HI I want to buy an budget DAC for my active speaker My question is, SMSL SU-1 and FiiO BR13 What is the best of these two DAC devices, what is the difference between them, and which DAC is better in terms of sound quality
Even the high end system is very cheap in my world! This money doesn't even buy one of the subwoofers I use, in my surround sound system. Value is so relative that we often get tied up in the price instead of the performance, even I get caught up with this. Don't fall for the same mistakes as me or you will have insurance that costs more than just the mid price system!😊
Sticking around the $1000 level, one could go with the Emotiva TA1, the B2+ speakers and the Wiim Mini… and a vintage turntable like, a Phillips 312 with an Ortofon 5m Cartridge… except, you can’t get… the B2+ anymore… or the B1+… (sigh)
Two pairs of RP-600RP and a single RP-504C would make a great starter system. Same with two pairs of RP-160M and a single RP-450C. Paired with a Monolith 12” THX for the subwoofer.
Same here. And I'm not into "streaming" at all. And the Cheap Audio Man looooves to talk about his Wiim mini like it's the best thing since sliced bread! Aside from that, I still find his uploads very informative. 👍🏻
Well go get that class A/B amp soon. They're going to make them illegal . 50% efficient consumer electronics will be banned. They can't manage an "Energy Star" rating & just like window ACs next spring or OLED tv's in the EU the legislatures will make laws to satiate the Greenies. Reggae, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
How about starting with an Emotiva MC1 and the SE8/12? And put in an amp and speakers that you can afford. With time a better amp and/or speakers can be added an the existing moved to surround, back, or height.
Nice options and great discussion video. I personally would get the best system you could afford to avoid the dreaded upgradeitis. Also don’t buy anything until you listen to it. Buy at least one thing from a Hifi store so you can listen to as much gear as possible without feeling like a freeloader. Don’t agree on buying the wiim at all as a good quality digital input is important. Would consider the new eversolo streamer over this. A vinyl based system is a big investment when you consider how many records you want buy and how expensive they are. Can get similar sound with a higher end system or a really good cd transport with a higher end R2R dac . CD’s and streaming are dirt cheap vs records.
Fantastic video. I would love to see a video that integrates hdmi eARC, so I can control volume (in one stage) on my 2 channel system hooked up to a TV. Also, I haven’t tried it yet-does the wiim pro have any delay sync issues (audio-video) when using it with RU-vid/Prime/streaming-video? Thanks for a great channel!
I fully disagree with bookshelf speakers all the way through. You'd be doing yourself a disservice to not eventually get into a pair of tower speakers. Yes the subwoofers help fill in the bookshelf speakers but they can only do that so much considering the bookshelf speakers are only two way speakers with small drivers and small cabinets.
I'm in a similar camp, got the WiiM Pro, DX3Pro+ DAC/Pre/HP, then I just use any decent amp. May pickup the Fosi in the near future cause its cool. Linton as my got to speaker right now with EQ.
Sorry if I keep saying this, but this video is a lifesaver! For someone like me who's trying to figure out my music style and put together a great sound system without breaking the bank, this video is perfect. I've looked everywhere online and watched tons of reviews, but hardly any recommended good options for different budgets - cheap, middle, and high-end. This video does just that, making it easier to mix and match based on what I can afford.
Great episode! Can I ask a favor? Could you diagram what goes into what? I’m a newbie and need to see some pictures - with an an explanation or what each component does. Thanks!
I totally came here to ask this same thing. I want to use my PC as the source for all my audio and video, but it's hard to know which pieces he's talking about are relevant to my application. Having a diagram would help me know what I do and don't need. And while I'm here, it would be great to have an overview of what each piece of the system does/adds/provides and what you lose if you don't include a certain piece. This would help me know which things I can get one-at-a-time, versus what I need to get together. Also, what I'm listening for to see if any given piece is doing what I want.
My "Budget System": Paradigm Phantom v3 floor standing speakers off FBMP for $100. Arylic B50 receiver/amp for $150. Old speaker wire & banana plugs I found in the closet. The result? It's fantastic.
I’m still surprised you would spend more on watches than on stereo equipment. Listening to music provides more enjoyment to me than wearing a watch but we all have to set our own priorities. Enjoy either way 😃👍
Even though it's the simple things in life that may often bring us the most joy, being able to explore life through varying choices and options can be a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing your wish lists with us! Great food for thought (or music for our ears).
Thanks for this awesome overview! As a noob targeting the budget category, two questions: 1) How is the subwoofer wired in? I dont see a subwoofer out on the V3 2) It seems not ideal to connect turntable to analog input of wiim, then convert to digital to get to DAC, only to then go back to analog into the V3? Or am I overthinking this.
Each one with his/her own preferences, but my take is that if I ended up with the 5020s, with a budget of 5.5k, surely I'd have done something really wrong.
My system is about $6k-$7k, I got the Topping Pre-90 / D90, Emotiva DR-2 Amp, Tekton Pendragon Towers, SVS SB-2000 SUB, Node-2i Streamer, and for my personal tastes of adding sparkle and bass to metal music, I added a BBE 882i Sonic Maximizer.
I bought the V3 with 48 volt power supply as a way to confirm that I need to move on from vintage equipment. I was surprised and impressed with the improvement over a 50 year old McIntosh amp. Gave me the confidence to purchase a Schiit Vidar 2 to power inefficient speakers. V3 now residing in my office. What a tremendous value. Also learned more about class D amps. In the words of Mr Spock “fascinating’”
There are some real jewels within the vintage HIFI era. I bought a Phase Linear system in 1977 and have had it ever since. But mainly I bought it because I heard Phase Linear was going to discontinue home stereo equipment. It's nice to own something almost impossible to buy today. I did have a new cap refresh in 2003 but other than that, this system literally rocks the house.
ikr? i am currently in the same boat. i was only ever considering old used hifi gear because it was affordable. and for speakers i would still stand by it but for electronics...at some point you just HAVE to accept the fact, its not 1980 anymore and electronics evolved and with each passing year it will also become harder and harder to find actualy good condition used gear because it wont be produced anymore and gets older and older. and i do notice that alot while browsing used gear online. 2-3 years ago it was way easier to find some cool deals and nowadays most of the stuff i see is actually... old electrical-junk... for the most part. do i really want to gamble on a used fat brick amp that heats up my room to 50 degrees in summer and pulls a bazillion watts from the wall while taking up huge amounts of space from 1980... if an actual up to date class d amp for 100-150 bucks, that i can put anywhere because its so small can do the same thing, prob even better and is way more future proof on top? i actually dont think so anymore. speakers have not really changed that much... but electronics? i think electronics in the last 10 years evolved more than they did in the last 100 years... some of the tech feels almost ancient by now. its such an AWESOME time to live in for hifi if you think about it. finally tech is evolving rapidly and you can get so much new cool stuff thats really affordable for everyone. some of the chifi stuff today, i think would of been expensive as hell a couple years ago.
Wow! This is very helpful. I am profoundly grateful for your invaluable recommendations of high-quality, cost-effective components and systems that harmonize so well together. It's an absolute delight to learn and experiment with these resources. Your guidance has truly enriched my experience. Thank you immensely.
@ cheapaudioman. I like your picks for the first and 2nd tier systems, however, Coming from another audio enthusiast that can't spend a fortune and being serious now, how much better is the top tier system when compared to the first two systems? I mean for $4000 more than the mid tier system, I would expect the sound difference to be DRASTIC. If it is a marginal difference, I wouldn't even consider it. While I like a good sounding system, I am also practical and feel that if you feel you need to buy a sound system that cost as much as a luxury sedan, you need to have your head examined by a professional.
If one has the time and the financial resources to spend the equivalent of a luxury sedan or more on a HiFi system then why do you care enough to judge them or their sanity? That makes zero sense. It's not your money they're spending. It's their money. Do you now understand the difference? Perhaps you need your head examined since you are, by your own admission, bothered by those who choose to spend a lot of money on a HiFi system because they can. That's not a them problem. That's a YOU problem.
@@moonytheloony6516 I guess you never heard of the laws of diminishing returns, or you don't care what you waste your money on. It pisses me off that these esoteric companies can get away with charging ridiculous amounts of money for marginal improvements in sound. THAT's my point. I mean, would you spend 10k on a bagel? Well, I guess you would because you don't get my point.
Nice vid! Im still debating between an Akitika vs a big Emotiva amp. I dont mind assembly, you still like your old Akitika? I think they have new descreet kits now which intrigues me
@cheapaudtioman On the budget system, why not just go with a WiiM Pro+ instead of a combo of the WiiM Pro and the SMSL SU-1. I believe it would be slightly less expense (maybe $10-20 less) than the separate units, and they appear to both use the same AKM4493S chipsets for the DACs, no? I'm trying to setup a little office system and have a BT20A Pro and some KEF Q150s. I currently just Bluetooth from my computer, but want to upgrade the audio sound a bit. Wouldn't the WiiM Pro+ just provide the easiest and somewhat least expensive option?
Found your channel just in time--had some Cambridge issues and am about to purchase another integrated amp/dac for my office 2 channel system. Thanks for your work and content!
Okay, bought the V3, Pro, su-1 and 48v 5amp power supply. I already have a sub woofer. Being an absolute beginner, how do I connect it all up? Any help appreciated.
HI I want to buy an budget DAC for my active speaker My question is, SMSL SU-1 and FiiO BR13 What is the best of these two DAC devices, what is the difference between them, and which DAC is better in terms of sound quality
What would you add/do differently if you also wanted to listen with headphones? I wish Schiit made a Saga with a headphone amp like preamps of ye olden days. (Syn does stuff I don’t want/need.)
Hi! I was wondering could you do a video on what cables you buy and how to connect all these up? I think it would be good for newbies like myself - thanks so much for your awesome channel ☺️
Why not get an all-in-one streamer, DAC, and preamp (with power amp) like the Aiyima T9 or the Douk Audio ST-01 Pro? Is there any real benefit to getting different devices for each part of the chain?
Hi everyone! After hours of research and reviews watched I decided to build my first hifi setup. Based on what i saw in many of your videos I got a WIIM pro as a receiver, a smsl su-1 dac and a fosi audio v3 (48v)amp, all together with sony sscs5 speakers and polk audio PSW10e woofer. The problem is i am not sure how to put them together, especially the woofer ( there is no sub out on any of the devices) . So please if anyone can help me and reply to my comment it would be much appreciated 🙏
I am confused and cannot seem to find an answer for why would you input an record player (line in) to a digital streamer? I run a turntable into a pre-amp then the RCA jacks into my 1979 Hitachi HA5700. So why into the WIIN? What is the benefit to this? Sorry for my ignorance on this. Thanks
I'm curious, I am currently trying to put together a system myself. So, I don't have any experience with different amps and such, or really know what "sound" I like quite yet. but wouldn't it be better to not spend a ton of money on a bunch of lower end amps like the fosi products and get something a little more quality like something from Cambridge Audio or NAD? especially with the mid and upper tier setups here?
Taking into account all the expenses that vinyl entails (tt, cartridges, phono, and last but not least, the lps themselves) vs the sq improvement they bring (none objectively, but tastes may vary), I think the "Cheap" Audio Man should skip them alltogether.
I have the Wiim mini (purchased just before the pro came out) and an SMSL SU-1. I was was considering a bluesound node before getting the Wiim so borrowed one. I think the wiim sounds better. Haven't heard the Q Acoustics you recommend, but do like them as a brand. I have a separate 7.1 home cinema setup with 3010s all around, it sounds amazing. I tried a pair on my hifi, they lack bass, but this doesn't matter in the AV setup with a Sub.
I have my turntable picked out, I have my pre amp picked out, but I am lost on speakers and an amp. I only want a setup for a turntable. Really figuring out the amp is the most difficult issue I’m having. My audio equipment knowledge is whatever is lower than the lowest possible level 🤣
With the knowledge I have today. I would have stuck with my Yamaha RN803 receiver and B&O S80 speakers from 4 years back. I spent a lot of money trying Chifi to Vintage gear. I have so much gear I'm looking at right now.
I’m looking at the RT82 - but the website says it doesn’t have a built in pre-amp… am I missing something or is it just that the version of the 82 he’s talking about 8 months ago isn’t available any more?
While individual component recommendations are certainly beneficial, receiving comprehensive end-to-end system recommendations with these individual parts is truly invaluable. Thank you so much for your assistance.
seeing as q acoustics is cheaper in EU, for the same price wouldn't the concept 30s be a better value? they are 150e apart here. Im still unsure of what to buy
That Pro-Ject tube box S2 is badass! I love mine, for my Debut Carbon Evo with the Sumiko Ranier cartridge which is awesome! And that TT is great for upgradeability as well as best value for sound quality for the price. Going to a Cambridge CXA-81 with Elac Carina speakers which are the best Elac bookshelves at $1k, which are highly versatile with ALL genres of music! TV optic in to the CXA-81 for streaming and a rel t7x for one of the best subs for music out there. And yeah, it rocks as well as great for jazz and nuanced music.
Wow, cool video but I can’t help but think how complicated all these different components are when there are much simpler options for listening these days.
The advice I've been waiting for. This an amazing video with some great advice for us all. Thank you so much for pulling this all together into baseline systems with mix and match options. I think anyone starting out will be very happy with any of these setups. Thank you so much for bringing this all together, your time, and effort sharing this with us all. Stay well, Sir.
@@carlsitler9071 Get 2 of them and run them as "monoblocks" and then tell me how you feel about them. The result is truly impressive, especially with the Sparkos opp amps.
At the moment, I am listening to Ram Jam via a WIIM mini into an SMSL SU-1 into a Fosi Audio V3 with 48v 5A power supply into some JBL A170 towers, and it is AWESOME! I think you should review the A170s. They are a great match to the cheap chinese class D amps like the A07 and V3 - A nearly perfect two channel setup for very cheap money.
I have a wiim mini and SMSL SU-1 too. Really happy with them. I couldn't find a decent afordable DAC for ages. I had borrowed a couple that would have cost between £100 and £200 that sounded no better than an old £20 fiio taishan I had been using. Then I ordered the SMSL SU-1 unheard based on all the positive reviews. I wasn't disappointed.
Randy, those are all pretty decent set ups. I guess my question is why piece meal all these separate components in all your budget levels. Just wondering why a traditional Integrated amp like the Yamaha A-S801 or a Denon equivalent wasn't considered. 3-5 little amps, dacs, pre-amp and the such just seem too clunky IMO.
I would say go buy an A/B amp with a DAC on the used market. Go for a recent model. Find speakers the same way. You could build a decent system under $500.
Only problem is when you need to upgrade (or something breaks) you need to put a huge amount of $ at once (and in one place). Also, i believe the target for this video is audiophile enthusiasts who’d like to get in the hobby. On the other hand, to spend just 900$ out of 5500 on speakers is insane for me. But, as he said, it’s just his preference.
I love your vids and respect your opinion. But being a vintage guy my list would be extremely different with less pieces at each tier. BUT I completely love and respect dacs, so that would be the only new/modern piece. Your top tier, I`d use Adam 3 way speakers (self powered, and GNARLY good). They are pricey but I my builds focus more on speakers, and vintage speakers can be the size of a mini fridge - which I understand alot of people can`t fit into their room. But guys, don`t over look vintage - just do your research and spent time listening.
Randy, I am surprised that you, being the Cheap Audio Man, haven't reviewed any of the Heco Aurora speakers. Have you planned on reviewing these, because you are probably aware of the brand. Jeff G.
You should do a vid on garage sale and thrift store system for cheap. My brother wanted a cheap system for his garage last month so he gave me 200 bucks and I hit the thrift stores and garage sales. I came back four hours later with a Denon 3806 with a working original remote for 50 bucks, 4 Polk monitor 7 that looked like crap but drivers were in great shape for 40 bucks. Found a 10 inch sub that is made from 3 different subs, has a huge amp and weighs 83 pounds, works fantastic for 30 bucks. Went to his house and dropped off the 200 pounds of gear and gave him his 80 bucks left over with a list of cables and connections he should get. Set it up the next weekend and brought over a old Dynaudio center channel I was using as a rear in my Crown vic. Sounds very good and his neighbors are not very happy.
Thank you Sir! You don't know how helpful this was for me. I just want people to tell an end to end system that works for them. Thank you for mentioning this in three layers of budgets!
I really enjoyed this video as it is relevant for me at this time. I want to revamp a 25 year old 3.1 system connected to a Samsung TV for TV sound and streaming mostly through Pandora and some BT from music on my iPhone. Some of the other streaming sources sound interesting. The room is our "great room" in an open floor plan - not that large (retirement home). I would like to go to a 2.1 system and here are my thoughts. I welcome all comments. For a streamer/DAC/preamp I was thinking of the Bluesound Node X. For a power amp, I like the Crown XLS 2502 (the incremental cost of going big is not that much and it will be the last power amp I buy). For L/R speakers I like the Emotiva B1+ and I like the SVS SB1000 Pro for a subwoofer. I don't need a turntable. I know these are all safe choices but that is why I like them. Comments please.
Great choices! Definitely agree on the Crown amps being a great choice-theyre powerful, sound phenomenal, are built to last and cost very little. Also agree you can't go wrong with an SVS sub-excellent performance and good quality, reputable brand. On the other side of the coin, I don't think DACs are that important and almost anything sounds good and essentially indistinguishable from each other. Certainly not enough to matter with room acoustics and placement being far, far more important. Speakers are 85%, the room and/or correction 10% and amps/dacs the last 5%. I like emotiva products but think they should be compared to at least 1 good soft dome speaker and 1 good metal dome tweeter design to see what you prefer. Personally I lean towards soft dome 90% of the time from companies like wharfedale or dynaudio and also like a well tuned metal dome from focal or monitor audio. All that said I'd be shocked if Kali LP6, LP8 or IN5/8 and a decent $300 sub like Emotiva didn't outperform passives in most areas. Add in room correction and I'd put it up against anything passive double their price. The only tricky part is finding an affordable Preamp/reciever with LCR preouts for surround sound but for 2.1 it's easy to find a few from Topping and SMSL.
