Crazy Audiophile System Under $500 Destroys Gear 3X the Price in 2024!

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  • Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
  • It's never been easier and cheaper to get a killer Affordable Audiophile System under $500 in 2024. This amp destroys amps 3-4x its price feature wise and even sounds pretty good.
    WIIM Amp howl.me/ck6bch... (affiliate)
    Sony SSCS5 amzn.to/3vmLVpj (affiliate)
    Wiim Amp Full Vid • NO ONE can Compete wit...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 489

  • @sayubu
    @sayubu 5 місяців тому +43

    Love it when the videos (even though I know most of what will be said) are aimed to those that want a good inexpensive system, and not afraid to say EQ is an option. Happy Easter Randy !

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  5 місяців тому +3

      Thanks. You too!!

    • @dsnyder0cnn
      @dsnyder0cnn 5 місяців тому +6

      Entertaining as always. And a good recommendation. For around the same price, I often recommend the JBL 305P MkII powered monitors (currently on sale for $129 each or $258/pair). Add the WiiM Pro Plus, and you are still comfortably below $500. No ARC input, but optical from a TV works just as well. No bass management, but higher quality DAC and speakers. For a smaller room, a sub may not be missed.

    • @michwoz
      @michwoz 5 місяців тому +2

      With how much difference EQ can make, it is insanity not to use it. There are very few speakers and subwoofers that doesn't benefit significantly from EQ treatment, and those cost thousands of $. It is often possible to fix quite bad speakers, especially if you combine it with cheap calibrated measurement mic and free software. Another thing is that you can finetune your system to your own preference if you don't like what it offers by default. Having access to digital EQ is a cheat code. If your device has it (be it amp, dac, dsp, computer), you're a winner.

  • @traildoggy
    @traildoggy 5 місяців тому +100

    Me: starts day with black coffee and an acoustic guitar
    Randy: Cinnamon Rolls and Slipknot

  • @_fakeklg
    @_fakeklg 5 місяців тому +119

    Reason #7,382 why this channel is fantastic: Randy ain’t ashamed to use and recommend EQ. ¡Bueno!

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  5 місяців тому +12

      Well thank you, my friend

    • @dieseldust27
      @dieseldust27 5 місяців тому +5

      Snubs don't like EQ lol

    • @Artcore103
      @Artcore103 5 місяців тому +9

      EVERY system should use EQ. First, very precise PEQ based on measurements, THEN general EQ to taste to adjust the treble slope to taste, and boost the low bass (which should always be boosted unless you're a chump). Unless you have like KEF blade metas or something, you need EQ, there are extremely few "perfect" speakers regardless of price - and even then you should EQ to taste AND for the room, even though you wouldn't have to correct any "problems" in the speakers themselves. 10 band parametric is the bare minimum to set up most systems properly. If you run a sub, I'm counting that too in EQ, because it necessarily involves that by definition.

    • @BaggyBag-jc4jk
      @BaggyBag-jc4jk 4 місяці тому +2

      Ngl eq need someone with a good ear and lot of tweak ppl goes 4 plug n ply

    • @wgm247
      @wgm247 3 місяці тому

      Randy reminds me of my uncle

  • @billbloomfield4972
    @billbloomfield4972 5 місяців тому +35

    Appreciate your great suggestions! I setup the SSCS5’s with a Fosi BT20A and Schiit Modi 3E dac for a streaming setup in my painting studio. It sounds FANTASTIC ! All-in total = $300. WINNING !!! 🏆 🏆 🏆

  • @Simon_Hawkshaw
    @Simon_Hawkshaw 5 місяців тому +14

    Always a good time listening to your advice and seeing your recommendations of affordable audio equipment. The new format is growing on me as your enjoyment and less formal approach brings all closer to an informal and relaxed discussion of a very emotive subject. Thank you as always for your time and efforts to share this with us all. Very helpful indeed.

  • @johnstump2433
    @johnstump2433 5 місяців тому +18

    Love the creativity of your latest videos. It reminds me of when you first started. You’ve come along way Grasshopper!

  • @madcrabber1113
    @madcrabber1113 5 місяців тому +13

    When I first got back into home audio I bought the Sony STR-DH190 stereo receiver and those Sony speakers and plugged my blu ray player etc into it and for streaming used my laptop connected with a 3.5 mm jack from the headphone out on the laptop into the 3.5 mm in on the front of the Sony. Used the eq built into the laptop and an old JBL PB10 sub that has high level inputs. Was very happy with that setup for a year or so then started back down the endless rabbit hole.

    • @VENOM-vq3ju
      @VENOM-vq3ju 3 місяці тому

      Sony amps should be avoided like the plague, especially the STR series.
      The most important element of an audiophile system are the speakers.
      In second position is the parametric equalizer.
      I am an audiophile who uses DIY Hi-Fi equipment

  • @thomascraig9879
    @thomascraig9879 5 місяців тому +13

    Thanks, Randy. I set up a complete GREAT sounding audio system, in my living room, focused around a WIIM amp. Klipsch RP-600 M originals-scratch and dent…super cheap, super great! Entry level klipsch Sub R100SW. Pulls double duty as a 2.1 entertainment system AND a simply delightful music system. Less than $700 all in w/ cabling. Extraordinary value!!! Can’t say enough. Thanks again.

    • @pjeffries301
      @pjeffries301 3 місяці тому

      Excellent!

    • @snoepox1257
      @snoepox1257 3 місяці тому

      What about the power? I am afraid it would not have enough power when i would use it in my living room.

    • @wekkimeif7720
      @wekkimeif7720 3 місяці тому

      klipsch Sub R100SW can't even hit 30 hz properly, which is what subwoofer used for music should at minimum be capable. For proper movie sounds subwoofer needs to hit at very least 25 hz better if it goes even lower.

  • @bugsbunny4698
    @bugsbunny4698 5 місяців тому +7

    I bought the WiiM Amp for my office and combined it with the Elac Debut 5.2, which is 510€ altogether in Germany.
    With a tiny little tweak on the parametric equalizer of less than 2dB this makes a killer system!
    I love it. ❤

  • @goincrabbin6756
    @goincrabbin6756 5 місяців тому +13

    Thanks Randy! Patreon member here... I love my Sony's as my starter speakers. I did opt for the Bluesound Node streamer and the SMSL a300 amp instead of the Wiim. Hopefully this year I'll get that Geshelli J2 socketed DAC. (with the yadda yadda chips ;-) lol hi guys ) Its a start and I'm very happy with the sound.. it will only get BET-ter (🙂 ) as i upgrade. Love CAM's channel and his FB Patreon page!

  • @traildoggy
    @traildoggy 5 місяців тому +15

    Aiyima T9
    Fluance Signature 2 way bookshelf
    Wiim mini
    Edifier T5 sub
    All bought on sale prices, Total system under $500 - I'm very happy with this setup

    • @tonyschreurs2776
      @tonyschreurs2776 4 місяці тому +2

      Gotta love the equipment from Edifier. So much quality for a very reasonable price!

  • @aiiaznsk8er
    @aiiaznsk8er 5 місяців тому +7

    I found my SSCS5s at a pawn shop for $80, based on your recommendation a few years ago. They've been solid on an Aiyima A07, with an SVS SB1000 pro. Can't beat it for the price.

  • @jacobjohnson4763
    @jacobjohnson4763 5 місяців тому +4

    For anyone looking to get the Sonys, I can say that I got mine when they were still $88 and paired them with a pair of thrift store KLH 12’s and the combo has been as good as I could ever want.

  • @craigpatterson8551
    @craigpatterson8551 5 місяців тому +10

    As a beginner I so appreciate your videos. Thank you

  • @philipketchum1407
    @philipketchum1407 5 місяців тому +26

    I picked that Sony speaker up for $72 on Amazon. I use them with a Marantz full WiFi receiver as a portable music system. I moved it around the house when I’m working. Killer little system. Way better than a little Bluetooth portable speaker.

    • @ronzack4572
      @ronzack4572 5 місяців тому +1

      No Lies Detected.

    • @RichardMar
      @RichardMar 3 місяці тому +1

      never ever you got the SS-CS5 for 72 USD

    • @philipketchum1407
      @philipketchum1407 3 місяці тому

      @@RichardMar Amazon sale. $71.99 free prime shipping. Got them before the positive reviews on UA-cam got everyone’s attention. OK to be jealous but calling people liars because of it is sad.

  • @therealboofighter
    @therealboofighter 5 місяців тому +4

    I know it’s lacking features, but this Wiim amp up against Sonys lowest receiver would be a good mashup. People have said that it is a great little starter amp.

  • @ronzack4572
    @ronzack4572 5 місяців тому +3

    As an owner of those little Sony speakers (thanks to Randy!), I can backup everything he says about them. They are AMAZING for their price!
    The only thing you would need to add to really make it a supreme system, is a subwoofer of some kind. Lots of good inexpensive options on Amazon. Sadly, due to room restrictions, I can't do that with mine, but it's no big deal. I still love those Sonys as they are!
    Thank you Randy, for being the BEST cheapaudioman there ever was!!!

  • @gabrielgarza863
    @gabrielgarza863 5 місяців тому +1

    Got my Sony SScS5 around black friday week and I ordered it as a used pair for 70 dollars. They ended up being open box. Hooked them up to Schiit Audio Ghorn and Valhalla 2 as the tube preamp. They sung beautifully. Used them with the Fosi Audio V3. Still sounded good. The DAC I used was the Schiit Modi Mulitbit. I ended up gifting these to my best friend and he has them hooked up to a Schiit Ghorn and Schiit Syn for their TV. The whole family said "how have we lived without having proper sound. This is such a difference."
    My opinion is to make sure your source is where you should focus first for major investment or upgrade, and then follow the chain.
    Hope this helps anyone.

  • @onechain13
    @onechain13 5 місяців тому +1

    I got a pair Sony SS-CS5 for $40 "Like New" open box on Amazon. I gifted them to my bro-in-law for his first real surround system as the Front Left Right. A low priced second hand Pioneer AVR and a Polk T30 center from Facebook Marketplace. He's been pretty darn happy.

  • @EsotericArctos
    @EsotericArctos 5 місяців тому +2

    Guessing that is a typo in the video title and pice ins meant to be price. I know, being pedantic.
    I love these videos highlighting how good the cheaper equipment is. Too many feel they can't get into Hi-Fi because it is too expensive, but it really is not expensive to get into the hobby.

  • @leonardofuentez5688
    @leonardofuentez5688 5 місяців тому +2

    Love these funny skits, don't stop. Love how you talk about how us HIFI lovers still have a family that can destroy our equipment and that's a big part of why we don't want to spend so much money sometimes.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  5 місяців тому +3

      there's always something flying around the living room that shouldn't be...

  • @bertpeters1866
    @bertpeters1866 5 місяців тому +7

    Cinnamon rolls! Cheap audio! And the sound of the coffee pouring in my earbuds was amazing.

  • @jaygannon1095
    @jaygannon1095 2 місяці тому +1

    I agree with you, the SS-CS5 isn't for everyone, but as far as I'm concerned it's genuinely competitive with some speakers I've heard around the $500 mark, except in terms of the amount of bass. But what bass there is, is still pretty nice, just not a lot of it. But it's the treble and upper midrange clarity where it really shines. Some will say it's bright, I think it's just revealing and detailed

  • @adsph
    @adsph 5 місяців тому +3

    Well done Randy. I'm smiling at the moment. The Wiim amp is a product that has great value. Haven't heard one myself but I have a Fosi BT20A. Its so fun to listen to.

  • @Michael-xz1nk
    @Michael-xz1nk 5 місяців тому +3

    Great system for the price. I got an earlier version of the Sony’s at Best Buy for $49 years ago. They still sound great.

  • @johnbewty
    @johnbewty 5 місяців тому +4

    Love the focus on affordable starter audiophile gear. I spent some time with those Sony bookshelves and they're totally fine even though the "Super tweeter" is lolwtf. As you said EQ and bass management go a long way towards making cheap speakers and subs work.

  • @VisionCarrierDreamCatcher
    @VisionCarrierDreamCatcher 5 місяців тому +1

    The basic advice here is golden for someone starting on this journey. The start is such a heavy lift. Your advice lead me to WiiM Pro, Aiyima AO7, SMSL SU1 and the Sony CSS5s. Throw in a Spotify sub and I have been audio heaven ever since. I’m now slowly building my next level system. RSL sub, Musician Audio Knight 1 already acquired. Now trying to figure out amplification.

  • @Jedi71
    @Jedi71 5 місяців тому +4

    Look at all this new production value! Love to see it! 🙂

  • @tyotaterry
    @tyotaterry 5 місяців тому +2

    Love the comedy. Don’t listen to the stick in the muds, there’s plenty of boring channels around for them. Still loving the cs5s as you recommended for near field low volume listening on a desktop setup. I have my cs5s hooked up to a ares2, and old marantz Hd1-amp. All used at bargain prices. Great sound at bargain prices is always possible thanks again Randy, my sons are starting to get into the game and already are using parts of my old systems recommended by you. Still getting lots of entertainment and value from you from down here in New Zealand.

  • @naastradamus
    @naastradamus 5 місяців тому +5

    Randy, I'm 1 minute in, and your music choice cracking me up!!

  • @ronjoiner
    @ronjoiner 5 місяців тому +2

    One of the best-produced videos you have done! Excellent!

  • @steveh545
    @steveh545 5 місяців тому +1

    Damn. Randy’s going for an Emmy, whichever has an award for “best short” (that’s what she said?)I just bought a WiiM amp. And a Chifi hybrid tune amp (and cool VU meter) switcher, hooked up to some Lumina II’s. Jumping down the rabbit hole. If my wife complains I’m blaming Randy! In all seriousness, awesome video!

  • @NOSLOW
    @NOSLOW 5 місяців тому +2

    I got a pair of those Sony speakers from Amazon Warehouse: "$54.61; Condition: Used - Acceptable - Cosmetic imperfection(s) bigger than 1" on top, front or sides of item. Item will come repackaged.", but they arrived in pristine condition! I couldn't find said "imperfection(s)" anywhere. And wow, they sound fabulous in my office paired with a JBL Sub (550P) that I bought on sale for $189.99 direct from JBL in December '22 and a Yamaha RX-V677 AV receiver I bought used off of nextdoor for $150. For a little over $400, this system blows my mind!
    I'm looking to buy a WiiM Mini so that I can stream Amazon HD Music at full resolution. Currently using a Chromecast 4K dongle to stream and 4k Dell monitor hooked up to the receiver and it maxes out at 16-bit / 48 kHz. Do you think I'll hear much of an improvement or will I just feel better knowing it's the best it can be?

  • @gupdaddy
    @gupdaddy 5 місяців тому +3

    Rocking my b1+ through my wiim amp at my temp apartment while they fix my house. Thankx randy, its getting me through it!

  • @primopierre
    @primopierre 5 місяців тому +3

    I have finally completed a dirt-cheap audiophile system that sounds amazing with the Aiyima A07 Max 2x on mono paired to the Sony SSCS5s, a Wiim Airplay Pro 2 DAC/Streamer, and an Edifier T5 augmenting the sub-50Hz range… costs total 519usd, with the Wiim Airplay Pro being the most expensive at 149usd

    • @primopierre
      @primopierre 5 місяців тому +1

      Sony SSCS5 108usd
      Aiyima A07 Max 85usd x2
      Wiim Airplay Pro 2 149usd
      Edifier T5 92usd

  • @DavidArcuri
    @DavidArcuri 5 місяців тому +21

    Making so much bank the man no longer even carries $20's around. 🤣

    • @paradoxworkshop4659
      @paradoxworkshop4659 5 місяців тому +3

      He leaves them in the back seats of Ubers just for fun.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  5 місяців тому +12

      @@paradoxworkshop4659 lol. I never even carry cash. Neighbor gave me the cash for the new fence I paid for. We went halfsies. And I was like, “I could use this as a prop in my next vid!”

    • @karelvandervelden8819
      @karelvandervelden8819 5 місяців тому +1

      @@cheapaudioman Prop them into the bass-vents.

    • @therealboofighter
      @therealboofighter 5 місяців тому +1

      @@cheapaudioman making so much bank, money is prop! lol. Just messing around.

    • @paradoxworkshop4659
      @paradoxworkshop4659 5 місяців тому

      @@cheapaudioman so much money you get to use REAL cash as a prop...

  • @freemenofengland2880
    @freemenofengland2880 5 місяців тому +2

    I don't have any Sony SSCS5 for reference - BUT I do have some Moukey Passive Bookshelf Speakers, peak power 110 Watt Three-way Black-M20-3, that you recommended - and they do sound awesome at low to medium volume for watching UA-cam videos, driven by an Aiyima A07 amp. They were £90 British pounds which is much higher than in the States and are currently all sold out.

  • @kamelsardine563
    @kamelsardine563 5 місяців тому +1

    In Germany you can't get the Sony for less than 400€ (pair). So I bought the Canton 426.2 used for 120€ which sound great. My amp is a CA Azur 340 and as source my Echo Flex which has a TI chip DAC. It's probably not very audiophile but I enjoy it very much.

  • @DanielPerez-dl2gs
    @DanielPerez-dl2gs 5 місяців тому +4

    Emotional Randy, love it!...don't let these overprice, overweight, beautiful creatures walk all over you!

  • @Audioholic42
    @Audioholic42 5 місяців тому +1

    Got my Jamo 803s for $300 AUD which is about $195 USD. Absolutely love them. Using them with a SMSL AD18 that set me back $220 AUS ($145 USD) in a desktop setup. Total setup $340 USD. Although I've been eyeing off the Aiyima T9 Pro. I'm Curious on how they would sound together and also think it would look sick.

  • @larrygaines7462
    @larrygaines7462 5 місяців тому +2

    I gave away my turntable,all my albums,cassette recorder big towers . Now phone driven 2.1 system, still jamming @ 70

  • @bryang9290
    @bryang9290 5 місяців тому +2

    Your audio volume consistency is all over the place on your videos lately

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  5 місяців тому +1

      Yeah. Production has never been my strong suit. If you want to come over and hold the boom for me shoot me an email.

    • @bryang9290
      @bryang9290 5 місяців тому

      @@cheapaudioman in NC by any chance? Otherwise I have some amateur experience with audio production and could probably even it out throughout the video

  • @JoseMarzanJr
    @JoseMarzanJr 5 місяців тому +3

    Went for the same set up last week! Working out fine!

  • @jr.sanchez1488
    @jr.sanchez1488 5 місяців тому +4

    Best Buy has open box in like new condition for like 87.00 fairly often. usually when these are for sale at 123 bucks!

    • @jacobjohnson4763
      @jacobjohnson4763 5 місяців тому +1

      I got mine new at Best Buy for $88. I need a second pair and I really wish I just bought 2 sets then

  • @RGMDG
    @RGMDG 5 місяців тому +1

    I had the Sony Speakers and I just did not care for them. I have a great listening room and they sounded just OK. I ended up selling them and had some Elac bookshelf speakers for a while and a couple of REL T5/x subs. That system rocked. Eventually settled on the Wharfedale Linton speakers and I couldn't be happier.

  • @droopydog6272
    @droopydog6272 5 місяців тому

    Keep spreading the word, Randy! Snagged some SSCS5's alongside the matching SACS9 subwoofer on sale this past November based upon your overwhelming praise. I hooked 'em up to an old Sony STR-DE595 AVR with a 32" Sony Trinitron CRT, and play all my Playstation 2 games on it. It's my all-Sony retro oasis. Sounds amazing!

  • @user-yn7ll3qz1p
    @user-yn7ll3qz1p 4 місяці тому +1

    I paid 15 pound for a pair of SS-W550G and run them through a Sony surround sound sound amp for my budget but half decent sounding system... 20Hz at the low end of the range and 18/19KHz top end...

  • @miguelalonsoperez5609
    @miguelalonsoperez5609 3 місяці тому

    I personally went to professional gear after years of changing amps and speakers: it is more reliable and you usually don’t pay for marketing.
    My equipment: audio interface Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: you can record or play, or both at same time. The DAC section was measured as audible transparent (as most of the nowadays) but probably is better in signal strength for the speakers I have. Also has balanced outputs. Most recent price 170€.
    Active studio monitors, yes some “audiphile” shops advice to don’t use them to home listening arguing that flat sound is not aesthetic. Totally nonsense, flat response is the most accurate reproduction to the original source, it allows you to listening without artifacts. Genelec 8030cpm 5 inch, 560€ each unit.
    And no more, connecting a streamer is not necessary and the inbuilt amp on speakers is the best as possible for the speakers and tuned it ensemble on anechoic chamber to flattest response as possible. They are builded like tanks, you can accidentally throw one of this and nothing happens.
    The result was amazing, compared to commercial brands I tried before: included B & W, Sonus Faber or Kef

  • @michealboudreaux
    @michealboudreaux 5 місяців тому

    OK, so you recently slayed me with the best intro...now you bring the heat with the most amazing outtro, nicely done sir!

  • @NC-sb7bj
    @NC-sb7bj 5 місяців тому +4

    I am a long-time follower of this channel. I know that channels evolve. But I must be the only person who prefers the old format, where Randy simpy sat down with a piece of paper or a note book and talked about his impressions of the gears, how they sounded etc. Nothing fancy, just good information.

    • @mrmelton4776
      @mrmelton4776 5 місяців тому

      I love My Dinner With Andre as much as the next guy, but how many times do I realistically want to sit down and watch it?

    • @tyotaterry
      @tyotaterry 5 місяців тому

      Plenty of other channels doing that.

  • @craigt8700
    @craigt8700 5 місяців тому +1

    Love your content! I picked up a pair of elac unfi ub5's on Amazon when they were $199. Grabbed the wiim amp and paired them with my v1 RSL speedwoofer, and I'm loving it! My first audiophile set up, and I'm already hooked. It's like 3d music! Set this up next to my desktop and turned them in a little. The soundstage just makes me smile! My next step is getting this Sansui G-7000 serviced and throwing the elacs on it and see the difference vs. the wiim. Thanks again for all you do!

  • @Brian_Romska
    @Brian_Romska 5 місяців тому +3

    Cool, nice job thanks Randy!
    I’ve got the WiiM amp with the jamo c93ii & emotiva se8, love it. It’s been said that the best system is the one that actually gets used, and this setup (hooked with hdmi to the living room tv) gets used every day and I do plan on getting another WiiM amp for the bedroom.

  • @waynethompson4315
    @waynethompson4315 5 місяців тому +1

    First off, I like the new format, editing, etc. I’m a 66 year old retiree and I am ready to get back into hifi. I was a PE teacher and a basketball coach for the better part of 32 years. I spent a lot of time in some very loud gyms. I fear I have lost a bit of my hearing at higher frequencies. With that in mind I am considering the Sony speakers. Per your videos the Sonys are bright or exciting. I think that might help me hear the high frequencies better. Any thoughts?
    I’m thinking of getting the Fosi za3, the Wiim Pro, and the Sony speakers and building my system from there.

  • @jamesvoysey333
    @jamesvoysey333 5 місяців тому +2

    Got the Wiim, paired with klipsch 41"s and klipsch sub 120. Cheap system, great sound.

  • @donjaun540
    @donjaun540 5 місяців тому +2

    Wow Randy this was a very interesting video. Both of these products are a value. Thanks

  • @dreamzsiva
    @dreamzsiva 5 місяців тому +3

    Love these new high quality, quriky edits!

  • @williambarney2874
    @williambarney2874 4 місяці тому +1

    I'm dying 😂!!! Great video, the ending is hilarious!!

  • @leedesantos1559
    @leedesantos1559 5 місяців тому +3

    I have that exact system pairwd with an SVS sub. More than enough for me

  • @WildernessMusic_GentleSerene
    @WildernessMusic_GentleSerene 5 місяців тому

    There you go, pre-DAC EQ and 10 bands. Been saying this for years, anyone buying a DAC is obviously an audiophile, EVERY DAC must come with this feature. Yea, you can add a graphic EQ in the analog path post DAC, but you will never know how much it will change your sound quality in distortion or transparency or all those little minor details you spent money on to avoid. I come from all three sides of the music industry: 1) Musician. 2) Audiophile. 3) Recording Engineer. 1 or 2 decibels of gain or reduction in just 2 or 3 bands of frequency can eliminate an annoying listening experience. To do this in the digital world means it is simple to have presets to balance your entire CD collection to your room and your system. No two rooms sound the same, you can't expect your system to sound glorious in all rooms. EQ after all your good choices in equipment for your room is the final tweak.

  • @brettrwertz
    @brettrwertz 3 місяці тому

    The production quality of your videos is amazing! I love the random foreshadowing stock videos that are sprinkled throughout always makes me laugh! 😂

  • @jeffjohnson3504
    @jeffjohnson3504 5 місяців тому +1

    These Sony Speakers are the most returned Speakers on Amazon!

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  5 місяців тому +3

      You probably shouldn’t buy them then! Sorry. I didn’t want to use an exclamation point but I felt I needed to for some reason.

  • @michaelmccall8719
    @michaelmccall8719 5 місяців тому +1

    You've mentioned the sony's many times but usually forget to mention Neil's upgrade for them which I'm doing right now.

  • @sakrifise1485
    @sakrifise1485 4 місяці тому

    The "source" really has a huge factor. Whether is car or home audio (I work in car audio) you can take standard speakers and get them sounding pretty damn good. Same principle here

  • @michaelwright1602
    @michaelwright1602 5 місяців тому

    Randy, I must say this is one well produced video! Bravo Sir! Big smile on my face watching this, and a chuckle or two. ;-)

  • @interstellar8642
    @interstellar8642 5 місяців тому

    always loving these videos honestly on a binge watch of all your videos to get all caught up, love what you're doing please keep it up always look forward to watching your videos

  • @Acoustic_Theory
    @Acoustic_Theory 2 місяці тому

    I find you more entertaining than Darko, maybe more entertaining than anyone else doing audio reviews.

  • @HELLtoPAY715
    @HELLtoPAY715 5 місяців тому

    My favorite budget setup is a lepai mini amp powering a pair of Aiwa bookshelf speakers from my tabletop stereo I had as a teenager. With a little boost in the bass and treble it sounds so perfect.

  • @TheHope12322
    @TheHope12322 5 місяців тому +1

    Was $123… you can get upgrade kits for it from G&R.

  • @murraywebster1228
    @murraywebster1228 5 місяців тому +1

    The higher the crossover frequency for sub top the more power you can feed the top boxes, little tip from a pro…

  • @jemsmay2167
    @jemsmay2167 5 місяців тому +1

    SSCS5 + WiiM mini + Aiyima T9 = $123 + $89 +$99 = $301. All the versatility (except for the hdmi…) and 90% of the sound for 60% of the price. It’s a great time to be alive! If you wanna throw caution to the wind you can kick it up a notch by rolling the tubes in the T9 and adding a small sub (I recommend the $89 monoprice 8 inch sub). Or move up to the T9 pro, or the WiiM Pro plus, or a pair of A07 max amps, or a pair of ELAC 5.2s…

    • @Eron55555
      @Eron55555 5 місяців тому

      Get a quality budget sub (RSL 10E!) and prepare to be impressed.

    • @jemsmay2167
      @jemsmay2167 5 місяців тому

      @@Eron55555 nice sub, but no thanks. It would double the cost of the system and thereby misses the point. I could build a system that the RSL fits into, but it’s not this one.

  • @stonefree1911
    @stonefree1911 5 місяців тому

    Randy...you're wrong.
    But seriously, while it's not for me, it is amazing how good the sound can be from a lower priced system. I bought a pair of the Elac 4.1's(?) when they were on sale for $88 a pair, and they are amazing sounding speakers. Needs a sub. but the midbass to high end is really quite amazing for any price.

  • @RogerBergqvist
    @RogerBergqvist 5 місяців тому +4

    Happy Easter!

  • @DFlemming
    @DFlemming 5 місяців тому

    That's quality content with a sense of humor! Keep up the good work Randy.

  • @CODgod357
    @CODgod357 5 місяців тому

    For a beginner, I found my complete Sony 7.2 setup on Facebook marketplace for $200. Great place to start a setup

  • @alexvinson7373
    @alexvinson7373 5 місяців тому +2

    I'd spend the extra $100 and get the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 instead of the Sonys, but that's just me. I own the Sony's as well, and I concur, it's tough if not impossible to find a better speaker for $120.

  • @BobTrainor
    @BobTrainor 5 місяців тому +2

    Good stuff! You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy HiFi, it just helps. 🤣

  • @AudioFileZ
    @AudioFileZ 5 місяців тому

    I've always been at odds with purists who roundly eschew any kind of EQ (we used to call it "tone controls"). Everything in the audio chain has its own inherent EQ, especially speakers. Smartly applied, EQ is a good thing. EQ when used with reasonably good speakers that obviously will have some output deficiency (usually in the bass) it can be a game-changer. Apparently these Sony low rents are obviously in a catagory of being basically good with some limitations designed in based on cost. You've found a low-cost, yet Hi-Fi, amp that is capable and has the right stuff to elevate the humble Sonys. I imagine that this proposed system, when properly dialed into a decent sub-woofer, can provide a total aural experience to run with some systems costing, perhaps, five-times more. This is the kind of stuff that gets my audiophile juices flowing so I say this is a video that newbies should use as their template to Hi-Fi nirvana without having to wait and wait until a larger nest egg of money is one day available. It's really all one needs to have a very rewarding system, one that punches far above the modest monetary outlay. Keep up this excellent work.

  • @davidbartochowski7832
    @davidbartochowski7832 5 місяців тому +2

    Randy try the Klipsch b200 synergy black pretty good bang for the buck

    • @jasonromich9919
      @jasonromich9919 5 місяців тому

      I have the F200s, love the detail and clarity. Also just enough bass to keep a guy happy.

  • @timd7782
    @timd7782 5 місяців тому

    This is you at your best! Wiim must have the best sound engineers outside of Klipsch!! I love that you focus on value. Ironically when I was younger, I thought high price = best. Not so. Now that I’m older and actually have money to spend - I’m happy as a pig in poop with my Klipsch Fives, subwoofer, audio technica 120 USB turntable with Ifi phono preamp with Ortofon blue cartridge and LG TV. Kicks ass for way less than my old 1980s rack system!

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  5 місяців тому +1

      love it! thanks so much for the compliment, my friend

  • @danielwoodard680
    @danielwoodard680 5 місяців тому +1

    Maybe the most fun video by you. Do you know that April fools day approaches? I can’t wait!

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  5 місяців тому +3

      I've actually got a real vid releasing on 4-1 but it makes me kind of sad that I'm not going to do a joke one

  • @H4GRlD
    @H4GRlD 3 місяці тому

    It's insane that we can get excited about EQ-ing in 2024. 😆
    Thanks for the suggestions!

  • @keithgegg997
    @keithgegg997 5 місяців тому +1

    What is the piece of equipment that the WIIM amp is sitting on in your living room (with the large knob on the right?). And oh yes great video, especially the part talking with your Advance Paris Integrated!

  • @Bloodysugar
    @Bloodysugar 4 місяці тому +1

    1:30 Well... pretty much any Raspberry with a good DAC hat would be as efficient and would cost 3 times less. For 300 you could get all this one provides + a tactile screen + a 1To jukebox. And if you want to add 200 more you'd get a bigger/better screen and 4 To. ^^
    It would need an amp to run speakers though, but any could do, in fact it's a great way to enhance any old amp.

  • @Jeffro422
    @Jeffro422 5 місяців тому

    I was going to buy the Sony's but I went with the Neumi BS5's. Powered by an Aiyima A07. Just added an open box R-12sw for $150. Really pleased for $300 an a first "real" setup but the itch is real. RSL 10e and WIIM may definitely be in my future. Thanks for all your recommendations and insight.

  • @bobmarteal
    @bobmarteal 5 місяців тому +2

    Come for the tips, come back for the random b-roll of cinnamon rolls.

  • @chriswindham9868
    @chriswindham9868 5 місяців тому

    Love it.
    I got a used pair of Elac UniFi 2.0 UB52 for $250.
    Using a WiiM Pro + into a Loxjie A30 amp I had already.
    Sounds amazing.

  • @keithmoriyama5421
    @keithmoriyama5421 5 місяців тому +1

    The Kanto P6 is a better speaker than the Sony SSCS5. It maybe a little more than the Sony BUT, in Canada it is cheaper. Thanks to Amazon's generous return policy I bought 13 different bookshelves and the Kanto was the best.

  • @inplainview1
    @inplainview1 5 місяців тому

    Exactly this. I would also add there are no "sins" only shortcomings and techniques, to overcome those shortcomings. Be not afraid of the path that gets you to the end state of sonic bliss. If it works it works.

  • @golarac6433
    @golarac6433 4 місяці тому

    Thanks man I was looking for a new amp. This does more than I wanted

  • @damianscott71
    @damianscott71 5 місяців тому

    I bought a set of new Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 for £100. (That’s approx $126.). To go with my Wiim amp.
    This has replaced a Sonos Ray soundbar under my TV in our holiday home, and sounds fantastic for music and movies.

  • @davebuts1921
    @davebuts1921 5 місяців тому +1

    I know it's not as powerful but it's a good starter I have a Douk Audio ST-01 Pro paired with a pair of Mordent Short M20 speakers, and cost under £240.00 sterling less than $305.00. Before I had B and W DM302s3 speakers with a NAD 320 BEE amp, for me the new one sounds better.

  • @davdidit6
    @davdidit6 5 місяців тому

    Randy taking audio reviews to a new, weirder level. Love it

  • @arthurwatts1680
    @arthurwatts1680 5 місяців тому

    For that money in the US, it's HD6XX or HiFiMan Sundara plus a decent dongle DAC - your ears will thank you.

  • @RemisRandR
    @RemisRandR 5 місяців тому +1

    Question or suggestion for a future video : any great affordable recommandations for a preamp that allows to connect multiple analog inputs and multiple digital inputs and has volume control that could be put in front of ZA3 monoblocks?

  • @hgodfrey
    @hgodfrey 5 місяців тому +2

    Would you consider making a how to video for the Wiims parametric eq?

  • @NeilBlanchard
    @NeilBlanchard 5 місяців тому

    I really like the $167 Elac BS-41. Both the SS-CS5 and the BS-41 have a lot of potential, but the Elac has more extended bass.

  • @alphatang2000
    @alphatang2000 5 місяців тому +1

    Great video Randy!!! All the way around great great...

  • @danpangione
    @danpangione 5 місяців тому

    It even has a parametric eq so if you want you can use a mic and Room EQ Wizard to do true room correction, if you want to go all out!

  • @Walter-fg9yc
    @Walter-fg9yc 5 місяців тому

    How much is the subwoofer? Pretty cool. Wiim amp is intriguing. I’m a used speaker buyer, find most people never really listen to their speakers much. About 75% seem to be not even broken in yet. Like the fact you seem to believe, if I ENJOY the sound then they’re wonderful speakers. Not needing $20,000 O scope to show me the signal is clean at 2605 Hz. ! Good show

  • @TheFriday40
    @TheFriday40 5 місяців тому +2

    love my RSL iA255.1 Amplifier for $110..perfect for desktop or garage, etc

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  5 місяців тому

      agree. I always forget about that little gem. I have one here somewhere