My first hi-fi spoilt for choice

[sagarich]

I love music and usually listen through some old Sony MX3 headphones during the day, or an old Bose SoundLink which, if I m honest, I now think sounds pretty rubbish.

After spending time at a friend s house listening to an old Marantz amp paired with Tannoy bookshelf speakers, I ve got the itch to upgrade properly.


Requirements:

Ability to connect MacBook and iPhone wirelessly (AirPlay / Bluetooth ideally)

Something that won t become useless if a company/app disappears in 5 years

Simple enough interface for my wife to use without needing a tutorial

Budget around £500, but could stretch to £750 if genuinely worthwhile

Room size is roughly 4m x 6m


Current shortlist:

1. Cambridge Audio AXA25 + DALI Kupid + WiiM Mini streamer
2. Cambridge Audio L/R S active speakers
3. WiiM Amp + DALI Kupid or Q Acoustics bookshelf speakers


A few thoughts/questions:

I like the idea of separates because it feels a bit more future-proof.

But the simplicity of the WiiM setup is appealing.

I ve also looked at Fosi amps, but wondered whether they re a bit underpowered for a room this size?

Any suggestions or alternatives worth considering?

Music taste is pretty broad:
John Mayer, Eagles, Grateful Dead, Metallica, acoustic, piano, ambient/electronic etc.

Edited by sagarich on Wednesday 6th May 14:51

[toon10]

Not much to add but at that price point but Richer Sounds often do some great package deals on stuff that tends to work well together. The Cambridge Audio amps are great value and good bits of kit. Yamaha also make some good amp/streamers if you decide to keep it one box. Separates are great and nice to have the option of being able to upgrade individual bits of kit but I've replaced all my separates systems with one box solutions now (Naim Nova on my main system and a Yamaha RN-602 on my second system.)

My mate bought a cheap record player package deal from RS with a Cambridge Audio AXA25, some cheap speakers which he is going to upgrade but he also added a WiiM Mini not long after buying and he swears by it.

[Soloman Dodd]

Speakers don't suddenly become obsolete, so buy second hand.

[miniman]

I think the QAcoustics range is excellent. Audition a few at Richer and don’t be afraid of second hand gear. Eg I picked up a mint Marantz CD63 MkII KI Signature for £150 and it sounds fabulous.

[InitialDave]

I don't have much to add on the choice of kit front, but another vote for Richer Sounds, I've had reason to make use of their extended warranty policy on something years after I bought it, and they were great. That experience alone makes them my preference to look at first should I need anything.

[danb79]

Personally I'd buy a proper integrated amp and a decent streamer / DAC plus speakers of your choice

I'm not a huge fan of Q Acoustics in all honesty; always found their speakers wanting / a bit flat etc

Fyne Audio speakers are superb; would highly recommend them; then you've got your usual suspects (Monitor Audio, Bowers & Wilkins, Neat, PMC, Spendor, Wharfedale, Dali, Dynaudio et al)

Just as an example:

- Marantz amp: https://www.amazon.co.uk/MARANTZ-PM6007-Integrated...
- Fyne Audio speakers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fyne-Audio-F300i-Bookshel...
- Speaker stands: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soundstyle-Z2-Stand-Blk-B...
- Speaker cable: https://www.amazon.co.uk/QED-XT25-Speaker-Terminat...
- Interconnects: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CableDirect-Practically-B...
- Wiim Mini streamer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/WiiM-Mini-Multiroom-Pream...

Use your phone / iPad / tablet / Macbook / laptop / PC as your source

IMO that'd be a great starter system; would sound great as the Marantz amp is a belter (can be bought 2nd hand cheaper too - but obviously no warranty); the Fyne Audio speakers are fantastic and the sound is much bigger than their size. The Soundstyle stands have been around a long time, are solid and can be mass-loaded too. Speaker cable & interconnects are just that; the Wiim streamer is a great little thing too

However; you could also go down the powered speaker route; such as:

- Edifier S880DBs: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-S880DB-MKII-Books...

Plus the above speaker stands; and either stick with BT; or get the Wiim Mini and use that for streaming via AirPlay etc

Or you could go active speaker route (ie studio monitors); this way the sound will be neutral and not 'coloured' like hifi speakers and active speakers are (ie designed to make everything sound good even if its not). You'd need a DAC to run them (or a pre-amp with volume control etc)

For example:

- ADAM Audio T5Vs: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ADAM-Audio-Studio-Monitor... (you'd need 2)
- SMS DAC: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ES9039Q2M-PCM768kHz-Optic...

Speaker stands as above; or sit them on your desktop etc - whatever suits you best

You'll need XLR cables for a full balanced connection and less noise: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cable-Matters-2-Pack-Fema...

You could also connect the Wiim Mini to the DAC or again, use BT or USB from your source

FWIW I listen to all sorts from Nat King Cole / Dean Martin to SOAD, Metallica, The Hu; to house music, to stuff like Fischerspooner, Mount Kimbie, Cinematic Orchestra etc - very eclectic

I have the above ADAM Audio speakers, with the SMSL DAC and XLR cables connected to my Mac Mini via USB C and it's a superb system - I was an audiophile and spent £thousands on various separates over the years; now, my ears much prefer studio monitors and for my small home office and my main listening room; the ADAM speakers on my desktop on proper isolation blocks, sounds superb

[Composeriser]

Buy decent headphones, that way you will not be compromised by your listening environment.

[Paul Drawmer]

Wiim amp.

Read the reviews of the Wiim Amp Pro and see if that fits. I am very pleased with mine.
I mostly use mine for TV sound enhancement. Not looking for 'cinema sound'
and this is the best bit; music streaming. I usually don't use the ap or the remote, just Spotify ap on the phone.
Fill in an on line request for Richers sounds clearance, and you may get lucky.

As others have said, enjoy the value of others upgrading, and get used speakers.

[miniman]

danb79 said:

Personally I'd buy a proper integrated amp and a decent streamer / DAC plus speakers of your choice

I'm not a huge fan of Q Acoustics in all honesty; always found their speakers wanting / a bit flat etc

Fyne Audio speakers are superb; would highly recommend them; then you've got your usual suspects (Monitor Audio, Bowers & Wilkins, Neat, PMC, Spendor, Wharfedale, Dali, Dynaudio et al)

Just as an example:

- Marantz amp: https://www.amazon.co.uk/MARANTZ-PM6007-Integrated...
- Fyne Audio speakers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fyne-Audio-F300i-Bookshel...
- Speaker stands: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soundstyle-Z2-Stand-Blk-B...
- Speaker cable: https://www.amazon.co.uk/QED-XT25-Speaker-Terminat...
- Interconnects: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CableDirect-Practically-B...
- Wiim Mini streamer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/WiiM-Mini-Multiroom-Pream...

Use your phone / iPad / tablet / Macbook / laptop / PC as your source

IMO that'd be a great starter system; would sound great as the Marantz amp is a belter (can be bought 2nd hand cheaper too - but obviously no warranty); the Fyne Audio speakers are fantastic and the sound is much bigger than their size. The Soundstyle stands have been around a long time, are solid and can be mass-loaded too. Speaker cable & interconnects are just that; the Wiim streamer is a great little thing too

However; you could also go down the powered speaker route; such as:

- Edifier S880DBs: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-S880DB-MKII-Books...

Plus the above speaker stands; and either stick with BT; or get the Wiim Mini and use that for streaming via AirPlay etc

Or you could go active speaker route (ie studio monitors); this way the sound will be neutral and not 'coloured' like hifi speakers and active speakers are (ie designed to make everything sound good even if its not). You'd need a DAC to run them (or a pre-amp with volume control etc)

For example:

- ADAM Audio T5Vs: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ADAM-Audio-Studio-Monitor... (you'd need 2)
- SMS DAC: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ES9039Q2M-PCM768kHz-Optic...

Speaker stands as above; or sit them on your desktop etc - whatever suits you best

You'll need XLR cables for a full balanced connection and less noise: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cable-Matters-2-Pack-Fema...

You could also connect the Wiim Mini to the DAC or again, use BT or USB from your source

FWIW I listen to all sorts from Nat King Cole / Dean Martin to SOAD, Metallica, The Hu; to house music, to stuff like Fischerspooner, Mount Kimbie, Cinematic Orchestra etc - very eclectic

I have the above ADAM Audio speakers, with the SMSL DAC and XLR cables connected to my Mac Mini via USB C and it's a superb system - I was an audiophile and spent £thousands on various separates over the years; now, my ears much prefer studio monitors and for my small home office and my main listening room; the ADAM speakers on my desktop on proper isolation blocks, sounds superb

Well that escalated quickly

[danb79]

miniman said:

danb79 said:

Personally I'd buy a proper integrated amp and a decent streamer / DAC plus speakers of your choice

I'm not a huge fan of Q Acoustics in all honesty; always found their speakers wanting / a bit flat etc

Fyne Audio speakers are superb; would highly recommend them; then you've got your usual suspects (Monitor Audio, Bowers & Wilkins, Neat, PMC, Spendor, Wharfedale, Dali, Dynaudio et al)

Just as an example:

- Marantz amp: https://www.amazon.co.uk/MARANTZ-PM6007-Integrated...
- Fyne Audio speakers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fyne-Audio-F300i-Bookshel...
- Speaker stands: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soundstyle-Z2-Stand-Blk-B...
- Speaker cable: https://www.amazon.co.uk/QED-XT25-Speaker-Terminat...
- Interconnects: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CableDirect-Practically-B...
- Wiim Mini streamer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/WiiM-Mini-Multiroom-Pream...

Use your phone / iPad / tablet / Macbook / laptop / PC as your source

IMO that'd be a great starter system; would sound great as the Marantz amp is a belter (can be bought 2nd hand cheaper too - but obviously no warranty); the Fyne Audio speakers are fantastic and the sound is much bigger than their size. The Soundstyle stands have been around a long time, are solid and can be mass-loaded too. Speaker cable & interconnects are just that; the Wiim streamer is a great little thing too

However; you could also go down the powered speaker route; such as:

- Edifier S880DBs: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-S880DB-MKII-Books...

Plus the above speaker stands; and either stick with BT; or get the Wiim Mini and use that for streaming via AirPlay etc

Or you could go active speaker route (ie studio monitors); this way the sound will be neutral and not 'coloured' like hifi speakers and active speakers are (ie designed to make everything sound good even if its not). You'd need a DAC to run them (or a pre-amp with volume control etc)

For example:

- ADAM Audio T5Vs: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ADAM-Audio-Studio-Monitor... (you'd need 2)
- SMS DAC: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ES9039Q2M-PCM768kHz-Optic...

Speaker stands as above; or sit them on your desktop etc - whatever suits you best

You'll need XLR cables for a full balanced connection and less noise: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cable-Matters-2-Pack-Fema...

You could also connect the Wiim Mini to the DAC or again, use BT or USB from your source

FWIW I listen to all sorts from Nat King Cole / Dean Martin to SOAD, Metallica, The Hu; to house music, to stuff like Fischerspooner, Mount Kimbie, Cinematic Orchestra etc - very eclectic

I have the above ADAM Audio speakers, with the SMSL DAC and XLR cables connected to my Mac Mini via USB C and it's a superb system - I was an audiophile and spent £thousands on various separates over the years; now, my ears much prefer studio monitors and for my small home office and my main listening room; the ADAM speakers on my desktop on proper isolation blocks, sounds superb

Well that escalated quickly

Absolutely; that's hifi for you... Never ending wormhole

[sagarich]

Perfect. Thanks all, looks like I'm off to Ritcher Sounds to see what they've got and also keeping an eye on ebay for used speakers.

The more I research, I think I would prefer a dedicated amp over an all in one link the Wiim.

[OutInTheShed]

There are many options, but i think the main thing is finding some speakers you like.
Unless you want it really loud, a fairly modest amp with speakers that suit your taste and room is where I'd start.

But choosing speakers is hard!
I've got several pairs and I'm not sure which is best.

[danb79]

sagarich said:

Perfect. Thanks all, looks like I'm off to Ritcher Sounds to see what they've got and also keeping an eye on ebay for used speakers.

The more I research, I think I would prefer a dedicated amp over an all in one link the Wiim.

Have fun; but keep your credit card at bay for a while and learn what it is you like first

But to give you another simple option; this is my spare room set up, which I've had for years now:

Wharfedale Diamond 9.1s: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wharfedale-Diamond-Speake...
SMSL integrated Class D amp: https://www.amazon.co.uk/S-M-S-L-Infineons-technol...
Speaker cable x2: https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Speaker-Cabl...

I've got the speakers on some old Atacama SE24 stands I've had for years; my pal powder-coated them for me as they'd been knocked about a bit; but they're soon to be shoved back into their box and into the loft as I'm relocating my office to the spare room soon, so the speakers will be put onto isolation blocks for the time being and will run side by side with my ADAM Audio set up

I've got an old Arcam CD player connected to that system too, the wife likes to use CDs still - but I must admit it does sound superb. I had Massive Attack Heligoland playing on the system last night whilst I was taking the bedroom furniture apart and even low volume it sounded brilliant and the speakers are more then powerful enough; as is the SMSL amp (my iteration is a few years older than the one I've linked to)

But for me, that, as a starter system, which you could connect the Wiim Mini to, as I do with mine, would do very well indeed.

Pop the speakers onto speaker stands; you only need basic speaker cable really..

Cheap; more than adequate, plenty powerful enough and will work well with your music tastes IMO

[tonyg58]

Agree with a previous post that you must find the speakers you like.

Previous poster doesn't like Q Acoustics and praises Fynes.

I am totally the opposite, I first heard Q Acoustics when they were launched in 2006 and, apart from a couple of exceptions, they have always been good sounding and excellent value for money.
The basic Fynes are mostly Tannoy clones made cheaply in China and I never did like Tannoy speakers.
Dalis are well worth a listen.

I've head a lot of good things about the Wiim amps from the guys in the hifi shop I used to work in, but have never heard one, so won't recommend it.

[Panamax]

Paul Drawmer said:

Wiim amp.

As others have said, enjoy the value of others upgrading, and get used speakers.

Yes, get the best speakers you can to go with the Wiim, stretching the budget if necessary.

[miniman]

tonyg58 said:

Agree with a previous post that you must find the speakers you like.

Previous poster doesn't like Q Acoustics and praises Fynes.

I am totally the opposite, I first heard Q Acoustics when they were launched in 2006 and, apart from a couple of exceptions, they have always been good sounding and excellent value for money.
The basic Fynes are mostly Tannoy clones made cheaply in China and I never did like Tannoy speakers.
Dalis are well worth a listen.

I've head a lot of good things about the Wiim amps from the guys in the hifi shop I used to work in, but have never heard one, so won't recommend it.

Agree the Dalis are worth a listen. I thought they had the edge over the QAcoustics but at quite a price premium that I didn’t feel was justified.

[king arthur]

It's pointless just picking random components that you think might sound good together because you've read other people's opinions on them. You need to go and audition some stuff at a decent hifi retailer. Richer Sounds is a good place to start. Buying second hand is easier said than done, what if you buy something and don't like it? Then you have the hassle of selling it again...

[danb79]

king arthur said:

It's pointless just picking random components that you think might sound good together because you've read other people's opinions on them. You need to go and audition some stuff at a decent hifi retailer. Richer Sounds is a good place to start. Buying second hand is easier said than done, what if you buy something and don't like it? Then you have the hassle of selling it again...

Sometimes that can be the fun of it.. More so at the cheaper end

The Wharfedale 9.1s I've linked to have been around since the dark ages; they're bloody good speakers for their price

The SMSL amp is probably the 4th or 5th iteration - they've got a great following and again, for what they are and their cost; they're a great little purchase

But agree that if you're going to spend a small fortunate; you must travel and get demo's of various separates put together etc

However, hifi stores now are far and few between - that makes this game a whole lot harder unfortunately

[OutInTheShed]

king arthur said:

It's pointless just picking random components that you think might sound good together because you've read other people's opinions on them. You need to go and audition some stuff at a decent hifi retailer. Richer Sounds is a good place to start. Buying second hand is easier said than done, what if you buy something and don't like it? Then you have the hassle of selling it again...

You buy something secondhand and it disappoints?
Put it in the loft when you've bought something else.

I've bought secondhand amps and speakers, various amps have needed repairs, one or two are still waiting to be repaired, a couple have been modified.
Secondhand speakers may not sound as they did when new! There are flexible parts which can harden, crossover parts which can age, wadding that can compress or fall apart or have mice living in it.
Likewise with an amp, it's possible for characteristics to change without losing basic function.

There is always a question whether it's 'supposed to sound like this'.

Things which seem fine the day you buy them may degrade fairly quickly if you use them every day, chances are they've sat around unused for a while, then subjected to Yodel or whatever. Once you've accepted the goods from ebay, there is no warranty.

I've always found Richer Sounds worth a visit, especially if you can get there at a quiet time.