$200 - $300 Audiophile System Build!
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 31. 01. 2021
- Today we hit the $300 AND $200 price point for an audiophile system!
$300 Build Here
$110 Xduoo Link 2 - amzn.to/3otDX3S
$75 SHP9500 - amzn.to/39oRIwD
$110 Starfields - apos.audio/products/moondrop-...
$200 Build
$110 Xduoo Link 2 - amzn.to/3otDX3S
$90 SHP9600 - amzn.to/3psYuqM
All alternatives mentioned
HD560S - amzn.to/2KYfEh1
Audioquest DragonFly - amzn.to/2YppJGI
Apple Dongles - amzn.to/39po22i
3.5 - RCA Cables - amzn.to/3t70GXe
Magni Heresy - www.schiit.com/products
apos.audio/products/xduoo-lin...
apos.audio/products/hifiman-a...
apos.audio/products/tin-audio-t2
apos.audio/products/topping-d...
Here are all my recommendations!
OPEN BACK HEADPHONES
đ„ Arya - amzn.to/3cDZ0vTâ
đ„ DIANA V2 - abyss-headphones.com/productsâ...
đ„ DT1990Pro - amzn.to/38BN3DMâ
CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
đ„ Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3cF6EWXâ
đ„ M1060C - amzn.to/39vDkQUâ
đ„ 1More Triple Driver - amzn.to/2wGC2niâ
BUDGET HEADPHONES
đ„ HD58X - massdrop.7eer.net/mmKDXâ
đ„ SHP 9500 - amzn.to/32ZQJ0Sâ
đ„ Porta Pro - amzn.to/2Is8dtuâ
AMPLIFIERS & DACS
đ„ THX AAA Dual 788 DACAMP - amzn.to/3cHHTJCâ
đ„ THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/2TwsvZgâ / massdrop.7eer.net/DmW0nâ
đ„ DX3 Pro - amzn.to/2wJGp0Xâ
IEMS
đ„ Fir M5 - www.firaudio.com/store/m5â
đ„ ZUES - massdrop.7eer.net/rN9Nyâ
đ„ Tin T2 - amzn.to/2xeGvxTâ
SPEAKERS
đ„ SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/2v2Fto1â
đ„ Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/2TKEmSlâ
đ„ Micca RB42 - amzn.to/2wCCO53â
ACCESSORIES
đ„ Soundrise Pro Stands - amzn.to/3aCpb4iâ
đ„ IEM TIP Storage - amzn.to/331xuUNâ
đ„ Headphone Case - amzn.to/39xOlkFâ
My Filming Equipment
Camera - amzn.to/38tuIc1â
Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 - amzn.to/2wI119Râ
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/2wBRe5qâ
Sigma 30mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/39ym2m8â
Ronin SC - amzn.to/39zDLcGâ
GVM Slider - amzn.to/2PWZDamâ
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this youtube channel at no additional cost to you.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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đ· / joshua.valourâ
đ / joshvalourâ
đžPATREONđž
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đ«SENDING FOR REVIEW??đ«
Email Me - JoshuaValourYT@gmail.com
#Audiophileâ #BUILDâ #Sennheiser
*As an Amazon, Drop and Apos Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - VÄda a technologie
You should put non-Schiit alternatives.. they're really expensive to buy outside US (shipping + taxes doubles the price)
Micca OriGen G2 is a great option. That's what I use and I see no reason to upgrade it, at least not out of necessity. I run my speakers out of it, plus all my headphones and IEMs.
I mean, he did recommend non-schiit products???
Amp ? Liquid spark, Atom ? Dac ? D30
@@Brunnen_Gee Micca products are also rare outside USA.
@@wadez1000 Ah, wasn't aware of that.
Perfect! Just what I was looking for. Keep It up, Joshua!
This video series has no business being this helpful and informative
Nobody on youtube has these kind of videos, what I've been looking for ! Thanks Joshua.
Great video! This is the price tier that a lot of people get into the hobby at, so it's important to have recommendations at this level. It's also amazing how much better a setup you can get in 2021 for this money than you could ten years ago.
Greatly appreciate the guide and reviews, smooth clean and straight to the point, I was fortunate enough to buy a beginner audiophile setup just below 200usd, bought fiio k5pro at 130usd and HE400se at 70usd at Taobao and really loved the sound despite owning a ur22 paired with m50x, will be trying to switch the m50x to k5p pro next week and see how it sound.
im loving this series even when the target price differs from mine a learn a lot and add things to my amazon cart lol keep up the great work bro!
Really appreciate your presentation style, your wonderful depth of knowledge, and all the different ways you help folks make informed decisions. This is like the third video I've seen and enjoyed from you. Excuse me while I go smash that "subscribe" button.
Great idea Joshua. You can make many different videos of builds in different price ranges đ
I've been recommending the apple dac for EVER. Every single time a friend ask me about cheap audiophile stuff, I'm always "go for KZ/Tin/Blon, an apple dongle and you're all set"
Would I benefit from this dongle if my laptop doesn't have usb-c?
IMO if you need more power, like say you're buying a HE4XX or a HD560s down the line, a Sonata HD Pro or something with a little bit more power than Apple dongle would be more suitable. Sonata HD Pro can "Almost" drive my HD650. Drives Tin P1, Blon-03, and Fiio FH3 pretty freckin' well if I say so myself. (ip7 user but never tried Apple dongle)
best portable system under 50 bucks
@@hal9xxx321 Yea, I'm have a Sonata HD Pro coming in to replace my apple dongle as a DAC. I'm curious about how the xduoo link 2 compares, do they have more power or cleaner output? I'm a bit skeptical about the xduoo tbh, especially when you can get a Heresy and apple dongle for that money.
Silly questions, but the Apple dongle only work for Apple. Is there a similar item for USBC phones, Samsung?
I love, love, love your voice. Itâs so soothing. â€ïž
YES!
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!
Really, really useful video for aspiring audiophiles like me. You really brought up workable strategies and planning to maximize a limited budget.
Media and thanks!
Finally, thanks man, now I can save up and buy. God speed my dude.
As usual very good content ! Thanks Josh
I've found your channel recently and see some good videos. I like how you present the topics. I am a subscriber now. Thanks!
This video is exactly what i needed
Great video
Keep up the good work
Thanks for this!
found a pair of HD560s refurbished for $100, and god damn they are like new.
got that and a $50 Fosi Audio DAC Q4, and it's like I've entered a new world of audio, its lovely.
Awesome one in the series Josh! Maybe a good idea is the following for a 500 dollar setup; Topping MX-3 speaker & headphone DAC/AMP(130), HD58X (170) and some Elac Debut's/Q acoustics/Dali's or another good 200 dollar-ish bookshelf speaker set! This is my dekstop setup and I think it absolutely ROCKS from a versatility and price to performance standpoint :). Cheers from the Netherlands
I have a fiio btr5 with fiio fa7. I love the sound, and the btr5 comes in handy turning my old hk sound sticks into a Bluetooth setup đ
Most anticipated video!
Wowww finalllllly
Thanks man great job !!!
Wow the latest Tool album is over 2 years old now. It feels like it came out this year! I love that album. âș
These videos are addicting!!! I would love to see a full audiophile gaming setup including your microphone recommendation
New to your channel but very happy I found it. Great information thank you.
Side Note: Pretty sure I saw a blurred TOOL album on your phone briefly. I'm a massive fan. Thanks again
Thank you for this bro!
Got the xduoo link2 the other day. I love it. My only gripe i have with it is if you put it in your bag and listening to music while youre on the go, whatever's in your bag will press the buttons. Youll either have quiet dead in the night volume, eardrum busting high volume, or it paused your song. I had to let the dongle dangle out my bag so its controls wont be messed up.
I sure wish i found this video earlier coz i woulda went with the shp95/9600 instead of the takstar pro 82s and the starfield instead of the SSPs. But im still pretty happy with my current setup.
I love your videos! You do such a good job separating your opinion from recommendations. Also, please review the TYGR 300R!!!
Bro this video was đ„
I bought an old Astlen&Kern Diana for like 300 bucks on sale and a dragonfly black for 110 bucks. It's a pretty amazing setup tbh , i really love the sound stage and the balance tone.
Brilliant Josh. Thanks.
I don't even need a setup but I still enjoy watching these :)
Love this video, thank you! $500 system next? Please?
Ay, we asked for the vid and we got it. Nice thumbnail Josh, keep it up!
that moment when you see the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC lurking in the background :-) Great video!!
Josh - Love the T-shirts, really cool.
Yeah the Starfields at their price, sure. 10 bucks for a Apple dongle, unbelievable...
HD560S no brainier choice
Just wanted to mention this as well to add to this already great video of tons of options but I would have definitely added some of the Koss offerings like the Porta Pros and the KPH30ik for like $40 and $25 respectively, which could open up a ton more for DAC options... Just insane sound quality for the price with those. No joke I have tons of solid headphones, hd58x, sundara, shp9600, some beyers and I find myself using porta pros when just sitting on my computer at home all the time.
Great stuff, thanks boss. Keep 'em comin'.
Think you could do a gaming build in the future? That'd be fantastic.
Because of the sheer number of options at the relatively lower end price point like this one, you could definitely do a multi-part series. This one could be the 200-300 Part 1-Headphones + IEM. You could follow up with all kinds of permutations, like Headphones+Dedicated Dac+Dedicated Amp, with the total build in the same 200-300 USD range.
Anyways, really digging these videos! Keep up the good work
I could whole-heartedly recc switching out the xduo for the BTR5. Gives you bluetooth LDAC, and balanced 2.5mm. Runs my 6XX's and Starfields like a dream.
You got yourself a sub
YEEEAHHH LOVE THIS BUILD
Great Video!
i have close to this set up and its great, instead of the xduoo i have the fiio btr5 that i use on the go and at home and for headphones i have the shp 500s and the blon Bl03. All together around 225$. Still new into audio so this is very much a "because the internet said it was good" set up but i like it and the sound im getting is the best i ever had. great video as always.
SHP9600 + DAC-X6 + BoomMic when need. Never been this happy with audio setup
Really confused why this guys hasn't got more than 500K subscribers yet.. his info is very solid and honest and the b-roll and overall video editing is really grant. His presentation is also solid. Subscribe guys!
Awesome channel... A awesome one
Those moon drops are gorgeous.
yes! (Moon) Drop dead gorgeous
Nice review, JV, started last july of 2021..bought twss..so now i wanna go the wired route..purchased a set of whizzer bs1z, revonext rx6z, cca/ cra, faaeal rosemary 150 ohm, faaeal 64 ohm, snow lotus, monk plus, neoteck 106 bt/ 5.0/ 3.5 amp..im.good ta go..peace
lmfao this is sooooo good to see after I ordered my shp9500s and magni heresy!
Its funny the shots of Josh, he looks all serious listening to the music, like its his job or something.
Nice one as usual.
Maybe a gaming setup as your next video?
Earned my subscription
I was literally searching for this video 3 hrs ago
Another thing I recommend is a portable Audio player with go with this ,some from fiio can doble as a dac for your pc.
This should help a lot of people. Tho info is available in the links, most newcomers need more specifics, eg. "the tins" doesn't help much. I like the additional favorites list you included.
My current set up is FiiO BTR5 which is around 120-130 dollar Dac/Amp which also comes with Bluetooth. It also has the ability to power the HD600.
For my headphone/IEM I have the SHP9500 and with the BTR5 it boost the bass and sound.
For IEMS I use Fiio FD1 because theyâre pretty decent
Ehy Josh great video! I really like this series!
2 requests:
1) I have a 99 Classic Meze Audio, what is the best DAC for it at a medium (max $350 price for the DAC) price point?
2) An update on the productivity use for the LG TV/monitor
Thanks, and keep up the good work :)
I currently have SHP9500 and Koss KPH30i with Yaxi Pads. And I'm using Tidap+UAPP on my LGV50.
Joshua I need that t shirt! Great video.
just bought the chord mojo lol im so excited
Good Job!!
If you just want to listen at home I would go for the Philips Fidelio X2HR. No further equipment or tuning required, only maybe a shorter 3.5mm audio jack male to male cable for a few bucks. Strong base, present and natural mids, clear (enough) highs and an amazing soundstage. Very efficient, run on everything.
Thanks dude really informative. Had my mind set on Fiio BTR5 amp and dac and Beyerdynamic DT990 pros, would you recommend this set up for iphone Apple Music high res lossless listening?
I personally would have liked to see a closed back headphone recommendation as an alternative to the IEMs.
ATH-M40x for 99 bucks
Yeah, for some there's no open back option and not that many good, comfortable closed back headphones. Still with M-50's, V shaped, but HD58X, 6XX (or any other with nice soft velour pads) are so comfy, nicer sound, cable is less microphonic, the whole thing doesn't squeak.
Theiaudio Legacy 3 as a replacement for the Starfields, about the same price.
Every time I see someone after closed back on a budget I always say Monoprice Modern Retro. You simply can't find better until you get to the $100 range, and I'd argue they compete very strongly with those. Throw some different pads on them and you have a bad mamma jamma set of cans for around $40ish.
Bayer Dynamic 770 pro
My budget system is Fiio K5 Pro + Philips Fidelio X2HR, around 300$ too, amazing for that price!
This video should help a lot of people...Josh not sure if you remember starting me off 2 years ago with a 58x recommendation. Still using them to this day even though I have technically better headphones.
I have a Fiio M7 and a shp9500! Itâs great
I took some notes. Thanks.
Have you heard/reviewed the OneOdio Studio Pro 50? I bought these after a little bit of researching and am running them from my phone and IMHO, they sound amazing. I can't even compare them to the previous cheap Bluetooth over ears that I was using (and still do for running and cycling)
Awesome series! I've been eyeing the HD560S as an upgrade from my HD598
Iâm considering that upgrade but have my doubts if it is enough of upgrade or should save some more and get something like the 660s
Any idea how the 560s compare to the shp9600? I'm sure both are great at certain things. I just can't seem to decide.
Are the 560s boring? Or just an accurate sound that is still enjoyable?
The IFI Zen Dac with the SHP9500's would be an amazing combo at $205.00 or you could upgrade the headphones to a 58x or the 4xx's and have a killer setup for around $300.00. That would be the way I would go personally, but all were good options.
Would you consider making a video on setting this up with either an iPad or iPhone? Thanks!
I love you videos! Thanks for all the info. I know you kind of go over this in the video, but I'm curious to ask if the SHP 9500 really needs a DAC/AMP? It is such an easy pair of headphones to drive wouldn't you be better off saving the money on the dac and just using the SHP 9500 directly from your computer or phone? Will the DAC really make any difference with that set of cans? Thank you for your help.
I think the Fiio BTR5 is a better choice than the Xduoo Link 2. Same $109 price, but has 2.5mm balanced output and supports both USB and Bluetooth. It supports LDAC with 9 hours of battery life so you don't end up draining your phone battery to power it.
I love the video though! I really just want you to review the BTR5 because I think it's a wonderful piece of kit that fills a niche. :p
Not gon lie. I thought you would recommend the BLON BL 03 but I understand that it is easier to fix bass than adjust the mids and highs. I approve this build. đ
Thanks for the kits. In the meantime any change you canndona review on Hilidac Atom Pro MQA version and how is it when using on android phones, with Tidal Master tracks.
This was great! So much flexibility!
My daily drivers, are the tripowin tc-01, with faaeal hibiscus copper cable 3.5m, and a Samsung dongle dac (some people claim that the samsung dongle has more power than the apple dongle) all for just $78.
I run a fosi audio dac q4 great little amp.
A couple of nice options if going the IEM route
1) Mangird Tea IEM + Apple Dongle - $260
2) Lotoo PAW S1 + Starfield - $290
first of all I really enjoy your reviews and especially like the system builds. It would be great if you could review the Teufel Real Z. It's the successor of the Teufel Aureol Real (which I own) and I think this headphone is heavily underestimated and also not so well known. I think the Real Z could be a great contender to the likes of an AKG 702 or an 6xx. Soundstage may not be as wide as with other alternatives as it a half-closed design, but I think it fits well a s a very nice option for a 300 - 400$ system build. :)
Hey josh, great review. I've been watching a lot of your reviews and am enjoying them. I am trying to click on your links and many are working. Specifically all the ones under accessories, IEMs and amplifiers. Am I doing something wrong, since all the Amazon ones seem to not be working.
NICE
Great videos Joshua. There is still a cheaper and very acceptable setup. You could do a video for a sub $100 setup which includes a zishan z2 as a dac/amp and a pair of chinese iems like the blon or the cca c10. The cheapest way to experience hifi sound imo.
Keep it up !
I was going to post my version of a $300 budget but then I quickly struggled to think of what I would get. The 6xx comes to mind but that removes budget for an amp/dac unless you buy used. Chi-fi iems as you chose are a good option but I'll let the expert share instead of my limited experience.
Topping d30 + Little Dot I+ + Sennheiser hd559 (keep your eye on massdrop since they have topping stuff very often)
Thanks for this video. I have the Sennheiser pxc550 first gen and was wondering if I could potentially benefit with getting a dac. I was happy with its sound when I got it but then that was before I had tried good sounding headphones. Now I am spoiled and looking for something better but was wondering if I can keep the headphones and invest in something that will make the pxc550 sound even better.
Hi im a huge fan of this chanel and ive been thinking of buying a new headphones but i only have a laptop no amp im curious can you still use the hd 560s or the hd660 sennheisers without an amp or do i need to buy one
I got the 560s with the FiiO K3 2021 as my first audiophile headphones both on sale for under 220âŹ
I use hd599s running balanced from a btr5 when I am not near my hd660 setup. Can be picked up for around 170 dollars. Only challenge is finding the balanced cable, some seem to fit and work but do odd things.
Curious to see the differences between both Philips Headphones and maybe the Samson Sr850, maybe you have the wierd ear microphone
What about a series for people who listen to vinyl? Maybe some where it uses speakers and others use headphones or perhaps both?
Would love to see $5k set up.
I think thatâs a pretty sweet price point for a killer rig.
$$$$
SO I am thoroughly enjoying my SHP-9500 because of this recommendation. I went and got the apple dongle, and the volume went way down on my Galaxy S9Plus, but way better on my laptop, a MS Surface Book2. I would like a little more oomph on my phone but I haven't left the house so don't know if I need the portability of the Xduoo. I enjoy your Schiit reviews and like them as a company, is any of their DAC/AMP combos more recommended or stick with the Xduoo? Thanks for all your reviews, so awesome!!
So wait. What would be better for diving my planner hifiman's. the MacBook pro M1 audio jack or using the USB c dongle to audio jack? Does It Lead to more power draw using the USB C?
I'm actually quite surprised to see you picked Xduoo Link2 over such beauties as Fiio BTR5 and Qudelix 5K which cost the same and are well known for their phenomenal sound quality.
Can you do a video using a focusrite scarlett/ any audio interface as dac and pairing it with a headphone amp that can power something like sundaras and separate studio monitors? mainly for music production, mixing, mastering, etc. Thank you!
Hi Joshua! I just purchased a Fiio KA1 on the meantime since I'm frequently on the move, paired with a pair of Sennheiser HD
560S.
My question is this:
Would I benefit from upgrading to a better portable DAC vs. purchasing a desktop DAC for the times I'm working from home?
My current options are:
- Fiio KA3.
- Hidizs S9 Pro.
Vs.
- Fiio K5 Pro ESS.
- iFi Zen DAC V2.
- Topping DX3+.
Just discovered your channel, nice! Did you get a chance to listen to the Audeze LCD-4z? Thanks
I am thinking of using the HD 6XX with the Schiit Vali and later buying the Schiit Modi as well. Is this a good combo?