Tips for building a GREAT stereo system Part I: Knowing the right questions to ask!
Tips for building a GREAT stereo system Part I: Knowing the right questions to ask!
New to hi-fi? Here are 8 insightful talking points that you should mention while seeking general buying advice – especially when it comes to putting together an entire system!
Here’s da’ list:
1. Is this system just for you, or will others listen as well?
2. What kind of room will this system be in?
3. Go over aesthetic preferences (if you have any).
4. Talk about general listening habits. Do you like it loud?
5. Talk about the kind of music that you like.
6. Features. What do you need to connect?
7 Talk about your preference in sound (if you know it).
8. Lastly, mention your budget.
The bottom line is that if you ask vague questions like “I have $5,000 to spend and I like rock. What should I buy?”, you’re going to receive vague answers. Don’t be vague! When you support your questions with detailed backround info, you’ll attract substantially better advice!
I spend 200 usd on my audio system…is it enaugh? š
This was an awesome video…. So here goes… I’m the guy who cranks it to 11 and listen to everything (heavy on the bass). I have a 14ft x 32ft room with 8ft ceilings. I use it as a hang out space for friends and family system at one end and bar at the other. I will be the only one to use the system. I have an initial 3-4k to work with and may sell some of my old equipment to add to the fund. I currently have a Marantz 6300 turntable, Cerwin Vega MX-400 speakers (400wattsRMS) from the 90’s (6 of them) 4 are just collecting dust right now (I used 5 of them in my home theatre a while back) and I’m using my Denon 4310ci AVR (in 2 channel mode) AVR is "supposed to be 130-170 per channel" I also have 2 Paradigm servo 15 subs. I’m not impressed by the high end of the Cerwin Vega’s…they sounded way better when I used a old Kenwood 240watt/channel integrated amp. … My dilemma is do I buy good amps and hope the increase in power cleans up the high end some…. Or… start from scratch… I probably won’t be able to invest any more money for a year or so. I want to buy high quality gear that will last and also look good of course. I just recently listened to the B&W 705s2 speakers and love them at $2500 a pair and I heard you need good power to drive them also. My problem is I have a hard time getting rid of my CV’s but really want to step up my game… hope maybe you had some tips.
What are your thoughts on Hegel? I’m itching to buy one but it’s a bit too much š£š£š£ Is it top notch sounding equipment? Peace
I like frankZappas music what speaker could handle the bass best for a song like apostrophe
Hah! Iām sure glad back when I started out buying my gear I didnāt have to have this valuable list you have created for the novice. Iām thankful there were a plethora of stereo and home audio stores with a variety of brand name gear from around the vinyl playing world, with every grade quality and priced electronics. You could walk in and enter a room with no idea of what you wanted and leave knowing first hand what you did and didnāt like, then move onto the next room with a whole different set of gear to evaluate and so. You didnāt have to place so much value into what reviewers said. Unfortunately with the disruption of those stores due to the internet only a handful are still in existence. I miss those days and feel sad for the current audio enthusiast who donāt get the hands on of seeing and hear for yourself of what you want is really what you want. So you donāt get caught up with the aesthetics of the high gloss vs the performance of the gear itself as you mentioned yourself style over substance, flash of function. Iām glad you add that everyoneās taste is subjective so thereās not a one size fits all when it come to what is the best audio equipment. You do give a neutral objective perspective when offering your guidance for your viewers. I really appreciate it, because thereās always new information you present on your channel. Nice work.
2:25 Concerning pretty things, do you think wood, black, or white is more timeless appearance wise? Gloss or matte? Personally I like the utilitarian look of a ThinkPad, and nearly everything I buy is gray, black, white, or clear.
God I miss the days of Circuit City
This guy would make a good ventriloquist as you hardly see his mouth moving š¤£
I listen with my eyes too. But not like that. I read the specs on everything I buy. First, the input and output has to match what I already have. Second: learn what ‘good’, ‘average’ and ‘bad’ looks like on paper.
One of the things I often say…. I’ve heard good specs sound bad, but I’ve never heard bad specs sound good.
And that’s the important part – looking for good specs and then comparing from there. You can winnow out 95% of what you’re looking for just by the stats. That leaves the top 5% for your ears to decide.
The other problem with listening is that it often happens in the wrong place. It really should happen inside your home. But that’s a lot of work and most places will not let that happen. So you’re stuck with A-B comparisons at the store. And then there’s the times you need to A-B compare in two different places; a nearly impossible task to perform. That requires you to have a perfect memory of how each sounds.
This is also why a lot of people don’t bother with listening to it.
Next is your music source.
There’s no point in buying $6K speakers to play mp3s downloaded from youtube on a laptop. Directly off CDs will be a bit better, HD audio is better. And sure, some high end tapes and vinyl deserve high end speakers. But your speakers cannot compensate for shotty source material. Getting speakers too good for your source material will only highlight how shotty our source material is.
When I was 20 years old, I start buying electronics at stereo stores here in our city. Music and stereo system is my passion. In the 70s and 80s I start buying components like power amplifiers and preamplifiers and some sound processors. I never own a receiver always separate components. To make the story short I end up spending more than 50 thousand dollars total of my component system. Most of them are still here and using it. You might think I am crazy but when you buy an equipment here and there, it adds up. I do not drink or smoke and my only habit is audio and video. Every time I get paid from my job, I always buy some new electronic equipment. Vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs, VHS, Betamax, Lase Disc, DVDs, and many more. Now I am 63 years old and retired enjoying my Home Theater.
In 1967 my father helped me go collect a second hand spk/amp buy…..my 1st hi-if. – bought from Exchange & Mart uk for Ā£40. It was an Armstrong valve 6 watt p. Ch and uk Whalfdale spk Unit 3 d.i.y.
Up to 1972 l did not realise that l was listening to REAL audio file. I have owned many systems up to 2019 but this for the money was the tops. Ā£40 in 1967!
I live in a average size apartment I have a Onkyo avr receiver paired with Klipsch RB 61-11 ,for movie’s and I have a Onkyo Integrated Amp (A9150) paired with Klipsch KG4’s, I primarily stream and listen to šæCD ‘s at moderat volume, plan on making up grades
There are plenty of good high end stereo stores around the country, so would have to disagree with you there.Ā What does the first question have to do with anything ?Ā Yes if its not a dedicated music room and has to be incorporated into your living space sure esthetics is a factor. RoomĀ size and room acoustics yes is anĀ important factor, BUT any good audio specialist should be able to get good sound in any room with any speaker.Ā SpeakerĀ placement and proper matching of equipment and speakers is essential.Ā A good system should be able to play all music well, sorry.Ā Most people really don’t know what they want in a music system, you have to hear different systems to get an idea what they really want.
Would love to see you review some Focal Arias!
I’m learning about audiophile stuff and you become one of my favorites sources of knowledge
I Envy everyone that lives in a place that they can crank it.
my system costs, receiver $600 front speakers about $550, rear channels about $220, center channel about $130 sub $60, i need a new cd player. (looking for a sony 5 disc carousel with usb mp3 capabilitt) i know mp3 is a low grade compression but thats what i converted my cd’s to. my receiver is older. no hdmi inputs, just coaxial, rca, optical and uncompressed 5.1.
Magnolia has Hi-Fi audio systems in demo rooms in BEST BUY across the US! I love exploring my options in person, and as mentioned in the beginning of this video, I believe that the immense chore of internet searching can be dreadful at best. Check out Magnolia’s demo rooms to feed your inner audiophile and discover a "listen first" experience.
My compliments for a very well executed video chuck full of PRACTICAL advice. Absolutely nothing that I can argue with. You make a very good point for investing in quality vintage audio equipment. A thought on speakers. Good satisfying systems require a few necessities; deep tight bass (at least 40hz, +/-3dB) for low frequency heft or foundation, well balanced (between lows and highs) sound, flat (if possible) frequency response, no acoustical traffic jam, open airy wide dispersed highs, good power handling and excellent stereo imaging. These are some of the criteria you should look for in speakers, after all, that’s where the sound comes out. The final link as it were.
I have just come across your channel. Iāve watched a few of your videos now and have enjoyed your thoughts. As such, Iād love to get your thoughts and recommendations as I am working on putting together a new system basically from scratch.
A little info for you. I have been around music for a long time working with a number of bands and concert venues. I have always gravitated towards a warmer sound (I instinctively think tube amp when I think of the type of guitar amp I would want or nowadays something like a Berhinger that can simulate a tube sound among many other options because depending on the style of music, there may be occasions Iād want a more solid state sound.) I listen to pretty much all types of music but often listen to indie rock, shoegazer, alternative, edm, hip-hop, remixes, etc.
I work for a nonprofit and have a hard time justifying spending so much money on speakers considering what I make. But music means so much to me and I have been saving up for a new system for a while. Even with that, itās (relatively) really a tight budget.
This system is going to have to serve for both music & home theater purposes. Letās say 50/50 split music & movies.
As mentioned, I work for a nonprofit. Actually, my wife and I work for a college ministry with 2 focused ministries. One is for the general college student population and the other is for international college students. I say all that to say we will host events & parties at our house for students where we will play music and dance, as well as have a set up for karaoke. I plan to attach a 4 channel mixer to the system so I can run some mics and computer for karaoke parties, especially for the internationals. The karaoke is less of a factor in this discussion really but the parties are still.
Not that I expect this to achieve club levels or anything butā¦
The environment: Well, we just bought a fixer upper. We are currently giving it an overhaul with our remodeling renovations. The house is pretty empty. So, currently listening to a set up is far from ideal. Even when we get things set up, it will still not be the best acoustical environment. This area is an open floor plan with a funky layout. It has concrete floors. We will probably throw down an area rug or maybe two.
I could provide a diagram and dimensions if that would be helpful.
We will have a sectional in front of the tv/front speakers with the main seating facing about 9 feet from the wall.
The speakers will probably not be able to be placed an ideal distance from the wall but placed on top of an entertainment system cabinets. Nor will there be a natural sweet spot for listening to music as this will often happen as I am up and moving and not simply sitting in the hot seat. A sweet spot will be more true for movie viewing but again when hosting a movie night there could be upwards of 20-30 people scattered around the great room area with varied viewing/listening angles.
Ideally, Iād love to have a 5.1 set upā¦ well, ideally Iād love to have an atmos set up but Iām trying to be realistic. š
I have considered a 4.1 set up due to budgeting limitations but also because after listening to a recent 2.1 set up in this far from ideal empty house I felt like something was missing. One conclusion I came to was that I like to feel like Iām overcome by the music (surrounded/enveloped). So, I felt like a multichannel stereo or dolby listening experience might be what I need but I donāt know.
I was listening to KEF LS50ās with a SVS SB 1000 on a Denon AVR X1500h that had not been set up yet with Audessey or really configured much at all beyond the basic plug and play. I recognize my environment is harsh and could also play a factor. I have considered trading the x1500h for the x3400h as it would have 105 watts vs 80 or 85 watts. Iāve heard people say that the LS50ās need at least 100 watts to really sound good despite KEFās claims. Idk.
I chose these per a Best Buy recommendation based on my budget, aesthetic desire for white speakers (these LS50ās do look sweet).
I did also audition the LS50Wās (powered) and when they were cranked, the highs seemed too harsh for me. I had to ask it to be turned down. This was in a listening room at Best Buy. At the time, I didnāt make the connection.
I do like the LS50ās and think they sound good on the one hand but still feel like something is missing. Would adding rears (and maybe a center) make the difference? Idk. Turning up the bass helps but stillā¦ I also wonder about listening fatigue with these.
I will listen at low to medium levels but do definitely like to crank it up and rock out so to speak. Again, these LS50ās often seem harsh when cranking it up. Turning up the bass and dropping the treble a notch does help butā¦
I also often listen on shuffle and noticed that I kept wanting to tweak the eq with different songs to get a better sound when it was turned upā¦ but this is far from ideal. Most of the music I listen to I suppose would be considered poor recording quality in the audiophile world.
I also do love the way the LS50ās look. Aesthetics are important to me. While my ideal is to get white speakers, I could be open to dropping that for blacks. But aesthetics will take a back seat to other things as necessary.
I do have a turntable but it has a preamp built in so I can get by without a preamp in the receiver. Itās also far from my main music listening source.
At this stage, I have been considering buying a bunch of different types to audition and compare in my home environment to see what I like best. Some of the ones I had been thinking about include (but Iām still learning and being exposed to new ones):
KEF LS50ās, Q150ās, Q350ās, center?
Canton Vento (accessories4less.com) for front & center, not sure about rears
Elac Debut 2.0, Unifi Slim or maybe Unifi UB5 ?
SVS Ultras for Front, Primes for rear, not sure about center (B&W?)
B&Wās 600ās, htm7
Others???
Your review of the Buchardts sound promising but not sure how I could make those work with a full setup.
I again was leaning toward the SVS sub as it was the most regularly recommended ābestā sub option but am open to other ideas on this too.
And Iām looking at bookshelves not towers.
Oh, and the all important question of budget. My ideal budget would be $2000 all in. However, I believe I can swing taking that up to $2500 or even $3000 if I really, really stretch it. I would basically be planning/hoping on this system lasting us for decades
I picked up the Denon x1500h for $400. The Denon x3400h is going for $600 ($500 refurbished). The SVS SB1000 was $600 and LS50ās $1000. All are still in the window for free returns.
Iām far from a true audiophile but I do love audio and have a more discerning ear than that random guy on the street Iād say.
So, with all that said, Iād love to hear your thoughts and any recommendations you could make for speakers/systems I should check out.
Oh, Iād prefer not to buy something that Iād have to return and pay for shipping/restocking fee and lose out on money. I just donāt have it to be throwing away. That is one challenge with the Cantons.
One last thought, I am leaning toward getting Sennheiser PXC550ās (waiting for them to drop below $200 again) over Bose QC35ās & Sony 1000MX3ās. The Bose and Sony NC bothered my ears but on top of that I just like the sound of the Sennheiserās better. Granted a room system is different than headphones in a number of ways but I threw that in for what itās worth.
As an added note, I’ve always preferred studio recordings to live as well. And I was thinking about my headphone comment, I do think the Bose headphones sound good but the NC was messing with me whereas the Sennheiser’s sounded great and the NC didn’t hurt my ears.
Oh, I have until mid January to return the Kef’s / SVS. So, it is a relatively short window unfortunately.
I recognize this is all a challenge in many ways and is largely dependent on personal tastes and whatnot but I appreciate you taking time to think and guide me in this process.
Any insights and leads you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
(Sorry if there was a better place or way to do this. Email would seem better but I don’t know it.)
Upgraded my system this year..
Buchardt s300 mkII
Musical Fidelity M6si
Aune s16 dac
Sounds wonderful.
what do you think of the Fluance Signature bookshelves? or the MTX Monitor 60i?
Looking to build a vintage system..i came into Pioneer Spec 1 and 2 power and preamplifier. 250 watts per channel into 8ohms.. room space will 12×15 or smaller…looking for speakers next. Im leaning towards Ohw Walsh 1000s.What would you recommend? Buchhart S400? I have lots of vinyl, I listen to all genre of music and am not opposed to DACs etc…Im just lost in the weeds of where to go next..Function over form. Placement is open. Room treatments ..hmm could be. Classic Rock, Jazz, Prog Rock, Metal. Would like the capability to kick me in the chest for live..but mostly just normal volumes. I may connect a TV to the system. Looking to spend 3-5k dollars
I’m probably in the future going to get 3 speaker setups because I have a lot of preferences
"A little bitch like me and listen at soft volumes" You crack me up! LOL
Huge mistake: buying what you ALMOST want. Trimming a few bucks and compromising. You will regret it.
In the 70ās and 80ās all great stereo stores have really nice listening rooms. Everything about new technology is not always as good.
I am confused between two spekers in my budget. So suggest me which one is better. The polk signature s50 vs dali zensor 3. I listen both the speker. The dali zensor is good bass but the polk s50 have not. Polk s50 has good high and balanced sound. I am confused right now. Suggestions plss on this. And in this budget which speker is best any other company.
I like epic (Audiomachine, TwoStepsFromHell,Mark Petrie, John Dreamer, Ivan Torrent etc.)
If a small system can resolve everything in Sol Invictus, Ice of Phoenix, Rada then I definitely grab all the other tracks and albums and dig in. Epic is amazing in my opinion for listening and pushing systems.
Match speakers to your room, match amp to speakers and room, choose your source, match preamp to source and amp. Don’t go crazy on cables, finally place on sturdy and level shelves. Bask in recorded music bliss.
Great Video with one exception. High cost does not equal great sound. You neglected to mention the size of the listening space and the acoustics of that space as it effects the energy emitted from the speakers. High cost usually is given to the bass frequency. If you don’t have a large enough room, the long bass frequency has no place to go. I found an informative book on this subject titled "GOOD SOUND" by Laura Dearborn, excellent. I would recommend that any would be audiophile pick up a copy. Thanks for the great videos and I will keep watching.
3:00 The kind of music one likes to listen to is kind of a two edged sword: It can help a person experience pleasure if their pleasure comes from reaching a goal of more bass and listening to Hip-Hop for example, but a truly great speaker system will reproduce music accurately, regardless of genre. In studios for example, whether it was percussion ensembles, bluegrass, choral, or baroque music with a full pipe organ, we used the same pair of Focal Twin6 studio monitors and they presented a very faithful reproduction of the performance.
Saying what music you like, which is not very clear IMO, for example, rock music can be anything between Deep Purple, U2, Tool, Gary Numan, Bod Dylan or Green Day.
Yes there are guitars, bass and drums involved but the system that can play Dylan in mono amazingly is not necessarily ideal for handling Tool’s Lateralus, if you catch my drift.
I think that the best approach when it comes to describing music tastes , is to have a list of 5-10 albums/songs that you would audition a system with, they can be uniform in style or vastly different, depending on what you actually listen to.
These tracks/albums, need to be ones you are familiar with, very familiar with in fact, so in a theoretical audition you could actually listen for what the effect of the hardware is to the presentation of the recording and also, in this case, to give a clearer idea to other people about the sort of stuff you actually listen to.
Added bonus, while you compile the list, you will find your self understanding what really matters to you.
my 2 cents
Great that your back. This is definitely my favourite YouTube channel. Keep up the good work please.
best audio reviewer..informative and hilarious.
Hey man! I just found your channel and it really seems promising! You should make this a series. Explain at first sound – what is frequency response, bright sounds etc – , difference between 2.0 2.1 7.1 etc channel and how to choose them, what to look for in sound eg soundstage,clarity,distinctive sounds and then make reviews bbased on the system you explained. Just starting to learn myself so it’s just mixed propositions.Cheers!
Hey! Awsome watch! What is it? Looks like seiko monster?
The ‘second or third marriage’ thing IS important when you’re trying to nail down budget š
Seriously, how many of us spend the time and money needed to treat the room before dashing out to spend money on electronics and transducers ? Even cables are considered sexier than room treatment (including soft furnishings) but what are you REALLY hearing in an audition ? Its the room reflections / resonances : I’ve been in hi-fi showrooms surrounded by gear worth serious dollars wondering why the hell anyone would set up a business like that in the sonic equivalent of a barn. The local ‘Best Buy’ equivalent in my town doesnt even have freaking carpet on the floor – I mentioned this to the poor sod trying to sell their Dali and JBL HT speakers and all he could do was roll his eyes and nod. What I look for in reviews – yep, even Amazon reviews – is any indication of issues around build quality or customer service. If they cant get those right, does it really matter if Stereophile or whomever is writing rave advertorials for their gear ? Thanks for the vid.
I have a question for you. You often compare or discuss expensive versus affordable gear, and that gets me thinking about the law of diminishing returns. What price range or stereo setup would you consider as the sweet spot where beyond that the returns (such as with audio quality, better soundstage, etc) is not equivalent or as reciprocal to every extra dollar you invest?
Very helpful tips for starters… where was this video in 1993? š
Very helpful – and friendly. Thanks!
I want the lifelike tonal quality and realism of my multiple pairs of Altec Lansing AC41’s, only magnified in loudness and impact capability 8-10X and capable of 5 hertz bass extension when desired. š
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This is my favorite video you’ve done of the 15 or so that I’ve seen.
I have the Philips AH487 speakers with an AKAI AA-1175 so I am almost home soundwise for myself than.
Would love to hear your opinion on a bryston 2.5B3. I recently added it to my system and I absolutely love it. Keep up the good work!!
Very nice Sean. The unveiwed video..lol
Good video – looking for the others.
I listen to everything
What speaker is on your right?
Dude, I enjoy your content alot!!! Every day I watch your vids with alot of pleasure. Keep up with the good job! I have a pair of Dali zenzor 3 drived by a Marantz PM5005. I am verry happy with those and I am thinking to add a music source meaning a CD player. I am listening all tipes of music at all volume levels in a medium size room. Pls adv a CD player which will fitt with the amp and speakers. All the best from Romania!