Crazy Cheap Audiophile System for your Desk Top under $250

[@cheapaudioman]

Fosi Audio TB10D amzn.to/3wWgorq FX Audio DAC X6 Headphone Amp/DAC amzn.to/3ju30Yl Sony SSCS5 amzn.to/3JBmTY6 Aiyima A07 amzn.to/3jydC8y Support the Channel by Shopping on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Cheap Audio Man Store Front shop.howl.me/cam Join the best hifi community out there! www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqouBa5pcIw 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

[@christopherwilliams8104]

@Cheapaudioman can you get hold of a new set of Sony sscs5 for a competitive price? I'm looking for a pair for the UK

[@123456748890]

hi cheapaudioman .. which dac will be ok with my bose l1 16 and t4s bose mixer …

[@purpleeinstein]

I wholeheartedly agree with your endorsement of the Sony SSCS5 speakers. I would suggest to anyone wanting these to check Amazon’s used inventory. These are units that were returned for whatever reason. Amazon rates them and gives a hefty price reduction. Earlier this week, I snagged a pair of the Sony’s rated “Used Like New” for $68. They arrived still sealed in the original factory packaging without a scratch on them. I don’t think they were ever opened. Amazon offers the same 30 day return policy if you’re not satisfied. I won’t be returning these! I’ve been playing the snot out of mine! They sound fantastic! Thanks Randy!

[@TonyAlvestad]

That's a crazy good deal!

[@purpleeinstein]

@@TonyAlvestad I’m still pinching myself!

[@douglasmoore8033]

I grabbed 2 pair at that price. Thought I'd do the Neil crossover mod on one pair.

[@purpleeinstein]

@@douglasmoore8033 Wish I had picked up 2 pair as well since they really are one of the “best bang for the buck” deals I seen in a while especially for $68! That’s crazy good!I’m also thinking about doing Neil’s mod too; however, these do sound pretty good just running them stock. I’ve got an extra sub laying around here somewhere. Might hook that up next time I get a day off. Let me know how Neil’s upgrade turns out. Enjoy!!!

[@christopherwilliams8104]

Can you help where the hell can I get these speakers from in the UK for a reasonable price?

[@Libertà_sulla_vita]

I just bought my son a setup for his first apartment. Pioneer vsx-534 receiver, klipsch R-50C center channel, klipsch Reference R-610F and a klipsch black label 120 powered subwoofer. I was impressed with the sound from this setup. For around $1000 the sound was comparable to my systems twice as much. Even got a deal on a nuvo NV-SUBTXRX wireless sub kit that works flawless.

[@edverbeek6292]

Long Live The Cheap Audio Man. This is why you are The Cheap Audio Man. Love your side stories.

[@mic50del]

Desk top system I've had for about 2 years (spring of 2020). Amp ~ Fosi BT-10A 50wpc w/ Bluetooth (49.95) Dac ~ Topping D10 (50.00 ) headphone amp ~ Douk Audio U3 (49.95) Speakers ~ RCA 40-5001 (Made for RCA by Radio Shack, ported version of the Minimus7s) (10) total 159.90 Sounds GREAT!

[@hoodwink325]

Thank you for showcasing the FX Audio DAC X6. I had asked you to talk about it a few weeks again, super appreciate you. I love mine.

[@guillermocubillos9727]

This is actually a great idea for a series where you can show us systems with its components synergy and price. That’ll help a bunch of people

[@jefffranke]

Thanks! I sure appreciate your reviews. I got my first DAC today. What a difference to computer system audio in office.

[@cheapaudioman]

wow! thank you so much!

[@norman311]

This video was exactly what I was interested in when I filled out your survey. Thank you Randy!!

[@johnmuller7935]

It would be nice to see you do a "How To" video on upgrading the power supply for amplifiers. Explain what specs to look at to get the right voltage/amperage, how to know how powerful of a supply you can get, and how to pick the appropriate connector that plugs into your amp. This is a cheap upgrade that isn't self explanatory for all the members in the crowd. Thanks!

[@stale_.]

Anybody who gushes over the SS-CS5 is one of the good guys. I bought a pair new for $78 on sale. It's almost criminal how amazing they sound for that price.

[@WisGuy4]

I use a pair of landscaping pavers for my desktop speaker stands. I put them on top of thin cardboard squares to keep from marring the top of my desk. The pavers come in various shapes and sizes so you can pick and choose the correct combination to get the speakers up to roughly your ear height I also have some blu-tack type sticky mounting putty to keep the speakers a bit more secure on the pavers. Total cost for four pavers was about $5.00.

[@hnz_lallo]

I was just going through your catalogs and wanted to have this speaker system. But you beat me in the punch. Appreciate this. Love the videos

[@tylerharris1085]

About a month after finding your channel I sunk my teeth into a set of Sscs5's, a Loxjie a30 and a Dayton sub-1500 for my desk setup. Year later I still have no regrets, especially for $400 total

[@0SuperTacoMan0]

I got this pair back in December and couldn't be happier. I bundled the Sonys with the Aiyima, which performed beauitfully!

[@diamondbracelette]

Nice. And down the road, here's an affordable upgrade for this setup which makes a HUGE difference: add a THIRD component- an affordable tube preamp like the Fosi P1. Upgrade the stock tubes to the 5454W tubes. The tube preamp itself is a level up. Swapping out the tubes takes it even further. Brings a natural liveliness and richness to the Sonys while keeping, or even improving upon their airiness which is their best quality.

[@77Cardinal]

Nice job Randy. I like your notes on how they can all be upgraded. That's part of the fun. Buy it and enjoy it now and then when you want to make it better (because of course you will) you CAN without having to buy all new stuff. More things should be built like that.

[@MrAzeker]

Actually, I like my deskwork. But a nice setup makes it even better. I bought the Sony's because of you Randy and put them in my wife's restaurant here in South Korea. Lovely.

[@jerryspann8713]

Those SSCS5 with the matching center channel and matching 10 inch subwoofer and a pair of Polks T15 for surround and the Onkyo TX SR393 AV receiver and a Sony UHD BD player makes a pretty decent home theater setup.

[@twooger]

My desktop system is similar to that and sounds great for what it is. Amp: Aiyima A06 $60 DAC/headphone amp: Topping DX1 $110 Speakers: used Focal Flax Dome $200 John Darko audiophile approved 1kg doorstop to hold everything on the desk $20 Total of $400 with all the cables for beautiful and great sounding little system

[@kylefischer7881]

I recently bought the A07 for my desktop system to pair with the SSCS5 I already own. I chose that amp for two reasons: 1) it was on sale plus coupon for $50 2) you can use the 3.5mm aux as an output for a sub

[@stevelouie5928]

I have the Elacs and they are great but I am planning on hooking up a sub that I'm not using through the line level to cut bass to the Elacs. Also, did you get a Dac for your A07? I'm thinking it would make a huge difference because I usually play music through my laptop and the sound is not great. When I run a cd player through it, it sounds much cleaner.

[@s10tacious]

My desk system is all equipment that was laying around. Dayton bookshelfs on cheap stands, Dayton 6 1/2" sub, Pioneer car cd player in an under dash mount, and a Nobsound full range single channel on the subwoofer. Nowhere near audiophile but it gets the job done.

[@fumedtwice8921]

Great video Randy! I enjoy your system recommendations. You've reviewed many affordable products and now it's nice to see your recommendations for various system synergies. I have several small systems in my photo studio, my garage with a pool table and in my basement workshop. I'm sure many people have similar spaces where they could enjoy a capable system. Thanks!

[@dmora2386]

Ah that's why I knew I liked you're channel. You're rocking my Omega Seamaster.

[@johnezzard680]

I wanted to upgrade my desktop sound and went with the Aiyima T9 Pro (so no clicking issue) and the Sony SSCS5's. The T9 pro a little more than the Fosi, but I got the SSCS5s from Amazon Warehouse for $66, with a minor blemish on one speaker's left side. It's on a desk, not a museum. So no issue. Final cost: $235 Thanks for the info CheapAudioman!

[@stevezeidman7224]

Nice job, Randy! You can’t beat $250 for a system. All you need is to add the music.

[@MarkStrecker]

Hey cheapaudioman! I purchased the Sony SSCS5 speakers and love them. Using the SMSL VMV A1 to power them; lots of fun!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

What a wonderful introduction to desktop audio. Thank you for your time and effort with decent suggestions for cheap audio products.

[@korukoru2010]

2:25 chalks on a nailboard - love it haha.

[@Timoeltejano]

At my desk I have the Aiyima A01 Pro- ($46) and Polk Audio TSI-100. $100. Tone controls and Bluetooth. Sounds so so so good. Added a cheap older sub and boom!!! I love it. Oh and my source is an old cell phone with Tidal streaming

[@ChopeZzz]

Hey Randy, bought two Fosi Audio amps by your recommendation (BT20A and DA2120A) and got rid of the big old Technics A class amps, can't be happier with the sound quality now! Thanks a lot, love your channel! 🙂👍

[@terencejay8845]

I need an amp with a basic volume control remote and Fosi do the BL20A, which seems to be identical to the BT20A so that is now the top of my wish-list.

[@vishaalgargi]

Isnt fosi class d, u swapped class a amp for it? Why

[@tonybateman1797]

just got my TB10D. might be the best $70 I ever spent. it's loud and sounds great.

[@tonybateman1797]

I ll just start telling people My other amp is a Macintosh

[@jerryspann8713]

I purchased those Sony Core Series speakers and a Sony STRDH190 receiver for $170 back in 2019. The speakers were on sale for $70 and the receiver $99.

[@braingravy5402]

From one bubblehead to another thank you for the great videos. You’ve helped me choose my system components and I couldn’t be happier. Emotiva and Fluance purchased so far.

[@AngusMcToon]

The A07 Pro that I just picked up from Walmart for $80 has tone controls and a 36v power supply.

[@stevelouie5928]

Yeah I wish i had waited but I already bought the A07. The A07 pro added tone controls which is a plus.

[@justit2015]

Bought the Sony's on your rec when they went on sale last year. I prefer them on floor stands beside the desk instead of desktop to get a better stereo imaging

[@jeffruebens8355]

One thing to try is the Acoustic Solutions down driving 8 inch subwoofer for $120. I like that since it sits on the floor, it will not be damaged by a foot or a kid's toy. Many say taking all the bass sounds from a regular speaker helps.

[@don7680]

Fossi, Sony's and just run a Wiim Mini on the front end. Upgrade the DAC down the road.

[@1QKGLH]

40 views and 10 likes? there are 30 slackers out there.

[@Lou.B]

Gotta admit, you crack me up Randy! (good info, too!)

[@cheapaudioman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@saintshamrock3485]

Scalding bowl of coffee at the ready ☕️ . Jolly good work lad .

[@cheapaudioman]

thanks!

[@zenithcric1171]

Thanks Randy. I got the Sony speakers on your recommendation & broke them in while they sat atop my Dayton Audio MK442T’s in the bedroom. They’re recently on sale for under $200 pair, from Parts Express. They image quite well. The Sony’s ended up in the living room TV system, Sabaj A10a amp & Sabaj A10d DAC, WiiM pro; they sound much better when they’re not sitting on the floor, lol, but an aesthetic compromise with my wife. The Sabaj gear is not their recent re-do’s, the ones with the chunky switch. The A10a is an Infineon chip and good synergy with the Sony’s, and the A10d has an AK4497 that sounds sweet with the rest. I also got the Fosi TB10D on your rec. I didn’t need it, but was compelled to hear it. I had previous Texas Instruments chip amps but all had a level of digititis to my ears. Not this Fosi. This thing scales up, for my listening the power’s fine, approx 76 dB peaks I’d say. I even had the Fosi swapped into my main system with Q-Acoustics 3050i speakers. If I didn’t have a Hypex there already I would be happy with the Fosi. Well, that’s not true, always have upgrade-itis but run into the budget. I brought some vintage Bang & Olufsen RL35 speakers out of mothballs and that was the first time I used the Fosi tone controls; glad they were there. No other EQ in that system. (My WiiM mini’s in a headphone station). This is a golden age for cheap audio and Randy has helped me enjoy it. Audiofools always get an itch, to scratch it without going broke is the best of both worlds.

[@NFStopsnuf]

Chalks on a nailboard -- brilliant!

[@jonnymj]

I have had the X6 DAC for quite sometime and have been happy with it. One thing I wish it did was cut the audio to the amp when headphones were plugged in. Other than that no complaints!

[@josesoares1931]

Olá from Portugal randy. Sorry my english. I have tb10d 71euros and dac x6 mini 25 euros used and the sound is realy good. Um abraço de Portugal e bom trabalho.

[@a.j9645]

Dont need a desktop system, but I am on this video like a fat kid on a smartie anyway! Love the channel and keep it up Raaaaandy! 😀🇸🇪👍

[@cheapaudioman]

thanks!

[@a.j9645]

@@cheapaudioman You are the man. Most videos are super informative and all videos are fun and (almost always) great. Not so common for these type of channels to entertain AND make you smarter.. Be proud. Much love from🇸🇪🥂

[@TheKodakChris]

I have this exact set up! They are so good. I can listen to stuff loud while I edit video and it sounds so good

[@BryanRuby]

I ended up with powered speakers (Jamo S 801 PM) for my desktop setup. As they were on sale at the time, I probably saved quite a bit of money going this route. However, I wish I would have gone with something similar to what Randy suggests here as it would have been more fun to replace/upgrade components as time marches on.

[@slimboyde]

Thanks for your great content. After watching your videos I got for my desktop an Aiyima T9 pro and an Behringer 1C-BK. Probably not the greatest set of speakers, but available in europe and also fitting on smaller desks. And at least decent sound. The T9 doesn't cover headphones. I ordered a Douk Audio U3 but still waiting for delivery from china. So no comment on that.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

I have done exactly this for a bedroom setup because it reduces the need for lots of large boxes of equipment. After upgrading my lounge system & selling the other components. (I purchased Marantz cd & amp, rega3 & b&w speakers for downstairs). I bought the Nobsound NS-01G Bluetooth 5.0 2 Channel Power Amplifier HiFi Stereo Audio Mini Amp Wireless Receiver 50s x2 with USB £41.99, if I had to buy the q acoustic 3010 this would still of only cost £131.99 total, but I had a spare pair of Q acoustic 3020i's. I bluetooth from my samsung ultra which has a portable hard drive attached with around 600 flac albums on from the luxury of the bed. Debating whether to get the fosi as long as they still accept Bluetooth aptx hd.

[@TabPatterson]

Thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

Welcome!

[@ranmacman]

Randy, I hate to be the one to poop on your beloved Sony speakers but I tried them on my desktop, flanking my monitor in a near-field listening setup and at low volume I found them to be cloudy and vague. I suspect that they are better at higher volume levels but that's not what I needed so I sent them back and went back to my Dayton B652-AIR bookshelf speakers which are crystal clear at low volume levels and pair nicely with a small sub. And they're less than half the price of the Sonys.

[@galactusgalan4233]

Why do you keep telling me to grab a cup of coffee!! It’s so annoying that I love it. Great channel. Keep it up.

[@mikebiron7339]

I second the external DAC for a computer as I also use one. I tried the 3.5mm to RCA and it sounded like poo. I use the same FOSI amp, but with Monoprice ribbon tweeter bookshelves. For the $$ this setup absolutely sounds amazing. Low end will surprise you and make you think you have a small subwoofer somewhere. Highs are on point for my taste. Like he said, tone controls makes just about anything sound better. $50 amp, $20 USB DAC, $40 speakers = $110 for a really good sounding computer! Save your $$ for the listening room folks!

[@jholbrook.42istheanswer]

This had been my exact desktop setup since you reviewed the updated TB10D and I bought it... System sounds great! Fun video. 👍

[@drewpknutz1410]

Goddamned Dentist burnt the everloving crap out of my tongue because the head of the polishing tool heated up to about 300*, didnt realize it until the anesthetic wore off... so no coffee, but fired up anyway!

[@RRR-jd2oy]

Had a few of these amps, returned them all except the fosi BL20C.

[@gailmrutland6508]

*The Aiymia T-9 has a DAC built in....at about the same $'s as those two componets with better sound and a remote.*

[@louise_8546]

My original desktop set up was FX Audio DAC-X6 and Edifier R1700BT (the original version, without sub out). The Edifiers are now hooked up to my TV via an optical out RCA/DAC splitter. Still using the DAC-X6, through a SUCA Audio Tube-T1 (tube buffer), Aiyima A08 Pro and Dali Opticon 2 MkII (sometimes Peter Tyson in the UK has speakers on ebay open box with a promo code). I did read a discussion on DROP over a year ago suggesting the opamps in the DAC-X6 are fake, but never heard anything definitive about that. ASR hated the DAC-X6 as well (though I know good hifi is more than just graphs)*. *I should elaborate - they thought the DAC-X6 was a fair budget solution but there's another thread where they are not impressed by the (rusty!) internals and speculate whether they are reused electronics. Whether it's just bad luck or FX Audio's usual practice, hard to say. TL;DR: Wonder whether there is a better DAC desktop option nowadays - the DAC-X6 has been out for some years now.

[@raulgarcia1718]

If you are only using your computer as the source I recommend the emotiva big ego or even the little ego dac for desktop setups. I use the original little ego with my iPhone but it requires the upgraded usb dongle with the lightning port for power. Not an issue with a laptop. There are days that I like it more that my modius.

[@Jason-hf8he]

I watched the HDMI video. And was interested in the part where your guest was discussing throwaway technology, when you interrupted him to discuss Dr. Pepper. I’d imagine your guest would consider this $250 setup to be throwaway technology.

[@EricRidesDirt]

The video I have been waiting for🎉

[@TheRealKaner]

Chalks on a nail board...gonna use that one

[@LarcR]

The revamped Fosi TB10D is great for powering speakers for computer audio. I already had good speakers and DAC, so didn't need to buy anything except the Fosi.

[@JohnScheppler]

Great option for an affordable setip

[@greengadget4687]

Hey Randy, what about the cheapest audio equipment ever? I bought a $30 Boss car stereo for a friend and realized that if I powered this thing with a camping battery it would sound great. It has Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, a remote control a 3.5mm aux in and supposedly 200 watts of output. It can even charge your phone from the USB port. So where is the ultimate DIY community on cheapo Chinese car audio?

[@battlefinder]

I just bought exactly what you recommended! Fingers crossed that it works out as a "decent-ish" desktop system that fills my office with sounds =)

[@HURRICANEMARCO]

Out of curiosity how was the setup and does it hold up in quality per dollar

[@battlefinder]

@@HURRICANEMARCO I still use this setup as my primary office sound system, works perfectly and has way more sound / quality than I ever expected

[@rickbrookes9491]

I inadvertently have the same amp and DAC combo, but I have some Athena AS-B2 purchased from eBay. (they’re no longer made) I haven’t actually heard the Sonys, but the amp/DAC and Athena mix sounds fantastic. Almost as good as my Peachtree/NHT main Hi-Fi system… for a quarter of the price.

[@hardball107]

I have 3 of the old Sonic Impact class D amps, 10 very clean watts that can run off the battery or I power mine with a 13.2 volt, 3 watt power brick and they are just plain awesome. For speakers I use a set of Dayton Audio B652 6.5" book shelf speakers and for a source I have a Logitech Blue Tooth adaptor and a smart phone. Laugh all you want but it works for Sirus/XM, Pandora and Spotify and was less than $100. Remarkably good sound and if I need anything more all my vintage audio is in the basement hooked to my Kornerhorns.

[@josexavierjr.5633]

Cool video, Randy! 👍

[@allankegler849]

Hi Randy, really like your channel. Saw the one with the T9 and elac unifi ub52’s. can’t wait for your review of the T9 pro and hopefully the 52’s to see if they are a good match. Thanks and Keep up your awesome work.

[@ant1kryst]

can you make an updated list for desktops? lots of nice active ones in the market now that are not monitors. something for desktop that can also be used as listening stations from PCs when you move away from the table.

[@Rock-Pirate]

My Fosi Audio X2 phono preamp lasted two days before a loud hum started and then no sound from the right side. No cheap crap for me!

[@MisterFastbucks]

Ok Randy, here's your next challenge. Let's just say someone who builds a system based largely on your recommendations wants a little more grunt in the low end. Small subs. How to convert a 2.0 system into a 2.1 without murdering your wallet.

[@smhne8]

Hey Randy, can you create a desk setup that prioritizes aesthetics, but remains at the value end of the spectrum??? Maybe a tube amp at the center…

[@chasjs22]

Randy, thanks for the video and all that you do. I am new to your channel and have enjoyed catching up on your videos. Have you ever reviewed the Dayton audio HTA100BT Amp? It looked interesting as a supposed AB amplifier.

[@ashman0071]

stab'n cabin facilitator - my college age son turned me on to your channel

[@leonardblush2557]

My new 10D is a remarkable thing. Easily as powerful as my 50 wpc NAD C340 and probably my beloved vintage Pioneer SX737. Only thing I would "criticize" is that it's a bit forward on things like electric guitars and female vocals, so for me the more laid back speaker would be called for. My Wharfedale Diamond 225s aren't bright, but apparently have a full midrange and the 10D is a bit much with them. I have one old NHT SuperOne and based on hearing it on one channel, that seemed perfect. Crazy thing, this synergy stuff, and these different ears we all have.

[@robbiedavey4004]

I wouldn’t suggest the X6 when changing the audio source it clicks and it has a consistent buzz, others on Reddit have shared the same issue

[@Dark-Star]

The FX Audio DAC uses the CS4398 Cirrus Logic DAC and is $66 dollars. The Fosi Audio K4 uses the TI PCM-5100 which is a much better DAC, along with Analog Devices MAX-97220 preamp/headphone amp chip. The Fosi Audio K4 is only $67 dollars and probably sounds better than Gesheli Labs. The Fosi Audio K4 is only available on the Fosi Audio website. Don’t confuse it with the older Q4, which is nothing special. The K4 also has separate Bass and Treble controls. Hey Randy, call Fosi Audio and ask them to send you a review unit of the K4 DAC. You might be shocked.

[@louise_8546]

Strangely the Fosi Audio K4 is nowhere to be found, except from an Aliexpress seller who won't ship to my country and Fosi's own website. A member on AVS Forum (though he is banned now, who knows if that's related) said a year ago, "I recently bought a Fosi K4, USB C DAC/headphone amp. I’m surprised by how much I like this humble little thing! It has a TI PCM5100 dac, that depending on which spec sheet you read, is in some way related to ti’s burr brown dac variant. It also has Analog Device’s MAX97220 op amp based headphone amp/preamp. It’s only common ground, but distortion is under negative 3 orders of magnitude up to 300 ohms, and my 250 ohm Beyerdynamics sound better than anything else has managed, including anything I’ve tried that’s Sabre DAC based." I'm curious but I can't find any reviews either, except third-hand chatter. Wonder why it's not more widely available. Edit: One online reviewer says the K5 Pro "Gaming DAC" is the successor to the K4 (unless that's a typo or just an assumption going by the number progression), but I don't think so.

[@Dark-Star]

@@louise_8546 That’s great research! Wow! Yah they make the K4 in small numbers. It’s not available anywhere else except the Fosi Audio website. I have one and it’s the best one I’ve heard. I think Fosi caught lightning in a bottle.

[@CinemaDemocratica]

The farther into Randy's filmography we go, the more confused I am by one very specific apparent contradiction: One of his first videos was a shootout that included the Sony speakers *and* a pair of Neumi BS5's. In that video he preferred the Neumi's unambiguously, and they're not discontinued -- you can still get them -- but I've never heard him mention them again, while the Sony's (and, to a lesser extent, the Elacs) keep coming up over and over.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

The fx-audio dac-x6 mkii os an upgraded version to that One. it's not a lot more expensive but has a better dac and the headphone amp is a lot better.

[@TheDarius1968]

Thanks for pointing that out!

[@kendoglarson5419]

Infinity Primus 150 can be had for $70 and that is great speaker....maybe a little deep. Psb alpha's are also a really great choice and those will fit any desk. I got those Sony's for $79 for a pair a year ago. This is a great desktop system and it's why I bought them.....but still have not used them for that just yet.

[@joshdeakins1775]

Isn't the primus 250 almost double the size of the Sony? I don't think they qualify as a desktop speaker lol even the Sonys are a bit big for a desktop.

[@kendoglarson5419]

@@joshdeakins1775These are the Primus 150 10Dx7wx12H roughly not much bigger than Sony. Sony are 8.7Dx7Wx13H so basically same / similar size for a desk setup. They are a bit large but work on my 6 ft x 3 ft desk fine.

[@joshdeakins1775]

I guess my friend had a different pair of infinity speakers. Pretty sure it was primus but they were big! I think the mid bass driver was like 7in.

[@kendoglarson5419]

@@joshdeakins1775 they are not typical desktop speakers these are the Primus 150 your friend probably had 250's....they are large, but the Sony's are too. There are better choices for sure. My Klipsch R51m are better size wise. The original PSB Alpha mites are a perfect choice. Anything in the alpha line probably work well. The mites are more than adequate for the task. The 250's I believe are the same speaker just in a loudspeaker cabinet.

[@garryself]

The Sony SS-CS5 costs $299 in Canada! Always amazes me how much more Sony charges for their products north of the border.

[@stevelouie5928]

Everything cost more in Canada. I had a cousin who came and visited and he was shocked how much big tvs were over here.

[@arturkozlowski8291]

Hi folks! I'm pretty hyped about those Sony speakers. I have a pair of Infinity Primus P162, and am wondering if replacing them for the Sony would be an upgrade. I know the Infinity are also entry level, older speakers, but they're still more expensive than the Sonys. What do you guys think?

[@MJHiteshew]

"Chalks.... on a nail board!". 😆

[@JakeXimus]

With your mention of Superman III: Is this Randy testing the waters of his movie review idea? 🤔

[@niccster1061]

I use the sscs5's and love them for the most part but even with Dirac, from close range they are kinda fatiguingly bright.

[@patoma3593]

Hi, what do you think of the aiyima a08 pro pair with the elac uni-fi 52 2.0? Thanks

[@linuscruz8492]

Any recommendation cheap turntable set up?

[@gdwlaw5549]

Along with all these wonderful Chinese products you get a free Chinese balloon flying high in the sky ….:-)

[@nsummy]

Probably a dumb question but what’s the benefit of this over something like powered studio monitors? I have a pair of m-audios and just wondering if a separate amp and speakers are the way to go.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

More desk clutter, more to plug in the mains, more cables. For the money and features powered and active speakers a better choice. The designer can match the amp inside to the drivers. More so for full active speakers with active cross overs but the price is then higher e.g. Adam Audio T5V. Speaker size also goes up if you are wanting more bass than most offering 80-20k or 60-20k. The down side is the upgrade is the whole system, not just getting a better amp or a better pair of speakers. But if you upgrade hi-fi you are likely to want to upgrade everything but can do that piece meal. I got a pair of Bose Videomates 35 years ago. No longer used daily but still in use for setting up a new system or if I set up out of the house (still needs mains). I can also run them from my phone (3.5mm earphone jack). So the 400GBP has been well spent. I also had a pair of passive Visonik David 5000 as my Uher portable cassette deck has 4 Watt output amp. I had thought about getting a small amp on a chip for them (some offering 9V battery packs) but decided to keep the Bose.

[@stevezeidman7224]

A lot of people like to fiddle. With powered or active, you can’t. They are what they are. I think it’s a matter of personal preference. I’m 70. I’d probably never buy powered because I like the idea of individual components.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

@@stevezeidman7224 My first two hi-fi systems were separates. I thought I spent a lot of time to pick the components and still did a hash job of it. Whilst all were excellent choices they paired with other components (at the same price point) far better. In my final round of listening and testing I was more aware and careful. I preferred active speakers because they worked better for me in more of my choice of music. 42 years later I can find as good but not clearly better to want to make a change. I have had the turntable upgraded in 1990 (£2.3k) and serviced and upgraded in 2022 (£2.1K but half on a new cartridge). Getting active speakers stopped the endless and pointless attempts to find something different when not really better. I really like the idea of finding music to listen to and not needing to find a better amp for my floor standing speakers. Your system only has to satisfy you.

[@therottenbug3675]

Can you maybe check out the Sony SS-CG1 !!!!

[@1QKGLH]

Chalks on a nailboard Randy?

[@cheapaudioman]

terrible sound if you've ever heard it.

[@timharbert7145]

Shooting monkeys in a barrel....

[@mbstxb7579]

What about the Anpharla amp is $60 has headphone out / aux bt/coax optical input

[@willyburger36]

Can you please give me a link to the upgraded power supply for the Fosi? Thanks in advance.

[@gregbailer8701]

Always enjoy your content. My living room desktop system is PC (USB) out to United Audio Volt276 DAC (24/192) out via RCA to Edifier 1850 @ 16 + 19 = 35W RMS each with sub-out to Paradigm 10 inch 250w sub. Would I get more DB (volume) with the Fluance A61i @ 60 Watts RMS? Not a huge jump in watts, but the Edifier maxes out before the sub gets lukewarm. I am a former pro musician, (hence the Volt DAC) and I like some higher SPL from the system to approximate playing with bandmates "in the room" LIke to stay with a Powered system since all my separates are "Pro Live Sound" Crown, 12-15-18 " PA Cabs, Speakon, etc. I do not want a 4-ohm 600-watt per channel experience in the living room. Thanks!

[@douglasmoore8033]

There is an fx dac that's about 10 bucks more with the es9018 DAC chip. Would it be worth getting the one with the Sabre chip?

[@davidniquot6423]

In France, got TB10D for 50€ and TB30D PRO for 70€.

[@stevelouie5928]

I have the Aiyima A07 and the Elacs and the sound is good but I think it would be improved with a Dac. I'm going to try out the Aiyima Dac A02 which has tone controls. It's only $40 from the aiyima web site directly. So all in it's only $250.

[@janihocevar6387]

take care about power suplly....I change 24v/5A with 46V/10A....so,so much better, now I am waiting for muses chips... next upgrade,then dac

[@stevelouie5928]

@@janihocevar6387 How much does that power supply cost.

[@janihocevar6387]

@@stevelouie5928 I got it from my job....under 100 dollars dificult to be good one...but it is so much better...can not belived