Hifi advice: look back or head forwards?

condyk

condyk

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So back in the day I had lots of hobbies/interests and one enduring one was hi-fi. Now I have more time on my hands I'm thinking of getting back into it on a more modest basis. Key question is back to analogue vinyl rega/audiolab stylee, or look to the future with streaming FLACs and Cambridge Minx Xi for pretty much the same cost? I reckon I can scratch the itch for around £350 with older, quality amp like an Arcam, NAD, Creek or Audiolab and say the basic Rega RP1 or a Pro-ject II turntable. The Cambridge tho can be had for £350 or so, plays high quality FLAC files, is a neat one box solution and well reviewed. I already have quality speakers and decent cables as part of my home cinema set up that I don't use any more.

Thoughts?
 
Depends if you want to listen to music or want to listen to hifi.

I have found the freedom to listen to whatever I want whenever I want outweighs the pleasure I used to get from being 'in to hifi'.

That aside, speakers are by far and away the biggest factor in the sound so if you have speakers then they will sound as you remember with modern source equipment.
 
Personally I'd go with FLAC, analogue hifi would be unbeatable with pristine LPs but after one or two plays you'd be picking up all the pits and jumps that dirt brings.
 
Well I've rather abandoned the legacy music formats and gone the Sonos route. A couple of Sonos Play 1s that I can move wherever I want and use play my own "owned" music as well as streaming anything I want via Spotify. Beats the old style hi-fi hands down.

There's a thread on here somewhere about Sonos.
 
I'd go down the turntable and vinyl route. Listening to vinyl would be more of an experience for me.
 
Bobsyeruncle said:
Don't agree with that statement.....unless you're so old that your memory is fading :)
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Speakers have ca 40% distortion, sources and amps have less than 0.1%

The only thing that has a bigger effect than the speakers themselves is the environment they're in.
 
Bit of both. New digital source. Analogue older Classic amp and speakers. Best of both worlds :)
 
Nawty said:
Speakers have ca 40% distortion, sources and amps have less than 0.1%

The only thing that has a bigger effect than the speakers themselves is the environment they're in.
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That's not what I disagreed with though. You said that if you had speakers, then they will sound as you remember them with modern source equipment, and I disagree.
 
If you have time on your hands there is a large DIY community the best of which is http://www.diyaudio.com/

I don't think you can beat a DIY set up as you can design it to suit your personal taste.

Also I used to build DAC's and basically for Digital recordings you need clean rectifiers (ie AC to DC) at several stages and good quality resistors and capacitors, neither of which are guaranteed to appear in shop bought items.
 
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condyk said:
So back in the day I had lots of hobbies/interests and one enduring one was hi-fi. Now I have more time on my hands I'm thinking of getting back into it on a more modest basis. Key question is back to analogue vinyl rega/audiolab stylee, or look to the future with streaming FLACs and Cambridge Minx Xi for pretty much the same cost? I reckon I can scratch the itch for around £350 with older, quality amp like an Arcam, NAD, Creek or Audiolab and say the basic Rega RP1 or a Pro-ject II turntable. The Cambridge tho can be had for £350 or so, plays high quality FLAC files, is a neat one box solution and well reviewed. I already have quality speakers and decent cables as part of my home cinema set up that I don't use any more.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Staggeringly obvious question of course, but do you actually have any vinyl to play on a turntable or would you have to start from scratch? (literally if charity shop LPs!)
 
Cheers all for the thoughts, all things considered I have decided on the FLAC route ... mainly!! I may have 'wasted' 4-5 hours researching but have saved a packet on a 'Monitor Audio A100 Wireless Stereo Integrated Amplifier - White' £129 delivered and then downloaded BubbleUPnP Android app to control it all on my tablet or phone. Many 5***** reviews at £400, but now reduced to clear final stock via Richer Sounds on Amazon (for the free delivery). Will likely be replaced soon hence price, but that's OK.

Is mainly set up to plug and play style partner with Apple gear but the Android app will run it all fine having done the research. I can also run my TV sound through the optical input to the speakers and get rid of my expensive (back in the day), big, beautiful but now largely unused AV amp. I've the rear and centre speakers stored as my room doesn't lend itself to full set up any more, so likely add the amp to the for sale section.

The new A100 runs FLAC wirelessly using Tidal, or cloud-based or local NAS hard drive stored music. Only bummer I can see is you can't plug in a USM hard drive directly, but that's only an issue if wifi is flaky and won't stream consistently. Maybe I could get an optical to USB adaptor and run it if I needed to, tho my wifi is pretty decent ... will check. The front USB only supports Apple!! No Bluetooth as Apple didn't used to allow it on Apple certified gear (I think they do now).

When it arrives I'll let you know results!

On the analogue side I am still considering a turntable as it would be within my £350-400 overall budget still. I just dunno if I fancy trailing around LP shopping like I once did and as pointed out above the pristine nature of a new LP is soon tarnished by sticky fingers and dust. There is something very slippers and pipe about a nice LP and fully manual turntable set up tho :-) Maybe if the right mega bargain appears!
 
Peter B said:
Staggeringly obvious question of course, but do you actually have any vinyl to play on a turntable or would you have to start from scratch? (literally if charity shop LPs!)
Click to expand...

Ha, ha ... yeah, that is a good question that I mulled over. One of my happiest musical times was when I was a really poor stoodent and just had one LP, but a very nice tho cheap-end system. I loved it. My thought was I'd buy maybe half a dozen top quality well pressed ones I know I enjoy and play them to death. I have no LPs. Sold the lot for silly money back in 1992 when seduced by the first reasonably priced consumer CD players! The simplicity of quality streamed music feels like the right choice for me.
 
condyk said:
Cheers all for the thoughts, all things considered I have decided on the FLAC route ... mainly!! I may have 'wasted' 4-5 hours researching but have saved a packet on a 'Monitor Audio A100 Wireless Stereo Integrated Amplifier - White' £129 delivered and then downloaded BubbleUPnP Android app to control it all on my tablet or phone. Many 5***** reviews at £400, but now reduced to clear final stock via Richer Sounds on Amazon (for the free delivery). Will likely be replaced soon hence price, but that's OK.

Is mainly set up to plug and play style partner with Apple gear but the Android app will run it all fine having done the research. I can also run my TV sound through the optical input to the speakers and get rid of my expensive (back in the day), big, beautiful but now largely unused AV amp. I've the rear and centre speakers stored as my room doesn't lend itself to full set up any more, so likely add the amp to the for sale section.

The new A100 runs FLAC wirelessly using Tidal, or cloud-based or local NAS hard drive stored music. Only bummer I can see is you can't plug in a USM hard drive directly, but that's only an issue if wifi is flaky and won't stream consistently. Maybe I could get an optical to USB adaptor and run it if I needed to, tho my wifi is pretty decent ... will check. The front USB only supports Apple!! No Bluetooth as Apple didn't used to allow it on Apple certified gear (I think they do now).

When it arrives I'll let you know results!

On the analogue side I am still considering a turntable as it would be within my £350-400 overall budget still. I just dunno if I fancy trailing around LP shopping like I once did and as pointed out above the pristine nature of a new LP is soon tarnished by sticky fingers and dust. There is something very slippers and pipe about a nice LP and fully manual turntable set up tho :) Maybe if the right mega bargain appears!
Click to expand...
Just to abuse your research ;)
This looks almost perfect for me, will it output to my very old but in remarkable Nick Mission 700's?
 
No abuse bro ... I was fairly comprehensive as I thought it might help some people. Yes, it'll output to your Missions. I had a pair of them way back. They were pretty much one of the first 'bookshelf' style speakers to be taken seriously, along with the Linn Kans. Remember them well.
 
I clocked the monitor audio a100 last year. It's a great price then but now at £130 it's s steal.

In the end I went for a DAC/amp that excepted android otg connection. Now I just plug the phone in which exports a digital signal and the let the DAC in the amp do the converting. Very compact setup for the kitchen with monitor audio bookshelf speakers. The amp is no bigger than a couple of packs of fags.
 
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I bought a s/hand old style hi-fi last week, came with a Project turntable, but cleaned up my old direct drive Technics SL-6 and can't decide which one to keep?

Took my old stuff along with a knackered amp to the recycling centre including a couple of decent Sony S-SS70 speakers, bet they have found a new home or are on Ebay by now
 
condyk said:
..
I have decided on the FLAC route ...
and then downloaded BubbleUPnP Android app to control it all on my tablet or phone.
plug and play style partner with Apple gear but the Android app will run it
The new A100 runs FLAC wirelessly using Tidal, or cloud-based or local NAS hard drive stored music.
you can't plug in a USM hard drive directly, but that's only an issue if wifi is flaky and won't stream consistently.
an optical to USB adaptor.................front USB only supports Apple!! .................No Bluetooth as Apple didn't used to allow it on Apple certified gear

When it arrives I'll let you know results!

On the analogue side I am still considering a turntable...............................
Click to expand...


rudy hell....sounds like a Space Shuttle Launch Centre....;):):):):)

mine - mint £150 from eBay, added a ROTEL amp, and existing B&O speakers


LPs are purchased from 2-3 top online sellers - all pristine about £8-10 ............total tactile enjoyment...
 
Yup, it's a whole different game innit! And it's not just about the music is it. There's much craic to be had pottering around with the gear as any forum member of any topic or pastime will tell you. The Pioneer there was very much a budget first choice when I was first into hifi. I think it probably went for around £90 so it's appreciating, as is a lot of stuff I remember.That and the Sansui something or other amplifier. The other one was the Trio something turntable, then the 2 and 3 Regas. I probably spend many wasted hours fiddling with my headshell and counterweights :-P The Rotels were always pretty musical and tight. I had a couple on my eBay list that looked great buys before I went for the streamer/amp thingy.
 
Vinyl never really died for me, for I've held onto my LP collection from the '80's along with an old skool Sharp "music centre" that still works fine to this day (cassette players and all). The music just seem to "taste" better that way, but I still have a play on YouTube listening to those hard-to-get-hold of Tangerine Dream bootlegs
 
[QUOTE="condyk, post: 7397639, member: 708"...... I probably spend many wasted hours fiddling with my headshell and counterweights................[/QUOTE]

:thumbs: tell me about it.!
 
condyk said:
They were pretty much one of the first 'bookshelf' style speakers to be taken seriously, along with the Linn Kans. Remember them well.
Click to expand...

just sold a pair of Mk1 Linn Kans a few weeks ago they seem to have quite a cult following today



they had been sat in a cupboard for nearly 10 years unused i thought it was time to move them on

i have been having a bit of a hifi moment myself over the last couple of months i was getting a little concerned that my hifi was just not being used
i thought the best way of going about things was to incorporate the existing hifi into the surround sound that is used quite frequently
it has been quite a pleasant challenge although the wife wasn't as enthusiastic :(
 
The Kans were crackin' with a good turntable and amp. Really toe tappin' stuff. I've had a lot of good speakers over the years. Most memorable were the Royd. Such cheap and tacky build in black MDF but lovely to listen to, and a pair of Tangent somethings I got off Richer Sounds at a massive discount that were just awesome on top of decent stands ... still have the stands somewhere. I think they were Atacama? I also had some big Rega speakers I drove miles to pick up but for some reason never really enjoyed. At the moment I have some nice Acoustic Energy Aegis Neo 3 floor-standers, a brand I don't see any more. Used to be the bees knees for a while! I've had them a long time as they're a very balance listen.
 
I think you would be disappointed with the pro-ject if you've had a lot of tidy turntables in the past. Build quality isn't up to standards of old turntables.
 
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condyk said:
The Kans were crackin' with a good turntable and amp. Really toe tappin' stuff. I've had a lot of good speakers over the years. Most memorable were the Royd. Such cheap and tacky build in black MDF but lovely to listen to, and a pair of Tangent somethings I got off Richer Sounds at a massive discount that were just awesome on top of decent stands ... still have the stands somewhere. I think they were Atacama? I also had some big Rega speakers I drove miles to pick up but for some reason never really enjoyed. At the moment I have some nice Acoustic Energy Aegis Neo 3 floor-standers, a brand I don't see any more. Used to be the bees knees for a while! I've had them a long time as they're a very balance listen.
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had a quick listen to them using meridian cd / pre / power combo before i let them go and the still sound good today
the reason i got them in the first place ( about 15 years ago ) was to use as surround rears which they did quite well, they must be at least 30 / 34 years old now
acoustic energy made a name for them selves back in the late 80's with the AE1's which i heard at the time and was quite impressed with them
not really heard much else from acoustic energy though

like i said in my earlier post i have been having a bit of a hifi re shuffle and so far it's been out with the meridian pre / power and in with krell amplification driving my Kef reference model 4's i have to say the difference between the meridian ( as good as they are ) and the krell is quite noticeable

i'm still old school in some of my ways although i don't bother with a turntable which a give up years ago i'm not yet converted to audio streaming which i do have the ability to do via the AV amp but never bothered so my main source is still cd which i have to say still sounds excellent
 
I still have cd as a source but I'm now too lazy to get up every 50 minutes to change it. There are some very good DACS about that with high quality FLAC or even AAC do give even decent cd sources a run for their money. I got a bifrost one a few years ago as the naim one was way too expensive. I always planned to upgrade but to be honest I don't think the naim will be massively better at several times the price.
 
I had a Fiio HD portable with matching DAC for a while and it was great. FLAC really is very capable. And you're right about cost/benefit. I'm a real bargain hunter and hate paying for stuff I won't get max value from.
 
So the either/or question FLAC/Vinyl seems to have been answered by both! Picked up what looks a mint Rega RP1 with Performance Pack for a reasonable price and within a mere dribble of my overall intended budget. I guess I'll need a phono pre-amp next ... never ends eh? Any recommendations for best performance to price options?
 
I will be honest and going back to the origonal OPs question I moved on from a traditional HIFI setup simply because of the restrictions it placed on where I could enjoy my music,

I went portable and invested in an Astell and Kern AK120 Titan as below, i paid about 700 for it and I have to say it is stunning.
You can then have a wonderfull collection of headphones to suit all situations.

I have Shure SE535 in ear monitors for when I want very discrete high quality sound and some hooj over ear Sennheissers for in the house.

For me OP go modern with FLACS and use the technolgy its fantastic

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Astell-Ker...462705439&sr=8-7&keywords=astell+&+kern+ak120
 
Phil V said:
Just to abuse your research ;)
This looks almost perfect for me, will it output to my very old but in remarkable Nick Mission 700's?
Click to expand...
I think I'm on Dave's ignore list :(

Anyone else tell me if this would drive my old speakers ok?

The specs look compatible (whilst the speakers are capable of more than the amp can put out.

And is it necessary to spend a lot on a DAC switch, as I'd really like 2 optical inputs.
 
Phil V said:
I think I'm on Dave's ignore list :(

Anyone else tell me if this would drive my old speakers ok?

The specs look compatible (whilst the speakers are capable of more than the amp can put out.

And is it necessary to spend a lot on a DAC switch, as I'd really like 2 optical inputs.
Click to expand...

I got a dac switch from Lindy. It has remote control and I think it was about £50 max. They do a 2 and a 4 input version. It seems a generic item and there are a few different brands that look basically the same box.
 
srichards said:
I bought a behringer one. It's designed for microphones I think. http://amzn.to/1SW9WH7 £20! I'm pretty happy with it.
Click to expand...

Added to list ... has really excellent feedback for sure!

Mr Bump said:
For me OP go modern with FLACS and use the technolgy its fantastic
Click to expand...

Have gone that route ... and picked up a turntable too #badboy

Phil V said:
I think I'm on Dave's ignore list :(
.
Click to expand...

I answered Phil man, see above ;-P I think it'd be a smart combo. I see what you're saying on the optical and looks like Suz has offered a good option that I've also noted. At the mo' tho' I think I am OK, I can add my turntable to the single input via a phono pre, the Humax Freeview box to the optical for sound and the FLACs will just play via wifi. That's me sorted. Just scanning for a good phono pre but have the recommendation from Suz if can't find a Rega or similar at the right price.

Have also been looking at FLAC download providers ... I have a few from when I had my Fiio HD portable and looks like Boomkat the best option for me and my kinda music. Any other suggestions? I'm sort of alternative/dub/acoustic orientated/songsmith orientated, but great recordings.
 
condyk said:
Yup, it's a whole different game innit! And it's not just about the music is it. There's much craic to be had pottering around with the gear as any forum member of any topic or pastime will tell you. The Pioneer there was very much a budget first choice when I was first into hifi. I think it probably went for around £90 so it's appreciating, as is a lot of stuff I remember.That and the Sansui something or other amplifier. The other one was the Trio something turntable, then the 2 and 3 Regas. I probably spend many wasted hours fiddling with my headshell and counterweights :p The Rotels were always pretty musical and tight. I had a couple on my eBay list that looked great buys before I went for the streamer/amp thingy.
Click to expand...
Sorry Dave, missed this.

This is my 2nd pair of Missions, they look a bit scruffy ATM but my daughters fiancée is a joiner, so I think I'll have him refinish them, and I'll respray my speaker stands. They still sound fab though.

I also had some Audio Research bookshelf speakers back in the day, they were good but not quite up to the std of these.
 
Picked up a S/H Proj-ect Phone Box E for a decent price to get me started. Was the same price as your Behringer Suz so went with the known hi-fi brand as if it doesn't suit the system then it'll be easy to sell. I think that's me done apart from getting some goof LPs and FLACs. Might have to start visiting some record shops!!!
 
I'd avoid the goof LPs.
 
Not a cheap game the LP buying thing these days eh?
 
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