Darko's 'Future-Fi favourites of 2023'

[@ianbannister8404]

Being a 35 yr audiophile and ex hi fi salesperson your channel for me is the best hifi channel on KZbin it’s not just the tech I love hearing about it’s more about the music which matters to me more than anything that’s what we like about your videos you’re first and foremost a music loving audiophile like us real world music loving people many thanks for your brilliant professional journalism and have a great well deserved break see ya next year mr Darko

[@rickmepham8819]

Excellent video John, wishing you all the best for 2024. Heres to more future-fi next year and the CD lives on forever.

[@TPQ1235]

Excellent video as usual John. You are my go-to for audio reviews due to your approach, detail, production, and presentation. You obviously put a great care into this channel as you do with your podcasts and web content. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by this viewer. 🇨🇦

[@fredricgrethel1717]

Thank you, John, for a great year-end video. I truly appreciate your efforts. You have been very prolific lately. Have a happy and healthy 2024! Take care of yourself!

[@peckdeboard7579]

What @fredricgrethel1717 said !

[@jerrylags]

I agree. Great stuff.

[@jameslevine1873]

Many thanks for all your excellent creative output - to watch, read and listen to. Long live CDs! :)

[@samuelreggio1611]

Love that there’s a (top loading!) cd transport on your short list here! Such a rad format right now.

[@rosswarren436]

To think I bought a Denon CD player a couple years ago because I thought they were "going away". LOL. Glad to see the sliver disc is alive and doing well here in 2023.

[@suryadnb]

Nothing wrong with Toslink, but HDMI ARC has one big plus: it allows you to control the volume on the TV rather then the amp. Great for ease of use.

[@justinwalsh5521]

I think it’s genuinely cool to see you highlight three relatively affordable items that will really set a solid entry point into the audio/hifi hobby.

[@justinwalsh5521]

One more thought: I’d love a companion list of pricier items you enjoyed during the review process. That said, this was a great vid

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Wiim amp is all most would ever need. If they add a screen for artwork at $499, it’s truly over. It would not surprise me in the future.

[@Magoo71]

Thanks for revealing your top 3 components for 2023! I like the way you describe them fitting into your system! That Fiio streamer seems pretty cool for what all it does!! Thanks John!

[@alexanderboehm80]

Great Video. Thanks!

[@starscreamcomms]

Thanks John!

[@richardparnell6551]

Thank you for the videos this year which have been enjoyable and informative. Greatly appreciated! I am intrigued by your choices in this video and will strongly consider the Wiim Amp because of its sheer flexibility in the context of an audio and TV system.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Great video, John. It reinforces the fact that, in my view, it has never been a better time to get into high quality music reproduction. There truly is something for everyone and at all budgets. Add easy access to virtually all the music ever recorded and life ( at least in terms of music listening ) is good. My future-fi of the year is the quirky, but somehow brilliant, Shanling ec mini. I know you havent yet reviewed it, but it's my own pic. Yours are spot on.

[@samuelreggio1611]

Oh man. They even call the thing a digital turntable! Love it!

[@D1N02]

I don't believe in screens on gear when I can have it in my pocket. I don't believe in cramming everything into a box, because when one thing fails, all functions become useless. Manufacturer maintained software can go defunct. They could even turn off functionality in future and offer it back to you for a monthly fee. Or start displaying ads (or even injecting them in between your playlists). As you might have guessed, I am very sceptical of Future-fi because I am afraid the future isn't one I am going to like.

[@thomasalexand]

That's the reason I'm not into streaming. However, when you look at, say, the Wiim amp's specs, at the price, it's a no-brainer. Mind you, as with any audio kit, it wholly depends on the sound quality.

[@AndersIwarson]

Best youtube channel, balanced opinions on gear and not night and day difference and focus on what type of equipment makes the biggest difference. I'm considering buying the Eversolo because my wife likes to play CD:s and then I don't have to buy an expensive CD player. That is maybe an area to focus more on? a second user who don't focus on the sound/value of the equipment but on the usage of it.

[@ibassnote]

I wonder if all of these products will find their way into my house next year as your love of music with a practical sense of application always catches my attention. At the end of the day I do not sit for hours on end in my leather chair considering frequency response but have a life. Yes I want the best sound for the buck but I always need to want to USE and interact with these products. If I want to hear how a bow sounds drawn across the string of a doublebass then I will get up and play mine. But having time and impetus to engage with hi-fi is an entire endeavor on its own and you are the only KZbin that gets that. Have a healthy new year and I will try to get back on the patreon list. You certainly deserve it.

[@andrewsimons6177]

Have you, or anyone in this comment section had any hands on experience with the "Leak Stereo 230" (Amplifier). On paper it looks brilliant, but it doesn't seem to get much attention, and i was wondering if there was a reason for this. (Also released Jan this year, so it seemed fitting to discuss here if possible). The reason I bring this to your attention is simply because it seems to be the only amp in this price range to have a phono and 2 other RCA inputs as well as a rather stacked set of digital inputs (Optical, HDMI, and coax) along with wireless connectivity. P.S. - Great video, and keep up the usual high quality, and highly informative work up! :)

[@JBOsurf]

Thanks for all your content this year John. Hanging out for your Marantz Stereo 70S review!

[@DarkoAudio]

Coming in January....

[@JBOsurf]

@@DarkoAudio thanks. Got 1600 aud burning a hole in my Aussie pocket!

[@thousandaireetf2683]

I love that John now puts that doorstop in videos just to farm comments. Algo won't farm itself :)

[@DarkoAudio]

Guilty as charged 😉

[@davidbruce3632]

In Canada the Dollarama stores sell these door stops.

[@josephstark4944]

Thanks John 🤘🤘

[@johnpischedda6951]

Hi John ! Great vid as usual, my pick would be the humble but mighty Wiim Mini. Yes, it was first released in 2022 so it officially doesn't qualify, but I just wanted to give it the praise it deserves. The $ value here is unbeatable!! Used as just a streaming transport into your own DAC ! What a game changer and for me has had more impact than any other product since it was released. What other product offers all its features in such a tidy inexpensive package? It certainly sits at the vanguard of Future Fi. Big thank you for turning me on to this amazing product!

[@mw4609]

Looks like you're having fun John - loved the call-outs for New Order, Cure reissues - I wouldn't have known oterwise.

[@radicalrealmrecordings42]

Would be interested to hear your opinions on the new SMSL PL200 CD Player & USB DAC (top loader also) @darkoaudio, Reason I think this is worth being reviewed is a) It's both a CD Player and an interesting USB DAC for under £1000 b) It's a top loading CD Player c) It's had interesting and positive reviews already from Cheap Audio Man and Tharbamar d) It has a good selection of analogue and digital outputs which can utilise or bypass the in built DAC e) It has a 90s nostalgic, throwback feel with modern tech built in

[@DarkoAudio]

This is a terrific contribution to the discussion.

[@n815e]

Great year for future fi.

[@totallymorpheus]

Hi John. Thanks as always for being yourself. I love your reviews, not because our music tastes perfectly align, but because they don’t! Your stake in the ground is refreshing and insightful! Something controversial: I agree that streaming is too cheap, especially for higher res content. Now this is coming from someone in South Africa, where cash flow and exchange rates are horrendous. Unlimited streaming from the cost of 1 CD per month is ridiculous. For me streaming is all about convenience. I would be prepared to pay more for CD quality and higher. I hope this comment doesn’t come back to bite me too badly… 😂

[@totallymorpheus]

…and have you ever heard the B&W Formation Duos, or is that the model that you hinted about a few videos back? I have never read a single bad review, including Steve Gutenberg. I have had mine for 3 years now and I still enjoy them so far. Although, the LS60s do intrigue me…

[@gilbertrenebogaert2316]

Very informative video, thanks John

[@EthanHMoore]

Love this video, John. With WiiM coming in with the AMP and making things really accessible, do you have a pair of speakers you really like with it? It seems we are due for a number of value set-ups to include the Amp moving forward.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

REALLY like that Shanling CD player.. That's nice.

[@rolandrowland6992]

I'd like to see more of you discussing physical music releases. I know you can't really play the music safely on KZbin, but im always looking for something neat. I bought the Steven Wilson box set you mentioned earlier this year and it was fab

[@HedgehogDude18]

Glad you gave a nod to Plexamp. I purchased the lifetime Plexamp license last year, and it has since become my go to listening ecosystem. I love the different radio station options and that it pretty much gives you a streaming service level of options all with your personal digital music library. I was using an Astell and Kern SE200 and though the sound quality of that is great, it's quite bulky to carry around and it's limited to simply shuffling my own made playlists and genres. Sometimes I don't know what to listen to so I like to start an artist radio station in Plexamp. The A&K has mostly been relegated my my at home desktop setup while my Iphone 15 with a Khadas Tea Dac/amp is now my primary portable on the go listening solution. Excited to see if there will be any big things come to Plexamp in 2024 like you predict!

[@mikesul76]

Given that Plexamp has been providing a constant stream of new functions in 2021, 2022 and 2023, I expect 2024 to be another stellar year for this awesome music player.

[@RaphRBD]

I really like that synth melody that plays at 10:06, it's not the first time it's used, shazam doesn't work and I can bring myself to pay the patreon for only knowing a song haha. Anyway, I love your content, it helps me a lot on my journey to build my weird setup that will include vinyl, streaming and my tv on a budget and with the best quality possible.

[@jonassegura]

I think is interesting how this 3 future-fi favorites are also chi-fi devices. Specially coming from a European reviewer like John.

[@joshuamhardwick]

I think it tells you how far they have come in the last few years. Churning out quality products at affordable prices.

[@buxus3770]

​@@joshuamhardwick True, but having all that chinese hard and software on my network is a bit daunting knowing the vast majority of big companies is in the pocket of the Chinese government.

[@jimfarrell4635]

​@buxus3770 To be honest I doubt the Chinese security service is interested in your music choices, but relax in the knowledge that there is effectively a global free for all in terms of your data and, frankly, you can't avoid it if you wish to live in a developed society. Even if you try and avoid Chinese owned companies, you can't avoid Chinese made products.

[@GOZES]

Have you considered making a music related second channel? You got great music tease, at least in my book, and you have a very good depth of knowledge on the history behind bands and albums which will make a grate paring for a channel. I have enjoyed your techno series and find myself looking at your videos waiting for you to drop reference to artists or albums so I can go listen to them. So would love to see more of that alongside your hifi content which is also great. If a second channel is too much then maybe a second podcasts? Imagine the format of the techno videos bur with more history bits and and list of things mention so we can track it down on our streaming service of choice or in CD:)

[@TPQ1235]

Thanks for this John. I’ve been searching for a small CD transport that I could put on a butler’s tray next to my Fiio K7 and my Grado 325e’s. That portable Head-Fi rig travels through the house with me during the day.

[@thomasalexand]

The Wiim amp is going to send a shock wave across the world of audio. On this, I have no doubt. You are the only reviewer who has mentioned the Wiim amp, and in great detail. I can assure you I watch many audiophile reviewers on KZbin.

[@Jedi71]

Cheap Audio Man has a video on it I believe.

[@jimfarrell4635]

He does, indeed. And he very.much liked it as well.

[@Mgamal56]

I saved this video to my “to buy” list 😋

[@hiltonhosannah769]

FiiO added a remote cast function for the R7 with the latest firmware update, dated November 10th.

[@DarkoAudio]

Holy smokes, that's terrific news. :) Thanks for sharing.

[@michaellong9039]

I just don't get streamer touch screens on a non-desktop setup. I would much rather have an iPad as a remote control like the Roon remote app. And Apple needs to develop a better remote app for Apple Music running native on a Mac Mini.

[@epi2045]

Great picks John. Small tip about Wiim or any DAC / streamer. If using a toslink, don’t use a cable that’s too short and/or careful of having any sharp bends. My streamer is so much better now.

[@DavidHamilton5]

I love plexamp. I use it with DJ Freeze and the mixes are some of the best I’ve ever heard

[@mikesul76]

Plexamp is my product of the year every year since I started using it (Sept 2020). It is simply amazing and I can’t wait to see what Elan and his team have in store for 2024. They provide a constant stream of new function all for the small lifetime price of a Plexpass and they love it so much they even provided a free version in 2023 as well. And it simply works all the time for me. Remote access is rock solid. And they have even implemented about five feature requests I requested via their forum. I still can’t believe that. Try that with just about any other software out there. Cheers!

[@syanhc]

I like that the Fiio is on here. Surprised that the ifi go pod didn't make it on the list since it gives wired iems a wireless option but it's not as future-fi as the Fiio.❤

[@ptg01]

Stunning how WiiM can do high quality products at affordable price points.

[@johnboard7770]

As always a very well thought out and well produced video. I have not heard the Fiio. I do have the Eversolo A6 Masters Edition and love it. It is my understanding that it may take care of some of the harshness you mentioned. Have you had a chance to confirm that? Please keep the great content coming in 2024 and have a very happy Holidays.

[@axrip1]

Thanks for vid. Please tell where to get those Vinyl Record Dividers, Alphabeticals

[@DarkoAudio]

They come from Koeppel Design and yes, they are pretty neat.

[@InCerTo_AntiFragile]

Hi John. I think Woo Audio Phantom DAC would fall into your Future-Fi category. It is a USB to XLR (or RCA) cable, but interestingly it has a built-in DAC. So it is designed to connect directly from a USB source to the amp. Length is up to 3m. I think it would be fun if you reviewed it!

[@dizzle1119]

There are linear PSU upgrdes readily available for the Eversolo DMP A6 now. Other than the price hike, which isn't that substantial, there isn't much reason to pick the Fiio over the Eversolo. Unless you're an exclusive Apple Music user...

[@peanutmata1]

But, the Eversolo has an extra USB slot for interchanging your music with USB sticks which are much more up-to-date and sturdy than SD cards. No?

[@garypolsinelli6033]

i got the Wiim Amp from amazon the day it came out. Love it so far. One question, for anyone, does yours get uncomfortably warm, dare i say hot?

[@DarkoAudio]

What speakers are you driving and how loud are you playing? Mine only gets slightly warm to the touch with Project 2-ways putting 75-80db in the seat in a 6m X 5m room.

[@garypolsinelli6033]

@DarkoAudio Some old Advent 3's. Playing at lower volume, if i had to guess, maybe 50-60 db.

[@matthewfrazee3352]

I love my shangling, nice visual match to the nad m10 v2 but I also bought a parks audio dsp phono preamp, an update to their previous model that now allows operation of all its features from an app available through google and Apple. It allows me to by pass what I consider the m10 v2 weakest link, it’s analog input.

[@patrickgeorge141]

Another good video! I have no problem with your choices. I am curious if you would look at SPL gear like the Director Mk2 preamplifier or their amplifiers. Your approach is intriguing, engaging and informative what else could one ask for!

[@matthewhilty4209]

I think the Woo audio PHANTOM DAC Cable should be a Future-Fi contender. Not dealing with a external DAC box is pretty nice.

[@Wuppie62]

I couldn't help but laugh, seeing the Fiio r7 on a desk with those heavy doorstops on top of it.. Yes, I know, I watched the video in which these doorstops are explained. I can understand how it helps to stabilize lightweight plastic boxes with cables attached, like the Wiim Pro, but this looks ridiculous to me. Especially when the reviewer is so sensitive to design/style/looks. I wonder if some audiophile out there already tried to place a doorstop on top of his head, to check if it reduces the resonances within his skull..

[@babaker48]

You are the only KZbin presenter who makes me want to join Patreon. Always high quality, informative videos. All the best in the new year.

[@mikepower5861]

Considering the selection perhaps it would have been more appropriate to post the video in Feb 2024. 🧨 Thanks for the past and future content. Enjoy the holidays.

[@marioplus321]

That's true about cds, I still buy them in large amount:)

[@FANBOY41]

I think Cd Transport are important devices nowadays with the market showing so many powered or active loudspeaker...just connect a CD transport and start listening. Streaming often already included with these loudspeakers but no CD!

[@Satyajit_Dey]

What Lava Lamp is that? Its so cool. Please share the info.

[@stephanej.871]

I read on the website of a distributor that the Shanling ET3 is not gapless ... that can be true if recommanded or celebrated should I say by John D ...

[@nwpsys]

Have you got a URL for that, please ? Thanks.

[@4STTC]

Likewise thanks for the reviews over the years, especially on mobile it's a fleeting experience but just seeing one review kept my attention well before lockdown. The FiiO R7 looks like a good gift but anyone will settle for a very capable WiiM box whichever one can get in a rush. You mentioned why some equipment should be reviewed, I have not checked if you have reviewed Volumio the OS or boxes but there's plenty on demand, instead, I would like to know why audiophiles think Melco Audio servers are special, from Japan and founded in the UK but now based in Portugal, InnuOS that specialises in dedicated audiophile streaming devices(and operating system)that can be in the same league, this is for 2024. To compliment this we know there will be more options especially when mainstream manufactures update their selections with some missing for more than a decade, naturally most of us won't wait for the high street to show these off. Season's greetings.

[@Youtuber-ku4nk]

Thank you for 2023 :) 👍🏼 I hope you will review the Auralic Aries G2.2, which is a very big upgrade from the G2.1, in 2024 (the G3 is almost 3x the price, so way out of most people’s budget). I want a system with few devices, but at good quality. I have an integrated amplifier with built-in DAC (Gryphon Diablo 300) and need a music transport/streamer with internal hard drive. I buy CDs and rip them uncompressed to aiff files. Now I use a Mac Mini 2014 (modded with linear power supply) with older version MacOS where it is possible to send music bit perfect directly to the USB, around the Apple software midicenter, which is not possible in later versions.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Can't comment on the G2.2, but I have used a G2 as my main streaming source for years, and I am more than happy with it. No upgrading here. I was a bit taken aback by the cost of the G3. At the level of the G2 series, any improvement must be incremental. Still, if you want the best and can afford it, fair enough.

[@carhole]

Not sure on the record dividers - it's giving school library energy

[@DarkoAudio]

Maybe I like school library energy 😆

[@Jedi71]

I like them! And if I had that many records I would definitely use them. My vinyl only takes up 2 Kallax squares.

[@alvidrez7956]

Nice video , and all worthy products . Wondering if you will do a Eversolo A8 review to see if it bests the A6?

[@Discreflections]

Big fan of Plexamp I’d like to see more manufacturers including built in support for it in their products next year , dare I say it but I prefer Plexamp to Roon especially when their life time pass is considerably cheaper.

[@mikesul76]

Yes, some version of PlexReady similar to RoonReady would be quite an enhancement. I have come to the conclusion that Roon pricing is mostly based on their rich metadata add-in’s which I don’t need. Plex handles my FLAC file tags perfectly and provides the exact simple view I want of my private music collection. It’s a beautiful thing.

[@Another_Audiophile]

I had to return my Fiio R7 because the sound was not in sync with the audio when I used it as a dac for active speakers with the USB in from the computer

[@olek6567]

2:16 AirPlay Cast ? did I hear it properly ? it's something like Connect but for apple ? hope it is..

[@RedSinter]

😂 Well, I knew the WiiM would be a shoe in, the #2 Fio is not my style...but that's not a criticism it is just that , the CD Unit is also a Fav, but sadly way ..way outside my $ but the overall concept and execution is exemlery I really love it. 😢 Just not doable.

[@nunofernandes4501]

I LOVE CDs!!!!

[@vaneast411]

Those all look like high value products thx

[@UfukDirim]

Excellent picks. Unfortunately, I still can’t see how we can get the Shanling ET3 in Europe. The web page linked by John says it will be available in June without any information on how to purchase it. 🤷🏻

[@DarkoAudio]

I bought my ET3 in Europe.

[@joostbodewes4325]

Audiophonics in France sells the ET3, worldwide shipping.

[@Cencolor]

I see what you did there… 😉 (ok in the edit I mean). Much nicer quality lately, congrats

[@larsw.larsen4173]

Thank you - good to know that a good simple CD player exists. I am listening a lot to CD’s and are looking for a good sounding “pure” DAC for primarely Usb, digital coax line in, optical in. Hdmi in would be a bonus. RCA line out (don’t) need balanced. I am happy with my pre-amp, amp, speakers. Pricerange up to aprox 1.000 euros. Would you have any reccomendations for like a shortlist of 3 “pure” dacs? Thanks Lars.

[@crapmalls]

I need one of those high tech woody blocky things

[@auronthas]

Lovely review. Interested on ET3, will CD stablizer works with ET3 without closing the lid?

[@mangoplastic]

Please tell me more about these wooden dividers on your shelf. Genius idea! They look so chic.

[@alihatipoglu7168]

please review bang and Olufsen products especially beosound A5

[@ibassnote]

I'm just at a loss with the platin hub that came with my Buchardt A500 and trying to figure out how to best spend my hard earned cash to get around it as a streamer and hopefully greatly increase my satisfaction with the A500s....

[@leo11877]

If you get a chance, please review Cambridge MXN10 streamer.

[@xtw7127]

A year end list of 100% Chinese products dominance, something I have never thought of…

[@yetimtbfreak]

Western manufacturers have been stagnant for a decade and allowed Chinese producers to catch up. It's game over now.

[@BFitz1976]

Can you recommend a phono pre amp to suit the WiiM Amp. Style is important. Turntable is a Rega Planar 3

[@sultantoure4220]

Thank you !!! Love this video. I’d maybe put the AirPods Pro 2 .

[@PilotRocker]

@John, you make reference to ‘AirPlay Cast’ however I am unable to find any reference or info on AirPlay Cast. Can you elaborate?

[@korytsev]

Thank you for your work John! Would it be crazy to add HDMI ark to my Audiolab 6000A by hooking up Wiim Amp as a second amp to the same set of speakers?

[@korytsev]

The idea is to have the remote-controlled volume when TV is on, and my turntable with 6000a when I listen to my records

[@nivs123]

not sure, but wouldn't that affect the overall impedance at the speaker?

[@joel0156789]

I haven't seen any reviews of REVOX hardware (turntable, streamer, audio server, etc.) on your KZbin channel. However, REVOX is in Germany…

[@DarkoAudio]

Geographical proximity plays no part in helping me decide what to review.

[@stijnvanderlooy5311]

Would be interested in your thoughts on the Shanling dac / headphone amp. Nice pairing with the cd player?

[@leatherenthusiast]

Dear sir, Im a wee bit obsessed. Where to find those stool-like speaker stands?

[@NeonShores]

I believe those are Solidsteel SS-5 stands.

[@rustypipe]

Vinyl is a headache these days I wish I never bothered..

[@davidbruce3632]

A fellow that does security camera videos refers to Alexa as Alex A. Took me till the end of the video to understand why he was calling her Alex A.

[@bukwok]

my future fi doesn't exist yet ,maybe wait few more years, maybe around 2030 ,so my future hifi is DSP based modeling speakers or amp , a device can capture all different type of amp, per amp or speakers , analysis all the data, signals and soundwave ,to copy any amp or speaker characteristics ,and reproduce the sound, so a speaker can sounds like any speaker you dreaming of , just like nowadays multi effects guitar pedal .

[@LencoTB]

Non Chinese brands should wake up from their Nokia downwards stage and look at how Chinese HiFi brands are setting the standard and pushing innovation.

[@grano71]

I have a question regarding ET3 CD, how it handle MQA CDs over I2s? Full decoding or limited to 24/96? Thanks!

[@NawMan357]

Would anyone happen to know where that mushroom lamp can be found?

[@DarkoAudio]

Amazon.

[@tpop3723]

So if you already have an amplifier can you bypass the amp function and use it as a streamer or would you be better off with just the Wiim pro plus?

[@clausandersen2856]

no headphone output on the Wiim? What is going on here?

[@12kg]

For entry level audiophile I bought Arylic B50 SE😂 for 65$

[@carlosr.2027]

Is the fiio r7 digital out to a peach tree gan-1 variable or fix I believe the eversolo a6 is variable ?

[@grabannon]

I believe it can do both pre and line out.

[@AlexAparicio]

I just bought the Audiolab 7000a I was disappointed. It maid my vintage speakers sound worse. How can this be? Also arc on my oled lg B6 has connection pops. I returned it. Keep us up to date on an amp that actually works with tvs. Are my speakers too old for new amplifiers?

[@jimfarrell4635]

This is interesting. It may be the audiolab was a bit too powerful. Back in the 70s ( obviously I don't know how old your speakers are ) most amps and receivers were of the order of 20-40 Watts and speaker power handling was similarly lowish. I have been playing around with 70s gear and notice a real synergy with 70s amps, cassette players and speakers. They sound so much better together than in a mix and match system. The Audiolab is an excellent amp, so it may be that it just does not suit your speakers. Maybe try a lower powered amp and see how it goes.

[@Skipow10]

Why is the wiim amp not available anymore!?

[@wcg66]

I’ve seen it go in and out of stock at Amazon. It will likely be back, it’s probably selling like hotcakes.