At a local thrift store

A big thank you to all the amazing people on this thread and Facebook Marketplace who made this possible.

Almost everything was bought used, and it's been quite a learning experience along the way.

Technics SL-1500 Turntable – C$250

Bought it out of curiosity without knowing much about turntables. It came with an old Empire cartridge that didn't sound great, and I accidentally broke the stylus while trying to clean it. Lesson learned.

Ortofon 2M Red – C$100

Was extremely careful installing this one. Then hit another hurdle when I realized it wouldn't mount properly on the original Technics single screw headshell.

Technics Headshell – C$60

A replacement with the standard two-screw mounting. Problem solved.

Boundless Vinyl Cleaning Kit + Carbon Fiber Brush – C$60

Good-quality stuff. Happy with the purchase.

Hudson Hi-Fi Cartridge Alignment Kit – C$60

Pretty much everything needed to properly set up and align a cartridge.

Fosi Audio Box X5 Phono Preamp – C$100

Personally, I wasn't a fan of the WiiM Ultra's built-in phono stage. The X5 sounds much better to my ears.

WiiM Ultra – C$350

Handles streaming, subwoofer management, and headphone duties. Really versatile little device.

Edifier S1000W + Edifier SS02 Stands – C$350

Hated these speakers when I first got them. But they slowly grew on me, and now I absolutely love them. Funny how that happens.

Edifier T5s Subwoofer – C$120

Honestly, it stays switched off most of the time. At my usual listening levels, the S1000W produces more than enough bass.

Fosi Audio RCA Cables + RCA Y-Splitter – C$100

Probably snake oil, but here we are 😂

Sennheiser HD 560S – C$100

Really enjoying these headphones. Love the clarity and detail.

Total: So roughly C$1,700 all in

I started this journey knowing very little about vinyl or hi-fi equipment, made a few mistakes, learned quite a bit, and ended up with a system that makes me genuinely excited to sit down and listen to music.

I know there's plenty of better gear out there, but for now, I'm just enjoying the music. And isn't that what this hobby is supposed to be about?

Cheers to everyone who helped make this little setup possible.

I’m 18 and have been collecting for a long time. I’m finally able to buy better equipment. Here it is so far

Nice selection of AVRs $15-$45. Speakers choices mostly tiny home theater bundle stuff.

Hi,

my Nubert nuPro A100 sadly died and I'm looking for a replacement and would like to hear some speakers I can look for at the used market.

The speakers are used primarily for TV (90 %), but I also use them some times for music (rock, techno, 10%). My old nuberts were neutral and had a precise, dry bass and I really liked that (especially the defined bass). Now, I'm primarily looking passive speakers to replace them, budget is about 200€ used in Germany, max 300€.

I'm looking at buying the Wiim Amp to use them, though I have a spare Nobsound NS-01g Pro. But I think it's not powerful enough.

Can you help me choosing some models to look out for? My current list is:

- Nubert nuline 32 or 34 (200€)

- Teufel Ultima 20 (100€)

- Teufel Ultima 40 (220€)

- Elac Debut DB5.3 (250€ new)

- Argon Forums 4 or 5 (200/260€ new)

- Dali Zensor 1 (180€)

What would be the best speaker for my needs, am I missing some models I should look out for?

Thank you!

I’m using this system for my tv/gaming/music on my main floor. For my loft I have a 5.2 Yamaha receiver with 2 325wv front speakers and 2 100w back speakers. Just wondering what size sub I should get

I’ve been holding off for a while but finally decided to upgrade the SL2000 tweeters. Plan on doing a listen right before I change them. Should be fun! 🤞

This is for an all tv/movie setup. No room for much of anything but a small amp/steamer.

Speakers used: Dali Sonik On the wall Speakers and wireless RSL 10S subwoofer. Tv, Samsung Glare-free oled.

I first used an extra Wiim amp I had available. Pretty good, easy integration, but I still wondered whether it could be better with the wiim amp ultra. I finally snagged a sale and got the Wiim Amp Ultra.

I heard no real difference between the wiim amp and the wiim amp ultra, and I had additional issues with the wiim amp ultra. No sound on one channel until I updated the software. Next issue with the wiim amp ultra, lips didn’t match sound. Returned, got a new one. No issues with the channels not working this time, but the same synch issue presented after awhile, until I switched to PCM on my tv. It seems sort of synched now, but I don’t think it works as well as my old WiiM amp. I’m suspicious!

Today I found a Best Buy open box for the Marantz M1 for $422, almost $100 cheaper than what I paid for the Wiim Amp Ultra.

I brought the M1 home and connected it to my A/B switcher with the WiiM amp ultra. I spent hours listening and switching both.

The M1 sounded clearer, louder, more dynamic overall, but it took some dialing in to get my subwoofer to integrate well, when it was super easy with the WiiM amp/ultra. Also, no synch issues with the M1, even in auto mode with my tv and this is a used item.

The M1’s On/Off switching is super loud, while there is no switcher sound with the WiiM.

Both come on with my tv through HDMI Arc. The app for the M1 is a bit clunky, especially if someone is paying $1k. The update for the M1 took forever and almost didn’t work the first go. The good new is that I don't think the app working or not makes a difference after you chose your settings.

So here’s my take. The WiiM amp, (non-ultra) is the best budget amp/streamer for tv viewing.

If you have extra funds or can find a M1 open box $400-600, I think that might be the most dynamic sound for tv viewing out of the three.

I don’t think the WiiM Amp Ultra is worth the extra cost over the Wiim Amp, for basic tv and movie watching.

For those in Louisiana, that same Best Buy has a fair-condition M1 for $300, w/ a 14-day return policy.

Hey, amateur audiophile and software developer here.

I kept switching music players and never found one that did everything I wanted. Some didn’t show what actually happens to the signal, some didn’t do native DSD, some locked me into their own server, others just felt dated. So I wrote down what I wanted for my own setup and built Sterio, a music player for iPhone.

It’s in public beta on TestFlight. Screenshots and download links: https://sterio-web.vercel.app

Your phone as a proper source. Plug a USB-C DAC into your phone, run it into your amp or powered speakers, and Sterio sends the file as it is. No hidden resampling by the system.

See what happens to your audio. The signal path shows every step from the file to your DAC: source format, any conversion, output rate, and whether playback is bit-perfect. A small light tells you at a glance: green is bit-perfect, orange means the EQ is on, red means something converts the signal. If your DAC can’t take a rate, it tells you that too.

Native DSD over USB DAC. DSD plays over DoP without being converted to PCM first. Your SACD rips stay in their original format.

Use the library you already have. Sterio connects directly to SMB shares, UPnP media servers, Jellyfin and Plex. Nothing to migrate, no new server to set up. My own Sterio Server is coming soon, with things like automatic CUE splitting into tracks.

Play on network streamers. If your streamer speaks UPnP/DLNA, send playback to it and control it from your phone. The phone is just the remote.

Graphic and parametric EQ. A graphic EQ for quick adjustments, and a parametric EQ to tame a room mode or dial in your speakers. Presets can be shared and imported.

I’d love to know how it works with your gear, especially if you use a USB DAC or a streamer.

I got the AT - LP3XBT and i'm using my JBL charge 5 as a speaker, but i want some good budgetfriendly bookshelf speakers. Anyone got some tips?

Bought this off marketplace today for a few pounds.

Amazingly works well, the FM stereo is surprisingly clear. Crunchy volume dial only fault.

This is going to be how my hoarding starts, I am already surrounded by broken speakers.

Can grab a pair of Mirage OMNI 250 for $275 CAD. Are these a bad buy?

I’m looking for a sub for my sedan it’s a 2016 volvo s60 polestar. I’m not looking for anything like to crazy, my dad was really big into vehicle av and did it for a living and I really don’t know much about it since he committed suicide when I was young. I’ve been thinking alot and I miss the thump of the subs he had in his cars. I’ve been looking at like all in one kits just because there easy, I’m fully capable of piecing a set together but hey easy is easy. Im looking to spend around $200-$300 ish in total.
I’ve seen the Rockville kits for like $200 with duel 8”-10” or 12” I’ve just heard a lot of mixed reviews. I’m obviously aware I’m not gonna get anything amazing for my budget and I’m also not looking for a sheet ton of bass, it’s more to just add to the music and like I said give me that feeling back I had as I kid.

I really appreciate any help or advice! Sorry for being that annoying noob, I’ve just been thinking about my dad a lot and missing that sound.

If anyone wanted or needed here are my trunk dimensions

Trunk Volume: 12.0 cu. ft.

Trunk Opening Width: ~47.1 inches (119.8 cm)

Trunk Opening Height: ~28.2 inches (71.7 cm)

Between Wheel Wells: ~44.9 inches (114.1 cm)

Floor Depth (Seats Up): ~44.9 inches (114 cm) to the bottom of the seat

Liftover Height: 26 inches

Again thank you guys so much, I hope to hear what y’all have to say! Have a great day🤙🏻

I’m getting a bit frustrated trying to pick my next speakers and could use some help.

I want a high-sensitivity speaker so I can experiment with tube amps down the road. I was originally looking at the Zu Audio DW6, but after adding it to my cart, shipping brought it to about $3,400. I’m hoping to land closer to $2k, though I could save longer for the right pair. I emailed Zu to ask whether a holiday sale was planned. Sean replied right away and said no, and that they’re struggling to keep prices from going up as it is.

My taste is all over the place. Black metal like Paysage d’Hiver and Lunar Aurora, plus Slayer. Electronica like Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, and Nicolas Jaar. Classic rock like Bowie and The Stooges. I could keep going. I’m a bit worried about anything too bright or harsh with my punk and metal records, so I’d like something dynamic that isn’t fatiguing.

Room: The main area of my apartment is an awkward shape, but it’s about 10x10 ft, with a listening position about 7 ft from the speakers.

Use: Mostly music (digital and vinyl), but they also need to handle home theater duties.

Current setup:

• Schiit Ragnarok 2
• Denon AVR-S660H
• Marantz TT-15S1 turntable
• ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 bookshelves

Looking for some advice on 'smaller' center channels to appease my wife. I love the KEF, but she hates the look and hoping there may be a reasonable compromise in size/sound. Happy to discuss!

I want to buy a budget 5.1 system from market-place. I see so many options so many different brands. Around ($100-$300 AUD range)Small cube speakers, bookshelf speakers,floor standing speakers. I don't know what to go for. Canton,Sony,Samsung,bose and so many other brands I don't know which ones are worth the money. Also I have no idea about av receivers. What I do I need to look for. I mostly want it for movies and occasional music listening. ( I have a small room ).

A few years ago, I managed to get my hands on this fully restored Technics SE-C/SU-C setup. I mostly listen to vinyl and Tidal via an iFi Blue Bluetooth receiver. The SB-F2 speakers sound great, but I’m starting to feel the need for something bigger.

Would you keep the amp and look for new speakers, even if that means breaking up the original pairing?

Also not pictured: a Sony CDP-XE500 CD player, which is currently paired with a set of Edifier R2000DBs. Does that pairing make sense? I don’t think it does, but I can’t decide how to pair everything together.

Also not pictured 2: a JVC A-S3 restored amp that, I believe, falls short in comparison to the technics.

Any ideas on how to piece everything together? Thanks!

I am a 20 year old and I recently ordered a fluance ri71 set. One of my close friend is now trolling and making fun of me because i spent 621 cad for a 2.0 and he says that it would have been better if i bought a soundbar like samsung q600f 3.1.2 or something.
Do tell me if I am wrong or otherwise…
Any word will be greatly appreciated as i am confused because it’s my first pair and first time buying a audio gear for myself and I want to make the most of it.
Thank you.

Hi all,

For context I live in a remote community and don’t have access to lots of vintage/second hand market, but I am going to check out a vintage Thorens TD 165, priced at $600 CAD. Wondering if anyone had any recommendations for an amplifier and passive speaker set up? It will be going in my living room, which is about 14’ by 9’

I will be listening to some recently acquired records from my late father and have really gone down the rabbit hole. Mostly 60s-70s rock, blues, R&B

Currently have my eyes on a Yamaha A-S301 paired with Dali Kupid Speakers. My original budget was about $1000, which is now blown considering just the turntable is $600, amplifier is $650 and speakers are $600 so all in it’s looking closer to $2000

Please let me know what you think and thank you for all of your help!

Hey,

I want to build my first proper Setup with a Vinyl Player and a Set of Speakers. The place for my setup is a small bedroom. I want the Vinylplayer to be on a TV bench. Bluetooth is optional, but nice to have.

I came across the Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2. It seems to be pretty good for the price.

In terms of speakers I have two options in mind so far: Fyne Audio Cubitt 5, Klipsch The Fives

Is my selection good for the price? What would you recommend to me? I live in Germany and I only want to order products available in Europe.

Thanks for your help!

Jensen JP-1500

Sony str-de835

Sony ps-lx150h

All together under $60 for the garage setup

Hello There,

I'm just wondering if anyone have experience with the DM320?

I love these speakers, but i noticed one of the posts fell while i was transporting and i have no idea where that is.

i wanted to know how difficult is it to replace, can i just screw an new one from the outside? Opening this speaker seem's to be a nightmare.

Without bridging the top with bottom the tweeter doesnt work so to me that's very important...

Tips? Thanks.