"Thanks to Established Titles for sponsoring this vid! Get 10% off any purchase w/t code CHEAPAUDIOMAN. Go to establishedtitles.com/cheapaudioman to support the channel!” Elac BS41 (on sale under $100 today) amzn.to/3DCj1CR Elac Mod bit.ly/3zm0oAn www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqouBa5pcIw Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
Randy, question for you - for those of us that just use Spotify, it seems like everything streams that service already. Echo devices, my home theater amps, my TVs, my Roku, my Fire stick, my Chromecast, my iphones, etc. What’s the best cheap audio solution for home (and car) for Spotify users? For example, would adding a WiiM have additional features or improve sound vs other methods? Echos can be really cheap, for example.
@cheapaudioman You might wanna be a bit more careful who you let sponsor your vids, Established titles are a big scam that makes money off peoples ignorance. A lordship isn't just something you get by owning a square feet of land. I love your channel but unfortunately your credibility took a big hit with this one...
People are always talking about the importance of equipment matching, so providing reviews on complete budget systems like this is extremely helpful. Well done ole boy!
Polk Audio TSi100 Bookshelf Speakers, $99 (regular price on Amazon) Yamaha R-S202 receiver $129, (regular price for manufacturer refurb on accessories4less) includes Bluetooth so pretty much any modern source will work with it. That's $230 for a simpler setup, one excellent remote etc. Doesn't have optical, but has plenty of RCA inputs to support whatever you want to connect. That leaves a lot of money on the table for things like turntables, etc. I was just writing up the Polk Audio PSW10 10" Powered Subwoofer when Randy mentioned it. It is $219 right now for me on Amazon (regular price) often goes down to $130. The Polk accepts speaker-level input which is also simpler than the Jamo. Run the TSI100's through the sub.
I have that one (the PSW10) in my den paired with some Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 being pushed by a Denon AVR. Works great. For such a cheap sub, it goes down low and plays loud when you want it. Pretty good deal. I think I got mine for close to the $130 price a few years ago. I'm happy.
For anyone planning on using a splitter to conect a Jamo sub (or any other sub with a single LFE), if you use a regular Y splitter cable from the preamp left and right output to the sub it will make the whole system go mono. You need to use an isolated stereo to mono splitter or make one. I made the one I'm using by adding a 1k ohm resistor in the signal path for each channel in a regular Y cable.
Just went through this exact process for my first ever set up with a $500 budget. Ended up going with the Fosi BT30D (wanted to have the sub controls at my finger tips and not having to go behind the sub to adjust levels), Fosi Q4 DAC, NEUMI BS5 speakers (passive), and ELAC 1010 subwoofer. Also got the Micca COVO-S speakers in case the BS5s were too big for my space. All this plus wires, banana plugs, rcas etc, we’re at like $530. I will recoup some $ when I return the set of speakers I do not want so that will bring me back under $500. Super excited as stuff is still shipping. As I am typing this my ELAC sub was just delivered to my door. Can’t wait to set it all up. Thanks for all your videos not just this one. They helped me learn while looking for the best set up.
The Yamaha as301 is a good option. Built in dac, sub out, lots of inputs, remote. I've got a pair of sscs5's and a Dayton audio 10" sub with mine and all in at about $560.
Cool vid, I love stuff like this. The only issue that struck me while watching is that if you're trying to achieve a soundbar replacement for the tv and have streaming capability with the Wiim, the T8 and the T9 both have only one optical input. The Wiim only has optical out and most TV's also only have optical out. I don't know if there are adapters that would split the input on the dacs to allow two, but something like that might be necessary.
Great video and crazy how inexpensive that system is compared to soundbars. PS: I was a rep for Jamo years ago and fyi It is actually pronounced as "YahMo" like Yamaha. Company started by Jacobson and Mortensen in Denmark hence Ja and Mo where they use Y to say J words. The more you know ...lol. Love the channel and especially your building block approach to hifi. 👏❤️
I have the Jamo 810, plugged into a pair of Jamo 801 Powered monitors. Sounds great. The Jamo powered speakers have the optical input, USB, Bluetooth, and a decent little remote... I'd go that way, for a soundbar replacement. Less components, less cable mess, fewer power cords... and the Jamo's look pretty good, and even match :D 801PM's are $199, matching Jamo sub, $135. Add the Wiim streamer, and you're done. My primary speakers are Elac Debut 2.0 F6.2's, love them, but IMHO, the Jamo 801's sound just as good as the little 4" Elac bookies.
Thanks for this comment! I have the 801 PMs in my cart and will pull the trigger. Already have the S808 sub paired to my PSB Alpha AM5s, which are too good for a desktop setup, so I'm moving them to the living room where they can breathe. The 801 PMs look like a good replacement for them. Honestly, I think the PSB Alpha AM5s are all the speaker 97% of people need. Just add a Jamo sub for some extra low-end. Knowing Jamo's reputation for sound quality and value, I'm sure the 801 PMs will be similar.
Great video, thanks Randy! Thought I'd share my budget setup that I'm using in case it helps someone. At my bedroom desk, where I do my gaming and use for bedroom music, I have the following gear: PC > Drop/Grace SDAC > JDS Labs Subjective3 > JDS Labs Atom > Aiyima A07 > Elac BS41's (no sub, in apartment). I don't own anything higher end to compare to aside from the Andrew Jones Pioneer setup in the living room. I got these Elac's as an upgrade to some Dayton B652 Air's and have been very pleased with the experience. They have some solid bass which works great with both gaming and music.
In the early days of eBay, they were selling titles to places in the UK that no longer exist. But you held the actual "Lordship" or "Sherriff", etc. of that place and could pass it down hereditarily. It was only worth the paper but it seemed like it could be reasonably fun.
@@cheapaudioman Fun? In the same way that a real life Sith Audio $500/roll audiophile toilet paper would be “fun.” Except to the foolish suckers who were scammed out of real-world money for a phony, fantasy-world “title of nobility.”
Have you looked at the ELAC SUB1010? Wonderful little powered sub with all kinds of input options for about $130 when you can find it in stock at Amazon
Excellent vid as usual Randy, I’d love to blind test someone who just bought a $500, or more, sound bar and see how much more they’d like this over that, definitely more complex but worth if if they’re willing to learn!
@@cheapaudioman You could do one of those react videos. Round up a bunch of randos and test it out. Someone from another channel had people with no interest in hifi listen to a bunch of expensive headphones and get their thoughts.
@@cheapaudioman Randy,Thanks for updating this video, could you review the Ampapa A1? My friend and I want to buy this device and I see some youtuber have tested it, but we're worried it's an advertisement. we trust your review more.could you test it ? :)!!!! (Maybe you will just ignore my comment :( ((((((hope you reply ...
Big fan of the ELAC but let me suggest an alternative for those of you who enjoy a warm, caramelly sound. Micca RB42 is a fantastic choice too. Great video Lord Audioman
Great selections, thanks. Here is an alternative based SMSL… i have four of their devices including the SA300 SA100, SP100 (Tube Headphone) and the Sanskrit Mini DAC… awesome, well engineering and made. My Budget system: A300 (not SA which is $139) with BT, sub out and remote ($195) Fluance XL8s book shelf ($129) and the DB10 sub woofer ($199) =$523 you can get the sub from Fluance as “used” $149 which pushed this under $500.
Those speakers might only have 4 inch drivers, but I don’t know very many sound bars that have 4 inch drivers! Plus, unlike a sound bar, they can be separated for greater soundstage width.
I'm using it as my office setup, but I have the Aiyima Tube T9, a Wiim mini streamer, Jamo S803 bookshelf speakers and the Jamo S808 sub and have been pretty satisfied with it for a cheap setup. I took my Geshelli Labs J2 AKM DAC from my main setup and wow, it made a big difference. I'm definitely ordering a second one of those for my office when my budget allows. Wish I had known there is a 10" Jamo sub but the 8" does fine in the small room I have it in.
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 , no I have not. I'm a noob at this and had to start from scratch and put two systems together at the same time and blew my budget, so haven't had a chance to experiment with much yet. Does it work better as a preamp? What desktop amplifier would work well with it?
Great topic and hit home. Bought a SMSL DA-6 amp $90 about a week ago. Replaced a 30 year old Denon receiver. Running a budget system with the Aiyima T8 DAC/Pre-amp, WIIM mini, turntable, CD player and PC, Elac BS41 speakers, 90's Audio Source AST-sub10s. The DA-6 has neutral clean sound and plenty of power. The special surprise (Thanks! Z Reviews and Cheapaudioman) is the surround sound option. I agree it makes a 2.0 or 2.1 system, speakers sound better. It really stands out on blues, jazz or acoustic recordings separation just moves the instruments around to make them sound like they are in the room without taking anything away from the original recording. I recommend the DA-6 for those on a budget or in my case DOWNSIZING. The BS41's really cleaned up with the DA-6. To top it off, added my old 80's Techincs EQ between the T8 and Amp and don't even need it.
As a Scotsman, (although I've lived in Japan for 24 yrs. +) - thanks for pushing the tree-planting scheme! cheers Randy aka The Laird of Cheap Audio ;-)
Ever considered doing some testing comparisons of older speakers that maybe used to be expensive but are now available used vs comparably priced new speakers?
such a great topic. I would love to but finding a screaming deal on a used speaker local to me doesn't have a lot of value for folks that may not be able to find the same piece of equipment from where they're from. Finding used speakers that are still current is another thing entirely. But used equipment can be a huge value. It's just hard to do a vid that would benefit most people. Great idea though and I've thought about it many times.
This was a great episode Randy! We just got an old 1947 floor radio from the neighbor today. My 8 year old son and I took out the old speaker and made a shelf to hold the Elacs, and then I'll get the Aiyma amp with Bluetooth to drive them (maybe another Wiim later). Now we will have some music for the living room that is wife approved. Just need to wait for black Friday, or watch prices every day.
The Polk PSW10 is such a great sub, and WAS a tremendous value at the $130 I spent on it years ago. They have their nerve selling it for around $100 more than it has been selling for close to a decade. That’s a bit more than inflation. I hope they drop the price or replace it with a sub that’s just as good, or better, that’s around $150. And as a side note, I own the Yamaha, it’s manufactured in China(some more expensive models are built in Malaysia) Yamaha does have a good warranty and QC though, unlike some direct from China products.
I got lucky and paid $200 for the B1+ when you did a live stream with Emotiva. It was a revelation, I had never heard such detail. And that was with a stopgap measure Loxjie A30 (also has headphone out) and then grabbed the Wiim on sale. Makes a great sound bar replacement/listening set-up. I'll eventually go with separate components but first my brain needs more listening experience. With cables, connectors and cheap stands it was under $600. I also have a sub so I cheated a bit.
Randy I love the budget system setups.It’s possible to get great audio at a reasonable price. Another option that gives you a great setup for under $500 are a WIIM Mini and powered speakers from the likes of Edifier, Klipsch, Kanto and AudioEngine. I have had a Chromecast Audio connected to a set of Audyssey LES speakers on my desk for years and it sounds great. I also use my JDS Labs Element II as a pre-amp to the speakers when streaming from my computer. A powered speaker setup could definitely be a soundbar replacement/upgrade.
My cheap system, JBL A130 ($179 bought early), Aiyima A07 ($79), WIim streamer ($79). I use Amazon music, my control is a Samsung tablet (but my cheap Amazon tablet ($60) works just fine controlling the Wiim) Very happy
The Elac BS41s are definitely the entry level speaker to purchase at this point in time. I'd like to add the Monoprice 12 powered sub as a good entry level option. It will accept a high level speaker pass through input which makes it compatible with just about any system, features a 150w amp, and a 12in driver at $140.
@@cheapaudioman How would the Sony STRDH190 compare to the choices in this video i mostly use a turntable and Bluetooth. Currently have a 1mii amp and a cheep pyle 444 preamp Hoping the sony goes down in price in the coming sales. Thanks for all the knologe, hard work and excellent reviews.
So this video got me thinking. I am getting my kitchen and thinking about putting tunes in the kitchen! The debate - in ceiling speakers or a good set of bookshelf?!?! If running in ceiling speakers - should I have 4 in the ceiling? One good thing is that the attic is easily accessible and can run wires to the speakers and a closet to house everything. My problem? Keep on enlarging the project! What about an integrated amp with different zones? Hmm...
Those speakers were fine with several of my amps. They were spectacular when paired with a marantz 2215 from the early 70s. 15 watts chanell and makes those elacs sing! Shouldn't work, but it does.
Nice video. A speaker alternate for a small to medium room would be to get the impressive Dayton MK 442T and skip a sub. I don’t trust any subs under 500 anyway. The Dayton is transmission line, and hits impressively low with detail. The Daytons retail for under 200.
Nice job randy! Why no mention of the elac sub1010? Change it up, I can understand. Also, Nice to hear your interest in the yamaha for comparison. I've been happy with the as501
My Fosi amp came yesterday and yes, it's really nice! I've used it hooked up to my iPhone 11, with an optical to RCA adapter, out from my PC through a Dragon fly Black, and thinking of adding a HDMI to RCA adapter
In real life most people already have some piece of the puzzle lying around or given to them for free because someone else had it lying around. The freebie leftover stuff isn't usually very good stuff though. But it's a starting point. I'm a big fan of the upgrade path, which is where most audiophiles live their lives, on the upgrade path.
I have the Aiyima T9 and Sony SC-CS5 and an old Chromecast streamer in a home office. it sounds great. I did find I prefer the schiit modi 3 as a DAC and I rolled the tubes but it impresses people when we listen to stuff on my Wharfedale Linton's and expensive amp then I show them what you can get for less than the price of one speaker. it's very good bang for your buck!
CAM’s earlier videos inspired me down this path Elac bs41+ Fosi Bt30d and banana plugs for $150 (at that time). Already had an. Emotiva little ego and a Boston acoustic micro80pv sub laying around. I have since added a fosi p1 tube preamp. I also found a Teac Ag-75 at my local goodwill that i use in place of the Bt30d when I want to get a little more from the elacs.
I would be very curious to watch how you would review the sound of this system vs. a cheap receiver or integrated. Some people may be ok with the large footprint. Personally, I love the form factor of these separate desktop components.
If you want the most bang for your buck, I"d buy a used stereo receiver. Most people are dumping their old home theater receivers that are not hdmi for pennies on the dollar. They still work great as a stereo receiver.
I tested the Jamo sub 810 and can confirm it is a great value, especially at its current sale price! Another sub I would recommend is ELAC SUB 1010 for $130. I’m testing it right now and so far I am pretty impressed. I’m not sure if it goes quite as low as the Jammo, but it produces accurate, tight bass down to about 37 Hz.
Try this: topping mx5 $300,Suca audio tube-t1 - $49, WiiM mini streamer - $79, and Micca rb42 speakers - $149 and no sub needed. Great system around $500-$600
Will be getting some 2 channel Elacs in the coming days!!! Great Stuff Randy!!! All good but the subwoofer… got my trusty Yamaha can’t go wrong there!!! Plenty of Bass , for whatever You pump through there!!!!
Lord Randy, I'd would be great if you produced a vid where you connect the you recommend here to a TV and record the audio difference before and after the install. All the best to you and yours.
Picked up a pair of the BS41’s for $107 on Amazon a couple weeks ago. Definitely workable with typical bass and treble controls Randy, and 👍, the crossovers can be improved imo, but haven’t gotten around to that, no hurry. I found a good spot for them in a decent size room, but I needed the 21 inch stands which I am waiting for them to come in, but it’s working out pretty nicely right now.. They are currently a B pair on my secondary stereo system, but thinking about eventual transfer to the TV room, just need to work out logistics and an equipment list. I am trying very hard to be “cheap” so it takes a while to click on purchases. It literally took me a full year until your full BS 41 review to end up getting the Elacs..🤣 PS) They definitely were designed to be on stands in the room. On a table, even away from the wall, they didn’t quite sound right, although they sounded much better when about 4 inches off the table and on stands away from walls. They also loot seem to lose some personality when you choke the port. I think the design is pretty good for how cheap they are. 🥳
I bought 36v supply and turned the voltage to max (39v) to drive duo tpa3255 monoblock, and f-mod @70hz high pass, keep the over-priced amps, and save up for a big subwoofer, to match output
Replacement Teflon eardrums are not on Amazon. Headphones, car audio and concerts have left me with tinnitus. Your ears can stand only so much use at high volume. Rated at dynes per hour centered at 1000 hz Look it up.. learn the tech, and just be reasonable , or watch folks talk and you can't hear the words clearly.
Fun video. Like the Wiim mini. I'm going with a pair of Kanto YU2's and a Polk Audio PSW108. $465 delivered. . $35 for a sub cable and speaker wire = $500. $
Paused at 0:30 to say you've gotta be crazy. No way $500 will get you a respectable system with all that. Now as I hit play, I am eager to see what you come up with..... EDIT: Wow Randy. that's a pretty sweet setup. Like you indicated, I might be willing to drop a few more bucks to get a more substantial speaker due to my room size, but you came up with an awesome system. I never doubted you, even when I was doubting you.
I remember back in the 1970's the rock band Black Oak Arkansas gave the deed to 1 square foot of land in Black Oak AR. in one of their albums. Is there anyone still alive that remembers that ?
Great stuff today. I always love seeing new ideas for budget systems. My current favorite combos use more integrated components that are on your B-Tier list for simplicity: 1. the Aiyima D03 (currently on sale for $109) + Wiim (nice because you can upgrade to an external DAC) or 2. the Arylic A50+, plus speakers of your choice. Both the D03 and A50+ have optical in, built-in DACs, and sub-outs. Both have sufficient power for most speakers in modestly sized rooms. I haven't heard the BS41s unfortunately but at < $120 may just have to pick up a pair.
Elac BS41 Enclosure type 2-Way Bass Reflex Frequency Response 48Hz-35,000Hz Nominal Impedance 6 Ohms Sensitivity 84 dB @ 2.83v/1m Crossover frequency 2000Hz Max power output (NOT RMS) 80 watts Tweeter 1" Cloth Dome Woofer 4" Polypropylene Cabinet CARB2 Rated MDF Cabinet finish Black Brushed Vinyl Port Dual Flared Binding Posts 5-Way Metal Dimensions (WxHxD) 6.6" X 10.9" X 8.9"
just to add a cheap speaker,i have the Jamo S 803 bookshelf and the crossover they use must have magic in it,they sound amaze balls and are usually always cheap,and i dont use a sub woofer with mine as they hit hard enough down to 50hz which is my fav bass frequency
I took a chance and bought the BS41s when they were $68. They sound good, but I’m running them on an Arylic A50+ and I don’t think they are being properly powered. I just ordered another pair with the center channel combo and will be using all for a home theater setup. Will be moving my Jamos 803 HCS and using the S803s on the Arylic. I think the Yamaha RX-V6A I have will really get the most out of the Elacs.
I guess the output on the a07 is a fixed output. I'll have to look into it more. there seems to be some confusion on it. I'll test it out. I have one here
Yes it is fixed but it works if you are using a computer, preamp or DAC as volume control instead of the A07. I have schiit fulla to A07 to speakers and a powered sub. You have to match up the gain on the A07 to the subwoofer. Once that's set you can control the whole system with the computer, DAC or preamp
I loathe Soundbars, I Can’t believe how popular they still are! The Schiit Modi is probably the best sounding DACs ever made for $129 but it doesn’t have the features of this thing. Great option though.
Dear Randy, I have a question for you and the Cheapaudioman Community. Randy, even if you have t listened to either of these receivers perhaps the info below will allow you to weigh in on any advantages or disadvantages that may be relevant. I'm hearing-impaired so what that means is that (in my specific case) it takes more time for me to recognize sonic differences when comparing components in regard ls to how they can sound different. I currently own two A/V receivers that I use in 2 different rooms for both both music and movies. I'll listen both... 1. SONY STR-ZA3100ES (2017) 2. MARANTZ SR6013 (2018) I've no need for two elaborate listening rooms so I plan on parting with one of the above. SONY's "ES" line is famous for not having any built-in wifi or bluetooth capabilities. Therefore no apps of any kind. It also does not have a built-in phono stage. It appears SONY may have wanted to focus more on the sound quality circuitry, and whatever else related, hence the "ES" classification. The 3100ES is second only to SONY's flagship model wich is the ZA5000ES if I'm correct. To be clear, the lack of wifi/bluetooth/apps & phono preamp is NOT an issue for me. I mitigated both with the iFi Zen Blue 5.0 receiver and Pro-Ject's Tube Box S2. Therefore the lack of these things being built-in is irrelevant. The 3100ES sounds fantastic. The MARANTZ SR6013 has all of the usual built-in streaming apps, bluetooth, wifi and a phono preamp. It also sounds fantastic. As mentioned, both of these specific receivers sound fantastic regarding movies, and all music playback sources whether in Direct, Stereo, or Multi-Channel stereo modes. So my question is this, which one of these two receivers in your opinion is built better and offers a better overall music experience and why? From my experience I think the SONY sounds a bit better but maybe I'm overlooking something about this MARANTZ. Then again, maybe not...feel free to weigh in with your opinions, especially Randy.
How all this should be put together? I mean, sub should be connected to preamp, preamp to amp and then speakers to the amp? Am I wrong? Could it work like that? Signal to the sub shouldn't be strengthened through amp? I was doing research on the internet to find out, but I found nothing helpful. If somebody could explain this to me in more understandable way I would be grateful
I'm listening to this, at my desk, using some Presonus 4.5 Eris powered "monitors". If you already have a computer, all you have to add is a DAC, and these speakers were $200. Presonus 3.5" are only $100, a Schiit Modi is $130 now, that's a $250 system, minus a sub. I'm curious how a head to head comparison would go? For some, the powered monitors are a "plug and play" setup.
Jsut curious. If the RCA's are joined with a Y splitter or similar, will this affect the connection and end up with it becoming mono instead of stereo? Most Y cables just join left and right together.
help, newbie question here... I have this system: -AIYIMA T8 6N3 -Fosi Audio TB10D -Elac BS41-BK I just got the Polk Audio PSW10 used for $50, how do I add the sub into the system? Do I need to run splitters out of the pre-amp or the amp?
Could you recommend a few other speakers which would actually be flat...Maybe work well as studio monitors. Unfortunately none of the lower end ELAC's are flat based on the in room measurements I've seen.
Reee A stereo to mono adaptor connected to the RCA splitter will turn the other stereo output from the RCA splitter into mono as well. It's traditional to use the left channel only to take a mono signal to feed into the sub. But in this case, that would then also likely cause an impedance imbalance between channels and make an uneven stereo volume. So that 1st sub option may not work. The 2nd 👌
I have one, possibly provocative and naughty question here. Please note that I just started to watch the video, but since you are mentioning the whole chain... How valid do you think chain computer/digital source >> audio interface/audio card >> active studio monitors is? Most people probably have some digital source, and you can get nice audio interface and pair of active studio monitors for a decent price, say around $300. It can be a very nice part of a larger and expanding media center. And just saying - if you can afford to listen at high volumes, gaming can also be very immersive.
I think that's a great option if you are just working off a computer. but the digital source/dac is very important. Huge improvements can be made with a good dac/sound card
@@cheapaudioman I hear you. If you're not into podcasting or audio production, you would probably use either some regular sound card and maybe drive it directly into some more or less not "audiophile" speakers or maybe connect it to a regular audio system (could be "audiophile"!). Couldn't you just use audio source >> dac >> powered studio monitor speakers? If you already have source and dac, monitors could cost you like $200 for a passable pair (small one though). I'll check your page, if you mentioned small/home studio monitors before, if you didn't, I'll sell you idea for a good price of $0 :)
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My Sith Audio mug shipped today.... soon, I'll garb a cup of coffee with you! Cheers!
Actually I think you did a better job than I did on this one. Bravo!
Randy, question for you - for those of us that just use Spotify, it seems like everything streams that service already. Echo devices, my home theater amps, my TVs, my Roku, my Fire stick, my Chromecast, my iphones, etc. What’s the best cheap audio solution for home (and car) for Spotify users? For example, would adding a WiiM have additional features or improve sound vs other methods? Echos can be really cheap, for example.
Im sure you know, but this sponsor is a scam, i hope you don't use them again🥲
@cheapaudioman You might wanna be a bit more careful who you let sponsor your vids, Established titles are a big scam that makes money off peoples ignorance. A lordship isn't just something you get by owning a square feet of land. I love your channel but unfortunately your credibility took a big hit with this one...
People are always talking about the importance of equipment matching, so providing reviews on complete budget systems like this is extremely helpful. Well done ole boy!
thanks, Ben!
Polk Audio TSi100 Bookshelf Speakers, $99 (regular price on Amazon)
Yamaha R-S202 receiver $129, (regular price for manufacturer refurb on accessories4less) includes Bluetooth so pretty much any modern source will work with it.
That's $230 for a simpler setup, one excellent remote etc. Doesn't have optical, but has plenty of RCA inputs to support whatever you want to connect. That leaves a lot of money on the table for things like turntables, etc.
I was just writing up the Polk Audio PSW10 10" Powered Subwoofer when Randy mentioned it. It is $219 right now for me on Amazon (regular price) often goes down to $130. The Polk accepts speaker-level input which is also simpler than the Jamo. Run the TSI100's through the sub.
I have that one (the PSW10) in my den paired with some Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 being pushed by a Denon AVR. Works great. For such a cheap sub, it goes down low and plays loud when you want it. Pretty good deal. I think I got mine for close to the $130 price a few years ago. I'm happy.
For anyone planning on using a splitter to conect a Jamo sub (or any other sub with a single LFE), if you use a regular Y splitter cable from the preamp left and right output to the sub it will make the whole system go mono. You need to use an isolated stereo to mono splitter or make one. I made the one I'm using by adding a 1k ohm resistor in the signal path for each channel in a regular Y cable.
Just went through this exact process for my first ever set up with a $500 budget. Ended up going with the Fosi BT30D (wanted to have the sub controls at my finger tips and not having to go behind the sub to adjust levels), Fosi Q4 DAC, NEUMI BS5 speakers (passive), and ELAC 1010 subwoofer. Also got the Micca COVO-S speakers in case the BS5s were too big for my space. All this plus wires, banana plugs, rcas etc, we’re at like $530. I will recoup some $ when I return the set of speakers I do not want so that will bring me back under $500. Super excited as stuff is still shipping. As I am typing this my ELAC sub was just delivered to my door. Can’t wait to set it all up. Thanks for all your videos not just this one. They helped me learn while looking for the best set up.
The Yamaha as301 is a good option. Built in dac, sub out, lots of inputs, remote. I've got a pair of sscs5's and a Dayton audio 10" sub with mine and all in at about $560.
Cool vid, I love stuff like this. The only issue that struck me while watching is that if you're trying to achieve a soundbar replacement for the tv and have streaming capability with the Wiim, the T8 and the T9 both have only one optical input. The Wiim only has optical out and most TV's also only have optical out. I don't know if there are adapters that would split the input on the dacs to allow two, but something like that might be necessary.
Great video and crazy how inexpensive that system is compared to soundbars. PS: I was a rep for Jamo years ago and fyi It is actually pronounced as "YahMo" like Yamaha. Company started by Jacobson and Mortensen in Denmark hence Ja and Mo where they use Y to say J words. The more you know ...lol. Love the channel and especially your building block approach to hifi. 👏❤️
I have the Jamo 810, plugged into a pair of Jamo 801 Powered monitors. Sounds great. The Jamo powered speakers have the optical input, USB, Bluetooth, and a decent little remote... I'd go that way, for a soundbar replacement. Less components, less cable mess, fewer power cords... and the Jamo's look pretty good, and even match :D
801PM's are $199, matching Jamo sub, $135. Add the Wiim streamer, and you're done. My primary speakers are Elac Debut 2.0 F6.2's, love them, but IMHO, the Jamo 801's sound just as good as the little 4" Elac bookies.
Thanks for this comment! I have the 801 PMs in my cart and will pull the trigger. Already have the S808 sub paired to my PSB Alpha AM5s, which are too good for a desktop setup, so I'm moving them to the living room where they can breathe. The 801 PMs look like a good replacement for them.
Honestly, I think the PSB Alpha AM5s are all the speaker 97% of people need. Just add a Jamo sub for some extra low-end. Knowing Jamo's reputation for sound quality and value, I'm sure the 801 PMs will be similar.
The elac 1010 subwoofer is $129 and works very good!
Great video, thanks Randy! Thought I'd share my budget setup that I'm using in case it helps someone. At my bedroom desk, where I do my gaming and use for bedroom music, I have the following gear: PC > Drop/Grace SDAC > JDS Labs Subjective3 > JDS Labs Atom > Aiyima A07 > Elac BS41's (no sub, in apartment). I don't own anything higher end to compare to aside from the Andrew Jones Pioneer setup in the living room. I got these Elac's as an upgrade to some Dayton B652 Air's and have been very pleased with the experience. They have some solid bass which works great with both gaming and music.
In the early days of eBay, they were selling titles to places in the UK that no longer exist. But you held the actual "Lordship" or "Sherriff", etc. of that place and could pass it down hereditarily. It was only worth the paper but it seemed like it could be reasonably fun.
I couldn't help but take this sponsorship. So crazy. But yes, fun for sure.
@@cheapaudioman Fun? In the same way that a real life Sith Audio $500/roll audiophile toilet paper would be “fun.”
Except to the foolish suckers who were scammed out of real-world money for a phony, fantasy-world “title of nobility.”
Have you looked at the ELAC SUB1010?
Wonderful little powered sub with all kinds of input options for about $130 when you can find it in stock at Amazon
Ditto. Randy, please review the Sub1010!
Excellent vid as usual Randy, I’d love to blind test someone who just bought a $500, or more, sound bar and see how much more they’d like this over that, definitely more complex but worth if if they’re willing to learn!
Great suggestion!
@@cheapaudioman You could do one of those react videos. Round up a bunch of randos and test it out. Someone from another channel had people with no interest in hifi listen to a bunch of expensive headphones and get their thoughts.
@@cheapaudioman randy can you review kanto yu passive 5” please
I've always said sound bars are for lazy people.😂
@@cheapaudioman Randy,Thanks for updating this video, could you review the Ampapa A1? My friend and I want to buy this device and I see some youtuber have tested it, but we're worried it's an advertisement. we trust your review more.could you test it ? :)!!!! (Maybe you will just ignore my comment :( ((((((hope you reply ...
Big fan of the ELAC but let me suggest an alternative for those of you who enjoy a warm, caramelly sound. Micca RB42 is a fantastic choice too.
Great video Lord Audioman
Jamo 803, Neumi bs5, for the 150 range
I agree with you on the micca speaker. I bought mine for 100$ and it’s sounded warm and exciting compared to my Polk R200s
Great selections, thanks. Here is an alternative based SMSL… i have four of their devices including the SA300 SA100, SP100 (Tube Headphone) and the Sanskrit Mini DAC… awesome, well engineering and made. My Budget system: A300 (not SA which is $139) with BT, sub out and remote ($195) Fluance XL8s book shelf ($129) and the DB10 sub woofer ($199) =$523 you can get the sub from Fluance as “used” $149 which pushed this under $500.
Those speakers might only have 4 inch drivers, but I don’t know very many sound bars that have 4 inch drivers! Plus, unlike a sound bar, they can be separated for greater soundstage width.
I'm using it as my office setup, but I have the Aiyima Tube T9, a Wiim mini streamer, Jamo S803 bookshelf speakers and the Jamo S808 sub and have been pretty satisfied with it for a cheap setup. I took my Geshelli Labs J2 AKM DAC from my main setup and wow, it made a big difference. I'm definitely ordering a second one of those for my office when my budget allows. Wish I had known there is a 10" Jamo sub but the 8" does fine in the small room I have it in.
Nice. The Jamos and the Elacs are both on sale for around $100 today on Amazon
Same here...the J2 is so good, I'm buying another one for my computer/headphone system.
@@cheapaudioman I got them all based on your recommendations. Thank you so much!!
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 , no I have not. I'm a noob at this and had to start from scratch and put two systems together at the same time and blew my budget, so haven't had a chance to experiment with much yet. Does it work better as a preamp? What desktop amplifier would work well with it?
The Dayton 10" SUB 1000 is on sale for $124 shipped right now at Parts Express. Hookup options include high level.
Great topic and hit home. Bought a SMSL DA-6 amp $90 about a week ago. Replaced a 30 year old Denon receiver. Running a budget system with the Aiyima T8 DAC/Pre-amp, WIIM mini, turntable, CD player and PC, Elac BS41 speakers, 90's Audio Source AST-sub10s. The DA-6 has neutral clean sound and plenty of power. The special surprise (Thanks! Z Reviews and Cheapaudioman) is the surround sound option. I agree it makes a 2.0 or 2.1 system, speakers sound better. It really stands out on blues, jazz or acoustic recordings separation just moves the instruments around to make them sound like they are in the room without taking anything away from the original recording. I recommend the DA-6 for those on a budget or in my case DOWNSIZING. The BS41's really cleaned up with the DA-6. To top it off, added my old 80's Techincs EQ between the T8 and Amp and don't even need it.
As a Scotsman, (although I've lived in Japan for 24 yrs. +) - thanks for pushing the tree-planting scheme! cheers Randy aka The Laird of Cheap Audio ;-)
Ever considered doing some testing comparisons of older speakers that maybe used to be expensive but are now available used vs comparably priced new speakers?
such a great topic. I would love to but finding a screaming deal on a used speaker local to me doesn't have a lot of value for folks that may not be able to find the same piece of equipment from where they're from. Finding used speakers that are still current is another thing entirely. But used equipment can be a huge value. It's just hard to do a vid that would benefit most people. Great idea though and I've thought about it many times.
This was a great episode Randy! We just got an old 1947 floor radio from the neighbor today. My 8 year old son and I took out the old speaker and made a shelf to hold the Elacs, and then I'll get the Aiyma amp with Bluetooth to drive them (maybe another Wiim later). Now we will have some music for the living room that is wife approved. Just need to wait for black Friday, or watch prices every day.
The Polk PSW10 is such a great sub, and WAS a tremendous value at the $130 I spent on it years ago. They have their nerve selling it for around $100 more than it has been selling for close to a decade. That’s a bit more than inflation. I hope they drop the price or replace it with a sub that’s just as good, or better, that’s around $150.
And as a side note, I own the Yamaha, it’s manufactured in China(some more expensive models are built in Malaysia) Yamaha does have a good warranty and QC though, unlike some direct from China products.
Randy! Just started watching your videos yesterday and is that a Murph I see you're wearing? My worlds are colliding 😂 love the content, keep it up!
I got lucky and paid $200 for the B1+ when you did a live stream with Emotiva. It was a revelation, I had never heard such detail. And that was with a stopgap measure Loxjie A30 (also has headphone out) and then grabbed the Wiim on sale. Makes a great sound bar replacement/listening set-up.
I'll eventually go with separate components but first my brain needs more listening experience.
With cables, connectors and cheap stands it was under $600. I also have a sub so I cheated a bit.
Randy I love the budget system setups.It’s possible to get great audio at a reasonable price.
Another option that gives you a great setup for under $500 are a WIIM Mini and powered speakers from the likes of Edifier, Klipsch, Kanto and AudioEngine.
I have had a Chromecast Audio connected to a set of Audyssey LES speakers on my desk for years and it sounds great. I also use my JDS Labs Element II as a pre-amp to the speakers when streaming from my computer.
A powered speaker setup could definitely be a soundbar replacement/upgrade.
My cheap system, JBL A130 ($179 bought early), Aiyima A07 ($79), WIim streamer ($79). I use Amazon music, my control is a Samsung tablet (but my cheap Amazon tablet ($60) works just fine controlling the Wiim) Very happy
This is the best sponsor ever.
I don't how you do it man. Still keeping it fresh and sill keeping it cheap. Great picks for quality and functionality!
The Elac BS41s are definitely the entry level speaker to purchase at this point in time. I'd like to add the Monoprice 12 powered sub as a good entry level option. It will accept a high level speaker pass through input which makes it compatible with just about any system, features a 150w amp, and a 12in driver at $140.
Yeah. After I edited this the monoprice option jumped in my head. I missed that one. Very solid option
@@cheapaudioman How would the Sony STRDH190 compare to the choices in this video i mostly use a turntable and Bluetooth. Currently have a 1mii amp and a cheep pyle 444 preamp Hoping the sony goes down in price in the coming sales. Thanks for all the knologe, hard work and excellent reviews.
So this video got me thinking. I am getting my kitchen and thinking about putting tunes in the kitchen! The debate - in ceiling speakers or a good set of bookshelf?!?! If running in ceiling speakers - should I have 4 in the ceiling? One good thing is that the attic is easily accessible and can run wires to the speakers and a closet to house everything. My problem? Keep on enlarging the project! What about an integrated amp with different zones? Hmm...
excellent recommendations. also might want to test or take into consideration the Elac SUB1010 120 Watt 10"
Doh! Didn't see that you also recommended this little guy (I just posted the same thing...)
Using one in my office and it is fantastic for the price!
I bought b stock elac 3010 for around $200. I love it.
I have the Aiyima T9 and is amazing, no issues with mine. Running a pair of JBL tower speakers no problem at all.
Those speakers were fine with several of my amps. They were spectacular when paired with a marantz 2215 from the early 70s. 15 watts chanell and makes those elacs sing! Shouldn't work, but it does.
Nice video. A speaker alternate for a small to medium room would be to get the impressive Dayton MK 442T and skip a sub. I don’t trust any subs under 500 anyway. The Dayton is transmission line, and hits impressively low with detail. The Daytons retail for under 200.
If you wire up the Jamo Sub as you say, then follow the wires, and both the Elac speakers will be playing L+R too.
Nice job randy! Why no mention of the elac sub1010? Change it up, I can understand. Also, Nice to hear your interest in the yamaha for comparison. I've been happy with the as501
Janet Leigh's performance in Psycho was perfection.
My Fosi amp came yesterday and yes, it's really nice! I've used it hooked up to my iPhone 11, with an optical to RCA adapter, out from my PC through a Dragon fly Black, and thinking of adding a HDMI to RCA adapter
I need a crest and 1 square foot of land, Randy! I was just thinking what is missing from my life....and boom, there it is!
In real life most people already have some piece of the puzzle lying around or given to them for free because someone else had it lying around. The freebie leftover stuff isn't usually very good stuff though. But it's a starting point. I'm a big fan of the upgrade path, which is where most audiophiles live their lives, on the upgrade path.
I have the Aiyima T9 and Sony SC-CS5 and an old Chromecast streamer in a home office. it sounds great. I did find I prefer the schiit modi 3 as a DAC and I rolled the tubes but it impresses people when we listen to stuff on my Wharfedale Linton's and expensive amp then I show them what you can get for less than the price of one speaker. it's very good bang for your buck!
Remember to mention that you cannot use speaker level inputs on a subwoofer, from a class D amp anyway. Important to be aware of as will ruin the sub.
Thank You, Lord Cheapaudioman for this great start up system and this is a great time to be in audio.
CAM’s earlier videos inspired me down this path
Elac bs41+ Fosi Bt30d and banana plugs for $150 (at that time). Already had an. Emotiva little ego and a Boston acoustic micro80pv sub laying around. I have since added a fosi p1 tube preamp.
I also found a Teac Ag-75 at my local goodwill that i use in place of the Bt30d when I want to get a little more from the elacs.
I would be very curious to watch how you would review the sound of this system vs. a cheap receiver or integrated.
Some people may be ok with the large footprint. Personally, I love the form factor of these separate desktop components.
If you want the most bang for your buck, I"d buy a used stereo receiver. Most people are dumping their old home theater receivers that are not hdmi for pennies on the dollar. They still work great as a stereo receiver.
@@stevelouie5928 , I was actually more interested in the sound quality comparison.
@@ADREISTER Between a chinese amp and an older receiver?
I tested the Jamo sub 810 and can confirm it is a great value, especially at its current sale price! Another sub I would recommend is ELAC SUB 1010 for $130. I’m testing it right now and so far I am pretty impressed. I’m not sure if it goes quite as low as the Jammo, but it produces accurate, tight bass down to about 37 Hz.
Awesome, thank you!
Try this: topping mx5 $300,Suca audio tube-t1 - $49, WiiM mini streamer - $79, and Micca rb42 speakers - $149 and no sub needed. Great system around $500-$600
Fosi Audio T10 has Wiim built in, and a mini headphone preout for subwoofer. Also on sale for $109.
Built in wiim is a great feature.
I run the Aiyima T9 into the Aiyima AO7 into Klipsch RP600M....Sounds AMAZING! All for $640 USD...Thanks Randy!!
@@crazyprayingmantis5596did you end up trying that? I have a 3120 and considering the same
Will be getting some 2 channel Elacs in the coming days!!! Great Stuff Randy!!! All good but the subwoofer… got my trusty Yamaha can’t go wrong there!!! Plenty of Bass , for whatever You pump through there!!!!
Excellent Video Randy, keep them coming😜
Lord Randy, I'd would be great if you produced a vid where you connect the you recommend here to a TV and record the audio difference before and after the install. All the best to you and yours.
Picked up a pair of the BS41’s for $107 on Amazon a couple weeks ago. Definitely workable with typical bass and treble controls Randy, and 👍, the crossovers can be improved imo, but haven’t gotten around to that, no hurry. I found a good spot for them in a decent size room, but I needed the 21 inch stands which I am waiting for them to come in, but it’s working out pretty nicely right now..
They are currently a B pair on my secondary stereo system, but thinking about eventual transfer to the TV room, just need to work out logistics and an equipment list. I am trying very hard to be “cheap” so it takes a while to click on purchases. It literally took me a full year until your full BS 41 review to end up getting the Elacs..🤣
PS) They definitely were designed to be on stands in the room. On a table, even away from the wall, they didn’t quite sound right, although they sounded much better when about 4 inches off the table and on stands away from walls. They also loot seem to lose some personality when you choke the port. I think the design is pretty good for how cheap they are. 🥳
Nice guide Randy. Would love to see a similar one for a Super Cheapo Home THEA-TAHH :)
Those are some rocking Elacs....ran them for fun as mains and surrounds on my HT for a while
Thanks! Enjoying my Kona coffeee!
Wow, Ken! Thanks so much for supporting the channel, my friend. I'm enjoying a nice cup right now too.
I bought 36v supply and turned the voltage to max (39v) to drive duo tpa3255 monoblock, and f-mod @70hz high pass, keep the over-priced amps, and save up for a big subwoofer, to match output
Replacement Teflon eardrums are not on Amazon. Headphones, car audio and concerts have left me with tinnitus. Your ears can stand only so much use at high volume. Rated at dynes per hour centered at 1000 hz
Look it up.. learn the tech, and just be reasonable , or watch folks talk and you can't hear the words clearly.
Fun video.
Like the Wiim mini.
I'm going with a pair of Kanto YU2's
and a Polk Audio PSW108.
$465 delivered. .
$35 for a sub cable and speaker wire = $500.
$
Great Stuff Randy!!! This system would make a lot people very happy!!!
thanks, G
Paused at 0:30 to say you've gotta be crazy. No way $500 will get you a respectable system with all that. Now as I hit play, I am eager to see what you come up with.....
EDIT: Wow Randy. that's a pretty sweet setup. Like you indicated, I might be willing to drop a few more bucks to get a more substantial speaker due to my room size, but you came up with an awesome system.
I never doubted you, even when I was doubting you.
I remember back in the 1970's the rock band Black Oak Arkansas gave the deed to 1 square foot of land in Black Oak AR. in one of their albums. Is there anyone still alive that remembers that ?
Is that “When Electricity Came to Arkansas”? 😂😂😂
That sounds awfully familiar. I’d say I probably do remember it but never bought the album.
@@WisGuy4 It was. Toast to Jim Dandy😂
I have two Jamo c912 $189 on Amazon and one s810.. for the extra $45 it’s 500% better to get the C912 the cabinets to small on the s810 IMO
Great stuff today. I always love seeing new ideas for budget systems. My current favorite combos use more integrated components that are on your B-Tier list for simplicity: 1. the Aiyima D03 (currently on sale for $109) + Wiim (nice because you can upgrade to an external DAC) or 2. the Arylic A50+, plus speakers of your choice. Both the D03 and A50+ have optical in, built-in DACs, and sub-outs. Both have sufficient power for most speakers in modestly sized rooms. I haven't heard the BS41s unfortunately but at < $120 may just have to pick up a pair.
DO3 is $110!?
@@cheapaudioman $113 (no power supply) / $139 w/US power supply on Aiyima's site today
Solid Advice Randy!!! Well done.
Thanks so much! This really helps out the channel
I need those ELAC's in all white, very affordable systme though.
Elac BS41
Enclosure type 2-Way Bass Reflex
Frequency Response 48Hz-35,000Hz
Nominal Impedance 6 Ohms
Sensitivity 84 dB @ 2.83v/1m
Crossover frequency 2000Hz
Max power output (NOT RMS) 80 watts
Tweeter 1" Cloth Dome
Woofer 4" Polypropylene
Cabinet CARB2 Rated MDF
Cabinet finish Black Brushed Vinyl
Port Dual Flared
Binding Posts 5-Way Metal
Dimensions (WxHxD) 6.6" X 10.9" X 8.9"
I can attest to the Yamaha A-S301. It's a fine choice.
just to add a cheap speaker,i have the Jamo S 803 bookshelf and the crossover they use must have magic in it,they sound amaze balls and are usually always cheap,and i dont use a sub woofer with mine as they hit hard enough down to 50hz which is my fav bass frequency
I took a chance and bought the BS41s when they were $68. They sound good, but I’m running them on an Arylic A50+ and I don’t think they are being properly powered. I just ordered another pair with the center channel combo and will be using all for a home theater setup. Will be moving my Jamos 803 HCS and using the S803s on the Arylic. I think the Yamaha RX-V6A I have will really get the most out of the Elacs.
Randy, Neumi BS5 also come around $100 but it doesnt seem to get recommended here often.
The Jamo S808 sub is $100 in amazon right now with free shipping Prime
Would the Jamo sub be playing full range in that setup given its only input is LFE?
This is such a great video idea, entire budget systems. Nice!
Glad it was helpful!
Or as an alternative to using the RCA splitter for the subwoofer out: The Aiyima A07 + T8 combo and use the output on the A07 for the subwoofer.
I guess the output on the a07 is a fixed output. I'll have to look into it more. there seems to be some confusion on it. I'll test it out. I have one here
Yes it is fixed but it works if you are using a computer, preamp or DAC as volume control instead of the A07. I have schiit fulla to A07 to speakers and a powered sub. You have to match up the gain on the A07 to the subwoofer. Once that's set you can control the whole system with the computer, DAC or preamp
I loathe Soundbars, I
Can’t believe how popular they still are!
The Schiit Modi is probably the best sounding DACs ever made for $129 but it doesn’t have the features of this thing. Great option though.
Dear Randy,
I have a question for you and the Cheapaudioman Community.
Randy, even if you have t listened to either of these receivers perhaps the info below will allow you to weigh in on any advantages or disadvantages that may be relevant.
I'm hearing-impaired so what that means is that (in my specific case)
it takes more time for me to recognize sonic differences when comparing components in regard ls to how they can sound different.
I currently own two A/V receivers that I use in 2 different rooms for both both music and movies. I'll listen both...
1. SONY STR-ZA3100ES (2017)
2. MARANTZ SR6013 (2018)
I've no need for two elaborate listening rooms so I plan on parting with one of the above.
SONY's "ES" line is famous for not having any built-in wifi or bluetooth capabilities. Therefore no apps of any kind. It also does not have a built-in phono stage. It appears SONY may have wanted to focus more on the sound quality circuitry, and whatever else related, hence the "ES" classification. The 3100ES is second only to SONY's flagship model wich is the ZA5000ES if I'm correct.
To be clear, the lack of wifi/bluetooth/apps & phono preamp is NOT an issue for me. I mitigated both with the iFi Zen Blue 5.0 receiver and Pro-Ject's Tube Box S2. Therefore the lack of these things being built-in is irrelevant.
The 3100ES sounds fantastic.
The MARANTZ SR6013 has all of the usual built-in streaming apps, bluetooth, wifi and a phono preamp.
It also sounds fantastic.
As mentioned, both of these specific receivers sound fantastic regarding movies, and all music playback sources whether in Direct, Stereo, or Multi-Channel stereo modes.
So my question is this, which one of these two receivers in your opinion is built better and offers a better overall music experience and why?
From my experience I think the SONY sounds a bit better but maybe I'm overlooking something about this MARANTZ. Then again, maybe not...feel free to weigh in with your opinions, especially Randy.
How all this should be put together? I mean, sub should be connected to preamp, preamp to amp and then speakers to the amp? Am I wrong? Could it work like that? Signal to the sub shouldn't be strengthened through amp? I was doing research on the internet to find out, but I found nothing helpful. If somebody could explain this to me in more understandable way I would be grateful
Do not combine the left and right with a y splitter you will mono your main speakers too.
The 7" polk subwoofer is $120 on Amazon.
I'm listening to this, at my desk, using some Presonus 4.5 Eris powered "monitors". If you already have a computer, all you have to add is a DAC, and these speakers were $200. Presonus 3.5" are only $100, a Schiit Modi is $130 now, that's a $250 system, minus a sub.
I'm curious how a head to head comparison would go? For some, the powered monitors are a "plug and play" setup.
I was inspired by the video to go shopping but none of the components are even close to the discussed prices. (in the EU)
Ever checked out Yamaha RN303? Full 100 watt amp with built in streaming DAC. It's like £300 in UK so guessing similar in USD.
When I see the Cheap Audioman sign I have to grab at my swollen ears because I know violent music is about to assault me.
Elac sub 1010. Around $120
Looks like the DAC is out of stock on Amazon. Any other recommendations in the same price range?
Jsut curious. If the RCA's are joined with a Y splitter or similar, will this affect the connection and end up with it becoming mono instead of stereo? Most Y cables just join left and right together.
Lord Randy sounds good to me.
help, newbie question here...
I have this system:
-AIYIMA T8 6N3
-Fosi Audio TB10D
-Elac BS41-BK
I just got the Polk Audio PSW10 used for $50, how do I add the sub into the system? Do I need to run splitters out of the pre-amp or the amp?
Can someone post a link to the Elac xover upgrade? Has anyone posted before/after measurements?
what's the watch on wrist today Randy???...can't make it out, but I like it...nice content btw!!!
Could you recommend a few other speakers which would actually be flat...Maybe work well as studio monitors. Unfortunately none of the lower end ELAC's are flat based on the in room measurements I've seen.
Every Jamo sub I’ve listened to was good at least.
The monoprice is $85 right now and I think it’s fine for the money.
Reee A stereo to mono adaptor connected to the RCA splitter will turn the other stereo output from the RCA splitter into mono as well. It's traditional to use the left channel only to take a mono signal to feed into the sub. But in this case, that would then also likely cause an impedance imbalance between channels and make an uneven stereo volume. So that 1st sub option may not work. The 2nd 👌
That is a very nice combo Mr Randy!!!
I have one, possibly provocative and naughty question here. Please note that I just started to watch the video, but since you are mentioning the whole chain...
How valid do you think chain computer/digital source >> audio interface/audio card >> active studio monitors is? Most people probably have some digital source, and you can get nice audio interface and pair of active studio monitors for a decent price, say around $300. It can be a very nice part of a larger and expanding media center. And just saying - if you can afford to listen at high volumes, gaming can also be very immersive.
I think that's a great option if you are just working off a computer. but the digital source/dac is very important. Huge improvements can be made with a good dac/sound card
@@cheapaudioman I hear you. If you're not into podcasting or audio production, you would probably use either some regular sound card and maybe drive it directly into some more or less not "audiophile" speakers or maybe connect it to a regular audio system (could be "audiophile"!).
Couldn't you just use audio source >> dac >> powered studio monitor speakers? If you already have source and dac, monitors could cost you like $200 for a passable pair (small one though). I'll check your page, if you mentioned small/home studio monitors before, if you didn't, I'll sell you idea for a good price of $0 :)
Thanks
Fantastic video!