I love the idea that you are letting the younger generation know that you don't have to spend $$$$$ on HiFi to get what you want,, but to spend just what you can afford until you want to up grade to the next level,, but until that day comes along just enjoy what you have .
Dayton B65 > $70 or neumi bs5 for $109 RSL iA255.1 integrated amp > $110 Wow, a fully working, good sounding entry level two channel hifi for $180-219! less than many bluetooth speakers. Lots of smart tvs will pair bluetooth with amp for soundbar replacement. Hook a computer or old phone up via USB. Very attractive for the money. Lots of ways this can grow with you too, if this was my main setup I would: 1- use the crossover switch on the amp to add a powered subwoofer later on. (Around $200 for something adequate.) 2-Add a Smsl SU1 or Schiit modi dac and wiim for better high res streaming, better eq ~$200 3- old cd, dvd, or bluray player with digital out for cd playback, under $50. What a great deal. I want to try it, but already have speakers everywhere I need them! 😅
Thank you for creating this video. I wiuld call myself a near-beginner on an extreme budget at hifi. I would imagine that at the lowest budget, there would also be less knowledge. For me, there was a lot of technical terminology that just went waaaaay over my head (Wiim, Dac, RSL, etc). I am interested in learning what kinds of sound systems can be made or bought at the lowest budgets. Currently, I just have a Sony micro-system (CMT-SBT100).
Great Content. My gear in the home office for aprox. 400 $ WiiM mini 89$ SMSL PS100 29$ Aiyima A07 Max 90$ Sony SSCS5 198$ You get HDMI ARC, optical, coax, BT, USB C.
I use an Amazon Echo as my source because I use Amazon Music. I connect the fiber optic toslink output of the Echo into a DAC and then an amp. I can control the volume with voice and request songs with my voice.
Add the Sony SCS5 and bluetooth from your phone to the receiver sounds like a better starting system. Then of course add a Wiim when the budget allows.
Jamo S 801 PM Powered bookshelf speakers with Bluetooth & remote (White) $179.00 a pair @ Crutchfield later add the Vera-Fi Audio Vanguard Caldera - 10" Active Subwoofer - $199.00
Really cool video, thank you. Played with the idea of a preamp but I ultimately went with the Wiim Pro Plus right into a Fosi audio V3 and the SSCS5. First two channel system in over 30 years. Now I’m hooked. Just upgraded to the Wiim Ultra. Contemplating the next upgrade. For $300, speakers or amp?
How about a sub? You could get more mileage from your SSCS5's crossing them over a little higher and bringing in a sub to handle the deeper frequencies. That would utilize more of your new Ultra as well. How do you like it so far?
@@Ramzerok I wanted to share our choice of cheap speakers ($150 on sale) was the Polk Audio XL20's - down to 38hz. I slapped some Amazon soundproofing Butel taped panels on the inside sides and bottom. Also cut an old polyfill pillow up and filled the corners and sides. They have a nice solid sound when knocking on them now. The cabinet resonance is gone. Lastly, they used steel nuts and washers on the speaker terminals inside. Replaced w brass M4 parts. Took about 50 hrs and these speakers suddenly came into their own. They sounds really really good for this price point.
@@MattCoykendall1 I like the sub idea quite a bit as there really isn’t too much wrong with the Sonys. Wish that it had airplay, but so far I’m really happy with the ultra. I definitely hear an improvement in the sound stage with the upgrade.
What are your suggestions for a preamp with proper number of inputs? All these tiny amps may sound fine as they are, but I need at least 8 inputs, probably more (right now the integrated amp has 6 and it's not enough). Yes, I know, Techmoan did a research on the subject but it was years ago - maybe there's something new?
@@MattCoykendall1 I am, yes sir. We've been sailing around for about 12+years and when I saw this Class D electronics...Solution. Before this adventure I had Krell and MartinLogan (early 2000's) - Now we are really happy to have an actual system on the sailboat. Being data limited, streaming services are out, but a Tuner might help us.
Sounds like a fun journey, as for the FM tuner that is a bit of a tricky find. I did find this one with decent review but its not as budget friendly as I was hoping amzn.to/3M330Jj Another option may be to find a second hand home theater receiver as many of those have FM tuners and can be purchased for relatively cheap prices...they just may not be small enough for the boat.
If you have a vintage hifi store anywhere near you, I'm sure you can purchase a stand-alone tuner for pretty cheap. I found a gorgeous Yamaha one with a fantastic tuner and memory buttons. It has sweet digital VU and signal strength meters on the display.
Would adding polyfill sound deadening material improve the Dayton B652s? For cheap amplification head to nearly any thrift store for a used receiver. So many more functions of a real AVR or stereo model.
You are correct I see they added it, the mini is such a great device under 100. So really the only thing missing on the Mini is the Room Correction, the limited ADC, ethernet and chromecast.
You could beggin with an Aiyima Dac 01, cheaper than the T1 and has a dac, an optical in so you can connect a tv, that makes your tv your streamer...and.....a headphone out..a basic one but....
Why would you use a phono stage as the centerpiece?? Just get a a good amp like the max currently on sale at Aiyima and Aiyima has a DAC sold only on their site for $55 which has a remote tone controls and connects to everything cept a turntable which you can use as a preamp.
At the higher $$$ amounts I would consider getting a Cambridge Audio integrated amp starting at $399. Earlier this year I got a Denon AVR-S760H - Denon Factory Refurbished - normally $300, on sale for $225 shipping incl. It came with a 1 year Denon warranty too. I like it better than my Fosi V3 and SMSL S-10 DAC. Speakers are the Andrew Jones Pioneer tower speakers, center channel and Atmos speakers with an Infinity sub I've owned for years.
It does add a bit of spice or harmonic distortion if your into that kind of thing... not everyone is though. At the very least its a cheap option for someone to dabble with tubes.
I love the idea that you are letting the younger generation know that you don't have to spend $$$$$ on HiFi to get what you want,, but to spend just what you can afford until you want to up grade to the next level,, but until that day comes along just enjoy what you have .
I love how easy the hobby is to get into right now and like you said move on when it’s time but enjoy what you have!
If opting to add a sub, $150 gets you a choice of ELAC's SUB1010 or its bigger brother the SUB1225. I've been happy with the 1010.
Dayton B65 > $70 or neumi bs5 for $109
RSL iA255.1 integrated amp > $110
Wow, a fully working, good sounding entry level two channel hifi for $180-219! less than many bluetooth speakers. Lots of smart tvs will pair bluetooth with amp for soundbar replacement. Hook a computer or old phone up via USB. Very attractive for the money.
Lots of ways this can grow with you too, if this was my main setup I would:
1- use the crossover switch on the amp to add a powered subwoofer later on. (Around $200 for something adequate.)
2-Add a Smsl SU1 or Schiit modi dac and wiim for better high res streaming, better eq ~$200
3- old cd, dvd, or bluray player with digital out for cd playback, under $50.
What a great deal. I want to try it, but already have speakers everywhere I need them! 😅
Thanks for some creative ideas. I’m considering a cheap rig for my garage.
Thank you for creating this video. I wiuld call myself a near-beginner on an extreme budget at hifi. I would imagine that at the lowest budget, there would also be less knowledge. For me, there was a lot of technical terminology that just went waaaaay over my head (Wiim, Dac, RSL, etc). I am interested in learning what kinds of sound systems can be made or bought at the lowest budgets. Currently, I just have a Sony micro-system (CMT-SBT100).
Great Content. My gear in the home office for aprox. 400 $
WiiM mini 89$
SMSL PS100 29$
Aiyima A07 Max 90$
Sony SSCS5 198$
You get HDMI ARC, optical, coax, BT, USB C.
Thats a great setup for the price your into it.
I use an Amazon Echo as my source because I use Amazon Music. I connect the fiber optic toslink output of the Echo into a DAC and then an amp. I can control the volume with voice and request songs with my voice.
At this price point id go for powered speakers like the Edifier MR4s and add a Dac like the Smsl Su1 or one of the Wiim streamers as source
That's certainly a valid option at these price points.
Add the Sony SCS5 and bluetooth from your phone to the receiver sounds like a better starting system. Then of course add a Wiim when the budget allows.
I'd go Wiim Amp, Dayton 65s, and a Dayton sub. I have the Dayton T65's. They are light like the B65s, but sound decent.
Those Sony speakers still show up for $70 on Amazon marketplace quite often but they sell quickly.
Jamo S 801 PM Powered bookshelf speakers with Bluetooth & remote (White) $179.00 a pair @ Crutchfield
later add the
Vera-Fi Audio Vanguard Caldera - 10" Active Subwoofer - $199.00
12:00 you can get TRS to RCA cables
Really cool video, thank you. Played with the idea of a preamp but I ultimately went with the Wiim Pro Plus right into a Fosi audio V3 and the SSCS5. First two channel system in over 30 years. Now I’m hooked. Just upgraded to the Wiim Ultra. Contemplating the next upgrade. For $300, speakers or amp?
How about a sub? You could get more mileage from your SSCS5's crossing them over a little higher and bringing in a sub to handle the deeper frequencies. That would utilize more of your new Ultra as well. How do you like it so far?
@@Ramzerok I wanted to share our choice of cheap speakers ($150 on sale) was the Polk Audio XL20's - down to 38hz. I slapped some Amazon soundproofing Butel taped panels on the inside sides and bottom. Also cut an old polyfill pillow up and filled the corners and sides. They have a nice solid sound when knocking on them now. The cabinet resonance is gone. Lastly, they used steel nuts and washers on the speaker terminals inside. Replaced w brass M4 parts. Took about 50 hrs and these speakers suddenly came into their own. They sounds really really good for this price point.
@@MattCoykendall1 I like the sub idea quite a bit as there really isn’t too much wrong with the Sonys. Wish that it had airplay, but so far I’m really happy with the ultra. I definitely hear an improvement in the sound stage with the upgrade.
@@nobody1841 have had a couple of pairs of polks back on the 80s. Good stuff all around.
@@MattCoykendall1 and totally forgot that the ultra adds the sub out. I think I have my answer.
Matt, have you listened to the RB 42? I would like to hear your take.
No I have not but it’s been on my radar as one I should get in just to check out, the price is right.
@@MattCoykendall1 Thank you.
What are your suggestions for a preamp with proper number of inputs? All these tiny amps may sound fine as they are, but I need at least 8 inputs, probably more (right now the integrated amp has 6 and it's not enough). Yes, I know, Techmoan did a research on the subject but it was years ago - maybe there's something new?
I’m not sure if this has been mentioned, but the WiiM Mini does have PEQ.
Man, that's going cheap for sure. I can't find a decent tuner for the Aiyima components. Any thoughts?
Are you looking for a simple FM tuner to add into the chain?
@@MattCoykendall1 I am, yes sir. We've been sailing around for about 12+years and when I saw this Class D electronics...Solution. Before this adventure I had Krell and MartinLogan (early 2000's) - Now we are really happy to have an actual system on the sailboat. Being data limited, streaming services are out, but a Tuner might help us.
Sounds like a fun journey, as for the FM tuner that is a bit of a tricky find. I did find this one with decent review but its not as budget friendly as I was hoping amzn.to/3M330Jj Another option may be to find a second hand home theater receiver as many of those have FM tuners and can be purchased for relatively cheap prices...they just may not be small enough for the boat.
@@MattCoykendall1 Hey I really appreciate you going the extra mile to address our special needs. I'm going to go look at that right now!
If you have a vintage hifi store anywhere near you, I'm sure you can purchase a stand-alone tuner for pretty cheap. I found a gorgeous Yamaha one with a fantastic tuner and memory buttons. It has sweet digital VU and signal strength meters on the display.
Would adding polyfill sound deadening material improve the Dayton B652s? For cheap amplification head to nearly any thrift store for a used receiver. So many more functions of a real AVR or stereo model.
I will open up the Dayton and take a look once I get into that review to explore that.
My Wiim Mini has Parametric Eq. ....I believe a few software updates back they added this feature.. 🤔
You are correct I see they added it, the mini is such a great device under 100. So really the only thing missing on the Mini is the Room Correction, the limited ADC, ethernet and chromecast.
You could beggin with an Aiyima Dac 01, cheaper than the T1 and has a dac, an optical in so you can connect a tv, that makes your tv your streamer...and.....a headphone out..a basic one but....
So many of these little DACs out now, I have a similar one from Neohipo sitting here as well.
@@MattCoykendall1this one has another plus....a remote..
@@guillermobrito4987 I am always in favor of a remote!
Why would you use a phono stage as the centerpiece?? Just get a a good amp like the max currently on sale at Aiyima and Aiyima has a DAC sold only on their site for $55 which has a remote tone controls and connects to everything cept a turntable which you can use as a preamp.
It’s not a phono stage, this is the t1 pro preamplifier. Their T3 pro is the phono pre that I previously reviewed.
At the higher $$$ amounts I would consider getting a Cambridge Audio integrated amp starting at $399. Earlier this year I got a Denon AVR-S760H - Denon Factory Refurbished - normally $300, on sale for $225 shipping incl. It came with a 1 year Denon warranty too. I like it better than my Fosi V3 and SMSL S-10 DAC. Speakers are the Andrew Jones Pioneer tower speakers, center channel and Atmos speakers with an Infinity sub I've owned for years.
Fosi DA2120a $139
Neumi BS5 $110
Or for $159 Fosi Da2120c
Certainly an option, have looked at the BS5 but haven’t had it in.
Micca speakers are still cheap and may sound better.
definitely a valid option
If on such a low budget.. never buy new
Lots of deals in used if you live in larger areas for sure.
@@MattCoykendall1 but at least in less populated areas you don't get noise complaints 😎
odd way to spell budget in thumbnail?
Good catch and fixed!
Nice, just don’t buy t1 pro, it wont do anything to your system.
It does add a bit of spice or harmonic distortion if your into that kind of thing... not everyone is though. At the very least its a cheap option for someone to dabble with tubes.
Hifi 😂