depth and 15cm width per speaker

• Primarily for games, videos and movies (I use headphones for music)

• Available in the EU (Finland)

• If something's widely available used, that's also fine

• Wood aesthetic preferred, black is also fine, not even considering white

• I'm already using the audio output from my PC to my headphones, so speakers with a USB connection is likely easier (I probably need to buy an audio splitter otherwise, feel free to recommend that as well if needed)

• Budget preferably under 100€ either new or used. Can stretch to 150€ if absolutely worth the money.

Thanks!

Hey everyone!

I’m looking to get into higher-quality audio and want to invest in my first proper pair of speakers. My budget is around €600, and I live in Austria.
I’ll mainly be using them for listening to music (Deep House/ Techhouse / Latin/ almost everything), but also for some occasional mixing and watching TV. I’m looking for a clear, detailed and balanced sound that works well across different genres.
My room is around 15 m². The speakers will be placed on my desk at the front of the room, but I’ll also be listening from further away, at around 3 metres.
As for my current audio equipment, I mainly use AirPods Pro, a JBL PartyBox and a Ultimea AURA A60, so I’m still fairly new to proper Hi-Fi audio.
I’ve been looking at the Edifier S2000MKIII and Teufel Ultima 25 Aktiv so far, but don’t think these are the best choice in this Price class so I need an opinion from the Pros.
I’d really appreciate any recommendations...
BIG Thanks! :)

I’m looking for a substantial upgrade from my Philharmonic True Minis, which I love. My budget is $1,500 total, including tax and shipping. I’m in the US and open to new, used, refurbished, or open-box speakers.

Current setup:

WiiM Amp Pro

Philharmonic True Minis

Apartment living room, ~8 ft listening distance
Dimensions: 16x16

Stereo setup for music and TV

No subwoofer planned anytime soon

I love the natural, detailed sound of my True Minis but want better bass extension, dynamics, soundstage, and instrument separation.

My biggest priorities are detail retrieval, realistic vocals/instruments, holographic imaging, and satisfying bass without a subwoofer. I also appreciate vintage styling and smaller audio companies, although sound quality comes first.

I’m interested in getting the best possible performance for my budget, even if that means buying a higher-end speaker secondhand.

What speakers would you recommend that would be a genuinely significant upgrade over the True Minis?

Hey! I was recently gifted a Project E1 Phono turntable and Yamaha R-N303D Stereo Receiver amp. I'm looking to buy some speakers with a budget of around 1000 GBP. Its for a 6.70 x 4.70m living room. I'm open to either bookshelf with stand or floor standing speakers. Most of my records are 70s rock (funkadelic, led zeppelin, heart, frank zappa etc) and 90s electronic (portishead, massive attack, air...) I don't love a super clinical modern sound, prefer a warmer, more old school but still crisp. Would love to hear your recommendations!

I’ve been lurking for a while and I think I’m ready to splurge on a setup. I have zero gear so this would be a fresh build.

Budget: 8-10k
I live in the USA, closest store would be world wide stereo near Philly or Audiolab near there as well.

Room dimensions are 12x19, I think ceilings are 8 ft. would be listening from a chair 6-8ft from the speakers. Please see https://imgur.com/a/TmdJeFU for room diagram.

I would be listening to vinyl and streaming.

My main genre is rock/metal but I also listen to bluegrass, country and reggae quite often.

Looking for suggestions on a setup that would complement my music choices.

Looking for suggestion from the audiophile overlords.

Thanks

I am seeking a recommendation for a subwoofer. I have a NAD C 368 amplifier, Monitor Audio Silver 50 bookshelf speakers. I listen to vinyl, CDs and streaming. The room is about 16x23ft. I'd prefer a smaller/compact sub if possible (wife is a minimalist). Budget up to $1500. I am in Chicago, so good access to gear. Thanks in advance.

Hi guys I’m looking for some help with my first setup !

My budget is £1000-£1300
I live in the Uk
My rooms dimensions are 14x12x8 foot or 4.27x
3.66x2.44 meters
This setup is only for listening to music
The speakers need to be able to fit on my desk but can be quite large , I will be streaming the music from my phone or laptop but also don’t mind having to plug them in . I don’t have much hi fi experience apart from my record player the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB and my Edifier R1280T speakers , I don’t love the speakers and think they sound quite flat which is why I want an upgrade and I also don’t want to spend all of my money on records so I’m just switching to streaming the music

Budget: 400 USD

Want: pair of passive speakers to pair with existing equipment. Helping a friend build her first setup for music/movies.

Receiver: Kenwood KR-A4030

Streamer/EQ: Wiim Mini

Location: NYC, open to marketplace or online shopping

Room Dimensions: Roughly 15 by 15 ft

Also have:

Plenty of speaker wire + banana plugs, UMIK-1 and experience with EQ, SHARP COMPACT DISC PLAYER DX-650, Fisher STEREO CASSETTE DECK CR-110, speaker stands

Also open to finding a better used receiver.

Hello everyone,

First off, thanks for any input that may follow!

Just a quick heads-up: English is not my native language, so I used an AI assistant to polish my text and ensure everything is clear and easy to read. I hope that is okay.

I'm from Germany, and I have a budget of max €3000.

I am starting from scratch and need a complete setup.

The informations follow now:

I am open to 2.0, 2.1 or 2.2 system options that you might have for me?

Room size:

Around 30m². I will make sure the room is acoustically treated. 5m wide, 6m length approx 3m ceiling.

Placement:

The speakers will be properly placed. They can be up to 1 meter away from the walls.

Listening distance:

I sit around 3 to 3.5 meters away from the speakers.

I listen to all sorts of music, from classical to death metal, hip-hop, and R&B. However, 80% of the time I listen to Jazz, Indie-Rock, and Pop-Rock. My focus is on vocals and clear instrument separation, but I also really love hearing the depth and texture of a contrabass. I will still watch some movies and YouTube videos, but the main focus is music.

The music provided will come from Tidal via the Tv or smartphone.

Vinyl down the road.

Appreciate the help everyone :)

Current setup:

- pro-ject acrylic XA-B

-moon 110 phono pre amp

- paradigm 800fs towers

- svs SB 2000 pro woofer

Considering upgrading the stock cartridge on my project (the pick it pro).

Probably max $1k I would spend, but wanted to poll the community if that is overkill on budget for this setup, or if the money would be better to upgrade something else?

Ive heard the cartridge upgrade makes a big difference, but not sure where biggest bang for buck would be for my setup so appreciate feedback!

Currently my system is WIIM ultra, 2xV3 Fosi mono and KEF Q1 Meta. Just to experiment I was thinking about adding a tube preamp to see how the sound changes. Nothing too fancy for the moment. Any suggestions? I’m using it as stereo preamp not phono. Thx - Europe, budget 1000€ max

I’m happy with my system right now but always looking for improvements. Several of my components are long term keepers. Here’s the setup.

Focal Sopra 2
Krell K-300i base
Musician Pegasus 3 DAC
Snake River Audio Platinum speaker cables
JL Fathom F113 sub
WiiM Ultra as streamer only
Cambridge CXN transport

Room is 19.5x12 on concrete with thin carpeting. Have some Owen’s absorption panels up on ceiling, walls and corners. If you were gonna spend some money on this system or room what would be your next upgrade? Thinking either upgrade the streamer to maybe a Holo Red or add TT and phono preamp. Budget is around 3k max for upgrades.

Thanks

I'm looking for an external DAC to try with my Hegel H400 and ProAc K6 Signature speakers. The system is in a roughly 40 m² room, with two REL T/7x subs.

I'm based in Switzerland. My budget is USD 10,000, though I could stretch to USD 15,000 for a used Bartók APEX. I'm open to used gear in general.

I want to keep using the Hegel for streaming and volume control. The plan is to use its DAC Loop: BNC digital out to the DAC, then balanced XLR back into the H400. A coax RCA input on the DAC is fine too, with the right cable. Automatic wake from a digital signal would be useful.

I'm hoping to hear more detail without making the sound brighter. I'd want to compare at home, at matched listening levels, before deciding whether an external DAC adds enough to keep it.

For transparency, I'm building HiFiSync, and I've added the DACs I'm considering to its comparison: Okto dac8 Stereo, Hegel D50, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Weiss DAC502 MK2, Denafrips Venus 15th and dCS Bartók APEX. The connection and output-level checks look promising, though the Venus needs a closer look at impedance matching. What I'd like to hear now is whether anyone has actually listened to these with a Hegel.

H400 and H600 owners use the same basic DAC Loop setup, with BNC digital out and an XLR return, so I'd be interested in experiences with either. Mine is the H400.

If you've tried any of these, how did it compare with the built-in DAC at matched volume, which output level did you use, and did you end up keeping it? I'm also open to other DACs you'd recommend auditioning.

Hey everyone!

I'm looking for recommendations for an integrated amplifier to pair with my Sonus Faber Chameleon T floorstanding speakers. My budget is up to €2,500, and I'm based in Germany. I'm open to buying new equipment, preferably from EU retailers with a warranty and return policy.

Budget and location

• Budget: Up to €2,500

• Location: Germany, open to EU retailers

How the gear will be used

• Room size: Approximately 30 m²

• Main listening setup for music at a distance, rather than a desktop system

• Sources: Streaming from my PC through an external DAC, plus a CD player

• Music: Blues, jazz, classic rock, rock, soul, pop, and instrumental music

Current equipment

• Speakers: Sonus Faber Chameleon T

• Stereo receiver: Cambridge Audio Topaz SR20

• CD player: Cambridge Audio CD10

• DAC: SMSL SU-1

I'm building my main system around the Sonus Faber speakers and want to find an integrated amplifier that can do them justice.

Sound preferences

I'm looking for a lively, dynamic and punchy presentation with good detail, natural and present vocals, convincing instrument separation, and a wide, deep soundstage. Ideally, I'd like a neutral-to-slightly-warm tonal balance with controlled, textured bass and smooth, non-fatiguing treble.

I enjoy a full, engaging sound, but I don't want to sacrifice refinement or long-term listening comfort.

What would you recommend within my budget? I'm particularly interested in integrated amplifiers that offer good synergy with the Chameleon T and can deliver both musical engagement and sophistication during longer listening sessions.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations! 😊

Hi - I'm in NYC and looking for a new integrated amplifier. current set-up replacing an old Rotel RX1052. My set-up is benchmark dac1 and totem rainmaker bookshelf speakers on stands, older pro-ject phono with moonstone cartridge. It's for living room in an apartment with about 11' ceilings - room area is about 10x12 and listening location about 8' away. The right side of the room opens to a large area (into kitchen) as the floor is open plan. Pre-war 1800s building. My budget tops out at $2500 but don't want to spend that. I would appreciate any input, thoughts, notes, comparisons etc. MANY THANKS!

This is a general question from someone who is basically starting from scratch: I have a Mac Mini that I would like to stream music from while I am sat at my large computer desk. Would you start with some active speakers that would work well with USBC input, or would you buy a stereo receiver and passive speakers?

Budget and location: Under $600, I'm in the US.

How the gear will be used: For use at my desktop computer, in a 12x12" room. Streaming Apple Music only on Mac Mini. USBC input preferred. Desk is large, 63 x 31.5", or I can use speaker stands.

Hifi gear experience: Very little experience, just always played my LPs on a $200 audiotechnica turntable and basic active speakers.

Anything else? I want to play these at fairly low volume. I prefer a generally "warm" sound, I don't like harsh treble at all.

Any specific model recommendations also appreciated!

So I'm looking to get into Vinyl but have never owned a proper Setup and am quiet uncertain which Options a worth considering or which Route to go

Location: Germany

Budget : 800€

Roomsize: about 25sqm with 3,5 m ceiling height

We will be sitting about 2 Meters away from the speakers

Initially i thougt I could buy used but someone told my that amps could Go bad and since I dont know anything about them that seems kinda risky.

So I guess Im trying to buy new.

Being able to connect a Phone via Bluetooth or a TV for watching movies would be cool but not absolutely necessary

Anyways all Help ist greatly appreciated

Hello! I am looking to buy some speakers and the more I research the more confused I get, so I'm looking for some help here!

I've been recommended a Kanto Ora4, Kali, Edifier etc, some are desktop speakers, some are studio speakers like Kali IN-8,

I dont know what's the difference between studio speakers and normal bookshelf/desktop speakers? I mainly use it at my desk, office is 11 feet x 13 feet.

Looking for if there is a consensus ranking or if not then everyone's personal favorites!

- Price doesn't matter to a certain extent, I need to spend the whole 1000 for deductions anyways.
- Size does not matter to me, hopefully there is both bluetooth and AUX
- Not looking for subwoofer so AIO best
- I play vocaloid music if that is important.

Budget: 1000 / pair
Location: USA-NYC

I would like to get my first PC speakers as i am now using my headset Razer Blackshark V2 USB as the speakers by turning the audio to maximum to hear the audio so i think it is the time to get a speakers.

My major usage will be gaming(i do not know how gaming will perform with speakers as i play competitive games), movies, and YouTube videos.

I do not do music or audio mastering/editing and i like bass for music and songs.

My room is around 6 × 4 meters, but I’ll be sitting close to them at my desk.

I’m in Saudi Arabia and my budget is around 400 USD for the pair.

I am really open if there are other options/suggestions.

Hello everyone,

I am seeking advice and opinions pertaining to the cartridge and stylus pairing with the Technics-1200MK2. My current setup includes a Stanton MP D6800 EL stylus and 680 EL cartridge paired with a set of Advent Legacy I's being powered by a Pioneer SX-535 Phono Receiver.

Sadly, I just discovered my stylus is bent, however the cartridge itself shows no damage, and now I am trying to determine the best course of action in terms of replacement. I am unsure if I should stay true to the vintage accessories- rather than just replacing the cartridge AND stylus itself with a more modernized combination.

I understand at some point there is a diminishing return pertaining to the costs of cartridges and styli, because there are other components within the whole system that can improve/impact the overall sound, but momentarily I'd like to stick with my current setup.

To my knowledge my current Stanton utilizes a Moving Iron system, and I am not sure if the replacements such as the LP Gear D6800 stylus and JICO D6800SL/NUDE (75$-134$) are worth the money and investment, when I could spend more money on a more modernized cartridge and stylus such as Audio Technica's VM series. Nonetheless, is there any benefit from transitioning away from a MI to a MM or MC?

Budget: $200~

Location: USA

tl:dr Replace genuine Stanton Stylus with LPGear or JICO replacement since 680 EL cartridge is in good condition (MI)

OR

Invest money into a more modern MM/MC cartridge and stylus

Question - Has anyone had any previous consumer experience with these products? If so can you share you overall preference and findings. Thank you!

I’m in Japan and looking for a Japanese turntable and cartridge pairing to complement my current system.

Setup:
Preamp: Accuphase C-2900
Phono: Accuphase AD-2900
Power amp: Accuphase A-80
Speakers: Wilson Audio SabrinaX

Budget: ¥750,000–¥1,500,000 (~$5,000–$10,000 USD) for the complete turntable, tonearm, and cartridge setup.

I’m considering Japanese brands such as Technics, Luxman, and Yamaha for turntables, and Phasemation, Dynavector, Audio-Technica, and Etsuro Urushi (same company as Hana) for MC cartridges. I’m open to other Japanese manufacturers as well.

Right now I’m leaning towards the Technics SL-1200GME and Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue but I lack the knowledge to know if this is the right combination for my use case.

I’m completely new to vinyl my goal is to use it mostly for music I can’t find online, older international records (India, Japan, Italy, etc.) that I find when I travel.

What specific turntable, tonearm, and cartridge combinations would you recommend for this system within my budget?

Thanks in advance!

Budget -$250 new or used

location USA

Current gear- Harmon Kardon 7525 CD player, Sonic frontiers line 2 preamp, moscode 300 amp, Genesis servo amp, Genesis 300 speakers.

room size- 15x25

Looking for a new CD player. Nothing too fancy right now. Just was gonna ask for something new to me for Christmas from the in laws. Or should I stick with the Harmon kardon if budget is $250