A COMPLETE hi-fi system for €1000? Oh YES!

Camera: John Darko | Editor: John Darko | 2nd editor: Jana Dagdagan
A complete hi-fi system that streams and spins vinyl for less than one thousand Euros? You betcha!
Pioneer PLX-500 (€300):
www.pioneerdj.com/de-de/produ...
Ortofon 2M Red (€100):
www.ortofon.com/ortofon-2m-re...
Allo Boss Player (€120):
www.allo.com/sparky/boss-play...
Adam Audio T5V (€340/pair):
www.adam-audio.com/en/t-serie...
Schiit Sys (€80):
www.schiit.com/products/sys
TOTAL: €940
________________________________________________________________________
Steve Guttenberg's US$1250 hi-fi system/s:
• Believe it: $1,250 (or...
Caleb Denison's US$1000 audiophile bookshelf system:
• Build this $1000 Audio...
________________________________________________________________________
Rancilio SILVIA espresso machine:
www.ranciliogroup.com/1-Ranci...
Graef CM 800 coffee grinder:
www.coffeecircle.com/de/p/gra...
Solde Kaffebar, Malmø:
www.solde.se/en/
Reckon you can build a €1000 system that plays vinyl and streams digital audio? Let us know in the comments below, remembering to provide manufacturer links and pricing for all components.
No second hand or vintage suggestions. Why not? Supply/availability varies from country to country. As does price. As does warranty coverage.
#audiophile #1000euros #coffee
__________________________________________________________________
Darko.Audio is a web magazine covering new and exciting developments in the audio world and we aren’t afraid of indie rock or techno.
Web: Darko.Audio
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Facebook: / darkodotaudio

[@DarkoAudio]

MORE INFO on this video's contents can be found in the description box. Reckon you can build a €1000 system that plays vinyl and streams digital audio? Let us know in the comments below, remembering to provide manufacturer links and pricing for all components. No second hand or vintage suggestions. Why not? Supply/availability varies from country to country. As does price. As does warranty coverage.

[@maxb.simonsen2459]

Is the pioneer turntable really comparable to something like rega p1

[@DarkoAudio]

@@amb3cog Which turntable for $250 and with which 'decent cart'?

[@DarkoAudio]

@@maxb.simonsen2459 Yes. Especially when both ship with very basic cartridges. The arm on the Rega is probably better than that on the Pioneer but the Planar 1 sells for €380 and we still need a phono stage for it.

[@juules9]

Hello John, Thanks for the video and the concept. I was wondering if increasing the simplicity of this system with a Yamaha musicast Vinyl 500 (Vinyl + streamer in one box for +-560€) would be a good idea. I haven't tested this turntable yet.

[@hmichael228]

Very nicely done...

[@cyryx20]

It would be great to see some other budgets (500, 1500 and 2000). Thanks for this kind of videos, they are really helpful!

[@SnoopySenpai]

I am not John Darko but just bought a set up for about 2.000€: Turntable: Rega Planar 3 with Elys 2 (~950€) Amplifier: Yamaha A-S 701 (~480€) Speakers: Nubert nubox 383 (~440€/pair) Preamp(for ripping Vinyl): Rega Fono mini A2D (~120€) Total: 1.990€

[@boomboxmachine]

@@SnoopySenpai yes.. the Yamaha 701 is my current amplifier, hooked to BW CM1 and Sansui turntable. Superb sound.

[@herberteddington8266]

I have a set up that was only 315$ us up and running.😬😬😬👌🏽

[@scottziegler4238]

@@herberteddington8266 That's about how much I spent putting mine together, and it includes reel to reel, record, CD, tape, and 8 track players. I'm sure its subpar tone would rupture this man's highly sensitive eardrums.

[@svalbard01]

2:57 For Germans, 12 kites is the second highest you can be, surpassed only by 99 luftballons.

[@DarkoAudio]

That, my friend, is comment of the year. 👏🏻

[@pspicer777]

... ah you have to be a ... uh, certain age to really understand this. Not that *I* am ....

[@StevenSchmitt]

It's seems to me the best way to keep on the "budget" side of things is to stay away from vinyl altogether. Not only does it add a lot of component costs, but with records costing $20 -25 new... There goes the budget.

[@StewartRoss]

In Australia records cost $30++. I buy 2nd hand CD's, poor man's vinyl, $5-10 each.

[@samueltaylor2757]

With vinyl, you can explore the used market! I have a record store here in the UK selling 1000s of used records under £5. Also charity shops sell used records for dirt cheap

[@williamnettleton3413]

For me it's an investment and it gives the artists I support more money. My collection is worth over 2k. And just keeps going up. And I didn't even have a working turntable lol I have a lot of CDs as well. But I hunt for vinyl or preorder new records which is a better deal, and most are guaranteed to go up in cost. If I take care of them they will last, and be cool to pass down to my kids. I also have Spotify I use on the go, and CDs for road trips. But nothing beats vinyl for me. Color variants and just everything you get with it makes it king for me. It is more expensive but it supports the artists. Spotify doesn't pay diddly squat and the amount of records I would buy a year makes it worth it all for me.

[@alexojeda9048]

Agreed, I never got into vinyl so I'm not going to go and spend money getting vinyl copies of music I already own. Instead I'll spend the money on a better streamer.

[@Peter-ii4xq]

You can't have all. I would also start without a turntable. It allow's one to buy better speakers.

[@iancognito8047]

More low-end stuff please! We all aspire to the dreamy $x,000 stuff, but I'm guessing that's a niche market in TRW.

[@lewisdell7036]

SMSL P1+Allo Boss Player/Marantz CD5005 - Schiit Sys - Schiit Loki - Marantz NR1607 Receiver - Emotiva BasX A100 - Klipsch R-600P Floorstanders - Generic overhead speakers (for Dolby Atmos) - Generic Rear Bipole speakers (for Surround Sound Movies but also Multichannel Stereo Music) Total cost £1700. But I also boast: the BasX to power any headphone on the planet handsomely (namely in this instance Audeze LCD2 and 600 Ohm AKG Sextettes) Four band analogue tone control (the Loki) which is so much more fun than digital! Dual linear power supply for the Pi and Boss DAC! Full surround sound or just stereo preamp volume control at touch of a button! (Sorry to make it seem complex but it's just so worth getting to learn because you're so well set then for home cinema as well as a whole world of audiophilia).

[@samueltung]

I love the simplify of the recommendation, and the entertaining value of the video. just a great video, can't wait for the next one.

[@gabriellundmark]

Why not just get rid of the turntable entirely and have €400 more to put on speakers?

[@AugustoRallo]

My thoughts exactly. But many like the vinyl experience, can't blame them

[@emmanuelferguson]

I'd say if you're thinking of dedicating that much more for speakers, it's worth to invest in a better player or preamp/amp for that matter, so the budget would ultimately be a bit more split than just 400 to the speakers. A big part of turntables are the experience it adds to listening to music, but more so having a great source, so it would be smart to add to the source in that case.

[@CheetahNL]

Speakers such as the small Genelecs..... Oh yeahh....

[@psligchers7374]

The speakers are the most important. With the marantz cr611 for 334 euro’s and the lenco 3808 for 175 now you have over 500 left for the speakers. (Kef q150) or secondhand b&w 685 for 200 euro’s. Too Much to choose lol

[@classicrock7890]

The whole point of the exercise was to get vinyl in. Not just you, but why does the internet anti vinyl brigade always have to raise its ugly head when turntables are mentioned? Some people can't accept other's preferences or choices. I do think the Pi device is a bit complex for beginners to set up.

[@noellappin3864]

I like the good practical approach, great article. The use of the Schiit preamp to integrate the system is excellent.

[@sidvicious3129]

This is great and it’s refreshing that you and Steve Guttenberg are taking this on. This is an under served and underrated part of the Audio industry and if we don’t serve it, it will hurt the industry as a whole keeping beginners who need to get in and replace the older folks out. There are starting to be more channels also willing to take this on and I hope the manufacturer are listening. The used market is also an excellent place to start that will keep cost down, which is where I started and continue to use, which allows great components at affordable prices.

[@DarkoAudio]

I think it takes quite a bit of experience to take on this kind of video and Steve has way more than I. Listen to him more than me.

[@radiocoffin4185]

Great videos!!! You’re an inspiration to many budget conscious audiophiles like myself. Keep up the good work John!👍

[@JohnTwo1]

Honestly the boss player is too complicated for most low end users who just want to plug and play. I have installed several Klipsch active speaker setups instead. People can connect their phones and computers through bluetooth and it has an integrated phono preamp as well. Source selection through the remote. It's even an soundbar killer through optical.

[@jeffrielly]

I'm glad I'm finding these videos on budget friendly audio systems as I'm more of a minimalist, so I'd want something that I can combine into using as my computer speakers, as well as a music listening system.

[@shunpillay]

Great video. Would love to see more. I vote for a $500 version as that space has become pretty interesting with affordable yet high quality Chinese amplifiers and DACs.

[@heretustay]

I'm in the midst of building my first rig. Got a pair of klipsch r41m's that I'm not thrilled with and now I'm well down the rabbit hole of trying to build out a whole system. Thanks for this starters guide!

[@TheJimmerritt]

Encouraging for many of us. Sure, there may be many components that can fit the budget, but we get to learn here of particular parts we're likely not aware of. Ones that make a good 'starter' OR a keeper-system till investment savings accumulate. May I add, turntables are essential for enjoying collections, a library and the quality that a needle and groove make particularly exceptional. Thanks, John

[@pedrovasconcelos8260]

Just a small recommendation: try to get an iFi iPower 5v low noise switching mode PSU for powering the RPI + DAC; it costs around €50 and is clear improvement over cheap PSUs that come bundled with the RPi.

[@nakfan]

I really like that you suggest components / a setup that one would not normally consider / be aware of. Thumbs up for that, too. BR, Per - Denmark

[@mnmlist1454]

Thanks, John. More videos on budget/entry level components, please :)

[@pesto9]

Great video! I love your approach getting the most out of each carefully considered component.

[@mfid0]

I’d love to see a recommendation for a system built around the KEF LSX

[@JoseVega70]

Great video.. Please make more of these types of videos, it's so refreshing to have some kind of guidence in this over populated market of budget audio and finding what's good. Love your attitude towards audio gear, keep up the great looking video productions. Your the MAN!!!

[@gr328]

That is a challenge - I remember the £1000 'budget' system from 25 years ago ;-) £300 each for a cd, amp and speakers + cables.

[@redstarwraith]

Yeah, Steve Guttenberg recently started a series of videos of different systems at various price points. It's among his most useful work (in my opinion). This was very good. Although I do not live in Europe, it is interesting to hear about what can be had there for little money. Well done, John!

[@NarrowFTW]

Always great to hear your perspective and I got a kick of out seeing your coffee setup - my worlds just collided! I like the concept of merging analogue with digital, but my suggestion would be two more videos: analogue only for 1000 and digital for 1000. I'd read that as the next level for both paths given the savings from the other medium not being present. Keep these up, fantastic work!

[@antonsoukup8888]

Nice, exactly, well explained why and so on, what i was missing anh hoping that you would say well this system or speaker is for that kind of music ? or is it a allrounder ?

[@JilesMcCoy]

Looks like you are using the Rode Wireless Go... right?

[@simonplimbley5778]

Great, clear and concise - thanks

[@buffal0bilious]

Thanks for the recommendation video! I tried something like this myself recently, but rather than purchasing dedicated streaming, conversion, and preamplification components, I went with a mid-range Marantz A/V receiver. The NR1509 has a phono input, DAC, subwoofer outputs, supports streaming on most popular services through its app, and has WiFi and bluetooth. I believe it sounds a bit better than most of the other do-it-all boxes at its current $399 price. It's last year's model, so it doesn't sell at its $549 MSRP any longer on Amazon. I'm sure none of it's top-notch, but it's all serviceable and sounds pretty good to boot. Just an alternative in case someone prefers a do-it-all box rather than separates, although the separates allow for modular upgrading and when matched up by someone who knows their stuff, as above, probably sound a bit better. Still, the Marantz receiver with a pair of, say, Emotiva B1s (love that folded ribbon tweeter) and a Dayton Sub 1000 would give you a pretty-good sounding, nearly full-range system (30Hz - 20kHz) with all the streaming and conversion options most folks would need, and you'd come in at $740 ($400 + $230 + $110). Still enough budget left over to tack on a decent little turntable from Fluance or U-Turn if need be, perhaps an RT81 ($210 as of this writing)? That'd bring the total to $950. The reason I'm going with the Emotiva B1 rather than the ELAC Debut B6.2 is that, while the ELAC can stand on its own two feet better than the Emotiva due largely to it not rolling off significantly until the 50s (Hz) where the Emotiva begins to really roll off around 80Hz, the sub will be picking up the low-end, and I think that in that case, the ELAC loses its primary advantage, and so keeping Emotiva's superior feature, that lovely ribbon tweeter, is the priority for me. The prices I listed are the going rates for these items as of Sept 2019. The manufacturer links may display higher MSRPs. Marantz NR1509 ($400) - www.us.marantz.com/us/products/pages/productdetails.aspx?catid=avreceivers&productid=nr1509 Emotiva B1 Bookshelf Speakers ($230/pair) - emotiva.com/products/airmotiv-b1 Dayton Audio Sub 1000 ($110) - www.daytonaudio.com/index.php/sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer.html Fluance RT81 Turntable ($210) - www.fluance.com/rt81-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-record-player-with-premium-cartridge-diamond-needle

[@DarkoAudio]

A really nice set of suggestions! Thanks for sharing.

[@justatiger6268]

I really appreciate a channel that speaks in €€€ as opposed to $$$ -_-

Wow you just did a walk through of my system :) Except instead of Schiit Sys, I use Mackie Big Knob Passive.

[@asheshchand3616]

Hi Milenko! What kind of cable you used to connect your turntable to big knob? I am bit lost with connections. I am buying lp120x turntable, which has rca output and on the other end I am planning to buy t5v. And decided on big knob as interface between them.

[@brendanoreilly2014]

great work - would love to see more system recommendations for the higher price points, thank you

[@arnurson]

My current setup came in at 850€. Pro-ject Maia DS (w built in phono pre-amp, D/A converter, bluetooth) bought at 50% off and a pair of Klipsch rp150m bought at 20% off. If I add a small 8” sub for ~150€, I come in at 1000€. I cheated a little bit because I got a really beautiful turntable for free, but I suspect a lot of people can if they just bother asking around a little bit. There are lots of fantastic turntables stored away just collecting dust, so don’t be surprised if you know someone who would sell theirs for a relatively low price.

[@tom_loves_audio_tech_gaming]

Adam' audio T5V's are awesome! have these for my PC setup.

[@Gabifuertes]

How is that rpi with amp different from using the 3.5mm output included in the board?

[@riccitone]

John, you’re the best. This was excellent...and thanks to your review (way back) of the Allo Digione, I ended up with a front end that gave me the option for some excellent components to assemble a comparably high quality system for comparably very little $$ 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@benwylie01]

Great work. These sort of videos really do help.

[@sirenbrian]

To me that still sounds pretty fiddly. I'd go for ELAC B6.2 and the PS Audio sprout. Most modern "audiophile-curious" people, in my experience, don't have vinyl collections - they're streaming.

[@DarkoAudio]

Sure - I take your point. But that wasn't the brief here. The brief was vinyl AND streaming for a grand.

[@TheRjee]

@Scientific Humanist if you have a mediocre table set up horribly, yes.

[@psligchers7374]

John Darko the marantz melodie serie Has streaming, internet radio, dab+, bluetooth, cd player, 2x usb. Left about 670 for the TT and the speaker and very easy setup. Sounds fine to me (before Yamaha mx1000 and cx1000 with b&w 803n) now the cheap way haha

[@nacarp2000]

Brian, then take this to be a recommended $600 system.

[@willmac5642]

The latest Sprout does look v good. And the Elec Debut are amazing. I prefer the first model, for some reason, sounds sweeter

[@adamyelle4901]

Very creative choice. Love it! I would have never thought to go down this path.

[@TheAughoti]

with most people streaming music from a digital source I would love to see an entry level, mid level and high end set up for digital streaming. this should include DIY due to the availability of quality components available in kit form. The RaPI has opened doors for us. DIY speakers have done the same. It's the other kit that still needs some help.

[@12inchRules]

Than I’m sure there is enough material on the Internet.

[@kevindilworthno1]

I like the way you think out side the box, literally

[@mihir1997]

Great system put forth here. I like the idea of keeping it simple at this price point as it really is a price point for people that are on the fence about the benefits of investing in an audio system. I wish this had been available when i was working toward setting my own system up but I think I am pretty ecstatic with what I pulled together for a similar pricepoint albeit in canadian Rubles which convert at a rate of approximately 700canadianrubles to 1 euro (sorry currency humour) TT: Fluance RT-80 (with phono stage) - $250 Streamer: Fiio M11 - $350 Amplifier: DaytonAudio AP150 - $150 Speakers: KEF Q100 - @270 (on clearance) A few wiring gizmos to adapt the fiio output to RCA - $20 Total: $1040 CAD Can't fault this system at all to be honest. I have a cap to what i can discern and this system easily surpasses that cap. would i like a TT with a slightly heavier/more robust platter though? yes.

[@oli992]

I really appreciate it, that you included a TURNTABLE ! Great video! Oli

[@markphilpot4981]

$500 system? Talking about miracles out of nowhere, but you did well with $1,100~! Getting a system for $500 is a bit more on the miraculous side. Possible, yes! Probable, that remains to be seen. In the real world where most people live, just living is a difficulty. However, it is fun to have something worth escaping to and from. Good luck John! This seems highly appropriate for a great many more than just a few. Nice coffee machine!

[@stephencosta6814]

I love this video of yours please do a more expensive system $2000 and a less-expensive system $500 system

[@soring5880]

Yamaha R-N602, deal of the century at £350, £500-550 for a pair of decent floor standers and £100 for a used turntable if you insist.

[@barrymiller3385]

The one slightly surprising assumption you've made here is that your target audience would own LP's but not CD's. For an established audiophile that might be true. But for someone starting out on their hifi journey I would have thought that they are much more likely to own a few CD's than to have any LP's. And starting an LP collection from scratch (wince! sorry!) would take the budget waaaay over €1,000.

[@paulhargreaves1497]

True...and John is literally doing this video with a wall of CDs behind him!

[@arthursimsa9005]

Agreed!

[@mranthony1886]

USB CDROM - still fits in the budget

[@josephwagg2262]

Hi , any experience with the vanatoo speakers?

[@bmurphygbr]

Was thinking of commenting but hey, you seem to be covered! Thanks for your down-to-earth-ness John, much enjoyed and will keep watching!

[@sudd3660]

in europe i can get Audiolab M-ONE integrated amp with QUAD S-2 speakers for about that price. stream some spotify from your pc and you got hell of a system and access to free parametric eq in the digital domain before it hits the dac.

[@Ustaleone]

not new you can't

[@sudd3660]

want me to buy just to prove my point? its a webshop i used before, got all kinds of deals on new gear. shipped to my country for free.

[@philippfarnschlader2300]

@@sudd3660 would you mind to share that webshop with us? :)

[@japface]

I'd be interested in a cost effective solution for a purely digital system as well (including AES out to digital speakers). Also what do you think of the Kali LP-6 / LP-8?

[@brucegreenland678]

Hi John, I am currently using Denon AV amp X6500H to listen to Tidal, what would you recommend for an upgrade for better sound quality? Thanks a lot!

[@vamvra5498]

I would ask, what are best self powering speakers for classical music at 1200 for smallish room 4x4 ? which ones? I learned here about LS50...

[@DocBrewskie]

I’ve been thinking about getting into higher end audio for a while. Other folks on you tube really come off as elitist & snobby. You are the first youtuber I’ve found that I don’t feel would laugh at my lack of knowledge.thank you for that.

[@DarkoAudio]

The internet is full of men all too ready to tell you why something you like is shit.

[@billfrigo7602]

I just purchased a Marantz SR6013 - I have Klipsch speakers, Sunfire SDS-10 subwoofer. What additional equipment would you suggest I add to this? I do have some vinyl records - so I will research your suggested Pioneer unit: what other equipment would I need to connect to the Marantz AVR however? Would I still ideally have a separate DAC for digital files, or rely on the Marantz's internal DAC? What is the best method for digital files - have considered Tidal, however Amazon Music HD's release last week gives me 24 bit FLAC files. How should I transport them to my system for best performance?

[@malajusted1]

Always informative. Quick question - where did you get your spectacles from - they're cool!

[@Ravan_Caw]

Greatly appreciated the lower end budgets. Currently looking for something thing to go with a NAD 5120 turntable but have know idea 💡 what to look for.

[@sphaera3809]

I’d also recommend, for those that want to get into (light) DIY, to look at speaker kits from Madisound (I got a SB Acoustics Micro and it is jaw dropping) and a ICE Power amp module on a Ghentaudio case. Cables using Canare parts. It will add much more value to that 1k’ish budget.

[@johnshore3095]

Or the LX Mini 👍

[@johnjrubadub]

Hi @johndarko. Nice video (as always). You don't include cables/interconnects. Is this because most seperates come with cables in the box? Has the quality of these cables improved? If not what's your suggestion for decent cables with the 60EUR you have left?

[@DarkoAudio]

Probably something from Blue Jean Cables. For me, they're the best of the bargain basement bunch.

[@cdeaker]

My setup is similar but instead of the Schiit Sys I am using a Tisbury Mini Passive Preamplifier II - it has TWO outputs as I sometimes want to use headphones. One of the outputs can be set to fixed line-out/tape loop or an additional primary output where the volume knob affects the output. It also has three rather than two inputs like the Sys

[@justinbyrne5736]

Adam Audio T5V active monitors are Great sounding speakers, l run them with Audiolab M Dac plus as Dac / Preamp

[@39mdg92]

I completely agree with the recommendation for active speakers. They are a great starting point and save a lot of space especially when Hifi and Desk occupy the same space. I have a pair of Adam A5x, the pricier cousins of the speakers recommended here, and they have amazing clarity and resolution. They're hooked up to a NAD C165 preamp, which has a second set of outputs, so if I upgrade my room I could use the A5x for near field at the desk and drive a power amo and passive Hifi Speakers for listening across the room on the couch, all using the same superbly built and linear preamp. But for now I use the A5x for both roles and they sound great in mid field distance with great stereo stage. Perfect Sweet Spot is rather small but still sound good anywhere else in the room.

[@danielguitar5150]

I would love to know your thoughts of Kali LP-6 vs the ADAM Audio T5V for this type of system

[@JK-gm6kk]

My beginning setup for entry into vinyl 3 years ago or so was Edifier R980T powered speakers, that I got for 50 bucks on prime day, and an Audio Technica AT-LP60 that was around 100. I've since moved onto other components, but I paid forward the LP60 to my friend, and it's seeing regular use to this day.

[@JK-gm6kk]

Andrew Jones has designed some great low cost speakers. Specifically, ELAC Debut B6 and Pioneer SP-FS52. Both pairs should cost plus or minus 300, maybe less in the used market, and I've really enjoyed.

[@krsp420]

I think a lot of the fun for me over the years in hifi land has been exploring different products. Obviously not on a reviewer level like Darko, but still, swapping different components, listening to music you love again with a new lens, forming opinions etc etc. This is all to say I think you aught to buy an amp and un-powered speakers...so that you can swap the amp and speakers. The fun being the swapping and listening. If you ever think youll want to tinker, its worth it. For what its worth, I've suggested this budget line up to a few friends using what ever sources they are starting with: Schiit Fulla (as a combo headphone amp, DAC), into a Kinter Tripath k2020 Amp, into Micca RB42's (speakers) (or to save $40 the pioneer BS22LR). This is a approx $250-$300 system that is fully up-gradable. It lets you then explore headphone land, as a good set up for a desk, get into entry level turntables (Like the orbit U-turn), Upgrade the amp to a topping, get more Schiitt products etc. A ramble. Sorry.

[@krsp420]

Schiit Fulla $100, Kinter Tripath k2020 Amp $40, into Micca RB42's $140, Pioneer BS22LR $98

[@gaza4543]

Think the only thing you missed John was some speaker stands, i would change a few things but as you rightly say its a jumping point great little video for people starting out

[@ememe1412]

I was thinking exactly the same. Probably in the price range of the Raspberry component... (I'd imagine by now that everyone has an old laptop they can re-use exclusively for music with a good soundcard to start.) The stands would be more my priority to get a good listen and feel for a stereo setup.

[@brubeck1]

yes they are amazing. cuts out 90 % of vibration across the floor.

[@Hirogumi]

You’re so awesome John. I really appreciate the the work you and your team, shoutout to Olaf, puts together! I really enjoyed your insight.

[@DarkoAudio]

Much appreciated!

[@mrpositronia]

That's cool. The rest of the money can go on the cables. :)

[@karlailin]

Great video, John. That's why I sold my Totem's, paid my debt and got a Kali Audio paired with my existing NAD 356DAC and that's all I need.

[@Shurdizzle]

Love this video!

[@stevep2111]

Great video John, I take it you rate the Pioneer for its price point. Quick question is the phono stage decent and if the phono stage was turned off with the switch on the back is it totally off I.e. is there any components like in the audio Technica lp120 that is altering the sound at all do you think?

[@johnathanbellette2490]

That makes it hard if you're including a vinyl setup... anyway those Adam's look much more living room friendly than the AX Series from Adam. Keen to hear them.

[@agarciasanz]

Very useful!!! As someone who is entering this world, having this type of set for a given threshold is a great way of removing part of the info asymmetry we ignorants suffer. And then, once we get the idea of the components, we can play marginally within the set. I bought a pair of Navis ARB-51 with the Discovery, a Technics 1200 MKII, and then I stacked the Modi DAC, the Locki Eq and the Vali Tube preamp from Schiit. I am super happy but would love to explore the next step. Thanks for all the info.

[@juliancrun]

Great video. Thanks.

[@howardwilliams9968]

Thanks for another brilliant, informative video. If you are inclined, then a similar system put together in the £2k and £3k price limit would be grand. ( please include cables in those price limits). Cheers H.

[@edwardpickett574]

Brilliant review...........thanks.

[@andr192]

Elac b6.2 + yamaha r-n303 is what i use for my desk setup and works pretty well ! I also have a massdrop airist r2r dac and a massdrop liquid carbon x for my headphones, the dac also feeds the amp, and couldn't be happier honestly. Great video! it is amazing what $1000 can get you.

[@MB-js3tf]

Yamaha RN 602 (amp & streamer) £379 in Silver Rega Planar P1 (record player) £249 in White Q Acoustic 3030i (speaker) £329 in White All in for ~£950, money left over for cables, and it’ll look so good you partner will not mind having it in the front room ;-)

[@kaspianxl]

Would love to see more of these videos at both higher and lower price points.

[@senseguide]

I found my Tannoy reveal 502 amazingly accurate and really musical. Love them.

[@charlieerekuff2334]

Very helpful thanks

[@shreyasdharur7748]

Alternately, get Dynaudio Xeo 2s and an Audio Technica turntable, and you're all set for $1000.

[@Pirxel]

noice, I was just thinking of getting some kef q100 speakers and some smsl amp, but as I live in Europe I'm considering those adam speakers instead, thanks for the tip!

[@Image-i-nationCoUk]

What do you think to a Rega Planer 1 for a starter turntable?

[@sebastianponkko6505]

Monitor audio bronze 5 speakers, Emotiva PT-100 pre-amp, 2x lovely Rotel RB-971 bridged power amps and an iFi zen blue bluetooth player. Got some new, some used, and I guess I landed somewhere around 1200€. Really pleased with the sound for this money. Those old Rotels are small miracles bridged 😎

[@MrAbahe]

Is turntable really necessary? You mentioned in other videos if we take turntable out we will have to find other amp for Elacs, would love to see that setup.

[@DrBroncanuus]

hi, could you also recommend a cd player...should i consider a Numark dual cd machine with pitch control

[@B1tterAndThenSome]

Get an original Playstation, they sounded great.

[@itamarkas]

Great video! My friend got into hifi and bought the Adam last months - great value. Hope your next upgrade will be your coffee machine :~) Keep rocking!

[@Mr.P001]

Thank you Darko Please continue with lower and higher price points.

[@JE-tn5tc]

My current system consist of: Kef Q350 ($499) Sony STR DH190 ($149) AudioTechnica LP120xUSB ($249) Ifi Nano iDSD LE ($139) Total: $1,036. Im happy with it in my small bedroom. Next upgrade would be a better amplifier.

[@Sampardhanani]

Always helpful .

[@SteveAbrahall]

Hmm this is some good info! Thanks John - may be interesting to see what you would recomend if you break it down just to an amp and speakers for $1500 or 2 K considering that streaming an pre amp stuff is so affordable.

[@bobdehaan117]

Use the 60 Euro's which left for a lineair power supply for the Allo Boss.

[@geoffreydebrito7934]

Links? All easily found on Amazon: Music Hall - MMF-1.3 Turntable - $289.00 ... Bluesound POWERNODE 2i Wireless Multi-Room Streaming High-Res Amplifier - White - Works with Alexa and Siri - $699.00 ... Pioneer SP-FS52 Andrew Jones Designed Floor standing Loudspeaker - $198.00 Total: $1186.00 = 1083.65 EU... Turntable has speed change knob & pre-installed cart. Amp has headphone stereo mini jack, subwoofer RCA mono, BluOS app for Android or Apple phone or tablet, ROON ready. Least spent on most likely future upgrade.

[@britishbiasf1]

Hey John, so I took your video to heart and got some of the things you recommended and then some... 1. Adam Audio T5V $400 2. Schiit Sys $50 3. PS2 (As a CD transport) (Second hand) $40 4. Old Audio Technica Turntable I had in storage $FREE 5. IFI Micro idsd Black Label $600 Total $1,090 So yeah more or less a grand, but i wanted a good dac and a headphone amp too so the ifi seemed like the best choice for me. I use the optical out in the PS2 and feed it to the ifi and sound great. I use a computer or my iPad or cell phone as a digital transport/streamer. Thanks for the advice. The system sounds great and look forward to adding things in the future. All the best.

[@DarkoAudio]

Great stuff! This comments section lives for comments like yours. :)

[@gipht1]

David Torres so all I would need is speakers n Schiit Sys cuz I dont need a turntable and Already have a Dap abd Ifi micro and need cables of course, sounds sweet to start with.

[@the_sheik]

My current budget-fi system also runs at about 1000usd: Project debut carbon (400) Project phono box (130) Onkyo CSN575 all-in-one cd player/streamer/amp (300) Klipsch R51B (160)

[@nicolajc]

Interesting setup - never heard about the Onkyo all-in-one. 10% THD - but I guess it can easily drive the Klipsch speakers. Some kind of Streaming and cd monster. I like that it has an subwoofer pre-out.

[@the_sheik]

@@nicolajc I was looking for a budget all in one with a small footprint, Chromecast and a CD drive. This is basically the only option out there. Another bonus is that it actually has decent support with regular fw updates

[@twelvebears1971]

Great suggested system John, not one I would have come up with but very creative. 👍

[@kanaj158]

I like this IDEA. Please do more !

[@arthurwatts1680]

For the benefit of the 36 *misanthropes* who have taken the time out of their busy day to dislike your vid, this is one of very few (from anyone) that I've bothered to give the thumbs up, simply because I think YT is an ad-delivery mechanism for people with very little to say. Kudos for being one of the few who *does* have something to say, and your production values remain first rate.

[@dynaway]

how abt the Klipsch R-41M??? am thinking of getting a set... currently using the Audioengine A5+