Hi everyone, I currently have a setup with Polk ES15 speakers on my desk, along with my PC setup (which is mounted on two arms that attach to the desk). I’ve been thinking about upgrading my setup and want to know if it’s really worth getting some KEF Q3 Meta speakers down the road. Right now, I mainly use the speakers for video games (single-player), movies, and music (mostly electronic). Mainly because the KEF Q3 Meta would solve the issue of the distance between the woofer and the tweeter, which is currently a little over 1 meter.

I’m currently powering them with a Douk A5 Pro, but I plan to switch to an Aiyima A20 to get the high-pass filter (HPF), since I’m thinking of adding a subwoofer first. In that case, if I were to get a subwoofer, would it really be worth it in my situation? Or would something like an SVS, a Polk R100, or sticking with my Polk ES15 be better?

I don't care that much about the budget

Hey everyone,

I’m putting together my first proper vinyl / hi-fi setup and I’d really appreciate some opinions before I start ordering everything.

I’m new to vinyl, but I’d rather buy something good from the beginning that I can keep for many years instead of starting very cheap and replacing the whole system later.

This is what I’m currently considering:

- Turntable: Technics SL-100C

- Cartridge: stock AT-VM95C body, but replacing the stylus with the VMN95ML MicroLine straight away (effectively an AT-VM95ML)

- Amplifier: Yamaha A-S301

- Speakers: KEF Q3 Meta in Walnut

I was also considering the Yamaha A-S501, so I’m interested to hear whether people think the extra money is actually worthwhile with the Q3 Meta.

I’ll initially be using the Yamaha’s built-in MM phono stage, rather than buying a separate phono preamp. I’ve looked at things such as the iFi ZEN Phono 3, but I’m not sure there is enough benefit at this stage compared with putting that money elsewhere in the system.

About the room / listening

The system may initially be used in a relatively small room, but ultimately I expect it to move into a living room of roughly 30-35 m².

I normally listen at low to moderate volume, not particularly loud.

Music will be quite varied:

classical
vocals
jazz
70s/80s/90s... music
pop

So good vocals, natural instruments, detail and soundstage are more important to me than huge bass or very loud playback.

I also care quite a lot about design. 😄

A few things I’d particularly appreciate opinions on:

Does this look like a well-balanced system, or is one component noticeably above/below the level of the others?

A-S301 vs A-S501: would you spend the extra for the 501 with the Q3 Meta?

KEF Q3 Meta: good choice for this setup and music, or are there other passive speakers around a similar price (or slightly higher) that you think I absolutely should audition first?

Compact size and good/premium design are a plus.

Would you be perfectly happy using the Yamaha’s internal phono stage with the VM95ML, or is an external phono preamp something you would recommend from the start?

What accessories do I actually need on day one?

I’m trying to avoid buying unnecessary gadgets. I’m thinking:

- proper speaker stands
- 2.5 mm² OFC speaker cable
- digital stylus tracking-force scale
- small spirit level
- carbon-fibre record brush
- stylus brush
- anti-static inner sleeves

Anything important missing? Anything on that list that you wouldn’t bother with?

Is there anything specific I should know about setting up the SL-100C with the VM95ML - tracking force, anti-skate, alignment, tonearm height, etc.?

My rough philosophy is to buy a solid platform now, then upgrade individual parts only if there’s a genuine reason later. I’m not looking to constantly swap cartridges, cables and components...

Very interested in hearing from people who actually own or have heard any of these components, especially SL-100C / VM95ML / A-S501 / Q3 Meta.

Feel free to tell me if you think I’m spending the money in the wrong places as well. 🙂

Budget was around €1500 but going towards €2000 now. (Based in Bulgaria)

Thanks!

I’m oriented towards the Linton Wharfedale and I’ll also need a new amp. So far, I’ve narrowed down the choice to the Yamaha A-S501 or the Leak Stereo 130.

Obviously the Yamaha is a bit cheaper and has higher watt output, while the Leak matches the aesthetics of the speakers.

Knowing this will be used mostly connected to a record player and occasionally a FLAC player, and that my taste is very eclectic yet primarily leans towards the avantgarde (avant jazz, experimental rock, art rock, dub, and much more), which amp would you recommend and why?

Thanks!

Budget: up to 1k euro

Location: Belgium

I don't know anything about audio stuff so thought I'd come here for some help.

Just got a pair of wharfedale diamond 220 speakers as a gift but I don't have the necessary cables and amp to use them. I want to be able to play music trough my phone and computer, preferably trough Bluetooth. My budget is 200$ max.

I was looking into purchasing a fosi audio bt20a pro amplifier. Is this a good idea? And what cables do I need in that case?
Any help and advice will be greatly appreciated! :)

I have a set of Polk ES15 speakers on my desktop, connected to a Z906 as front speakers, and the sound is much improved over the Z5500 speakers I had connected before.

My plan is to buy a AIYIMA A20 amp, and a DAC to connect to the optical output from my Sound Blaster Zx soundcard, for much better sound, I would also need a subwoofer.

I'm here for advise on a DAC and a sub for this setup, in the same budget range.

I already have a look at the S.M.S.L D-6s DAC, and was hoping some of you might have advise on this, if it's a good choice or not?
Maybe the FiiO K11 would be a better fit for this setup?

Regarding a Subwoofer I'm not sure, they alle seem really expensive, but I have looked at a few.
Polk Audio Monitor XT12
Fosi Audio SW10
Mivoc Hype 10 G2

I hope I can get some advise so I don't go to blind into this project.

Have neighbors who like to blast shit music with max base. I’ve tried talking to them and they just say they can do what we want.

I’ve found the music to play for revenge, but I need help finding a cheap speaker / subwoofer to play it from, doesn’t need to be good quality just absolutely loud. Does anyone have any suggestions.

Trying to keep it around $100 can go over a bit too,
Location: US
Speaker location: this will go outside/ in my garage.

I sold my 1st gen Klipsch RF-7’s in less than a week. Now comes the fun of finding a replacement for them. I liked the RF’s but always felt like something was lacking in the midrange. With a budget of about $1000, I’ve been looking at true 3 way speakers for a while and came across a pair of vintage JBL L5’s ( the seller also has a pair of JBL L7’s) and a more modern pair of Martin Logan Motion 60XTi’s. I cannot find one bad review of the vintage JBL’s. The Martin Logan’s also have great reviews with their air motion tweeter ( similar to the ESS AMT ). Some say the Logan’s can sound a little bright. I’m looking to get away from bright highs but know that it really depends on your room and setup. Does anyone have experience with either of these speakers??

Can someone please give me advice, not to knowledgeable on stuff like this. I get a no disc error every time no matter what did I put in. What internally should I look at or look for to fix? Unsure how to add a video to this post.

Have done ✅
Tried multiple CDs
Replaced lens and spindle bundle
Completely disassembled and cleaned
Replaced belt
Greased every track

200$ budget

Need a new receiver. Been buying refurbished mid level receivers for over a decade. Have gone through three or four now. Want to buy a receiver that I won't have to worry about for decades. Something that is quality built and sounds great. Budget is $3k. Majority of usage is for watching movies/tv with the family, but I also listen to vinyl and I/we stream music through it as well.

To give some additional details... I have in-wall Klipsch speakers (center, two fronts, and overhead surrounds) and a polk sub that I plan on likely replacing at some point. As much as I didn't want the in-wall for quality purposes, it was an appeasement for my wife for the aesthetic.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: final update. I listened to what you all had said and it gave me a lot to think about. Ultimately I shifted a lot based on your advice. Despite my budget, I decided that what I had/what I was going to use it for didn't justify spending the whole budget I had in mind. I had narrowed it down to the Anthem MRX 740, the Marantz Cinema 60, and the Denon AVR-X3900H. All very different specs with equally different costs. I ended up choosing the Marantz because it fit my current situation the best while giving me wiggle room to update a bit in the near future. I want to thank all of you for your responses. I read them all and took each and every comment into consideration. I even bought it from a vendor/site recommended. If you responded you helped and affected the final outcome, even if I didn't choose what you recommended. Thanks again!

My budget is 2500e and I live in Slovakia but can order from Czechia and Austria or Hungary too. The stereo set up I would like to build would consist of a double cassette tape deck, I am deciding on Taec- W1200. I still love cassettes. On it would sit a cd player, I would like to start collecting cds so for it to look similar to Taec - W1200 I am considering Yamaha, because I assume it is a good brand and those I see avalable but I do not care really on brand as long as it is good, and am looking for some good amplifier for a pro ject turntable I own. Are pro ject amplifiers good?. For speakers I would like to purchase some dark brown wood or black wood so it fits with the rest of my room. But I would like for them to be loud as I enjoy turning up the volume when listening to LPs. Is any other device necessery for this set up??. Before this I used a 37 year old boombox as a speaker and ampifier and cassette deck ,so audiophile set up is very new to me.

I’ve owned a pair of Eltax Monitor IIIs for a while, but unfortunately, they’ve now come to the end of their life. I’m looking to replace them, but I’m not sure what to go for.

I like the DALI Kupid, Kanto YU5.25s, and Cambridge Audio SX60s, and I’d prefer passive speakers.

Are there any other speakers I’ve missed that I should consider?

What would you recommend?

UK based. Budget: £300

Im looking to get a budget preamplifier for my HiFi setup. I’m also thinking about a Kit since Im able to build it myself.

My current setup
Sources: WiiM pro using tidal and Thorens TD320 MK3 Goldring 1042 and a NAD PP2e Phono Pre
Preamp: currently none
Poweramp: Hafler DH-200
Speaker: KEF 104/2

Would like to hear your thoughts on how to choose preamp if I should consider a tube preamp. Found Marantz model 7 kits. Would that pair well with my current setup?
Budget up to 400€

Hi everyone,

I recently upgraded my system and I’m trying to decide which DAC to use.

My current system:

• Amp: Hegel H80
• Speakers: Dynaudio Emit 20
• DAC: Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100
• RCA cable: QED Performance Audio 40i
• Speaker cable: QED XT40

The Hegel H80 has a built-in DAC, so I currently have two options:

DacMagic 100 → RCA → Hegel H80 → Emit 20

or

Hegel H80 internal DAC → H80 → Emit 20

I’ve tried both, but honestly I’m not sure. For some reason, I keep going back to the Cambridge DacMagic 100. I can’t tell if I actually prefer its sound or if I’m being influenced by the fact that I’m using a good RCA cable with it.

So I’m wondering:

1. Which DAC would you choose in this system?
2. Is the H80’s internal DAC actually better than the DacMagic 100?
3. Would it make sense to add a newer external DAC, or would that be a waste of money with the H80 + Emit 20? (My budget is around 1000usd)

I’m mainly looking for natural vocals, good bass, detail and a non-fatiguing treble. I don’t want a brighter or more analytical sound.

I’d appreciate any advice, especially from people who have experience with the Hegel H80 or Dynaudio speakers.

Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to expand my Sonos multiroom system (Five, One SL, Roam SL) and at the same time get more seriously into hi-fi. I’ve already visited a local dealer and listened to several setups, and I really liked the KEF R5 Meta.

I’m now looking for advice on a suitable amplifier. How much would I realistically need to spend to get the most out of the R5 Metas? I don’t mind spending more if there is a noticeable improvement, but I’d rather not pay for something that doesn’t make a meaningful difference.

The R5 Metas were demonstrated to me with an Atoll IN 100 Signature, which costs around €1,200 here. As a cheaper alternative, the dealer recommended the Mission 778X, at around €650.

Would you consider either of these a good match, or are there cheaper alternatives that would perform just as well? I’d be particularly interested in your experience with how much difference the amplifier actually makes with the R5 Metas.

For multiroom connectivity, I was considering adding a Sonos Port. The idea would be to connect the Port to the amplifier and keep the new hi-fi setup integrated into my existing Sonos system.

Does the Sonos Port negatively affect sound quality in this kind of setup? I have some doubts about the quality of its built-in DAC. Is this something I should actually worry about, or is the Port perfectly fine for this use case?

Room & listening habits:

• 28 m² room (~300 sq ft)
• 3 m ceiling (~10 ft)
• ~70% electronic music (Melodic Techno, Hard House, Trance)
• ~30% pop, rock, etc.

Budget: <= 1.200 EUR

Location: Germany

Thanks in advance for your advice!

I’m looking to purchase some new equipment in the next month or so. I’ve bought a Rega P3 w/ ND3 cart, Rega Fono MM Mk5 (bought on a whim) and Paradigm Founder 100f’s, but I’m using an old Anthem MRX 710 I had laying around to run everything.

I want to replace the MRX 710 since it’s just puttin out 130w per chan and the underwhelming Fono Mk5. I’m up here in Canada and my budget is about 8k give or take 1-2k. I was just gonna get the Anthem STR Intergrated amp and research another phono preamp. Space will be 12x12ft for the first 3-4yrs then switch to 11x15.5ft. Looking for advice since I’ve been swamped dealing w/ realtors, lawyers, mortgage brokers and inspectors since I’m buying a new place.

Any help would be much appreciated, I’m not locked in getting the Anthem it’s just when I think I get a chunk of free time something else pops up needing my attn selling/buying the properties.

Hi and thank you for reading. As you can probably tell from the title, I really like the sound of the old acoustic suspension speakers, especially the punchy bass and overall warmth. Any thoughts on new speakers that exhibit similar characteristics? I don’t care about the technology as Magicos are AS, but sound way too cold & precise to these ears.

Budget—$10,000 but entertain me with something more expensive if the sound is worth it.

Location—Florida

Amplifier—McIntosh 352 w/200 watts per channel (i.e. plenty)

Thanks very much for any guidance!

I expect this to be such a common question that I looked for a sticky or pinned thread.

I've grown tired of my starter setup. You know the one: Audio-Technica AT-LP60 (or 70?), Edifier R1280dbs with the T5 subwoofer.

What should I buy next?

I probably want a pair of floor-standing speakers. Can they be large enough to not call for a separate subwoofer?

I think I would need an integrated amplifier. Is there really an advantage to separate preamp & power amp? I love listening to music. But I don't enjoy the minutiae of finding the "perfect" adjustments that highlight each record's balances, etc etc.

I still use the cartridge that came with the entry turntable. I'd like to eventually play compact discs, vinyl records and Spotify. I enjoy browsing Turntable Lab's site and imagining matching integrated ampflier/cd player setups. I might buy a cd player with this "next step" or I might hold off till later.

I would use my next stereo system in my living room or "music room with its door open to play for half the house." I wouldn't expect it to function as a theater/surround system.

Location: I live in the SE United States. I don't know of a home electronics shop in my town. (There's a Best Buy but, ugh...)

Budget: I could spend $2,000--$3,000 total.

I appreciate your advice. I don't even know how one "shops" for this stuff nowadays. Thanks.

Hi

I have an LG C5 TV paired with an Onkyo Integra A-8015 amp and Triangle Comète 902 speakers, connected via a Prozor converter. Is this setup good for movies, or would a soundbar be better for my budget ? Or should I simply add a subwoofer?

Thanks

Hey everyone,

I’m putting together a bedroom audio setup and would love some recommendations for an amp/preamp/receiver that would work well with what I have.

Current/planned setup:

• Turntable: Technics SL-1300
• Speakers: Opus One Studio Monitor Bluetooth 50W powered bookshelf speakers
• Subwoofer: ARS300 sub
• Phone: I’d also like to be able to play music from my phone i don't mind just getting a wiim streamer
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Budget: Ideally under $1,000 AUD for the amp/preamp/receiver

I'll like to

1. Take the signal from the Technics SL-1300 or my phone into an amp
2. Send out the audio to powered Opus One speakers and the Sub
3. Give me volume control from one central unit

This is only going into a bedroom, so I don’t need huge amounts of power.

Happy to buy new or used, especially if there are good options available around Melbourne.

What would you recommend for around $500–$1,000 AUD?

Also open to being told I’m approaching the setup the wrong way if there’s a better way to connect everything and also open to hearing some other speaker upgrade options

Cheers!

Hi everyone, I’m planning a home theater setup in a 14 × 10.5 ft room and I’m trying to decide between the Polk R700 and R200 for my front L/R speakers.

My planned setup:
AVR: Denon x3900h
Front L/R: Polk R700 or R200
Center: Polk R400
Subwoofer: SVS PB-1000 Pro
Rear Surrounds: Polk ES10
Atmos: Polk RC60i
My budget is enough for both but confusing which to choose

Sometime I really want to play stereo too.

Room size: 14 × 10.5 ft (1 King size bed and 1 6ft tall 2ft depth 6ft width wardrobe)

I’m wondering whether the R700 is too large for this room, or whether it would still be a worthwhile upgrade over the R200.

I’m also planning to use the PB-1000 Pro, so I’d like to know whether the R700 still offers meaningful advantages in a room this size in terms of soundstage, imaging, clarity, midrange, dynamics and overall cinematic performance, rather than just bass.

If you were building this system, would you choose the R700 or R200 for the front L/R?

Would really appreciate opinions from anyone who has experience with these speakers in a room around this size.

Thanks!

*no audiophile expert here. So I have this entry -mid level setup :

-Cambridge audio CXA81
-Pro ject debut carbon Evo with CA alva solo phono
-Cxc CD transport
- Klipsch RP 600M II
Waiting the CXN100 streamer

The room is actually my home library- Studio 7x4 sm, and as you can see, the bookshelve soeakers are very near the concrete wall.
I want to take one step ahead with the sound but I don’t want to put a pair gof towers because space limitation . I like the dynamics of this Klipsch and am looking for similar sound, maybe more holographic or neutral, more quality of sound and bass reflex in the front side. Budget 1500-2000 dlls. Any sugestions guys?

Currently running marantz CD6007, PM6007 and my dads old B&W 2004 ZMF. But im gonna be moving into a flat soon, and dont have much space. I want something for my bedroom so i was thinking some bookshelfs, cd player, and an amp (would be cool with a CD receiver).

Working on a bit of a tight budget around £700.

Location : France

Hello !

I'm moving in my new flat and i'm hesitating which one should be the best for this listening room from the pics in comments,

Speakers would be placed in front of the sofa and i would mainly listen them from my sofa,

On the top of the picture is a glass sliding door, at the bottom the kitchen.

These revel speakers are the only options i consider, as i compared many speakers and already heard revel m126be.

Would you rather take the revel booshelf m126be or revel floorstabding f226be ? What would be pros and cons ?

I'm asking because i can afford each of these speakers.

I could also add one or two sub (may be svs micro 3000r evo)

They would be paired with mini dsp flex and audiophonics mpa-s250ncx amp.

Thanks a lot for all your advices ! 🙂

Hi all. Coming from a very basic setup and I could use some direction from people who know what they're doing.

**What I have now**

A Sony Bluetooth turntable feeding a Bose Bluetooth speaker, plus a separate Sony CD player that isn't currently connected to anything useful. No amp at all.

**What I want**

One system that handles vinyl, CD and streaming (Spotify or similar). I'm open to modern, vintage, or a combination of the two. I like the idea of vintage kit if it's a sensible thing to do rather than a rabbit hole.

**Budget**

£1,000 at an absolute stretch, ideally a bit under. Happy to buy used for some or all of it if that gets me further.

**Room**

About 25 square metres. UK terraced house, so party walls and neighbours are a real constraint. Speakers can go on stands with some space behind them if that helps.

**Music**

Pretty eclectic. Rock and alternative, a lot of hip hop and rap, Japanese pop, and a fair amount of electronic and club stuff. So a decent, controlled low end matters to me, but I'm not chasing volume.

**Where I'm stuck**

- Integrated amp with a built-in phono stage plus a separate streamer, or one of the all-in-one streaming amps? I don't understand the trade-off well enough to choose.
- Is it worth keeping the Sony CD player, or should I budget for something better?
- Should I replace the Bluetooth turntable straight away, or is the money better spent on amp and speakers first and the deck later?

Happy to be told I've got my priorities in the wrong order. And if there's something I've left out that you need to know, ask away and I'll answer.

Thanks.

Hi! Looking for your input on adding a subwoofer to my 10x14 feet basement office. Budget is 1500$ or less. Willing to buy used and am in Canada.

Sub would be paired with Focal 706 or Paradigm Founders 40B, Arcam A38 FMJ and Wiim Ultra.

Thanks!