A kick-ass hi-fi system for €1000

This video is brought to you by Headphones.com: www.headphones.com/ ← paid promotion
Camera: Olaf von Voss | Editor: John Darko | Motion GFX: John Darko | Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
PATREON: / johndarko ← music playlists are here
This video is a follow-up to a short film about setting up your first hi-fi system:
darko.audio/2021/06/a-short-f...
0:00 Intro
2:08 Loudspeakers
5:55 Amplifier
10:15 Streaming DAC
15:33 Let's step back and take a look around us
19:52 Brucey bonus
Featured in this video...
Mission LX-2 MKII:
www.mission.co.uk/lx-2-mk2/
NAD C 316BEE V2:
nadelectronics.com/product/c-...
ALLO Boss 2 Player w/ Nirvana PSU:
allo.com/sparky/boss2-player....
Atacama Nexus 6i:
• Room tour: my 99 quid ...
AudioQuest G-2:
www.audioquest.com/cables/bul...
AudioQuest Banana SureGrip 300 BFA:
www.audioquest.com/accessorie...
AudioQuest Evergreen:
www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-Eve...
€9 doorstop:
darko.audio/2018/12/doorstop-...
THX Onyx DAC:
darko.audio/2021/04/thx-intro...
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt:
darko.audio/2019/07/a-short-f...
Raspberry Pi 4:
darko.audio/2020/10/vitos-put...
How to add Roon to Moode:
• How to Add Roon to Moo...
#NAD #Mission #Allo
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[@DarkoAudio]

*PLEASE READ CAREFULLY* Please be a decent human being and keep your sexist/racist thoughts and conspiracy theories to yourself. External links are also a no-no. Comments that *advance* the conversation are most welcome.

[@TheTomt50]

You go right on ahead reviewing both high-end and budget piece-together systems. I find your videos wonderfully informative.

[@AsadNazif]

I second this 👍🏼😄

[@isoseismic]

Third!

[@chubtoad157]

Third.

[@markscott7583]

Fourth

[@rakeshraja6549]

@@markscott7583 fifth

[@rathodstreaming88]

Absolutely loved this video. I worked 10 years in the trade selling everything from high end to entry level. This area was always my favourite to sell, people getting their first system and seeing the smile on their faces. Some would get the bug and over time upgrade. Please do more entry level videos of possible :clapping:

[@grahamserle7930]

I like that you are covering entry level components simply because lots of younger people don't have the disposable income to buy top shelf gear and yet they still want something decent. Thank you. You're exactly right though that after a point in time we look to upgrade as our budget allows us searching for something better and you cover that as well with your analysis of what's available at those higher price points. I'm not trying to suggest what content you should focus on with your channel but exploring the better options at different price points can't hurt and potentially it might widen your viewer base.

[@flynnbach8073]

Whether I'm interested in buying expensive gear or not, I'm still interested in learning about it

[@thebestoffools]

Great video. Brings back a lot of good memories. I ran a NAD 701 with Mission 760s from 1992 until 2017. It was my first stereo system. Loved it to death. I had a YAMAHA CDX-470 CD player hooked up to it. I loved that sound.

[@ephektz]

I balance you out with CheapAudioMan and usually end up somewhere in the middle. Thanks for the great content.

[@phnelson033]

Kudos for the 'tweeter ebullience' description during the NAD amp breakdown. Just when I thought only the same ~12 adjectives shared among pro audio reviewers could ever be used.

[@georgemalone3318]

I really enjoy your approach to audio appreciation, it usually leaves me with food for thought. Thanks, good job!

[@hartgemini007]

Great video as always and love the food metaphors, one of the best Audio channels plus Jana has one of the most calming voices I’ve ever heard, clearly passionate about quality hi fi and clearly extremely knowledgable. Looking to update my bedroom system and this has given me some great ideas.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Yep, a great low cost system, which for many, will be all they ever need. Thanks for covering it!

[@Big-J-8579]

Great video. I love hearing about it all and younger people I know getting into audio, need these types of systems to start with. Thank you for putting one together. The reality is... you can put together a great-sounding system without breaking the bank as you have done.

[@AudioQuestUS]

Wonderful work, expertly presented. We're so proud to be a part of it.

[@mnmlist1454]

Love it when you review more affordable gears. Thanks.

[@ch33psk8]

Always come back for more ... certainly no diminishing returns here, thank you

[@jfh4270]

On point as usual Mr. Darko, you did inspire me to consider some new things. Good tunes as always. Thank you.

[@billywindsock9597]

You seemed to enjoy making that. Lots of smiles all the way through. Thanks.

[@blackie75]

I still love CD's. I just transformed my shed into a music room and I've banned all forms of internet and bluetooth etc. If you come in to play songs, you have to find them in the collection of CD's and LPs and if it's not there, we buy the album for next time. Everybody seems to be loving it so far.

[@scottmackey4182]

Another fantastic video, John! I’ve been an audiophile for over 50 years and you made this system so straight forward and simple for any beginner to learn from. Yes, being an audiophile is somewhat addictive, but that is the fun of it. Not to get carried away with spending gobs of money, but more for the pleasure of trying different setups over the years as your taste or hearing abilities change. Great job! I look forward to another of your setups.

[@nakedcellist]

I really like how you also review and recommend affordable gear.

[@aidanpallister7784]

Thanks John, excellent and entertaining as always. Keep playing across a broad spectrum of products and price points, it’s all fascinating regardless of where you are on your hifi journey.

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Great video John. Nice mix of gear. Smart way to get started. The more Audiophiles in the future, the better for everyone! 🙂

[@neilshirley]

I think the sponsor slot is well done. Honest and upfront, informative and not too long - nice compromise.

[@grayfool]

I sold many systems in the early eighties with the original 3020 with Mission 700 or Accoutic Research AR18 speakers as the the base along with a record deck and/or cassette deck. Good to see that they still work well together.

[@amillerism]

Very informative, as usual. Thanks John!

[@bartkdt]

I love videos likes this. Simple systems like this are just more fun. Good job explaining concisely to make this kind of purchase approachable. Good work JD.

[@daviddru942]

Yep, NAD and Mission have always complemented each other nicely. Good stuff JD

[@kevincorr2985]

This is a great intro for low cost systems. Not just beginners but those who want one for a bedroom, shop etc. Not mentioned is that there is a plethora of affordable hifi on the market, eg PSB, Elac, Klipsch and other speakers. Very good amps such as Rega IO and PS Audio Sprout including dac. So much out there. I have my high end and my budget systems spread around deferent areas.

[@shanestephenson8423]

Variety is the spice of life. Both up and down the audiophile ladder. 🎧🙂👍

[@joakimstrindberg5810]

Thanks John! Again, as usual, very enjoyable! Keep up your good work 👍👍

[@harrybaque5502]

I like that you cover a wide range of products please continue! I also like the "current events" format that you have done over the last few months, very informative.

[@chcorreia17]

Very nice video. I love to hear about entry-level systems. Makes me remind when even having very low money (btw, still do not have much) I had more time to enjoy my system.

[@mswilladsen]

Been following a while now, I really enjoy your views on Hi-Fi/sound. Keep it up. :)

[@edelweisskoenig]

Splendid idea to do this follow up video to your vintage system homage.

[@johnnixon2504]

I love the “hifi meal” metaphor. I like light salt, lots of cream and that spritz they put on the plate to make it gleam in the light of the table.

[@Whitesky077]

This is another great video, John! Thank you so much! And especially for mentioning the door holders ;)

[@DDubyah17]

This is just what I needed! Cheers.

[@mnpv7812]

I've owned the NAD 316 for a year- my first venture into higher fi. Fantastic amp that gave me a huge WOW when first listened to.

[@ryu.giovanigiovani6089]

Nice system build. I enjoy you're Vids 💪

[@michaeleller7514]

New low cost system idea! These are great!

[@scottbaylor6215]

I enjoy your channel like how you describe the sound of each unit. Keep up the good work.

[@AnalogueOctober]

Excellent video and the supermarket wine analogy is spot on!

[@nebilb.6362]

Thanks John for all your work (including the delightful episode today!). You helped me choose the NAD C316BEE V2 to feed my new Magnat Transpuls 1000 (which treble needed a bit of taming to my taste in my room). Together with a Node streamer, a great combination for a very reasonable price. One could think the amp is the weak link in this system. From your review of the LS50 Meta’s I understood it’s not…. Necessarily

[@jwbrook]

Love you work. Thanks so much. I so appreciate you endorsing the RPi. I am now running Volumio on an RPi and love it. I think it sounds and works every bit as well as the Bluesound Node and at a fraction of the cost. Maybe not the same flexibility in terms of inputs, but for basic streaming… Every bit as good. Keep up the great work.

[@jsandppr]

Thank you! Wonderful, accessible advice!

[@shirishpanwalkar]

This was a truly useful video concerning the building of an entry level hifi system at an affordable price, as not everyone can afford a high end audio system.Thanks a lot!

[@thepedlingprophet]

Bought an ifi DAC after watching a previous video, inspiring, brill! now going to buy the Nad amp and stick with my mordant short speakers. Most importantly, it has got me back into just sitting down and listening to music again.

[@TomReinerDE]

Brilliant and on point. Great video.

[@philrae4099]

Superb as always, and you’re right, as funds allowed I’ve upgraded over the years and recently upgraded my turntable to a P3.

[@DrOz-007]

Brucey bonus... Love it. Showing your roots there!

[@69Muscle]

It took me years of mix & matching components. I’m absolutely satisfied with my Cambridge Audio amp and Focal speakers for $2500.

[@JasonDominus]

As for the dark sound of the Allo Boss 2, though it works for your system synergy, I think I read something that it has a filter/EQ setting enabled by default. Those that have the unit preferred the filter disabled for their setups. Also, hate the case? Just buy the module and stick it into a case you like. The DIY aspects of these PI based systems is great IMO!

[@jamwagon87]

LOL @ the intro from Jana. Props for the NightHawks!!

[@tigerfish66]

john, another great bit of Hi-Fi content, thank you

[@davdidit6]

I love your videos, I learn a lot. I like the way you present things, very honest, from the heart.

[@gaza4543]

I still have my catalyst system from 20 years and it's very much like yours, mine was mission m74i's with a NAD 320bee and matching NAD c540 CD player, though i also had a mini disc deck back then. Like you say, i could of happily of lived with it but it opened the door to other things. But always tried to match that foundational sound set out by the mission and NAD combo. Entertaining sound with plenty of drive. Im putting it back in to use soon in my design studio (converted garage)

[@JulienBourjault]

Nice audio insight, makes a lot of sense 👍

[@jdekong3945]

enjoyed the vid, fond memories of buying the best budget gear I could from Richer Sounds 20 years ago

[@mrfrosty3]

I love seeing cool gear whether I can afford it or not. Another quality video!

[@ravensoulmetal8466]

Great video John, I love that Nad amp. The fisher price streamer looks like just the thing I'm after. Cheers.

[@markmorrow3250]

Really nice video. I love the way you stress the importance of component matching. So many times the more is better, more power or more money, mentality drive choices. I worked in HiFi sales from the mid 80’s threw the late 90’s, and loved finding those little plain Jane products that worked great together. But more often than not they were passed over by customers drawn to the large chassis components with thick anodized aluminum face plates and big price tags. One thing that I sure has changed from when I was selling HiFi and now is that speakers, especially the more entry level products shoot for a more lively bouncer sound than years ago because of the music that is popular. In the 70’s 80’s in particular, your better speakers were trying to build a neutral product. Today a little bump and sizzle is desirable. Different times.

[@robintaylor3633]

Hey mate keep doing what you're doing. I love watching your videos they are very well balanced. And I have recently imoroved my system having spent £3000. Overall. But it wasn't always this way my previous hifi was only £600. So you and a couple of other reviewers have really helped.

[@Retrofi]

Great video. I'm watching this in October 2023 and I'm in the UK. A quick search and I've found the Mission speakers at 225 GBP and the NAD Amp at 299 GBP on Amazon. I guess the Wiim Pro Plus now makes the Allo Boss player redundant but for around 725 GBP this looks like an amazing system.

[@SuperMcgenius]

Well done sir, Systems with good synergy and some room treatment can go along way.

[@gtube314]

Let me just say that three days after watching your video about '90s equipment I bought a pair of Mission 760i for my second audio setup, thank you for your suggestion 😁

[@mauriceparhamovich5358]

Well presented commentary. Good job.

[@tagheuer001]

These videos are soooo relaxing while informing. Why John Darko only have 200K subs blows my mind daily. What am I missing?

[@johnlg2209]

great choice of budget amplifier John.

[@alphanuevo]

Very nice. One alternative that folks might consider is going used by carefully looking at local gear and demoing it also. Some gear like Marantz speakers and some receivers are not as expensive as one might think. Larger speakers typically have better bass and presence also. Cheers.

[@alvaro7even]

It would be fantastic if Schiit releases a Modi device with streaming features.

[@trudimcleod5042]

I saw an interview with Jason Stoddard where he insisted Schiit was never going to be a software company. This in spite they are now doing some programming on their ESS based DACs.

[@ramc2461]

You can look to combine modi with the new ifi zen stream instead. Or go all ifi stack…

[@B2video]

They don't want to have to support software issues. Also not worth it with other cheap pi streamer options

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

@Dixie Pepper I believe you can get a Jotunheim configured with a phono stage card. I was going to, but decided to go with a plain-Jane version instead. The other option is Jotunheim with a DAC card installed. Or were you being facetious?

[@Williamb612]

First SHITE needs to change it’s brand name

[@PaulDoldenDetails]

Your videos inspired me to buy my first system John I’ve got a 1991 Sony integrated amp with 10:1 wharfdale speakers on stands and I love it 😍

[@tedjensen8841]

Great video, thank you.

[@petethegreekre]

These set ups you are offering as bullet proof are going to help out a lot of people. I recently purchased some components after a very long time. So, no idea where to start and at what price range is logical, plus now it would be streaming due to the convenience that comes along with it. So it was all new! Took me a year to get it together (pandemic times). I always wondered why good synergy set ups weren't tackled earlier by reviewers. Since, a lot of peoples questions were: Ok, so it's a good amp, speaker, dac etc. but, will it work with my components? What I mean to say is, great idea! You will save many people a lot of time, who don't exactly want to become audio experts and just want good sound for listening to sweet music. I think this sort of thing could go deeper, even into synergy guides. A list of components, dark, bright, warm, and so on. Then the people who own it can rate the pairing.

[@Rene020266]

Great video (again). It really can appeal to anyone interested in HiFi. On a small or large budget, with demanding or not so demanding ears, with taste for the aesthetic or not and for all kinds of music. Thanks!

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

My budget is slightly more, but I really appreciate these more modest system videos. 👍🏻

[@KamilleN16]

Thank you Darko, someday ill have my own.

[@stephenmayo9573]

Very useful review! Thx!

[@ozzyprogdomino8815]

Good video! I did something similar. I wanted a system for just around £1000 including a turntable, not digital. I went for B&W 607s2 Aniversary Edition, Rega IO amp, Audio Technica LP120xUSB Turntable. Put over the budget by installing the Ortofon 2M blue cart (I already had it) on the Turntable. This was a second system for a small room and I was increadably pleased with the result. To my ears it was perfect for the room size.

[@leepaulison4928]

My favorite quote, "This is where marginal returns begin." Thank you for another extremely insightful video.

[@nikkendall6801]

I'm not entirely sure why...but I find your videos very relaxing....yet informative. Sweet

[@kennyyoung4477]

more jana segments please

[@deepsoulfulsounds]

I love both the LX-2 and LX-3 paired with the 778x.

[@isaacsykes3]

You should have titled this video "I'm Your Audiophile Pusher" because you've just put together a HiFi gateway drug. Great work and thank you. This will be a nice guestroom system.

[@Jasonion74]

I had mission 751 speakers Audiolab 8000a amp & Marantz 63 signature cd many years ago, I now miss them all.

[@decamp0]

Excellent video John, keep up the good work. I would love to see another one like this but at the £2000 (or Euros) price range. In my mind (not much experience admittedly and based on your other videos) I'm thinking Kef LS50 Meta, the NAD C 316BEE amplifier again, Schitt Modi 3 DAC and a Raspberry Pi along with some cables.

[@robertomusitano4238]

Always had a liking for mission

[@audioman6007]

I tried a yamaha r-n803d with the mission lx-6 and it kicked ass for the money, punchy clean sound that would fill any large room. They ended up coming home with me, my neighbors hate my system as much as me now, mission accomplished. 👍

[@r.debats8784]

Excellent video! Next time a system with a budget of 2000 euro? Also liked the comparison with the alternative KEF LSX👌

[@MinestroneOfSound]

Thoroughly enjoyed this, and hit the subscribe button

[@terryedwards7161]

I remember one of my first systems, Rotel reciever, Garrard deck and Warfdale diamond speakers, sounded great to me at the time, 1980 ish.

[@progvinyl9021]

Great video. I have the old Mission 760i and like their punch on rock and blues etc.Gonna keep them forever.Amp is Rega Elex r

[@mig8686]

I was about to buy a Freya+ pre-amp but this puts the price into perspective. I tried one for a week and decided I liked the sound straight from my DAC better and found another solution for the other things the Freya solved. Sometimes in this hobby we do end up spends way more than we actually need to. I would have still bought the Freya if i hadn't found my other solution just because it is a cool toy but maybe a second system for my room is a better investment.

[@deputy3690]

Great video!

[@davdidit6]

My current system, IPod Touch (7th gen) into a Ifi Zen Dac, into a Aiyma A07 amplifier, to JBL Stage 530 speakers ( which I got for $250 on sale from JBL direct) So far so good, I love the Zen Dac with headphones.

[@jonasholzem2909]

Loved this video, as it is right up my alley. I have the same amp paired with a turntable and loudspeakers I inherited from my grandparents and yes, it does sound really good. I may or may not upgrade the speakers at some point, we will see... I still love your videos about 10000€ DACs or speakers (3 times the price of my current car) as well, as it opens windows into an exotic world that I will probably never visit. Still interesting to see what's out there.

[@thirdkey9]

For those of us who are music first / music scene / music biz but who are actually kind of new to audiophile land, it really taps into the creativity aspect of it all…..that it can be done well at the more newbie level. No matter where your are at on the purchase scale, you can still experiment and take the love of music and listening higher. Yup, a cheap bottle of wine can still give you a nice buzz. Kudos as well to your website guest and broadcast about audio-tech design and aesthetics. A lot of new kids on the block also care about how their machines look 🤖

[@gerrysampson9779]

great job very good start

[@DominikZalewski85]

Nice video. I currently own a pair of KEF Q150s with Cambridge Audio CXA61 and rPI streamer running volumio. I really like how my setup sounds but I think for beginners that doesn’t like tinkering as much and most likely gonna live in streaming world only, I would build something like: q acoustics 3030i + powernode 2i. Small nice looking setup with all streaming capabilities beginner would need. Surely going with NAD has more options for expansion especially when someone would want to add a turntable down the road. Great thing about this hobby is that there are so many options and finding your sweet spot is part of the game ;)

[@MichaelSharratt]

Exactly what I was looking for 👍

[@thomasandersen6014]

Well put!!!