Audiophile 101: How to Set Up a Basic Hi-Fi System | Guide to Life

Hi-Fi is short for "high-fidelity," and means that music is of high enough quality that it's almost flawless. Instead of streaming hi-fi music via Tidal or other services, a lot of people are turning to analog hi-fi systems centered around a turntable. We're focusing on a four-component setup. The products below are featured in our video, but aren't necessarily the exact devices you'll need.
Featured Products:
-Speakers: Q Acoustics 3020i Passive Bookshelf Speakers ($230) amzn.to/3fXxoT7
-Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable ($450) bit.ly/2Ct3CrH
-External Preamp: Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra ($300) bit.ly/2E0Ij18
-Power amp: Cambridge Audio CXA61 Stereo 60W Integrated Amplifier ($999) bhpho.to/30Zq994
How to Set Up a Basic Hi-Fi System:
Step 1: Determine what kind of system you want
Step 2: Determine your budget
Step 3: Arrange components to minimize vibration
Step 4: Position your speakers to optimize acoustics
Step 5: Connect everything together
* *
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In some instances, brands have provided access to, or loans of, the products included in this video.

[@albertolanda]

I pay KZbin Premium so I don’t have to see any ads

[@zad1429]

Same, I thought I was tripping

[@bluecow478]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@mystery7546]

I use an AD blocker so I don't have to see any ads

[@dezmondtchalla3126]

That's what I'm saying! Trying to sneak ish in.

[@hitomukawakami7124]

sucker

[@flyingburritobro68]

If you are setting up your first hi fi system please don’t waste your money like this guy on new modern equipment. Vintage audio gear has gone up in the last few years but is still a much better deal and it lasts! I’m still using components daily that I bought 40 years ago. Buy used vintage gear. Receiver 300, turntable direct drive not belt drive 175, speakers 400. This will be a nice system for years. As others mentioned, never put the turntable on the top of the receiver or amp. It will block airflow. Never put speakers on the same surface as the components it will cause skipping and distortion. Create space between the speakers to hear the separation.

[@hanfpeter4190]

by vintage do you mean 10 year old equipment is already fairly cheap or does it have to be older than that

[@yesyes...]

Agree! I literally went to the thrift store and got a speaker combo and cd player that holds 5 cds at once for 20 bucks, I can’t tell if the speakers are low quality, but nothing beats $5 a pop lmao

[@TheShadowPerson.]

Id suggest just getting into soldering lol

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Step 1 - Don't sit your turntable on top of your amp. (As seen in this video of what not to do) Step 2 - Don't have your speakers on the same surface as your turntable. (Also as seen in this video)

[@goonerinSP]

🤣

[@charlesf2804]

He mentions step 2 in the video. This setup is probably for purposes of the video, I'd think; it's a neater look. Maybe I need to re-watch; I don't think I heard step 1 mentioned.

[@egcit4708]

step 1, is solved at 5:41 step 2, is solved at 5:20

[@colors6692]

He addresses those issues bro, if you actually watched the video you would have heard him say so and not jumped in with your clumsy, ignorant comment. Have a nice day now bro.

[@dukesanddaggers]

I have the exact set up except for the speakers. I’d recommend also adding a WiiM Mini to the amplifier so you can stream music to it. Lets you enjoy best of both worlds 😁

[@thames_music1219]

Did they really put an ad directly into the video? First and last time watching this channel.

[@MD-wk3gj]

Some good information but I would strongly disagree that streaming or CDs sound better. Yes, vinyl can have a click or pop at times but if you pay attention to the music you will hear so much more on vinyl and it can be about as close to being in front of the artist as possible on a good pressing.

[@marlonm396]

What an excellent video/set up. I hope you still monitor this channel because i have a question for you: I am familiar with those stereo receivers, but i am looking to go old fashion where the amplifier, equalizer were separate. Do you have any recommendation for a good sound set up? Thanks.

[@FM_0555]

Your sacrificing lots of detail from having the speakers on the same stand as the amplification components

[@mitch3502]

Watch the entire video

[@FM_0555]

@@mitch3502 i did notice you did say this setup wasn’t ideal having the speakers on a cabinet but let’s be honest a used pair of decent speaker stands cost nothing relative to the system

[@nickbakaj322]

Im running a Duel 505-2 into a marantz 2215b with a pair of fisher stv 410m speakers

[@MasonHadlProductions]

that looks so cool

[@maurolimaok]

Nice. Thanks for the video.

[@italianbirdvideos6190]

Lesson number one: Don't put your turntable on the amp....

[@blazeradio7024]

Oh jeez, I do that... Why?

[@mikechivy]

@@blazeradio7024 heat

[@chinapig71]

Video title: Audiophile 101 how to set up a basic Hi Fi system. Thumbnail: Record deck sat on top of a fucking amplifier :/

[@jrlakin370]

Thanks, great help

[@ericfshook]

So many things WRONG in this video. This guy is pretending to know what he's talking about.

[@wasondln]

Turntable and speakers on the same table??? ...

[@KeytonsChannel]

What an informational video to a new by like me, thanks for sharing.

[@naderm.7701]

how the fuck did this guy get sponsored by lexus?

[@wyattschirrick6437]

Do I need a ground cable going from the pre-amp to the amplifier or is grounding to the pre-amp good enough?

[@MylesMusic94]

Holy damn, I’ve spent less then the cost of those speakers for my setup! Facebook marketplace and Craigslist, get that shit cheap second hand.

[@luizgomesmartins]

Lindo conjunto, mas fico apreensivo em deixar o toca discos encima do amplificador...., E as caixas poderia estar mais afastadas, num pedestal por exemplo. Lindo conjunto de verdade.

[@ellewoodford262]

why are you sponsored by lexus lmao

[@davids.816]

What input did you use on the cxa 81? You never showed it lol...

[@finnlaughman478]

Damm only 8 comments (now 9) this video deserves SOOO much more love. Thank you I now know what I want to get for my first audio phile system kinda.

[@maxhopkins1932]

I just wanna listen to sum music man this shit so confusing

[@primeluca2375]

fr

[@TheDrag0nPotat0]

a cambridge CXA61 is an integrated amplifier not a power amplifier so why te pre-amp?

[@nico3641]

the pre-amp is reallly the phono stage which amplifies the very low level signal out of the turntable up to a line level which an amp can consume. Many turntables and integrated amps have these phono stages built in so there's no need to have a separate phono stage. Also, sometimes a separate phono stage can sound better than the ones found internal to turntables and integrated amps.

[@pjmorgan]

Of course of course

[@alphacapo]

I've learned spend the most on amplification. Because Thats what always fucks up if u go cheap. Buy a good one and its the Last one you will buy.

[@backrack01]

I had a couple general questions about proper set up. I have a intergrated amp and power amp, turntable, phone amp, cd player and DAC. I skimmed through something that read that one needs to seperate the analog components from the digital components. How do I do this? I'm using a 3(can add another shelf to make a 4)shelf audio rack. I figured turntable and phono amp on top, followed by both amps stacked, then the cd player and DAC on the third. Is that what is meant by seperate? Or should I buy a separate a whole new audio rack...one for analog and one for digital? Orrr...does it just mean I cant have my analog components plugged into the same power strip/ outlet as my digital components... or all the above. I will also have 2 subwoofers plugged in the power strip as well. I only have one outlet to use and will have to pull tricks to find an outlet on a seperate circuit but it can be done if need be. I have everything ready to go...just waiting on some power cables...and figuring out how to plug everything in lol. Great video..you seem like you know your stuff.. Any advice would be great.

[@hangtee]

Try experimenting, because every system behaves differently. For example, put only the turntable on rack and move others onto floor, see if it sounded any different. You may or may not hear a difference, depends on sensitivity of the equipments. If no difference, just enjoy them as is!

[@fajkoson]

So let me get this straight...100 years passed to get the technology to have perfect sound.. we use optics to remove jitter and all imperfections... then we use vinil to add imperfections so we can consider it autentic. Seems legit. kekw

[@slatsTHOMAS]

A question to something i cannot find on the net. In an audio system , i am thinking to take out the original speakers (L/R) and use a Bluetooth hi quality speaker Harman Kardon Onyx. But i dont wnat to use it wireless. Now, i see 2 options, or to connect the speaker on the jack for headphones (it works) or somehow (?) to connect it to the two female RCA L & R. Is there any difference between these two options for the sound quality???? Thank you,

[@ThomasCoryate]

Add alert!

[@Mattyboy88979]

vinyl is analog way better than streaming or cd you dont know what your talking about

[@mystery7546]

If I've money then it's easy to set up, otherwise, I can't afford it.

[@micko7621]

Buy used

[@mystery7546]

@@micko7621 Used are also expensive in my region. I checked one 'on the go' DAC. The price tag was $500. So HiFi is only for the HiFi people, individuals like me just see youtube videos and satisfy themselves.

[@deek8659]

@@mystery7546 buy some nice headphones for a start and appreciate them and get a cheap phone dac.

[@arthurwatts1680]

No argument with the gear, or your personal preference, but the 'fun' aspect of vinyl clearly doesnt extend to the price of new vinyl here in Oz. I get that you have no control over that, but I'm seeing similar complaints from US consumers - its a joke. We do have a secondhand record reseller in this burg - he has one store in the city and another out in the burbs - but he's not an idiot : if people are paying 50-70 bucks for Iron Maiden's Piece of Mind, suddenly his copy is 'rare and original' ;0

[@adarshg3515]

fact: you tried to click skip ad

[@antoniojosealmeida1383]

Why is this hi fi setup wrong...

[@DAKILLAGORILLA]

He has turntable on top of amp. That looks wrong. Most hifi I have seen would never do that

[@zacharykosove9048]

Everything being out of stock 💀

[@jessielubay8229]

Maybe, but your missing something...ask me what!

[@goonerinSP]

What?

[@kentvonseverin1257]

How to not to do this...

[@davidbeiler6364]

why do you need an ad within your video? I downvoted your video just for that

[@dezmondtchalla3126]

You did the right thing.

[@zarkusminks3211]

Ditto

[@DreadPirateRoberts121]

Redditor

[@davidbeiler6364]

@@DreadPirateRoberts121 id down vote you but youtube doesnt bother showing it

[@user-ls2jg7vl2h]

Same

[@christopherburbidge972]

Your title said Basic! Lmao! Keep your claims respectful sir!

[@keithmoister3477]

This is not setting up, it is getting a few components together and dumping them on a table to take a video of them. Never put a record player on top of any piece of equipment. Never sit 3 feet from your speakers. This is pathetic.

[@Dr.Metallian]

Budget,basic amplifier for 1000 bucks,I you kiddin'??? Just look new one Denon PMA 800NE and save 600$ for decent floorstanding speakers....btw,don't mention CD player who is superior in all parameters above turntable......

[@the_glove]

Oh go fuck with that ad

[@johnalvarez84]

He’s so darn cute.

[@RyanJones4444]

Belt driven lolololol

[@CeeStyleDj]

Better than hearing your motor.

[@EA-58]

Nothing to do with a basic setup, and phono pre-amp sucks.

[@seonjie]

lol this set up so wrong