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

[@sayubu]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks. You too!!

[@dsnyder0cnn]

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

[@michwoz]

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

[@billbloomfield4972]

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

[@fakeklg]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

Well thank you, my friend

[@dieseldust27]

Snubs don't like EQ lol

[@Artcore103]

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

[@BaggyBag-jc4jk]

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

[@wgm247]

Randy reminds me of my uncle

[@johnstump2433]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

Glad you like them!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

thanks, brother!

[@madcrabber1113]

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

[@VENOM-vq3ju]

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

[@goincrabbin6756]

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

[@diamondbracelette]

Team A300 in da house 🎉

[@craigpatterson8551]

As a beginner I so appreciate your videos. Thank you

[@traildoggy]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

love it

[@thomascraig9879]

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

[@pjeffries301]

Excellent!

[@snoepox1257]

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

[@wekkimeif7720]

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

[@bugsbunny4698]

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

[@traildoggy]

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

[@tonyschreurs2776]

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

[@aiiaznsk8er]

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

[@jacobjohnson4763]

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

[@adsph]

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

[@tyotaterry]

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

[@JoseMarzanJr]

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

[@Michael-xz1nk]

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

[@gupdaddy]

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

[@bertpeters1866]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@philipketchum1407]

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

[@ronzack4572]

No Lies Detected.

[@RichardMar]

never ever you got the SS-CS5 for 72 USD

[@philipketchum1407]

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

[@ronjoiner]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

Wow! Thanks!

[@Jedi71]

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

[@VisionCarrierDreamCatcher]

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

[@johnbewty]

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

[@ronzack4572]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

Right on!

[@naastradamus]

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

[@leonardofuentez5688]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

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

[@gabrielgarza863]

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

[@davidswift1644]

I've had the Wiim amp for around a year now combined with my old Audio Monitor Bx2's on second hand Atacama speaker stands, good quality speaker cables ( and absolutely sub lead..chuck the one supplied straight in the bin)and Tidal streaming together with an entry level sub woofer. This is an amazing piece of kit not only in terms of audio quality but it's flexibility in EQ and more importantly bass /sub woofer management. No Wardrobe full of plastic play back formats Vinyl and CDs just access to absolutely sodding everything.

[@kamelsardine563]

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

[@michealboudreaux]

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

[@leedesantos1559]

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

[@therealboofighter]

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

[@NeonPunkHolo]

Hey Randy, I get it, you love the Sony SSCS5's - but they are not available anymore (I'm in Europe). Please provide an alternative to the Sony speakers. I paired the WiiM amp with the Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2's. Looking forward to upgrade to the new Elac Debut 3 B5.3's or B6.3's. I am keeping the Wiim Amp. It's just perfect for the amount of money I can and want to spend. What do you think?

[@DFlemming]

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

[@droopydog6272]

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

[@donjaun540]

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

[@michaelhastie7324]

The added editing/music on this clip, was funny. Nice one, Randy.

[@PKJGoops]

I’ve a Mojo 2 DAC. Would it still be worth using that DAC with this Wiim, would it be a worthwhile step up? I love the utility of this but I’d opt for the mini with a DAC if I could get the same features.

[@EsotericArctos]

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

[@onechain13]

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

[@jamesvoysey333]

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

[@nathanclaspell6003]

I've taken your advice and own the sonys as my first 'real' speakers. What would you recommend for a reasonable upgrade from them?

[@cheapaudioman]

if you like the sound then something from emotiva. there's not a lot in the 300 range

[@interstellar8642]

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

[@Brian_Romska]

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

[@freemenofengland2880]

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

[@michaelwright1602]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

Ahhh… thanks!

[@RGMDG]

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

[@larrygaines7462]

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

[@craigt8700]

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

[@DanielPerez-dl2gs]

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

[@waynethompson4315]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

think you'd love it

[@steveh545]

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

[@ymmichael1]

Randy, if I have a spare iFi micro iDSD that does a beautiful job as a preamp, is there a simple amp you’d recommend to pair with that and the Sonys? Would a cheap Chinese amp (e.g., a Lepai LP2020A+) be enough? Or would you say that I’d be much better off starting from scratch and getting the WiiM?

[@Audioholic42]

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

[@jportugal100]

What subwoofer would you recommend with this? And what would you say would complete a surround sound system for this?

[@antonio-_-8481]

This may be a dumb question but with the setup do you need to buy two of the Sony speakers?

[@MargaQuarki]

If you had to choose Sony SS-CS5 or Polk ES15 which you called "one of the best speakers" about 2 years ago - which one would you recommend regardless of the current price?

[@chriswindham9868]

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

[@primopierre]

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

[@primopierre]

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

[@jr.sanchez1488]

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

[@jacobjohnson4763]

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

[@socorroprieto7113]

I purchased the Arylic A50+ a couple years ago. Would this be a worthwhile purchase for me? I’m using it with a pair of Q Acoustic 3010 in my bedroom.

[@NOSLOW]

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

[@Bloodysugar]

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

[@Edward-sn2ln]

I have a pair of Sony SS-CS3 speakers with SA-CS9 Subwoofer. Would you say they are better/worse/same as the SS-CS5 ? Also, do they pair well with NAD C-370 integrated amp? Would the WIIM be a good addition to this setup? Thanks

[@waynethompson4315]

Hey Randy (or anyone who reads this), I picked up the Wiim amp and the Sonys to start my system. I am now researching turntables. I’ve been looking at the Fluance RT 81+ Elite which has a phono preamp in it. It also has a ground wire. The Wiim Amp does not have a grounding post. Do I have to ground theTT to the amp? Should I focus on a different TT without a built in preamp and add a phono preamp? Is there a different way to ground the TT to the Wiim? Etc? Please advise! Hope all is well.

[@jaygannon1095]

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

[@JM-fm8zg]

Do you recommend this setup over the Wiim Pro > DAC > ZA3 > SSCS5 from the previous video? I still want to be able to build on it. Maybe do another ZA3. This setup doesn't look like you can really upgrade it. Since it's all done with the wiim amp.

[@LazyCurmudgeon]

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

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

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

[@karelvandervelden8819]

@@cheapaudioman Prop them into the bass-vents.

[@therealboofighter]

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

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

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

[@dreamzsiva]

Love these new high quality, quriky edits!

[@cheapaudioman]

Appreciate it!

[@bryang9290]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

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

[@bryang9290]

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

[@brettrwertz]

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

[@Flohoriaaaan]

Hi! Does the EQ only work when streaming via the Wiim app, or is the EQ also applied when connecting your device via Bluetooth? Thanks a lot!

[@homebrew805]

Love your videos! What are the little devices you held up that allow you to connect other speakers around the house?

[@HELLtoPAY715]

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

[@stevenveerhoff9208]

I know you love the Sony speakers, but have you ever compared them to the Neumi BS5?

[@tjeerdkruidhof5808]

Randy, I have a question I love that’s an all in but for 300 you could buy a Aiyima A07 max a wimm mini or pro and add a smsl su1 dac? It’s about the same price and gives you more flexibility?

[@jameshastings6538]

Have you listened to the Sony SS-CS3 Hi-Res Floorstanding Speakers? I’m debating on getting these. These or the ELAC floor standing speakers.

[@SIDEWISE]

Would you recommend this for a home theatre. I have a sound touch 300 and am after something much better.

[@travis3567]

Can you recommend a budget setup for a home theater/living room? Preferably with the ability to hide wires.

[@keithgegg997]

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

[@mrwpg]

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

[@alonsouai]

this work good thinking in a gaming setup, i mean works better than an audio bar system for the similar price, like the samsung Q-930C ??

[@kevinclark7921]

@cheapaudioman Help me out here if you can. I can't really afford this right now. How bad of a step down am I making if I am looking at Sony STRDH190 instead for now ($148). I’m just needing for turntable, Bluetooth, extra input, and eventual sub woofer later anyway. So the stream options isn’t as big of a deal right now. Am I taking a big hit regarding quality of music? It do you suggest one of the smaller China amps that are popular now instead. I’m not majorly concerned about the size.

[@jomiran1000]

I have an old pair of Bose 202 sitting in a closet. Would the WiiM be a good choice or do I need to also buy a sub to really make it shine?

[@pet2r]

Love the energy man! Stumbled up on this channel and Instantly subscribed... 😊

[@H4GRlD]

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

[@timd7782]

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

[@cheapaudioman]

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

[@dman081]

Any recommendations for an atmos or at least 5.1-capable setup in this same “best low price value” category?

[@Abakaschi]

Does the AMP support room measurements / correction? If not, how would I know how to tune the EQ to make this sound great in my room?

[@davidbartochowski7832]

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

[@jasonromich9919]

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

[@miguelalonsoperez5609]

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

[@Jeffro422]

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

[@Dreamer5211]

Hey Randy , using your link , I was able to find the WiiM Pro Plus . HELP !! Can that act as a ' sort of ' powered speaker corrector for Fluance Ai41 powered speakers ? I love the speakers , however they are killing my ears , very sharp on the top end , tons of bass for a 5" driver plus they look great and fit perfectly in my bedroom . I have spent a ton of time watching your videos on speakers and amps , but I just can`t part with those Fluance speakers because when used with my Mac Mini -- iTunes -- using the iTunes EQ , the Ai41's really come to life , so logically the sparkers are great -- but need correction . Please advise , many thanks and Happy Easter to you and your family . Dreamer 

[@chrislandy5597]

I’m considering setting up a system like the one in the video, the Wiim Amp and the Sony SSCS5s. If I also run RCA from the Wiim to a Sony SACS9 powered sub, can I use the speaker outputs from the sub to power two smaller surround sound speakers as well? Would this setup even make sense? New to the game.

[@No_Limits_411]

I bought smsl al200 because of you. I like the bold midrange. And it does push some air. Satisfied. It replaced my pricier amp.

[@zombielandiii2711]

What was your pricier amp?

[@No_Limits_411]

@@zombielandiii2711 sabaj a30a

[@riccitone]

SO loved this. You’re the real deal Randy 👍🏼🙏🏼

[@williambarney2874]

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

[@CODgod357]

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