Audiophile System Under $350 – This Budget Audiophile System Will Knock Your Socks Off

Audiophile System Under $350 – This Budget Audiophile System Will Knock Your Socks Off

Homes For Our Troops – CSS Audio Raffle https://www.myhfotusa.org/cheapaudioman
Sony SSCS5 https://amzn.to/3hCaEuG
Elac Debut b6.2 https://amzn.to/3ysoRBc
Neumi BS5 https://amzn.to/3Axu4JP
Aiyima A07 https://amzn.to/3dSg6bJ
Aiyima T8 https://amzn.to/3jVBJMl
SMSL SA300 https://amzn.to/3Au0XXX
Loxjie A30 https://amzn.to/3ytt3AD
Emotiva SE8 https://emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 https://emotiva.com?aff=9
3.5 mm to RCA https://amzn.to/2TzuS0j
RCA Cable https://amzn.to/36iUyAQ

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High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!

Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial https://amzn.to/3fiiMPC

Test Track Playlist:
https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/24d254ee836b42dda037530f77fedc2esune?ref=dm_sh_0c0d-7fb2-b9eb-7614-9cb17
Satanic Panic Playlist:
https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/0868bb9f479846fd8b221c2a77ea2e0bsune?ref=dm_sh_d600-359c-60fe-d886-cff9a
Leg Warmers Playlist
https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/61d9b77c1995453cb76d0381c234fff1sune?ref=dm_sh_8874-d4b2-5e62-e345-82872

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DIY Assembly for $350 email me with “DIY Assembly” in subject line cheapaudioman@gmail.com

Recommended Speaker List

Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 – $150)
Sony SSCS5 – Lively https://amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen – Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral https://amzn.to/3q0SR3B

Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ – Crystal Clear and Punchy http://emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 – Neutral https://amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) – Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed https://amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 – Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value https://amzn.to/3t7gOHe

Around $400
Klipsch RP600M – Neutral https://amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit – Boosted on Top https://amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i – Neutral with Punch – https://amzn.to/2OQkpLo

Around $500
SVS Prime https://bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 http://bit.ly/2ZckoD9

Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 – Neutral https://amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference – Buttery but Detailed https://amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 – Neutral
Aperion Novus – Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 https://bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 https://bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed https://amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles

Recommended Amp List

Under $100
Aiyima A07 – Neutral and Full https://amzn.to/3g9YLNf

Around $130
SMSL AD18 – DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls https://amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 https://amzn.to/3u83oLs

Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp https://amzn.to/34SdbLs

Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 – DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs – Balanced and Tasty https://emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark http://www.vista-audio.com/products.htm

Recommended DACs

Ifi Zen DAC https://amzn.to/2T3wuyY
FX D01 https://amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s https://amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 https://www.denafrips.com/ares

50 Comments

  1. Nan00k on July 8, 2022 at 1:26 am

    Hey, could you do a budget 5.1 TV system?



  2. Everton Rodrigues on July 8, 2022 at 1:27 am

    Hi Randy. I never see you talking about the kanto yu speakers.
    May i have your thoughts about it?
    They are good speakers to paring with loxjie a30 or some of smsl amps, the kanto yu4 and yu 5?



  3. Bart Rainer on July 8, 2022 at 1:28 am

    Someone sells or knows anyone that sells "HI-END" Stickers?



  4. Jeremy Begg on July 8, 2022 at 1:28 am

    It’s say on amazon about the headphone pre amplifier that you can’t run a turntable into it but you probably can with a phono pre amp aye?



  5. Netty Voyager on July 8, 2022 at 1:29 am

    with caps the size of a dustbin they eat electric lmao



  6. Fanman867 on July 8, 2022 at 1:32 am

    i actually use a pair of sony sscs5 in my bedroom and klipsch r51 m in my basement on my computer. the sscs5 from a customer pov is a really high quality speaker ive had minr for about 2 years now chose them over polks and never went back.



  7. Giovanbattista Fichera on July 8, 2022 at 1:33 am

    I’d be interested in a portable headphone + BT DAC + Smartphone cheap combo with great sound. I have a Moto G6 Plus + FiiO BTR3K + Koss Porta Pro.



  8. ChicagoPadre on July 8, 2022 at 1:35 am

    Kids don’t even know who Jacques Cousteu IS anymore! And yep, I’m sure that now kid would EVER attempt to put them in their and try to chew on them or even swallow them!!!!! Okay…Alright…OKAY??!!??!! And sure, why pay over $350 for some true high quality components! I mean, how much better could well designed and craftsmanship produced items of ANY kind, whether it is stereo parts, or automobiles, such as a Rolls Royce compared to a Smart Car, a yacht compared to a canoe?! Yep, I guess the idea of "you get what you pay for" has no meaning in your world! Okay….OKAY…OOOOKAAAAY?!?!?!? Foundation this!!



  9. Mink18 on July 8, 2022 at 1:37 am

    I would love to talk to this guy one day, he makes great content. ❤️



  10. Netty Voyager on July 8, 2022 at 1:39 am

    you have a problem with alcohol as well by the sounds of it quit the drinking or lose your existence ?



  11. Derrick Cruz on July 8, 2022 at 1:42 am

    So good. Thank you. And yes, “always being recording”.



  12. vin on July 8, 2022 at 1:44 am

    I’m required to get powered speakers (wife/clutter/space). Whats comparable in that department? Ai41 by Fluance?



  13. Robert D on July 8, 2022 at 1:45 am

    12:45 right on man!



  14. Dimitar Delev on July 8, 2022 at 1:46 am

    I have an Audio Technica lpw40 turntable. Out of its inbuilt phono amp I go in to a pair of PreSonus Eris powered studio monitors. What are your thoughts on this setup? I never see anyone talking about studio monitors as an option for enjoying music at home



  15. Netty Voyager on July 8, 2022 at 1:46 am

    salad cream is a great Sause 😛



  16. GK2003 on July 8, 2022 at 1:48 am

    If you want to get far more capability for not a lot more money, scout around eBay and Craigslist and the pawn networks for Denon and Marantz gear. A CL ad I saw recently had a Marantz network-addressable AVR with Bluetooth, online music sources, FM tuner, and a half dozen HDMI inputs along with five analog stereo inputs and a digital audio input. It came with a full JBL 7.1 speaker system with subwoofer…. and the whole shebang was $350. Note that is actually the limit set by this guy for this video. Unlike the gear in this video, it provides a huge upward path for system growth. Oh, and it has a second zone; you could plug that output into the small amp and speakers shown in this vid, and have an entire other room going. One room in 7.1 surround for your action movies, the other in stereo for music.



  17. ms 13 on July 8, 2022 at 1:50 am

    Pitty you ‘Mericans don’t know about Teufel audio,they’ll blow your 350$ system with their sub/sat/amp/soundcard combo "Concept C" for 330 euros and incredible sound. Just add laptop or smartphone (which everybody has) and you’re good to rock!



  18. Nelson Mandela on July 8, 2022 at 1:52 am

    Ey you’re an economical legend



  19. pet1700 on July 8, 2022 at 1:53 am

    Any chance you could provide your feedback on Aiyima T9? Seems like a great package of a tube amp and DAC for only $120



  20. AWA Books on July 8, 2022 at 1:55 am

    This review is awesome,
    If I can get… 75%(?) of the sound experience for 10% of the price? I’m all over that 😏



  21. vinztheoriginal on July 8, 2022 at 1:55 am

    Sadly for Europeans people it doesn’t work. Every Aiyima product are 2x expensiver here.



  22. benjiebarker on July 8, 2022 at 1:55 am

    I was looking at the abyss diana v2…have you tried it?



  23. Paul Callas on July 8, 2022 at 1:56 am

    Another great video. I’m subscribing to your channel.



  24. RandoTopical on July 8, 2022 at 1:57 am

    “Audiophile” system with no turntable or phono stage? What?



  25. Akimbo Furry on July 8, 2022 at 1:58 am

    Can we get a look at louder tube amps for four hundred or less.

    Are the high end speakers you mentioned efficient or loud?’

    Edit oh and that subwoofer masking, you got a video on that?



  26. Jonathan Taylor on July 8, 2022 at 1:59 am

    Just bought my own budget setup. $240 JBL 530s, a $90 SMSL A100, and a set of Micca 6ft cables. The plan is casual small room listening until I can build out a new desk for my workstation/gaming PC.

    Stretch goals might be a JDS Labs Atom DAC and Atom amp for headphones and then maybe a small sub like the Jamo S810



  27. John LR Finkas on July 8, 2022 at 1:59 am

    Thank you



  28. Hydro Aegis on July 8, 2022 at 1:59 am

    Too bad the prices for all of these shot up



  29. Roger Bergqvist on July 8, 2022 at 2:02 am

    Right! … You usually review pretty expensive things or anything you can. You are a joke. Stop calling yourself "Cheapaudioman". You´r not!



  30. First Name Last Name on July 8, 2022 at 2:04 am

    Audiophile and "pop up the bass on them Sonys" don’t work together.



  31. r3d33m3dn78 on July 8, 2022 at 2:04 am

    They’re running $228 now.



  32. J Kresyman on July 8, 2022 at 2:05 am

    👍🍀Thank You!!



  33. CarlosMacMartin on July 8, 2022 at 2:05 am

    "Eat some beans and rice for a couple of months." 😆 LMAO



  34. Joey Waring on July 8, 2022 at 2:06 am

    Will the 3.5mm to rca give you a stereo signal? Also can a sub be added to this system?



  35. GESIT ARSIT on July 8, 2022 at 2:08 am

    Very like…



  36. Manichaean 1 on July 8, 2022 at 2:08 am

    Now you can have power amplifier AIYIMA A8 matching AIYIMA T8 DAC. They look gorgeous together, and the amp is just about 50 bucks.



  37. Joran Mcgregor on July 8, 2022 at 2:11 am

    The elacs are now 320$ 🥴



  38. UL LA RC on July 8, 2022 at 2:11 am

    You don’t know what an audiophile system is, probably your ears make you incompetent.



  39. Raccoonus Maximus on July 8, 2022 at 2:12 am

    well its no audiophile setup but im happy with my computer over USB to a Roland Edirol UA-25 Mic amp/DAC over optical to a LG HT752 DVD Receiver out to a pair of Toshiba SS-V29S speakers connected inline with my JBL Control ONE Bookshelfs but I might have to consider the A07 and T8 in the future



  40. Being Silent on July 8, 2022 at 2:12 am

    Can anyone help a complete novice here please – if I got the Aiyima A07 and the Aiyima T8 can I connect my turntable – Pjo-Ject Debut II using a pre amp? I also want to add a CD player – any recommendations please?



  41. Rurik Luci on July 8, 2022 at 2:13 am

    This is way more then the price of some tires even 2 full sets but then again I’m also very cheap



  42. Soled101 on July 8, 2022 at 2:14 am

    Speakers are like a fine wine and get better with age and use (as long as you don’t hurt them from the beginning).
    All quality, and good, manufacturers will recommend a "break-in" period before turning the volume up.
    One manufacturer I love and respect, have owned and did what they said, proved this and most professionals with engineering degrees will confirm as parts that move need to become more free after solid manufacturing (I won’t say the manufacturer as they’re very expensive and that’s why I did what they said and continue with everything I buy). Things sounds better as they’re allowed the freedom of movement they’re designed to do but production is a solid state form.
    Anyhow, to not talk crap so much, the best way to break in a sweet of speakers is this (also the quietest way).
    Reverse polarity of wiring and place them facing each other no further than 300mm (200W bookshelf speakers this applied to but I’ve done it with 1000W standing and subs). Play at a low volume for a continuous, you can stop and start again, play cycle for minimum 24hrs (the longer the better, like I said fine wine you can drink but gets better with age, but this is minimum is absolutely recommended).
    Doing this will create a noise cancellation of the sound created, read about how cancellation headphones work to understand, and help the parts learn to move and get freedom to do so. Do it while you’re at work and your neighbours won’t know. Do it 13hrs a day for a week, like I said while at work, and then you’ll get all the beauty of what you paid for when you need it (without disturbing the neighbours and they cats and dogs).
    Think of it like buying a new performance, or sports, car but not putting your foot down for the first 20k km (everything that moves needs time to find it’s place and settle). Speakers get better with age when looked after and that’s the reason why.
    You’re a good honest person and I instantly liked and subscribed halfway through your audiophile rant video. Too much truth that not many people say (just the logic instills fear into people wasting money and aren’t sound engineers).
    Keep up the good work and I’ll binge and share your channel and videos with others who need layman’s explanations. Peace!



  43. John Bruels on July 8, 2022 at 2:16 am

    Found this video before I made my purchase and am I ever glad! I can’t believe I suffered so long with my garbage sound equipment. I’m falling in love with my music all over again! All this for a heck of a lot less money than I ever dreamed. Thanks so much!



  44. pvtghost24 on July 8, 2022 at 2:17 am

    Beans and rice. Is that a Dave Ramsey reference lol?



  45. Robert D on July 8, 2022 at 2:18 am

    Whats a good setup for 4 speakers and powered sub?



  46. Robert Torres on July 8, 2022 at 2:19 am

    This man made those Sonys $220 single handed



  47. Marco Cruz on July 8, 2022 at 2:19 am

    if i wanted to recreate this system, how would I add a subwoofer to it?



  48. alfaholic3 on July 8, 2022 at 2:20 am

    It was driving me nuts trying to figure out who you remind me of the i realized it was Gavin Mcinnes.



  49. John Bair on July 8, 2022 at 2:23 am

    Truly enjoy you content. I don’t own anything yet as still learning. I would love to see a recommended system for $2000. BTW your mannerisms and opening lines always remind me of Norm McDonald. Keep it up.



  50. Family Disappointment on July 8, 2022 at 2:25 am

    Newbie here, could you be able to connect the A07/8 with the Dali Spektor 1? You are seriously a god sent on this journey of mine! You deserve more subs!