Cheap Hifi Hack for Your Cheap System!

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Fosi SKO1 (Now $64!) amzn.to/3SHmurF
3.5mm to RCA Cable amzn.to/3G4Qlmc
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0:00 Start
0:32 Intro
2:00 Sponsored Content Square Space
3:30 Specs and Use Case
4:25 Could be the Solution
6:08 What You Need
7:14 Final Thoughts
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Recommended Streamer
WIIM Mini amzn.to/33CL99w
Bluesound Node shop-links.co/...
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Elac BS41 amzn.to/3SBmEgq
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Jamo Concert howl.me/cf295u...
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Emotiva B2+ emotiva.com?aff=9
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top howl.me/cf295u...
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Wharfedale Denton 80th amzn.to/3Sv8RIq
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100/200 howl.me/cf29Ue...
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Fosi Audio V3 - Extremely Clean - Audiophile Sound (Best Amp under $250) amzn.to/3rhrpDL
Fosi Audio TB10D amzn.to/43cJtwh
Fosi Audio BT20a Pro amzn.to/3r8pgdH
Around $130
Aiyima T9 amzn.to/3F8eOb6
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA1 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Recommended DACs
Geshelli Labs J2 geshelli.com/p...
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips....
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc

[@cheapaudioman]

Head to squarespace.com/cheapaudioman to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code cheapaudioman Fosi SKO1 (Now $64!) amzn.to/3SHmurF 3.5mm to RCA Cable amzn.to/3G4Qlmc check out my other channel www.youtube.com/@cheapwatchman_official Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com Support the Channel! Shop on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON www.rofjdjk3ns.com/33G977/2CTPL/ Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5

[@Bozemanjustin]

7:26 so I would plug this into my stereo in the living room. I just have two bookshelf speakers and subwoofer on pioneer receiver/amp I don't really know what they call them anymore. Nobody listens to the radio I just have it plugged into my television set for movies, or I can Bluetooth my phone for music But you're saying this would give me better control over my sound quality

[@thomasgattis4653]

The SK01 fills in the missing part of my small system I built following Cheap Audio Man. My goal was to improve the sound quality of movies streamed from a PC. Using a SMSL SU-1 DAC, Fosi Audio V3 amp and Sony SSCS5 speakers improved the sound quality dramatically but further adjustments to fine tune the sound were not possible. I tried using PC mixer software but sometimes the adjustments to the PC source resulted in distortions. You have provided me with the answer, the SK01.

[@roverdad]

Hah, i have almost the same system from following CheapAudioman except that I have an Aiyima A07 amp + sony sub. Catching these components on sale means really good sound for the money. I usually listen to spotify through a laptop to the smsl dac. Cool to see other folks happy with the same components.

[@xcylium]

I use it directly on my Sony CDP 991 cd player with Denon Ah-D 7200 headphones. Sounds amazing. No other amp is build like this. Loudness + deep bass. Perfect.

[@EsotericArctos]

One thing I love about these cheap components is it does let the enthusiast get into the hobby at a low cost, and then upgrade individual components later and see what makes the biggest difference to the sound. That's the beauty of a separate pre-amp, power amp, dac, etc. IF you get a fully integrated, cheaper end unit and later want to upgrade, it's harder as you can't just upgrade the power amp, without still needing to use that fully integrated system, and some of those cheaper integrated systems have not got a way to only take a preamp signal (as an example). Fosi make some good sounding amps and pre-amps, and I really think these are one of the best ways to really get into the hobby as a sound enthusiast. I have some Fosi gear myself, including a phono-preamp and a couple of other things. I recently sprung for some slightly more expensive speakers from the Wharfedale Evo range based on one of the reviews on this channel, and they really do sound good. When I can afford it, sure I will upgrade the amp, pre-amp etc and see what makes the difference, if any difference is made. The point is, decent speakers on cheap electronics can and does sound really darn good.

[@NosEL34]

You have a good plan and outlook

[@wegardfjeld3789]

Definition of cheap is the question. You need a dac, preamp and amplifier with this setup types. Get a Wiim and a decent integrated amp vs the 3 mention and it will give a way better result and sound for roughly the same price. I am a older audiophile and I love testing new things. The great reviews made me excited for a low cost desktop system I could tweak and play around with. But adding cables and all products needed to get this working vs a decent cheap integrated as a example makes this products expensive vs what you get. Weird how this cheap products that doesn't have great looks or functionality suddenly got you in the +250$ bracket before you get to use them 😉.

[@NosEL34]

​@@wegardfjeld3789yeah it definitely starts adding up. I think the difference between your comment and his is going to come down to what one is trying to achieve. If one wants simplicity, less power cords, interconnects, remotes, and can be satisfied with one piece without the urge to upgrade every chance they have a few extra bucks then yes a decent integrated is the way to go. If you are the type that wants to growing and hearing the next latest thing or is never satisfied then separates is obviously a better avenue to take. Certainly nothing wrong with either route. Just my thoughts anyway. God Bless

[@bisedogg]

Randy, I can't thank you enough for this recommendation! I bought it the day your video came out at the reduced price and it has added the punch I was lacking in my A07-based budget setup!

[@stevelouie5928]

Most bang for your buck is the aiyima Dac a2 for around 30-40 bucks. Dac, headphone amp and tone controls. Sounds great.

[@ericelliott227]

Hmm, I wonder if I could use this as strictly a headphone amp in my two channel rig for all sources, especially if the tone controls work with the headphone function. I was going to get a Geshelli Labs headphone amp and a Bellari EQ, but this may be a one box solution and cost far less.

[@sams8407]

Hi Randy, thank you for your informative videos. Can you please review the miniDsp and give us tips.. im planning to get a new 2.2 setup and scratching my head about crossovers for the speakers.. Can the miniDSP be the solution ? thank you again and keep up the good work

[@davidbartochowski7832]

Great video and practical info keep up the great reviews

[@braingravy5402]

USS Ray SSN 653 ET2/SS Love your videos Randy. Thanks bubblehead!

[@danmarjenka6361]

Nice to see that rare but useful midrange tone control. Too bad the writing is the wrong orientation......You cannot stand it "right side up" because the cables come in from the bottom.

[@jerryjazzbo2845]

Nice looking product in the Fosi. It's not everyday one sees a headphone amp with a preamp section like that. Hopefully the next model would have a DAC and more in/out options.

[@marsoblivi0n945]

Perfect needing something like this to wrangle & sculpt my studio monitors that are wired to my TV. I can gain more control with this. Great vid man.

[@cheapaudioman]

Glad I could help!

[@tigerclaw4537]

@cheapaudioman Hi Randy, can I use the headphone out jack from the Fii0 CP13 Cassette player on this, i.e., plug it into the line in and use the line out for a powered speaker?

[@bomberkid55]

I'd like to use this as a preamp for a spare power amp I have. Does the gain control work with line in and line out?

[@hoingyou6857]

thank your opinion 🙏

[@Brian_Romska]

Ha that’s a cool little tool to add to a system, and have fun messing with, and actually useful for some people, good stuff as always Randy, thanks again, and also thanks for letting me know that I’m not the only pastel paperclip enthusiast out there!!!

[@tigerclaw4537]

I received this unit a few days ago and I’m rather disappointed. My intent was to connect my FiiO CP13 Cassette Player to it and run the audio out into a solo powered JBL Bluetooth speaker. To my utter surprise the audio quality took a dive when using the Fosi SK01. I even tested this on my portable MP3 player and the results were more/less the same. Since I order this from Fosi direct I won’t be returning it, but it’s a rather expensive paperweight. 😔

[@vonkush1341]

Where does the SK01 fit in my HiFi 'chain' of devices? Meaning, where does it plug in? I have a new system with FOSI V3 (preamp), Aiyima T9 Pro (amp), into passive speakers. Not sure where the SK01 'plugs in' to my chain of devices.

[@jackieblank4249]

Thanks Randy. I could use one of those

[@SlotHits777]

Love the way you think dude, thinking outside the box for the win :)

[@sixoh_diesel5662]

whats wrong with dongle dac's? I just got a shanling UA1 pro to connect my S22 Ultra to my BT20A, love it! especially for $35

[@1984mikyboy]

Hi, 2 channel setup. Would more Logic to mini dsp, like a thomann 120€. Combined with aiyima amps. And my favorite speakers MAC Audio Uberkraft serie. (Car-audio). Greets M

[@bengleason508]

Thanks Randy

[@FaddyMatty]

Does this boost 3.5mm audio signal like the p3. I have the fosi p3 preamp and the fosi bt20pro, problem is the headphone out on my monitor is really quiet and even after using the p3 the sound still isn't as loud as the line out from my pc.

[@DarenLee]

I am waiting for my sscs5 and v3 to arrived and now one more thing to consider 🙈

[@lullabies7441]

Unless you need a portable hp thing, P3 seems like a better companion for v3/a07?

[@wegardfjeld3789]

Im disappointed with the P3 for use with V3. Wiim EQ will give you way better result. V3 without a eq Infront is lackluster too from my pov. Way to thin sounding. This even cheaper EQ will not solve that

[@lullabies7441]

@@wegardfjeld3789 thanks for the info. I bought a v3 on the hype when it first came out and I haven’t even taken it out of the box😂. I figure until I upgrade my DAC/source situation the T9 is the best thing atm. I really like the T9! (Using the cs5’s)

[@johnfisher3929]

Hi: I’m kind of new at this. I found the links for the product, but I can’t find the one that links to Roon, which I am thinking of subscribing to. Could some kind soul point me in the right direction?

[@shawnm1856]

Which is the better and which is the latest between the Modi 3+ and Modi 3E? Thank you!

[@vincedebart]

Hey Randy, quick question is there a gain control/volume control? There looks to be.

[@vincedebart]

Sorry I see it now I liked the NYC video

[@1Moggi]

How can I use the SK01 with a V3 that has its rca's taken up by a turntable preamp? 🤔

[@meddlepf]

Preamp to sk01, sk01 to v3.

[@BarryBianculli]

Randy, how about changing things up and review some gear from Bellari. They are made in the USA (Utah) and appear reasonably priced. Thanks.

[@flamespirit1]

What camera do you use?

[@Linkmat97]

I don't det why they didn´t build in a DAC in this product. Would be an all in one solution for desktop headphone listening.

[@ufarkingicehole]

Due to cost. It's in a very specific group within insanely tight margins. A lot of people also like to or don't mind being able to choose their own DAC of choice.

[@stevelouie5928]

Aiyima Dac A2 is the answer to your prayers.

[@Smackedem]

@@stevelouie5928 It's solid for the price but very under powered at only 100mw @ 32 Ohm. Good for entry level.

[@Space-O-2001]

Ooo I wonder how it would work with a USB DAC

[@yournightmare9999]

Nice 👌

[@jordanrussell345]

Why on God's green earth would I want rechargable batteries somewhere in my HiFi chain?

[@danmarjenka6361]

Yet another device in the house to keep charged, right?

[@bisedogg]

It works just fine plugged in as another component to a small system. The battery is useful if you want to use it as a portable headphone amp.

[@TheFriday40]

when is the Wiim Amp coming out ? :)

[@richardwagner4460]

As of my viewing @ 1314, 11/18 IT'S $99.99 !!!!!!!

[@geralddasylva]

hi! do you know this guy: DAGIJIRD Mini Stereo Audio Preamplifier 3.5mm Interface Volume Controller Fit for DVDs, CDs, Set Top Boxes, MP3s, TVs, Cell Phones

[@faneelectricu]

🤣🤣🤣 oh well,it jumped to $99 already(on Amazon)

[@Steve-no2hh]

Were you given any financial incentive to review this product?

[@mkshffr4936]

So in 1970s terminology a single input preamp (back in the day virtually all preamps had a headphone output). Seems like a reasonable price for a preamp.

[@whome8192]

Or get a Sony receiver for $148. Hires dac, headphone amp, tone controls, radio tuner, remote control, hdmi, legit power ratings, and a lot less cables and wall warts. Will it give you intergalactic oneness with the universe, no. But neither will a pile of single/limited function little boxes. When are these companies finally going to bring all the little boxes into a legit product in one box instead of selling LEGO brick audio.

[@RogerBergqvist]

Go 4K...Don´t live in 1080 world..

[@flynow5614]

Cheapaudio scores again. FYI I don't put coffe in my mug