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

👉🏻 This video was funded by Patreon:
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🎥 Camera: Olaf von Voss
🎬 Editor: John Darko
🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko
🛋 My listening room in 2022:
darko.audio/darkos-listening-...
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
0:00 Intro
0:55 Loudspeakers
2:47 Amplifier
4:48 DAC
7:17 Total cost
9:44 How to buy 'blind' (as I did)?
🎛 Hardware seen in this video...
DALI Spektor 2:
🛒 (US) amzn.to/388qsEW
🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3wj4uam
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3P9LZ0G
Rotel A11 Tribute:
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3P8j2BW
🛒 (DE) amzn.to/38dTfrB
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3P8cfbG
Topping E30:
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3KVcO5p
🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3FoiMKK
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/37qHTjv
AudioQuest speaker cable:
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3ymY9wU
🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3Fr4SaO
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3soeLAH
Samsung Frame 2022 55":
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3FrziJR
🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3vVvOMR
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3w2KMkh
Atacama speaker stands:
darko.audio/2018/12/stand-in-...
🎬 Previous videos in this series...
A short film about a kick-ass €1000 hi-fi system (in 2021):
darko.audio/2021/07/a-short-f...
A short film about the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1:
darko.audio/2020/11/a-short-f...
Your first hifi system:
darko.audio/2021/06/a-short-f...
👂🏻 Podcast episodes mentioned in this video...
Podcast #34 - Buying used gear:
darko.audio/2022/04/podcast-3...
Podcast #25: For hi-fi beginners ONLY:
darko.audio/2021/08/podcast-2...
Podcast #26: More beginner hi-fi talk:
darko.audio/2021/09/podcast-2...
📼 Also...
Rotel A11 Tribute & Ken Ishiwata:
• The Creation of the Ro...
With thanks to Hifi im Hinterhof:
www.hifi-im-hinterhof.de/
#rotel #dali #hifi
__________________________________________________________________
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darko.audio/2020/10/why-im-sw...
What the bloody hell am I talking about?
• What the bloody hell a...
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darko.audio/funding/
Darko.Audio may earn a small commission from items purchased via affiliate links.
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[@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.

[@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.

[@nunofernandes4501]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🥰🥰🥰

[@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).

[@DavidGonzalez-fh9zn]

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

[@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.

[@bigcat1067]

Really appreciate videos like this. Great job John

[@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.

[@jondonnelly4831]

@@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

[@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.

[@connorduke4619]

Ken Ishiwata also designed one of the greatest integrated amplifiers of all time, even until this day - the Marantz PM-11S2. (Which I own).

[@scottbaylor6215]

Love it. Keep up the good work.

[@paulok2153]

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

[@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!

[@grumpawulf5801]

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

[@forevermoto13]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@dougg1075]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@henrikgadegaard1009]

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

[@1881Gordon]

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

[@owenclery2552]

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

[@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.

[@FilipFejdi]

how to disable the volume control, please?

[@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]

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

[@daveoc62]

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

[@Matt-bp2zu]

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!

[@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

[@dikludas]

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

[@Sampardhanani]

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

[@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.

[@shanestephenson8423]

Great video John nice buying there.👍🎧🙂

[@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!!

[@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.

[@nativochileno7091]

EXCELENTE TRABAJO MUCHAS GRACIAS UN FUERTE ABRAZO DESDE SANTIAGO DE CHILE

[@janisori9793]

Great advice!

[@deputy3690]

Excellent video!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@philipadams8615]

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

[@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.

[@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! 😄

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@soulfulserenitybeats]

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

[@GiguereSylvain]

Great episode, really. Thanks! Now, what about same idea but low power/high sensitivity speakers on a budget? that would be great too..

[@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.

[@datoall1648]

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

[@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.

[@argmax11]

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

[@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

[@joelediger1728]

15:48 Exactly what I wanted to ask :D Thanks John! Looking forward

[@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

[@audiojunkie1047]

Great video and info as usual!! 👍👍👍 Watching/Listening from just north of Sacramento, CA. Always sensible and relevant content. Also, you scored big time with Jana in your court... awesome associate!! Hi Jana 😊!! I'm a Topping fan but I'm thinking on trying the SMSL D1SE in near future 🤔🤔 Take care.

[@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. 🥰

[@jonlevinson3000]

I always enjoy your content, but this short film ;-) seemed to resonate with me - perhaps because I put together my first new HiFi system in twenty-five years early in '21. While my budget exceeded that in the video - how I allocated the funds towards individual components was comparable. After many weeks of research I'd decided to go with what I know and pick up where I'd left off many years ago. This worked for me - a logical extension of where I'd left off. I did buy locally (well, at least in the same state I live in... ) and I took advantage of the return period to upgrade the Integrated Amp I'd chosen to another model in the same product line from the identical manufacturer (more POWER!) What I found challenging was to properly asses the well reviewed speakers I'd chosen - couldn't do it within a sixty day window, too new & too different from my past experience. After thirteen months of a love & hate relationship with those bookshelf speakers I've swapped them out for another make/model with a different EQ curve - more in line with my tastes/experience/expectations - problem solved, but I did pay twice. Now I need find a new home for the previous pair of bookshelf speakers. The best advice I'd heeded was: make a decision. FOMO still creeps in "...but what if I had THOSE speakers?!?", but I've got that switched to Ignore Mode at present. Regarding the follow up article on your web site regarding the E30: I'd been considering the addition of the popular Ares II DAC - until I realized I prefer using my CD player as a transport via Coax connection to the Integrated Amp as this my preference over the internal DAC of the CD player. Adding the Ares II would mean forfeiting that connection as the CD player has but a single Coax output in addition to the Analog Outs - no point to it. No longer convinced the Ares II is worth it just to run the TOSLink output from my AirPlay receiver (an old Apple Express Base Station.) Thinks that goes on the back burner for now.

[@anandshah71]

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

[@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?? 🤣

[@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€.

[@carlosgallegoslastra5308]

I have these speakers connected to a Loxjie A30 (DAC+Amp class D). I like its sound and the versatility of the amp. the bass feels precise, for an apartment it is more than enough.

[@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.

[@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.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Great advice, all in all.

[@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 😅

[@GuyWicks]

Nice treatment of the TV. Very subtle.

[@4doormk1]

Solid advice...

[@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.

[@chawonytube]

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

[@mammuthboy]

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

[@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

[@therevrockinrollin]

This is a fantastic video

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@sanjivoberoi5361]

Great site great advice for someone like me with little understanding of technical jargon. Like to see a review of Naim when possible. Great stuff, thanks.

[@matthewmalpeli]

Ten years ago I bought a Cambridge Audio Azur 640A amplifier and a pair of Paradigm Titans to go with my existing Logitech Squeezebox Touch and they continue to amaze me with their expansive soundstage and fine detail. They were €800 all in

[@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

[@joemabry9643]

Thank you!

[@samsstuff1482]

I really like this video and its approach. That setup seems like a super sensible set, looks good and fits to many, many interiors and I can imagine it sounding fine by any any standard. I also like your choice of TV 😀 I have to make additional comment on your points of buying blind. Very, very good advice. I did buy a insanely expansive amplifier blind last year, one that I really did afford but I’m glad I did as it is more than I ever could have hopped for. I promise I won’t make same decisions again, or anytime soon at least. 😂

[@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.

[@jonboy9912]

I am listening to my Cambridge Audio A500 thru Mordaunt Short SP 3 way floor standing speakers bought second hand for a total of £150 and my Audio Technica LP turntable cost £230 new and it all sounds great. Never heard a peep before I bought the lot just hoped names would talk and they do! The Cambridge amp was new old stock the guy had it stored in a dry loft in original packaging with matching CD and tuner for 8 years! Cambridge make some beautiful sounding stuff!

[@colejensen1035]

I basically had this exact setup as my first hifi system and it was great. I recently upgraded to the Oberon 7 speaker and honestly I miss the little Spektors. They had great imaging and soundstage.

[@iainoco]

Very similar to my set up. I have the A11 Tribute and Topping paired with Dynaudio Audience 52s. I then have a Sony DVD player for CD, Linn Basik and Raspberry Pi with hat for streaming. Sound is really good 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

Thank you John for this affordable system review. I think there needs to be much more of that in the mainstream YT HiFi reviewing community. Not everyone has the means/will to purchase expensive HiFi gear, but those people also want decent sound in their homes. Regarding the E30: you say you use it on max volume. Why wouldn't you use it in the DAC mode as opposed to the preamp mode?

[@klaymoon1]

Great review! Any chance you still have KEF LSX? It will be great to see the comparisoin between this system vs LSX!

[@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 !

[@bossanova]

I was thinking about the rotel, but bought a used Myryad Z140 instead - very clean optics, VERY nice sound. This amp and a AP Stream x 9 is my setup now. With my Sony APM 66 ESG Vintage speakers i'm getting closer to the Higher Ground.

[@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

[@donalddeorio2237]

Great video, good advice and it shows you don't have to take out a mortgage to get good sound.

[@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!!!

[@miguelbarrio]

These videos are helpful to a lot of people.