I bought a KICK-ASS HI-FI SYSTEM for €1000 (without hearing any of it first)

[@DarkoAudio]

PLEASE READ *before commenting*! 1) Got a question? Please ask it of the Darko.Audio KZbin community (and not me) as I'm off making the NEXT video 2) All comments here are moderated by a third party: instagram.com/p/CTWcokaszpW/ 3) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome (but no URLs, racist/sexist remarks or conspiracy theories, please)

[@griffith4830]

Really tuning in to what your audience wants. Top work.

[@DavidGonzalez-fh9zn]

I bought this combo (Dali Spektor2 + Rotel A11 mkii) and I am very happy. Thanks for your review!!

[@nunofernandes4501]

I bought a pair of Dali Oberon 5 speakers in 2019 and they're the gift that keeps on giving.

[@Matt369oi]

I'm new to audiophile, and I've watched many videos on budget systems. Around $1,000 is my budget for everything; but I have to say, out of all the videos I've watched, this is the most informative video I've seen! Appreciate it!

[@raymondrichter2620]

I recently bought the Rotel a 11 tribute amplifier, plus the Rotel cd 11 tribute and the Dali Spektor 2. Very pleased with the system

[@g4ndr1k]

What a coincidence!!!! I just bought Dali Oberon 3, Rotel A11 Tribute and ifi Gryphon a few days ago. Couldn’t be happier 😃😃😃 subwoofer will be my next purchase 😊 Love your channel 🥰🥰🥰

[@don7680]

I have the Topping E30 also and find it an excellent DAC at great value. The best way to run it is in its pure DAC mode which totally bypasses its volume / gain circuitry. Setup for that mode is covered in the manual. The filter, brightness and input settings are conveniently accessible from the remote.

[@kittiwakedave]

Great video. I live in rural western Kansas and there’s not a “hi-if” shop for hundreds of miles. I have educated myself by watching videos from you and others and have learned a great deal. I have put together a system, based on recommendations from a number of people, and am very pleased with where I have ended up. Love your content and the manner in which you present it. Keep up the great work!

[@justinwalsh5521]

As someone trying to figure out my first system in roughly this price point, these are great tips and I am going to take your advice and make sure I go listen to the gear first.

[@GazMoore]

You should try what hifi sound and vision magazine it's monthly for a fiver but it gives you such rounded reviews from a budget setup to hi end

[@bojanweinschenk9777]

Nad c338 with kef Q350's are the way to go. With the current pricing they're just a steal. Built in chromecast which sounds surprisingly good. Imaging comparable too speakers triple the price. And even a built in phono amp.

[@jondonnelly3]

@@GazMoore Bear in mind What HiFi is one opinion, not always right. Listening demo is not full proof either as room treatments, cable, stands , amps resellers often demo are generally high end and you could well be disappointed when you take them home. I would instead order from a reseller with a good return policy. Maybe order 2 or 3 sets and demo all of them on your own gear at home and send back what your don't like. Audiophile for 30 years

[@owenclery2552]

I particularly like these affordable system videos. Great video, interesting system!!

[@williambarber3257]

That little Rotel is the key. Clean and with rough power for bookshelf speakers. And best of all is the turntable is analog all the way to the speakers.

[@careylymanjones]

When I bought my first hi-fi system, I had a $1000 (USD) budget, for a desktop system. I chose Klipsch RB-61 ii speakers ($299 on ebay), a Reisong A10 tube amp ($450 on Amazon), and a Zen DAC II ($169). Speaker stands ran $89, and generic interconnects and speaker wire brought the total to about $1050 USD. The Klipsch speakers turned out to be an inspired pairing with the Reisong amp. The Reisong is a bit rolled-off in the treble range, and Klipsch speakers tend to be a little bright. The Reisong only puts out 6 WPC, but the Klipsch speakers are rated at 95db sensitivity. Really nice synergy there. The Zen DAC II doesn't have a remote, but in a desktop system, that's not a problem. I did add a subwoofer, later (Emotiva Airmotiv SE 8 $299 direct from Emotiva). The SE8 is nearly unique in its price point in having an adjustable high-pass filter. Running the signal from the DAC through the SE 8 and letting it strip out the sub bass, saves the Reisong from using it's limited power trying to drive sub bass frequencies. I ended up with a pretty nice class A tube amp-based system for about $1000 USD, $1300 with the subwoofer.

[@Africoz2]

Delighted, and possibly surprised, to see a review which includes the heart of my own system! I have the Rotel A11 Tribute amp and Topping E30 DAC and am extremely happy with both. I went with a Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 pair for my speakers and added a SVS SB-1000 Pro subwoofer and have no regrets with any of my components - they play very nicely together. A tip re the Topping E30 - power it via USB if you can (in my case via a lithium power bank which is in turn charged by a constantly powered USB output jack) rather than the somewhat noisy wall-wart power supply. It does make a difference!

[@thomasalexand]

Same here. A portable power supply with the E30 has been recommended by many.

[@Menalix]

Bought a Spektor 2 speaker set. The Loxjie amp/dac, built speaker stands from some old table legs and bought some speaker feet and speaker cables, then hooked them to my TV to stream music over Chromecast. Costed me less than 400eur and the sound is awesome.

[@henrikgadegaard1009]

So cool to see my hometown Aarhus mentioned in the video. Come along and visit Buchardt as well.

[@SandsOfArrakis]

My current setup in the living room are a pair of white Dali Spektor 2's. Standing on a set of white Dali E-600 stands. Octavio AMP amplifier, Cambridge Audio CXNv2 streamer and a Cambridge Audio CXC CD transport. The bass is getting a boost through a JVC subwoofer. I'm very happy with my setup. 🥰

[@TotalOpel]

This is something I’ve been looking for for ages! I’m got a number of records on vinyl but I don’t have a turntable or a separates system so I need to start somewhere and this has given me some excellent ideas.

[@LugsyTL]

Completed my “$1000 system” this weekend, ~1 month since first finding Darko Audio and your great advice: 1. NAD C316BEEv2 Amp (new open box $410) 2. Dali Spector 2 speakers ( new open box $335) 3. Topping DX3+ DAC combo (new $295) 4. PSB Subseries 125 8” sub ($80 used). Total $1120 CDN (€835 or $875 USD).

[@bondgabebond4907]

Dang, your audio makes my cheap Creative T-20 computer speakers sound amazing. Great clear and crisp highs and a good deal of bass.

[@forevermoto13]

I bought Rotel a 11 tribute and dali zensor 3. It's beautiful- thank you. Greetings from Poland.

[@dannyfannyfoodle]

So much great advice! THIS is a MUST WATCH for anyone getting started in the hobby - or any experienced audiophile/enthusiast who’s been out of the game for awhile. I LOVE the notion of staying well below budget in order to afford upgrades or to “fix” any miscalculations. Absolutely brilliant video! Thanks, John!

[@georgedomse]

You can switch the E30 from pre-amp mode to DAC only (disabling the volume control). This will give you a somewhat cleaner sound.

[@thomasalexand]

Most reviewers I've read avoid using the Toping E30 as a pre-amp as they say the sound is much to be desired - awful. DAC use only.

[@thomasalexand]

Reviews I've read advises against using the Topping E30 as a pre-amp. I've noticed that when linked to my (active) speakers the Topping in DAC only mode reduces the higher volume capabilities on the amplified speaker.

[@thomasalexand]

@Filip Fejdi I think you just switch to DAC only mode and not use it as a pre-amp.

[@stucorbishley]

Wonderful advice, as someone who’s on system no. 3 and now friends with a boutique audio dealer (who sells everything I can’t afford) - all of this is worthy of the term ‘Golden Rules’.. I’ve bought some wonderful and worthless 2nd hand gear, and guilty of dropping way too much on cables! 😄

[@Koiworks84]

I have these Dali speakers for a few years now and for the price I love them. I can confirm that adding a sub (I got the Dali one), makes a huge difference!!

[@argmax11]

I have the Rotel A11 Tribute . Amazing build quality . Bluetooth sounds great and powers my BW 607 really well

[@ruudduppen]

That system is very similar to mine: Rotel RA-06 amp, with Dynaudio X12 bookshelves. As a dac I use the Bluesound Node 2 and indeed I added a sub: B&W ASW608.

[@paulok2153]

Awesome content, so many variables but liked how you tackled the fundamentals. A very realistic scenario for many.

[@scottbaylor6215]

Love it. Keep up the good work.

[@gregoryeiding5395]

These golden rules are dead on! Especially the one about money and buying used. Getting stuck with something that pushed your budget that you don’t like or that broke if purchased used is almost soul crushing in this hobby. And the experience is a great point too. I’ve learned so much in the years that I’ve been in the hobby and made more mistakes than getting it right.

[@sundeepbhatia9974]

Nice video. I bought the E30 blind for the same reasons and have been delighted by it. Excellent value and have hooked up an old iPad , Arcam CD player and R blink. Has breathed new life into my system and has modernised it for a modest amount.

[@Sampardhanani]

Loved the decor John . And the tv is literally invisible. Not a black mirror we all hate . 🙂👍

[@bshah4831]

I did the same for my second system. Same Dali speakers and Power Node 2i and Chord speaker cables and AudioQuest mains cable and audiophile fuse. Love the result. Speakers are designed to be close to the back wall.

[@Chris-hy6jy]

An audiophile fuse? They don't really sell such things do they?? 🤣

[@nativochileno7091]

EXCELENTE TRABAJO MUCHAS GRACIAS UN FUERTE ABRAZO DESDE SANTIAGO DE CHILE

[@bigmacfullerton7870]

I just got the Tribute for $650 on sale at Crutchfield. Paired it with some very nice Energy RC-10 bookshelf speakers I got used for $100, Klipsch 12 inch sub $150, Onkyo 6 disc changer with wolfson DAC open box Best Buy $125. Total $1025 sounds excellent!

[@michaelfreiberg8057]

I was really on a budget but managed to buy myself a whole system: Loxjie DAC (with AKM), Denon receiver, Onkyo CD Player, Fisher EQ, Kenwood casette recorder, JBL bookshelfs, AKG 712 headphones and Audioquest interconnects, all used gear for about 550 euros. Doesn't sound perfect but it's pretty decent

[@kiv9431]

I bought Cambridge Audio CXA 61 amplifier and cheaper Q Acoustics 3020i. But I didn’t like the sound much, so I returned 3020i and got 3030i hoping that bigger speakers would bring more clarity. But no, they had a lot more base, very muffled midrange and very poor high frequency response (to my ears). So I did some more research and bought Dali Oberon 3 speakers. That changed things completely. Those speakers punch way above their weight/price. It was exactly what I was looking for. Now I can work with this setup and make it sound any way I want. Adding a subwoofer improved things even more. So yeah… It took me a while to figure this out 😅

[@ahambhramasmii]

How do you compare q acoustic 3020i, 3030i with spektor 2

[@shkermanshahi]

Thanks John, as always great video. The speaker rule you mentioned applies to speakers much more expensive than those you mentioned nowadays. Some speakers like kef ls50 appreciate any money you throw at them!

[@CosmicKnight1]

Very, very solid advice. I’ve walk in that path and agree completely on the approach. It leads to great audio satisfaction while minimizing financial mistakes. I’ve done those too and have that too experience as well. This was a good thing to put out there, John!

[@daveweston403]

I have the Rotel A14 as pre amp and Akitika GT102 as power amp. I really like the sound and build quality of Rotel. Love the reviews btw.

[@jonathangonzalez327]

Love the Spektors 2 they are accurate but fun. I have it pair with an Onkio A-910 also an inexpensive set up. But recently done with refurbish an old Harman/Kardon 430 twin powered... and yeah the warmer tone of the H/K just balanced well with the Spektor 2. Latin Jazz, female voices, salsa, everything acoustic sounds awesome. Amy Winehouse sounds sublime. The H/K was $20 plus $100 for a components kit for the rebuilt. We can get away with cheap great audio.

[@bigcat1067]

Really appreciate videos like this. Great job John

[@dougg1075]

I love your attitude towards high end high performance audio gear. Great video

[@dpfreedman]

I'd be inclined to toss a WiiM Mini into my cart while shopping so I'd be up and streaming ASAP. Videos like this are always fun. Thanks, John.

[@rogerallen665]

I’m on my third set of Dali speakers, gone from Opticon 6 to 8, then Wilson Benesch ACT with Torus sub and amp and now my Epicon 8’s. The 8’s are my end game speakers. No doubt. Best I’ve heard.try them if you can

[@MaximilianNebl]

2/3 brands are the same in my setup. Rotel RA-10 (different integrated amp) Topping E30 Rega RX1 and as playback: rega rp1 record player technica sl-pg480a cd player raspi with volumio all put on solidsteel rack & speaker stands. If it wouldn't be for the furniture, the entire setup would also be ~1000 Euro. And this is soooo much bang for the buck- I don't regret a cent. Most of the purchases I've made blind as in: never heard the entire setup before, only components. The little topping dac convinced me so much, that I chased down a topping mx3 for my workdesk setup right across the other side of the room.

[@roig8578]

Great content. I have the Topping E30 DAC ($150 USD) and it cannot play well (jitters a lot) via coaxial/Optical from a CD transport. I bought the Topping E50 ($270 USD) and all is good.

[@mammuthboy]

I have these Dalis connected to a Denon receiver, sounds great. Next step will surely be an Sub

[@Cyba_IT]

Not gonna lie, I'm an avid proponent of buying used gear. Partly because this system that John showed would be about $2500+ here in New Zealand and partly because I'm a cheapskate but still like good sound.

[@Cyba_IT]

@@chanslorvalorum6905 Nice, or high end areas where people tend to upgrade more often, have nicer gear and don't really care what they get for it.

[@sahil.dahiya]

This gear in in 1k in would be like my 3 months salary straight..

[@tomyg2766]

Love the Dai Spektor2 speakers, amazing sound and great value.

[@monochromios]

Very wise hints John, music is a pleasure and building a system has to be a joy and not an hassle. I live outside of the world and when I want to purchase a component I stay as much below my budget as needed to have a nice weekend with my family in the town I need to move to make my purchase. Everyone at home feels involved in the process and we have good times together. Thank you for sharing

[@pzboyz72]

Its a good system. I was looking last year and really wanted the Rotel gear but like others had mentioned wanted a digtial input on the amp. For a primarily digital audio setup, USB from PC to Topping D10s, optical to Yamaha RN303D connected to Wharfdale 11.1 all came in under £1000. This system sounds great.

[@ChrisGalegar]

Feels like you're really dialed in the color for the talking head setups in the last several videos. Looks wonderful! Especially with the splash of green that the plants bring to the composition.

[@keithjohnson2863]

I have assembled systems for my front room and desktop over the past two years. Everything I currently have was purchased online. I was a lot of buying and returning (or reselling) until I was satisfied. I retuned the one piece that I purchased from a local audio store and they charged me a restocking fee. For my front system I just kept trying components until I got the sound I wanted. My desktop system started as computer speakers that outperformed the analog output from my computer. So I added a DAC to maximize their potential, and the process spiraled out of control from there.

[@deputy3690]

Excellent video!

[@4doormk1]

Solid advice...

[@janmarx5760]

2 years ago everyone talked about the e30 dac, now it gets rarely mentioned, but why? Bang for the buck is still awesome there. Glad you mentioned it! Also love the Dalis, I hope the smaller ones are good too.

[@daveoc62]

Gave that Giant Sand album a good listen thanks to your recommendation. Brilliant stuff. Thanks

[@mickue]

I use the Dali Spektor 2 on my desktop. Really nice speakers!

[@xamava]

same here! they're absolutely lovely paired with my onkyo tx-8220

[@Rudi-Mhz]

Hello from Germany, i think you nailed it ! The Rotel is a good One, i have Cambridge Audio. I have the Spektor 1 as a Remote System in the Dining Room. Monitor Audio as main Speakers. And, you give a good advice: Go out and listen! Even in the case of giving out a lot of Money, your Partner is a Factor of getting lucky with it. My Wife was not interested in Hifi at all. But in the lokal Hifi Shop she listened to the Speakers and the Differences between them !!! It was no Problem after that, to buy a pair of Seaker for 1000€ . And she's still amazed about the Performance. What can you gain more than that?! Go on, from Germany with regards Rudi !

[@azza2575]

Another great video, was just looking at the Dali's.. decided to go with the q acoustics 3050 towers to pair with the audiolab 6000

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Proof of no need to spend goofy money on audio. This system should please just about everyone. Good job!!

[@user-fs4fd3gv3r]

One key feature of Dali speakers is that they are much easier to position as they are designed not to be toed in, which also saves space.

[@love2spinvinyl]

I moved interstate last year and sold my hifi gear. While my home was being built i needed something small for the rental i was in. I grabbed the Rotel A10 int. Amp with Wharfedale diamond 9.1 speakers off facebook marketplace for a few hundred AUD$. Such an amazing little system and the phono input on the Rotel wasn’t to bad either. Mates that are getting into hifi i recommend something very similar to this with an audio technica LP60X Turntable.

[@chawonytube]

Great review. Can't ever go wrong with some Rotel...

[@conkerman01]

Nice to see rotel get some love. Had some lovely rotel stuff in the past. Karl-Heinz Fink was the designer of my Q Acoustics speakers iirc. I could have gone down the used route and maybe got something better. But I like new stuff.😀

[@gcahill51]

The Q Acoustic 3030s are a killer deal. I use them for TV and surround through a new Marantz

[@russellgracie3891]

John, great insight into the purchasing of hifi kit. Prior to my retirement, i had amassed a system that valued $15K NZ doĺlars. When i retired, i assessed my real needs in music listening, besides that my wife refused to use the system because she said it was to complicated. I have now sold off most that system, bar my Pioneer DVD969 player, which is used as a CD player and to watching music DVDs. I replaced the old quipment with a Rotel A14 amp and Dynaudio M20 speakers for around the $3k mark. I did some evaluations of different systems on line before going into the shop prior to making my final choice. I knew that new system would not sound as good as my high end system, but i was quite suprised on how good the sound was. Both the amp and speakers came with a 5 year factory warranty, which is great. I really enjoy the new system has much as the high end system (not quite same amount of fire power). Good sound does not mean that you have spend lots money, technology now allows most people to buy a system that will provide a good sound for a reasonable cost. My advice is, do some reading and see what bands are available, read some on line comments and choose a couple systems you feel will meet your expectations and budget, to much kit can cloud the issue.Remember buy with your ears, not your wallet. Good listening. R

[@JoseGarcia-oo4mc]

Excellent video . I have a Hegel h 95 and I’m looking for speakers and everybody tells me to buy expensive speakers but this video help me . Thanks

[@Radmixtape77]

Great video, thanks for tackling the topic on buying blind. Unfortunately we don’t all have local shops and sometimes to get the gear we think we want, it has to be ordered.

[@grumpawulf5801]

So stoked to see this video...i have the same decent setup sans the dac. :) Thanks for featuring these products.

[@TorToroPorco]

Totally agree with John’s admonition about where to spend the money at this price level. Entry level DACs and speakers have gotten so good that they don’t really stand in the way of an enjoyable listening experience. I recently purchased the iFi Air DAC for my bedroom and was surprised at how it sounded for the price to the extent that I even use my Sennheiser HD800 headphone with it despite the huge disparity in price.

[@treeduck3705]

I bought a Yamaha A-S501 and a Yamaha CD-S303 for £700 in December. I'm using them with my KEF Cresta 2 speakers that I originally bought back in the '90s. I think the Yamahas are selling for about £900 together right now at places like Peter Tyson.

[@MegaEldude]

Do you have anything for wifi streaming?

[@ashg7368]

Interesting timing. I just put together a similar desktop setup for my phone/pc: Dali Spektor 1s: £130 (on sale) Iota SA3 A/B Amp: £400 (smaller footprint than the Rotel a11 tribute) Ifi Zen Dac 2: £135 (on sale) All in: £665 (€780) couldn’t be happier. Sounds fantastic!!!

[@kenspo]

I like these kind of videos. Nice one :) I got my kit as semi-used demo equipment in a HIFI retailer with full warranty!

[@fffhunter7765]

Got the Spektor 2 based on this vid very happy with the sound

[@andreasulrich3631]

Bought a similar system (with Topping II E 30 for Apple Music high res) but with Oberon 3 speakers as I don't like subwoofers. Compared the sound of the Oberon to KEF 150 and the B&W 606 and 607 with a small Canton thrown in at a dealer and the Dalis had for me the most likeable sound just as you describe the Spektors, slightly warm, enough highs and lows so you feel nothing's left out and a pretty large and broad soundstage without a too small sweet spot. Added a slightly over the top Planar 3 with Exact and PSU because it came as a bargain and now thoroughly enjoy this system.

[@datoall1648]

Thanks for the honest information John, I’m sure it makes a difference to new audio enthusiasts.

[@janisori9793]

Great advice!

[@anandshah71]

You are spot on on how to buy and spend 👌🏻👍🏻

[@1881Gordon]

This is a fantastic video, plain and simple. I enjoyed every last second of it 😀.

[@dikludas]

Nicely explained, audio and it's satisfaction is unlimited. Audition is most important. Thanks from India

[@keithjohnson2863]

The E30 (and other Topping DACs that I have owned) have a menu option for 'DAC' (vs 'PRE') to set the output at a fixed level and disable the volume control. Regarding an upgrade: I have both the E30 and the D90. The E30 probably gives you 80% of the performance for about 15% of the price. The A90 will give you more detail and control in the low bass and high treble frequencies and better resolution of barely audible sounds. These are things that you probably won't notice unless you are listening critically. I don't think it would be worth the money to upgrade from the E30 to anything less than what the D90 would give you.

[@JaccoSW]

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Put the DAC in DAC-mode and it will keep the sample rate visible. One advantage of the upscale E50 however is that it does have a much bigger screen and balanced outputs.

[@CH-ho5vr]

You do realise, the Topping E30 Volume can be turned off. It does improve the sound of the DAC.

[@vanoverbay774]

For my coffee-table system I run Dali Spektor 2s, an Aiyima A07 amp with a 45v 15a ps, and an ifi Zen Signature DAC. I’m running a 2.2 system with 2 subs in stereo through a Rolls SX95 crossover. Some room treatment and tuning with a UMIK and it performs fantastic for a $1k budget system.

[@kiv9431]

Why 2 subs? Low frequencies are non-directional anyway, at least for humans, so 1 sub should be enough. Did you notice any audible difference between 1 and 2 subs?

[@vahvelpoiss]

I bought the Dalis over a year ago. really underrated speakers to be honest

[@ProfessorHamer]

The biggest gripe I have with the e30 is the audible pop when changing sample rate or when the Spdif signal is lost, it got so annoying watching tv, that I changed to the e50, which does have an input buffer for spdif.

[@williamhodgson1428]

Brilliant video, so helpful as I’ve just purchased the DS2 speakers and now looking to upgrade Amp and CD. Not sure if you can help with this, but given the choice would you stick with the A11 Tribute or consider the Denon PMA600NE, both are pitched at the same price? Thank you.

[@shanestephenson8423]

Great video John nice buying there.👍🎧🙂

[@EgonB325]

A Denon pma600ne and a pair of Triangle BR03 will set you back €600 (if you use some november deals), I wager it's a better deal. Add €150 for the E30 if you wish to upgrade the DAC.

[@georgesmith1404]

I bet this sounds amazing

[@nuznikas]

I bought vintage nad 5330 cd player today for 50 euros and it sounds beter than evrything i ever heard

[@soulfulserenitybeats]

I love my Dali Zensor 5.1 setup. Great speaker and great company!

[@NicolaDiNisio]

I built my budget system around the Dali Spektor 2. Coupled to a vintage Technics SU-7700 amp, a canton sub (second hand) and a used CD player from Cambridge audio. A wonderful system for less than 1000€.

[@blarkdexture8899]

Just buy used. I got a pair of b&W 601 s2 for 50 bucks and a NAD 310 for 50 bucks.

[@peterbriggs2771]

It's so refreshing to hear a review about audio equipment at any price point. Totally accessible and digestible....and I don't mean biscuits 😅

[@boubakane]

Biggest seller's regrets: my Dali Spektor 2. (Will buy them again 😂 guarantee). Did pair them with older Rotel and Cambridge AXA & cxa: XXX Rated sound, never mind budget. For funny bass ☺️ nad 3020A (recapped).

[@udp1073]

#5 should be a golden rule for everyone and everything. Well done, amazing video as usual

[@Staybrown11]

The smart choice here is that the integrated amplifier is the most expensive piece in the system. It means the speakers are maxed to their full potential. It is a different take on spending the most on the speakers. And in the future should you like the “house sound” then you can go up the range. I spend the most on my integrated amplifier and my DAC because I know that the sound my speakers are reproducing is the best they can do. Excellent discussion! Great video.

[@philipadams8615]

Allways good John and nice to see something a bit different,. regards phil

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Great advice, all in all.

[@JaccoSW]

Currently running a Topping E50 DAC with a pair of Argon Audio Forte A5 active speakers which is a great sounding pair for less than €800 though I do plan on upgrading some time in the future to separate amps and speakers. I just need more connections that this setup can provide with a reel-to-reel deck, cd transport and turntable. Fun fact: Argon Audio is just down the street from Dali.

[@thomasalexand]

How to power your DAC?