MAXIMUM HiFi Fun!! 3 Home Audio Systems under $2500
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- čas přidán 15. 05. 2024
- 🎯 AXN10 bit.ly/3LP3Vhx • Z8 bit.ly/44e0h6P • M16 bit.ly/37whl0e
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🔔 PRICES AND AVAILABILITY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
► HIFI SYSTEMS UNDER $2500 - Sound System 1
Cambridge Audio AXA25 amzn.to/2RSbcUy
Cambridge Audio AXN10 bit.ly/3LP3Vhx
Ever Solo Z8 bit.ly/44e0h6P
Revel M16 Speakers bit.ly/37whl0e
ALTERNATIVES FOR THIS HIFI SYSTEM
Cambridge Audio MXN10 bit.ly/3ppxQUO
Klipsch 600M I & II bit.ly/2MaBRsl
Wharfedale Evo bit.ly/3oKPXjm
► HIFI SYSTEM UNDER $2500 - System 2
Emotiva BasX A2 bit.ly/3HFMUUo
Ever Solo Z8 bit.ly/44e0h6P
Cambridge Audio MXN10 bit.ly/3ppxQUO
Revel M16 bit.ly/37whl0e
ALTERNATIVES FOR THIS HIFI SYSTEM
Klipsch 600M I & II bit.ly/2MaBRsl
Wharfedale Evo bit.ly/3oKPXjm
► HIFI UNDER $1400 - AUDIO SYSTEMS FOR HOME
Cambridge Audio AXR100 bit.ly/3e6GMWX
Cambridge Audio AXN10 bit.ly/3LP3Vhx
Revel M16 bit.ly/37whl0e
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR THIS HIFI SYSTEM
Klipsch 600M I & II bit.ly/2MaBRsl
Wharfedale Evo bit.ly/3oKPXjm
Fluance XL8 amzn.to/2ZSnahy
► ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS SHOWN
TVs
Sony 85” bit.ly/3r0AYXL
TCL XL 98” amzn.to/3kbj4hB
Apple 4K TV: amzn.to/3em0YUp
PS5 bit.ly/3ooMprp
MEDIA
Alanis Morissette amzn.to/2JMpG3P
A Perfect Circle amzn.to/3YXcIlj
Middle Kids amzn.to/3vFgXV4
Luna apple.co/3CSWPD2
SPEAKERS STANDS
Our Stands bit.ly/3I9Xa5W
CABLES & ACCESSORIES
My Cables: custom, n/a for purchase
Similar DIY Cables: bit.ly/3Px4Jan
Interconnects: bit.ly/3D314M8, bit.ly/3N6NBri
Cable Management amzn.to/3ZcunWP • amzn.to/3GJtf5C
DIAGNOSTICS
Room EQ Wizard
Measurement Tools: bit.ly/3MsYzpR
► Maximum HiFi Fun! 3 Home Audio Systems under $2500
00:00 INTRO - HOME AUDIO SYSTEMS
00:10 AUDIO SYSTEMS THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK
00:27 CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AXA25
00:50 CAMBRIDGE AXN10 / MXN10
02:05 EVER SOLO Z8
02:40 SPEAKER IDEAS
03:17 DESIGN & BUILD
04:09 OVERALL SOUND QUALITY
04:39 BASS PERFORMANCE
05:13 MIDRANGE PERFORMANCE
05:42 TREBLE PERFORMANCE
06:02 SOUNDSTAGE AND DYNAMICS
06:47 EMOTIVA HIFI SYSTEM - ALTERNATIVE
07:35 HIFI SYSTEM UNDER $1400
08:15 MY FINAL THOUGHTS
08:52 KRISTI’S THOUGHTS
09:34 TENSION IN THE HIFI COMMUNITY
13:38 THE DEATH OF HIFI?
14:41 WE OUT
► SHOP OUR LIVING ROOM
SONY 85" TV bit.ly/3r0AYXL • bit.ly/44htvlo
MEDIA BENCHES: bit.ly/3X6SzYU • bit.ly/3Gk6UKL
IVORY RUG amzn.to/3WyJrw7
LOUNGE CHAIR bit.ly/3mGxoQx
EVERYTHING ELSE: bit.ly/3PcJzO4
► MY REFERENCE AUDIO AND HOME THEATER SYSTEM
POWER
Audiolab bit.ly/3ZhPw1q
Technics bit.ly/3bcE3fi
LOUDSPEAKERS
Polk bit.ly/3LtiF1N • bit.ly/3RcQR5Z
Q Acoustics bit.ly/3b0IbQ2
KEF bit.ly/3A72HY4
Klipsch bit.ly/3Lg3HMR
SPEAKER STANDS
Budget amzn.to/3DD0UJX
Reference bit.ly/3xsoe9M
TURNTABLE
TT2 bit.ly/3tWwdxd
TVs
OLED: bit.ly/3AzeD6y
LED: amzn.to/3ygOW7S
QLED: bit.ly/3r0AYXL
HOME THEATER
Receivers: bit.ly/3n2lTje ($) bit.ly/3DyHEjb ($$)
Soundbars: amzn.to/39hJ1Xz ($) bit.ly/3OS72nG ($$)
In Ceiling Speakers: bit.ly/3I3gAbg
► STAY CONNECTED
SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/RobinsonYT
MEMBERSHIP: bit.ly/ARobMbr
INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/AndRobIG
BUSINESS INQUIRIES: bit.ly/andrewbiz
► QUESTIONS? Click THANKS above to bring attention to your question. It’s a great way to show your support for the channel & get the help you need.
⚑ FTC: THIS VIDEO IS NOT SPONSORED.
⚑ LINKS: Some links above are affiliate, meaning we may make a small percentage if you use our link. The good news is it never affects the price you pay and it’s an easy way to help support the channel and the work that we do.
#cambridgeaudio #hifisystem #homeaudio - Věda a technologie
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My initial impression was that you would need more efficient speakers with the AXA 25. Interesting to learn that isn't necessarily so. Cool.
Andrew can the CXA81 drive speakers like Monitor Audio Silver 300 ? It has less power than the AXR100 but the AXR100 doesn't have Pre Out so you can't connect another amp to it ? whereas the CXA81 does have a Pre Amp out. It's just that Cambridge doesn't make another affordable amp or power amp to boost the CXA81 with extra power. Can you direct me some help with this. Please Andrew ?
That’s the kind of video your followers might want to see more. As an audiophile and high end audio businessman with more than 4 decades of experience from Tehran Iran; it’s always nice and satisfying to guide my clients and therefore their hard earned money 💰 to a budget based mixed brands system building and watching the smile on their faces the moment they listen 👂 to what their money bought for them. It takes passion and patience to get there but it’s definitely worth it because one will end up having a loyal clientele that won’t stop recommending yours truly to their friends. Of course other clients with bigger budget will as well benefit from this method. It’s all about keeping people in one’s mind and making them happy 😃. Thanks 🙏🏼 Andrew and Kristi. ❤❤
thank you sir for your post. That is very reassuring. Your hard work is much appreciated.
👍👍👍
It's pretty refreshing to hear these words from a Audiophiles mouth, because to tell you the Truth I'm pretty Sick and Tired of the Normal Audiophiles that Scoff at Equipment such as this ! Thank You and Keep it Real! Audiophiles come in ALL INCOME RANGES and Deserve Respect just as the Audiophiles and their 350 K Systems----
100% agree with Kristi on this one here!!! The fun part of the hobby is creating different experiences of the music or movies you like. My dad tought me from very young. So now i mix and match components to change the sound because that is what is fun. Swithcing between my Revel F206(3500$) and my Dali Zensor 7 (700$) and putting an old 600$ Denon preamp in front of my Mark Levinson 5805 (8500 $) just to have tone controls and a "Different" sound - that is what it is all about - Great video.... Absolutely love it!!
Kristi's take was perfect. I would have titled the video "how to start digging a rabbit hole for under $2500"
Absolutely LOVE Kristi's perspective on these.... Frankly, a HUGE VALUE ADD ! At the end of the day, only you can decide how much you want to spend on this hobby and be satisfied with it... It's the free market at work...
Thank you! I sincerely appreciate your kind words.
I really like how the hole point of the video wasn’t to do a A B comparison between an expensive rig and a cheap one, just a good sounding one suggestion.
Very nice video.
Glad you did something like this. When I started thinking of getting back into HiFi I was concerned about not spending enough and your saying only one needs to be satisfied was very helpful on turning the noise.
I think the gear is something you need to grow on. Iam only starting my HiFi journey and I don’t think I would be able to actually hear too much differences between a 2k and 20k rig.
Thx for being so informative and educational
Andrew, youve taught me so much, like the speakers are the most important source in the audio chain. I’m beginning to see the light.
Thank you
Couldn't agree more with the discussion about people 'taking sides'. The analogy to photography, especially because of the sense that the market is shrinking is right on-point.
I started out with Cambridge in the 70s after I graduated from college. I loved the company and their amps. I was poor and I could afford their equipment with my DIY speakers. I can still see it sitting on my homemade concrete block rack with my cheap turntable. I was a happy camper. My system today is still made up of speakers (5.1) I made along with my Sony STR AZ5000ES but I will always remember and love my Cambridge systems. Thanks Andrew and Kristi for keeping us in the real world.
Very enjoyable and professional video. Kristi makes a huge point! Always judge a system on its musical presentation and personal enjoyment level, not the price tag. Long live hi fi!
I agree totally. I have two complete systems One in over 15k.
The other is under 2500.
Both have there place, Both sound great... Real good. Yes the higher dollar has different dynamics and details. But you'd almost never know, unless you were standing in front of both comparing.
And therein lies the rub as they say, unless you're A/B-ing them directly, our aural memory will go with the flow --money be darned. Appreciate you sharing!
Thanks for another solid video. I deeply appreciate the discussion, inspired by Kristi, at the end. Your channel draws the audiophiles but your tag line, to me, represents those of us who are music lovers first. I want a system that allows me to hear detailed, balanced music that seems natural and is not fatiguing. Thanks for pointing out what is possible along the price point continuum.
Andrew this was a great video and Kristi's take was SPOT ON!! She did a pure mic drop! That being said. My surround sound system that's hooked up to my LG C1 didnt cost a fortune and I don't care because it sounds great to the wife and I and that's all that matters. If it puts me into the heart of the movie that's all I need.
My ladyfriend wanted a vinyl rig for her place, so I got her an RT-85, paired with an NAD 3045 and my hand-me-down Cambridge Audio SX-60s. That inspired me to do some eBaying for a small two-channel for our parlor, a Pro-ject T1, an Elac EA101, and a 2.1 Kanto kit.
Keep this kind of content coming! ✌️
I love this video and Kristi’s comments were spot on! I am one of those that gets caught up in the whole “pricier has to be better” even though I will never be one to venture into the pricier category. I try to remind myself, when I watch these videos and read my Stereophile magazine, that in the end, what sounds good is up to what I believe sounds good and what is perfect for me. Thank you for everyrhing!!!
Thank you for reigniting my love of HIFI, you two create inteligent watchable content and your constant remidner that the only one who has to be happy with the sound is us, is so right, and in many ways is repeated in Kristi's comments today!
Love this! This is how we all got started. Let the HIFI hobby win!
Agree 100% with you both. Audio and what is perceived “better” is something very personal and there simply isn’t a right or wrong and it’s definitely not dictated by price, brand image or marketing but by how it makes YOU feel.
"Specs don't tell the whole story" so glad to hear you say that and recommend a 25W per channel amp. So many people are obsessed with power. I have three systems in my home doing different jobs in different rooms. The one I enjoy the sound of most is a twenty-something year old marantz PM4200 (35W per channel) with Tannoy M1 speakers.
All I can say is thank you. The blue collar audiophile, like me applaud you for this outstanding review. Greatly appreciated.
Thanks for bringing the topic round again you guys. I dont hear the same thing as other people. It would be crazy to think that my sense of taste is exactly the same as everyone else. So if my setup is just right for me, then thats all that matters. Great video for the budget and keep up the great content!
Some great commentary. In the end it's about the enjoyment of the music...no matter what the price of your gear.
For someone who really loves music, there's enjoyment in a million dollar system and there's enjoyment in a single dash-speaker mono AM radio. If you love the music you're hearing, it takes you somewhere. Sometimes the system guides where it takes you. Hearing tinny mono country-western takes me back to listening to George Jones with my dad when I was a kid. Listening to Fleetwood Mac on a million dollar system reminds me of the control room and console where they recorded the track (I've recorded there, nowhere near The Chain). There's something to enjoy in every system. If you love music, and not just the equipment, you'll find that thing.
Great, thorough, accurate, and well done review. I also very much enjoyed the discussion at the end, you both are spot on.
Love the recommendations for new gear. In this price range I would lean towards a tier higher gear that is second hand but obviously that is buyer beware. Love all you guys do!
I feel you guys strike a balance between cost, looks and performance that few reviewers take into consideration! The one thing I'd change in that system is instead of Cambridge streamer id go with the wiim pro or mini (dependant upon needs) and perhaps I'd put more cash into the speakers or amp. In my mind you can always change out dacs and streamers etc but the speakers and the amp are really a foundation you want to stick with for the long haul!
That's definitely another way to go. Thank you for watching!
I really like it when reviewers do these full system builds. It can be daunting especially for begginers how many options there are. I really think you should do more at different price points or with different goals i.e. TV based streaming, vinyl focused or system for bassheads.
Noted!
@@robinsonbrand how do you typically budget split between electronics and speakers?
Just insane how good the offerings are today @ very affordable price points.
Once again, Kristi and Andrew are doing their level best to save this wonderful hobby.
😇
Cambridge AXA25 rocks with the Acoustic Energy AE109 Mk2. You get the heft and scintillating highs that blew me away!
Christy, great way to see through the BS. super insightful perspective, only someone that is outside can see. 👌👍
Great video Andrew and Kristi! Andrew you have talked at length in the past about the law of diminishing returns, which I wholeheartedly agree with. I appreciate how you both call out the difference between “better” and “incrementally better”. Love the channel thank you!!
Thank you so much!
Awesome video and the recommendations are much appreciated by people who are looking to purchase an audio setup.
Good options. I recently built a new system. My choice was Polk R200, Klispch 10 sub, Marantz NR1200 with 75 W. Added a second set of Kef Q150 for rear speakers on sale. I got used to the clicking at power up of the Marantz. It sounds great when I push the Polks. All in for about $2K. Thanks for your thoughts on the Polks, I bought them with your advise and LOVE them!
Great video! Thank you for the remote workaround with the DAC. I have a AXA 25 and bought a CXA 35 thinking the remote would control the amp. Unfortunately it does not. 😢 But I still love the look of the two together.
I think the Revels appear to be a class act at their price point. I can see your experience at play here- great look and surprisingly good sound at an affordable price point. This was a fun video.
Hi Andrew 😁. Hi kristi 😁.
A really useful and thought provoking video! 👍💛
I've ended up with a pretty expensive setup, and although it's fantastic to listen to, I often wish I'd stopped spending before it got to that stage...
Keep up the excellent work.
Lots of love from Alex and Suzy 😁💛😁
My set is a Marantz PM6006 UK Edition, a Chromecast Audio and a pair of Dynaudio Emit 10's. A great listen. I like Moon and ATC but I'm enjoying myself.
I like the AX100 with the NX10 or swapping in a Blusound Node X. There are great sounding systems at all price levels. Today more so than when I got into the hobby in the 80s. Thanks again.
Love the new tunes used on this one.
Enjoyed this video!
Do this again for a 5.1 AV setup please
The NAD D3020 is a great little amp and it pairs well with a number of affordable speakers, such as the Elac B6’s. That plus a Wiim pro streamer and you’re all in under $1000. The NAD has the advantage of having a subwoofer output, so a 2.1 system is easily reachable under $1500.
Great review and agree with the closing remarks. People get too wrapped up in cost vs what they see as good sound.
The only thing I'd change in the systems is instead of the Emotiva amp I'd use two Outlaw M2220's. They would be around the same cost as the Emotiva but provide true separate power supplies and rails. You would definitely need the Z8 or something similar though for volume control and processing capabilities.
I loved this one!!!! I think that Cambridge rig looks well above its price point. I could see that in a bedroom or other small space. Maybe as an source for some smaller outdoor speakers in my situation I don’t need a bunch of dB’s bothering the neighbors.
Anyone with a smaller room, the AXR85 is probably your sweet spot, lovely bit of kit and save $100
The AX/AXR line is really solid! If anyone is curious about the AXR85, you can check it out here bit.ly/3H3iQ32 and amzn.to/2RQjLPL.
I love my AXR85!
Nice. With so many options, im sure some folks may not know where to start. Cheers!
Great video, and thanks for answering questions for us.
The M16's are an excellent speaker. I had them and liked the sound so much I upgraded to M106's. Now will upgrade to F208's and possibly even some PerformaBe series.
Kristi is the Goat for that take, really true and it all boils down to consumerism and a need people have to be “correct”
Totally agree with folk needing to chill, think the only change I would make is would use a Cambridge cxn so it's also a dac for TV.
Great! Please give us more videos of this kind.
I think you are right when you don't need a 10k set to enjoy music, mine is not even half that but with every CD/TVserie/film I put on I have a BIG smile on my face. And among the things I really love that I use are the Concept 50's that i demoed after your review. Keep up the great work!
Best video you two have done
Onkyo A-9010 (now A-9110) + ELAC UF52 👌
Love your videos und your vibe!
Great video, I’d love to see a series going up to different price points, 5k, 10k, etc
Hi Andrew… and hi Kristi! Been watching you guys for a while and this video… exactly this one… makes me feel I got experts standing there right beside me saying, “We feel you, man!” So… thank you for that!
So please help me out now… I’m currently and seriously listening to Tool, Fear Inoculum. Are an AXA25 and an ELAC 2.0 Debut 5.2 plus S.M.L. SU-1 will help me here?
Enjoyed Kristi's take (agreeing with the wife is the key to a long and happy life ) .....as an older guy (cough) I think internet forums have exacerbated the "heat" and produce a signal to noise ratio I can only describe as dismaying. In earlier years you had to go the the letters column of a magazine to witness the shootouts so it was easier to avoid. As a photography enthusiast I see the same vitriol with gear choices....if you shoot Fujifilm (as I do) you are definitely on the outer.....bottom line : we have different musical tastes, different budgets, different rooms and different *hearing*....I've just retired, upgraded my system to Pro-ject/Rotel/Rotel/Dynaudio and am very happy with the setup which will do me for (??) years.....I can happily listen to someone else's system who has different criteria to me, I get why they made their choice and it doesn't bother me....and yeah, it's really that simple ....cheers from OZ :-)
Kristi and Andrew - I love you guys !!!! You hit the nail on the head in your "wrap up". I am sooooo happy and soooo satisfied with my $1200 system (and that includes my 4K TV for home theater....not just music listening). $600 for two 2nd gen Apple HomePods (gets me not only stereo...but Dolby Atmos entertainment) $129 for Apple TV 4K streaming box & lastly $500 for a 65" LG 4K UHD TV....all totaling $1200+...for everything...INCLUDING THE TV ! I love it and my wife loves it.....would I commit murder to get a B&O A9 for $3600? Hell yeah I would.....but I have a family to support and like you guys....a life outside of music listening and movie watching. All in all......I couldn't be happier with my HomePods. Thank you for all your efforts to bring sanity into this hobby. I love you guys !!!!
Hey!! This video was the bomb! 🔥💣. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it! You provided great, practical insights that the "blue-collar audiophile" can appreciate. (No, your system does not need to be $25,000.) More videos like this please 😁. ❤️. By the way, great editing work!
Great video and great thoughts, live and let live and to each their own without being judgmental.
Any ideas how those Revels would sound paired to a vintage Yamaha A 500 I just picked up at a thrift store for $40.00? Great physical shape and presently being serviced. Thank you.
I’ve got my dream system! But I love to hear where technology is going! Thanks Andrew and Kristi!
Our pleasure!
Hello Andrew, I wanted to take the time to thank you and Cristie for your wonderful and very informative videos. I love music very much and want to upgrade from my Kanto Yu6 speakers. Once again, thanks.
Great vid as allways :) Question: Will you consider making a vid about setting up systems using components bought used? Given that EVERYTHING has become so expensive, buying brand new might not be affordable for many. Could be fun, if it's not to much work :)
Great vid! I sure do love my Naim nait 5si BUT if I could have started over my combo of the Bluesound powernode2i with a pair of PSB Alpha P5 is the system that I use everyday and cost me the same as the Naim did when I bought it with out the components and speakers... lesson learned... I thought I needed the Naim and a pair of Kef LS50's to get the sound I THOUGHT I wanted... I was wrong. They both still sound great but the bluesound with PSB's are near half the price and still speaks to the hifi in me lol
Omg Middle Kids got a shout out!! Love them 😊 you guys have the best taste in music.
We LOVE them and have seen them several times live.
That's a cool setup Andrew, thanks for sharing this.
I enjoy the reviews of the high end gear even knowing I wouldn't spend that much on a system. That gear doesn't diminish the joy of my Cinema 60 / Def-Tech system. I have no worries living vicariously through the gear you get to play with. 👍
Thanks for joining us!
Ive used a pair of Sony 1995 hifi speakers (25w x2) and compared to my 2015 Sony Soundbar (330w with sub) and what I’ve noticed is bookshelf speakers make dialogue in films so much easier to distinguish than my soundbar. While the soundbar has dialogue modes and clear audio+ settings, there is something about the bigger diameter of the speaker driver and fuller mid range you just struggle to achieve with many soundbars with their sleek form factor. Next year I hope to upgrade my system to probably a Sonos system or a WiiM amp and Bowers and Wilkins speakers. Just need to do a listening test.
I can highly recommend a setup of getting amazing Speakers and suiting it up with Vintage gear. I have the Wharfedale Lintons connected to an old Grunding FineArts A-903. This combo rocks and give me an amazing listening experience. Then just add the small but mighty Topping DX3 Pro+ to play audio from your PC via USB, phone via Bluetooth, or a Chromecast with HDMI to Optical converter and you are good to go. No need to pay big time for a streamer imo.
I also got the whole Grundig FineArts stack with the T-903 tuner, CCT-903 tape deck and CD-9000 player, but the main star of the input-show really is the Topping.
Glad you guys mentioned the AXR100. While I often think I’d like to upgrade at some point, my AXR100 has a feature I’ve become addicted to… tone controls that can be accessed with the REMOTE CONTROL! Being able to adjust tone on the fly from my listening chair is a game changer!
The Heaven 11 Billie amp I’m looking at doesn’t have tone controls at all. Now I can add a Schitt tone control but… no remote. So, I’m sticking with what I got till I can figure out a workaround.
Couldn't you hook up the Billie to the AXR 100s pre out?
Love this video! I am looking for help to build the best system for my music collection and this channel looks like it could get me there! I have a ton of vinyl and CDs, so I'm hopeful I can finally upgrade my system after all these years! thanks!
Thanks for the very informative video. I was thinking of using an AV receiver instead of the separate audio amp and streamer. Add investing in better speakers like the alternatives you recommended. What av receiver would you suggest?
I like all of your videos and I really want to give my kudos to Kristi as well. Her questions or comments are very logical and helpful. Also, your sweet conversations uplift the vibes which makes your followers stick to your channel forever (I might be too subjective here).
Thank you for taking the time to say this. We sincerely appreciate your comment.
I purchased a cambridge axa-100, a pair of kanto passive bookshhelves and a 10" Monoprice subwoofer. i also run a polk 400 atmos soundbar and sub with my 65 inch TLC 655 mini led and a lg 4k Blu ray player for my movies and cd's, and my xbox series x and PS5 and i love it all.
Nice video. Thank you both. Based on my experience, only 4 elements define the music hearing experience: 1. the music(Genre, quality and mix) 2. speakers 3. room 4. how does the listeners feel / how is the listener impacted by the first 3 elements? Amp is dictated by the speakers and plays no other role and the rest is not important in the experience. The experience of buying Polk Audio R700 taught me a lot and was an eye opening process.
Yes yes Kristi
And Andrew you guys have always said it's what makes Y O U happy... For what ever reason ;-D
From insights gained from this channel, I put together the Cambridge Audio AXR100, MXN10 and the AXC35 CD player. I went with the KLH Model 5 speakers because their placement is less fussy and a sub is not needed. I have a dedicated 5.1 system in another room for the TV, so this is strictly music. I have retired my phonograph as all my vinyl, some 60 plus years old have been replaced by CD or streaming. The sound is remarkable and all for less than $4,000 which in some circles would be called ‘Budget’ or a condescending ‘Entry Level’. I get positive comments from all who have heard my system.
Well done
WOW fantastic Christine... great point.
Thank you!
Excellent philosophical video! Perfornance for price is surely where it's at. FWIW I have bought a world class small room hifi system for under 9,000 Euro (including cables) featuring Puritan power conditioner, Audioab CD transport, Teac dac, Marantz best ever integrated amp and Dynaudio bookshelves, connected with Puritan, Tubulus and Telluriium Q cables.
Would any of the amps mentioned pair with the Sonus Faber Lumina II? I know that would blow the budget, but I'm curious about this. Would the AXR 100 be a better option?
Thanks Andrew and Kristi for the system build and review with upgrades. I have an IOTAVX SA3/PA3 stack with an older set of Martin Logan Motion 40s and would love to know how that might compare to some of the other gear you guys have evaluated. I would like to upgrade and have been looking at the new Martin Logan XT F100 or Q acoustics concept 50s that you had reviewed for my first step and not sure if the IOTA would be up to the task even though it sounds pretty good now. Thanks for your feedback
I would go...
Amp: Cambridge AXR100 £450
Streamer: Wiim Mini £80
Speakers: Q Acoustics 3030i £250
Great system for less than £800 (so less than $1000 I guess) 👍👍👍
I’d love to try that system!! and it’s your channel who put me back on the hifi journey (thank you for that). So I would go:
dac (I don’t have enough experience so I would take the same you proposed)
amp: decware ufo
speakers: caintuck speaker betsy
subwoofer: rel t5x or emotiva se8 to fit in budget.
cables: canare (pro audio cables)
This is in response to the incredibly well said discussion at the end. I fell into the hifi world by originally looking for a good pair of cheap wireless earbuds. Six years later and I have a couple of headphone systems and stereo systems. I will say that I am not rich so I am always looking for a bang for the buck deal. That being said this is about my two headphone systems. My main system with the headphones included is around $1,800 and I love it. It takes me away and fills me with joy when I listen to it. My budget system, hooked up to my desk top is around $350. I just recently added a Schiit Loki and got the system sounding amazing. As good as my main system, no way. But If I had never built my main system and only built my budget one, I have no doubt I would experience the same amount of joy. I don’t think you measure joy with money. Money can make finding joy easier but I don’t think it is exact quotient. I love when you too get into this part of the hobby. You both rock and thank you for making the hobby a better experience.
Thank you so much for the kinds words and support, @davdidit6! We hope to see you on the next video!
Love the review and I love the comments about how much it costs (premium price tags vs more affordable options) and how you, the consumer value the way your setup sounds. So many options and you don't have to pay silly amounts of money to truly enjoy your listening experience.
Hi Eric, did you happen to catch the conversation at the end?
@@KristiWright Yes I sure did. Very spot on.
Very interesting discussion at the end. What made me open my eyes a bit on the money/performance/experience-topic was listening to a $45 000 B&W based system at my local dealer, and not finding it sounding much better than my own €6000 system. In fact, I LIKED my own system more, even though the 45k system sounder bigger with more effortless placement of the instruments etc. (Both rooms are treated, the room at the hifi shop as well as my own listening room). Meaning that synergi and knowing what you're doing and knowing WHAT MOVES YOU is more important than objectively better and pricier gear. With that said, I'm now dreaming of a new streamer... 😆
I think you have said it best from the first review I ever watched. “The only person that has to like the sound of your system is YOU.”
With that being said, companies like Cambridge Audio offer access to critically acclaimed quality audio equipment, at what I believe many feel is an affordable cost.
I also believe that pairing audio components is critical in finding that ideal sound that suits each Individual user. When I sold audio, I found that I preferred Pioneer Elite with Klipsch speakers versus Denon. The warm characteristics of Denon amps with what I would consider a live sounding speaker seemed to over emphasize the bass and treble, sucking out even more the midrange. Where as the Pioneer seemed to have more of a neutral tone and gave a more balanced sound from the Klipsch speakers. I also noticed this with KRELL and B&K with M&K speakers, or combining Denon with Focal.
I think it is great when you offer system pairings. It offers insight to components that are not always on someone’s radar. Love what you’re doing, keep it up.
Hellouz. Ive tested, listened to axa 25, marantz pm6007 and cambridge cxa61 in pair with klipsch RB 81 ii. Axa25 and pm6007 sounded like crap im comparison to cxa61. Cxa61 was in feel comparison worth every dollar, whereas the others feelt like throwing money out of the window. Ps i enjoy your videos. Thank you 🙂
How would this setup compare with more "modern" solutions like the Bluesound Powernode?
You should make more of these on Different price ranges between 2-10 thousand IMO
For $2000 I got 2 year old Kef R3's in mint condition, 240 Watt Yamaha Receiver, Twin 250 Watt Yamaha Active Subs, Yamaha NS-C444 Center Speaker. Sounds as good as some new $7-8K Systems.
Like the suggestions ! All I would say is get an integrated with a DAC and Phono . The Yamaha AS 300 60w / ch is a good start ! Then Wiim mini streamer into AS 300 DAC, add speakers maybe Klipsch or Elac and you’re on your way ! Super affordable and decent sounding!
What about the Iota PA3, it has a DAC, more details and more power?
Great video! Appreciate the dac comments-it’s exhausting, kind of like the cable debate. For me, part of the fun is getting great sound at minimal cost. However, I still keep the Q acoustic 3030i’s in play. Fun speaker.
Q makes GREAT speakers and they would definitely be a welcomed addition to ANY of these amplifier suggestions!
I’m glad there’s more!
Thanks for joining us!
i got into this stuff a view weeks ago and want to make my mother a great birthday present with a new stereo setup.
i looked up the Deno DRA800H and the POLK ES20 do you think this is a good combination or can i get better results with less money?
important is this is for music and movies.
would love to hear your thoughts about this
Great conversation.
I've had my moment of epiphany! This same system with the AX series is what I came up with following your past reviews these last 2 years! I've got a limited budget with spousal approval and this is the system that has brought us musical joy. I think I have learned well Obi-Wan. 😁
That AXA line is fantastic! So glad to hear you're loving yours!
Another beautiful presentation! Owned KEF R500 loudspeakers for years. Had an old PIONEER amplifier and wanted to save some money for a decent amplifier for my KEF's. Always thought a HEGEL amplifier was the best combination for these speakers. Then, after a comparison in the same store, have chosen CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CX SERIES. Every favorite song sounded much better with the CX-A81 than with the HEGEL 120 or even the 190! The CXN-V2 is a wonderful DAC for me and the CXC plays my large collection of CDs beautifully. I have been using SONOS for years in the other rooms of my home. To switch to BLUSOUND which is better is too expensive for me. So stick with SONOS. But my SONOS PORT sounds much better through my CXN-V2! I am extremely satisfied with my CAMBRIDGE CX set to really listen to music.