A High-Value Audiophile Desktop System!
A High-Value Audiophile Desktop System!
Who doesn’t like great sound and a good value? This is an old school solution that provides excellent stereo performance, even in 2020!
Intro music by: ELFL – ‘Neon Raceway’
Sound Artist LS3/5a:
https://www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/soundartist-amplifier-speaker-c-78/soundartist-ls3-5a-monitor-bookshelf-speakers-loudspeakers-pair-p-2320?zenid=69a12fce23129ee99ac0a66512d88033
Vista Audio Spark 2:
http://www.vista-audio.com/products/Spark/index.htm
Emotiva S8 Flex:
Airmotiv SE8 8" Flex Subwoofer
Topping E30:
http://www.smsl-topping.com/TOPPING-E30-USB-DAC-p2585817.html
Cable Suggestions:
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/
https://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=monolith+cables
For a nice USB cable, search “Belkin USB GOLD” on Amazon.
Stands Suggestions:
https://isoacoustics.com/iso-130-isolation-stands/
——– My original reviews of each component can be seen here——
Sound Artist LS3/5a
Vista Audio Spark 2
Emotiva Flex S8 Subwoofer
Topping E30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLJlotiXM_M&t=1s
I use a pair of M Audio BX5 powered speakers and a Polk Audio sub with a Focusrite audio interface on my set up and spent a hell of lot less.
this seems to be exactly what I have been looking for sound wise and price wise, thank you.
do perefer denon or onkyo or yamaha in sound quality and clearity?
Best powered speakers under $400 please that can hook up to a tv via optical at least. Considering the Klipsch R-51PM Amazon $339 or Edifier s2000mkiii $399 Amazon.
Hey Sean! Curious on your thoughts on my setup compared to this. Same use (nearfield/desktop setup) and I actually chose the same source components as you (E30/Vista Spark) but went with Triangle BR03’s instead of the Sound Artists. Just curious on how you feel these two speakers compare in this setting?
For only $50 additional cost when new I regret not considering these with how strong your recommendation is. Curious on how you feel these two speakers compare for this use case!
Definitely prefer the more modern aesthetic of the Triangles.
That looks like a Bad-Ass setup ! 😆
you could get vanatoo t1 or t0 with the same sub for a lot less tho
Staring at the placement makes my brain hurt as you express what you listen for.
good video… but you lost me there. If your computer is in same room as stereo.. then just feed audio from computer to stereo. Throw the $500, $1000, $1500 into the stereo system.
Not a system, it’s a computer with speakers and a sub
It’s a digital set up, good enough for some
Not for me
anyone have a good alternative that’s available in Europe to the vista audio?
Hi Sean. Today I came across this company and desktop speaker: https://www.roleaudio.com/kayak
Do you know these Role Audio Kayaks? Apparently they are made in the USA and ship world wide. Based on the reviews they look very promising and fit the LS3/BBC sound profile. 😊
You seem enamored with these speakers which says a lot about what I need to do with my audio trigger finger. Pull that trigger !
I guess it’s preference to use the amp for volume control, but people could use the E30 DAC as a preamp with remote. That will also give them the option to utilize the crossover in the S8 sub.
Sorry, could you go into more detail as to how you would run the sub without the amp having a sub out? Would you just use a y splitter cable? Why do you need to use thinner cable for the sub? Thinking of running this system so any help would be much appreciated. 😉👍
Have been using this setup for the past year really been enjoying it. What would be a upgrade if i wanted to throw some more money at it. the Harbeth P3ESR costing between 2.5 to 3k is a bit too much for speakers alone atm.
Sean this was a really helpful video. Maybe there is not a huge demand for setups like this but I just want you to know, there are some people out there who want things like this at this price range, and we appreciate what you do. You, Audiophiliac, Joe and Tell, I mean there are limited sources of people who are talking seriously and honestly about high quality components within the reach of regular folks. My Vista Audio Spark II just shipped and I can’t wait.
I don’t reduce my stereo to my desk space – I expand my computer to living – room space, using a large TV for it’s display, with wireless keyboard and mouse. I’m surprised no audiophile has thought of this approach; I thought audiophiles were all about "no compromise".
Dude for that price??? Some powered monitors like Edifier or Klipsch. S2000 pro or Klipsch the Sixes or something. Or if you have some extra money get the S3000 pro, you won’t need a sub even. Plus you could even get a decent pair of headphones with the rest of money. Most rooms needs acoustics treatment, so add to that another $200 worth of foams etc..
Why this? Won’t bose wave radio will be perfect?? 😂 😂 Remember? You recommended that… 😂
NOTHING! beats my Logitech Z906 run thru the Soundblaster X G6 (No soundcard in PC and onboard shutoff in bios)…..and I can sit at my desk….. 🙂 Seriously, though…really nice.
Does Hako Yamazaki sound good on those speakers..🎶🎶
You don’t know Hako Yamazaki..??
I have just about every album she ever recorded.👍
If Hako Yamazaki doesn’t sound good on those speakers. You can throw that speaker system in the dumpster.
Great concept for desktop audio setup, I did same idea and optimal it with my Roger LS3/5A, thanks for informative video.
Excellent video Sean! I ended up purchasing the Sound Artist LS3/5a from the web site provided and will be arriving today. Very creative and appreciate all the thought that was put in developing this video! Again, thank you!
Save the space and the money, just get a pair of hyperx cloud orbit s headphones 🎧.
where do your legs go when sitting at that desk? 😛
How is he connecting the sub?
Honestly thank you for giving the S8 Flex more love. It is seriously amazing at it’s price point and i have major love for that thing 😍
I’ve just bought and received this speaker/amp combo and I can confirm that it’s phenomenal for the money. The midrange is amazing and the bass these little speakers put out is incredible for their size. So pleased to get this recommendation – thanks Sean. I’m running it from an RME ADI-2 Pro FS DAC, which makes for a clean sounding presentation – way better than the Chord Mojo, which I find to be too warm and a bit muddy.
What about that stand?
Modern users and especially those of us working from home are spending much time on the computer setup and having great audio there is often more valuable than creating a dedicated audiophile listening room.
I’d want to layout that system across the corner with the sub in the middle….
Good review 👍
Some YouTubers have the gear to upload their music collections. This is one of many examples.
https://youtu.be/NMYsB1Y5M2A
Now stop making apple ads, thanks.
Any chance you could someday review the swan m200mkiii+? I have often heard this touted as a one and done desktop solution, would be interesting to know how you think they compare to the best desktop solutions you have trailed so far.
Looks just like the Graham LS3/5. Not that the Chinese would ever change a name and sell someone else’s product out the back door 😳
I love original thinking
I am using the Focal Solo6 Be studio monitors and they have spoiled me as well. They are hyper revealing and nearly transparent but they are still fun and exciting to listen to in spite of them being professional "tools." Most other speakers sound bland and colored in comparison.
Sean how does the Topping DAC compare to the Schiit Modi 3? Do they both use an AKM chip or does the Topping use an ESS Sabre?
What is the best I can get for $400, It doesn’t matter if it’s powered bookshelf speakers or two speakers and a receiver, soundbar with sub, 3.1 soundbar, etc. whatever you can think of give me the best for under $400! I need them to hook up to a TV for movies and music, I want the best combo for $400?
I have a Peachtree Nova sitting under my imac, driving a pair of Harbeth P3s sitting on isoacoustic stands. Not sure I can top it!
Too Much moolah…. My setup looks almost identical and very compact, right down to the iMac and placement….. SMSL Q5 Pro Amp (with dedicated sub-out and remote), Micca MB42Xs Speakers (on desk, 6 feet apart, slightly turned-in, one foot from a concrete wall and up on 6" stands) , Dayton Audio Sub1000 10" (centered on a hardwood floor)….. all-in with cables and connectors…less than 425 U.S. bucks, all new…..a "no worries" system, on 24/7…… great near-field listening experience in my 12 x 12 office for Spotify, Tidal MQA, Netflix, Hulu etc. I have done some "experimenting" and conclude that room conditions and placement are a HUGE (and overlooked) factor in sound performance, particularly for budget gear …..had this for about 2 years now and considered a speaker upgrade but I can’t justify it….. I am still very enamored of the price/performance factor… crisp at the high end, clear, unmuddled mids and punch at the bottom (I listen to a lot of quality 70’s and 80s’….Steely Dan-ish stuff)….recommended similar setup for friends…the Q5 Pro looks to be out of production but still available at ‘zon…..
Hi Sean, again a very nice video, thanks. Do you think these epeakers are at the same level, (or almost), as others LS3/5a like Falcon, Spendor, etc? Not that I don’t beleive it, just that I’d would like to have your opinion. Thank you!
A good approach. In my case, after trying several options for electronics and speakers, I now use a Rega Apollo, Rega Dac and Rega Brio 2017 with a pair of Spendor SA1s and an MJ Acoustics pro 50 sub and am very pleased. It sounds great at very low level and the 3d imaging is fantastic.
buy infinity rs 4000. this small 3 way will crush LS3 big time.
Love to hear more of these kind of topics!
That’s the worst desktop ergonomics I’ve seen in a while but unless the user has, sadly, a disability I can’t figure how that can function as a desk. No matter, the system looks well worth an ear.
599 with free shipping I just saw
Wish you’d flip those Ikea units so that the screw holes are on the side! 🙂
I have the same exact approach to audio. I don’t care so much about features. The only thing I don’t like about this video is that I didn’t see it before I bought some other stuff, though I still have time to return it, just so many choices. I just started down this road, and my head is spinning.