Wiim Pro amzn.to/43trOR3 Emotiva emotiva.com?aff=9 Fosi Audio V3 amzn.to/43BfUEK

Schiit needs to finally release an all-in-one model and call it "The Sandwich"

Sorry if I keep saying this, but this video is a lifesaver! For someone like me who's trying to figure out my music style and put together a great sound system without breaking the bank, this video is perfect. I've looked everywhere online and watched tons of reviews, but hardly any recommended good options for different budgets - cheap, middle, and high-end. This video does just that, making it easier to mix and match based on what I can afford.

Even though it's the simple things in life that may often bring us the most joy, being able to explore life through varying choices and options can be a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing your wish lists with us! Great food for thought (or music for our ears).

My "Budget System": Paradigm Phantom v3 floor standing speakers off FBMP for $100. Arylic B50 receiver/amp for $150. Old speaker wire & banana plugs I found in the closet. The result? It's fantastic.

Wow! This is very helpful. I am profoundly grateful for your invaluable recommendations of high-quality, cost-effective components and systems that harmonize so well together. It's an absolute delight to learn and experiment with these resources. Your guidance has truly enriched my experience. Thank you immensely.

Thank you Sir! You don't know how helpful this was for me. I just want people to tell an end to end system that works for them. Thank you for mentioning this in three layers of budgets!

While individual component recommendations are certainly beneficial, receiving comprehensive end-to-end system recommendations with these individual parts is truly invaluable. Thank you so much for your assistance.

The advice I've been waiting for. This an amazing video with some great advice for us all. Thank you so much for pulling this all together into baseline systems with mix and match options. I think anyone starting out will be very happy with any of these setups. Thank you so much for bringing this all together, your time, and effort sharing this with us all. Stay well, Sir.

Love this vid. Thanks. I needed an up to date summary like this.

I bought the V3 with 48 volt power supply as a way to confirm that I need to move on from vintage equipment. I was surprised and impressed with the improvement over a 50 year old McIntosh amp. Gave me the confidence to purchase a Schiit Vidar 2 to power inefficient speakers. V3 now residing in my office. What a tremendous value. Also learned more about class D amps. In the words of Mr Spock “fascinating’”

Great info. I learned I can use my turntables with the wiim pro. Awesome. Had the wiim for 2 months now. It’s so much fun. Thanks Randy.

Love it as usual Randy, thanks for another great vid!!! The journey has been fun but ya I would definitely do a couple things differently if I knew now what I did then, speaking of hifi only, don’t wanna open up to the things I should’ve done differently in any other aspect of life, let’s not go there…

I was watching some of your older stuff and you've really improved with your video quality and pacing. Really good work love the channel!

That Pro-Ject tube box S2 is badass! I love mine, for my Debut Carbon Evo with the Sumiko Ranier cartridge which is awesome! And that TT is great for upgradeability as well as best value for sound quality for the price. Going to a Cambridge CXA-81 with Elac Carina speakers which are the best Elac bookshelves at $1k, which are highly versatile with ALL genres of music! TV optic in to the CXA-81 for streaming and a rel t7x for one of the best subs for music out there. And yeah, it rocks as well as great for jazz and nuanced music.

I liked reading through the posts here. No right or wrong conclusions as we all respond to differences in presentation and how everything works in a particular room. Take that same equipment and place it somewhere else and it could sound different, better or worse than what one is accustomed to. Lots of variables. In my journey, I bought a Yamaha 50 watt receiver, Paradigm 7se and Klipsch KG4 with a Vector Research CD player back in 1988 at a local shop among a bunch of other local shops, all of which have long since gone. Stereo Review was the magazine I read and word of mouth was both what I used. Kept that system for many years, replacing the CD player with something or other first. Then picked up a Marantz 80 watt which was audibly much better than the Yamaha in 97. Kept that receiver for another 12 years. Replaced with an HK3490 which I used up to 2014. Along the way, I sold the KG4, bought them back, sold again, bought another pair, sold that. The SE7 was the last to go around 2007. Note that I used Paradigm and Polk speakers stacked as I found Paradigm to have the low end and mids while Polk had accentuated upper mids and highs. That worked well for a time if not unsightly, two stand mounts stacked together like a floorstander. Went from the SE7 with Polk 5jr. By themselves, I found the Polk too bright but it helped the Paradigm. Went with smaller Paradigm and Polk combos shrinking the stack. But wanted a smaller speaker that could give what the combo did and improve upon it. Tried many a small speaker. Sent many back. That started the upgrading in all areas. So, the first buy can last many years before upgrading. So what is one inclined to upgrade to and how big of a jump should one take? That depends on identifying what you most respond to. Over the years I have found my preferences and what I can give up a bit to achieve those. In a nutshell, I really like depth and separation with good tonality/timbre, with well controlled sibilant notes and smoothness in the music while remaining airy enough for what I like adding spacial qualities I notice. Second is detail, clarity/resolution but can give up a bit to keep what I feel is most important. In my experience, some higher end equipment can be too refined which truncates too much detail which I found odd, even if it had superior resolution. So, I can give up some, but there's a point where it becomes too noticeable and for me bothersome. A balance. What I don't seem to need is too much bass (for me) but for some it is required. So while one can chase after a speaker that goes down to 30 Hz or so, it isn't a determining factor for me. Outright dynamics, punch, solidity of notes, among some others. Of course you need enough to support the rest of the frequency range, but it becomes an issue if it muddles things up the the scale. Hate loose, un-textured bass lines, graininess in the mids/treble and when notes/instruments/singers blend together. Don't want a wall of sound but a nice stage with locality and spacial cues. So, back in 2014 I bought what I considered my dream system as to what I was willing to spend. I picked up a Hegel h160 (best amp compared to all others), Focal 807Ws (after combining 2 pairs of speakers over the years) it did the trick and eventually a Marantz CD6006 hooked up to a Topping D70s but the dac in the Hegel is really nice. The D70s adds some warmth and the internal dac of the Hegel better etched notes but still sounding smooth. They are both in the same league as to SQ, with some differences. If I knew then what I knew now...well, equipment is always changing so some of it didn't exist as of yet but today, and for the last few years, I have used different equipment. First off, what I wanted was smaller, lighter equipment (I am getting older and wanting to downsize, everything) which presented some constraints. So, finding what I wanted both sonically and ergonomically wasn't an easy task. What I finally found was a Keces E40 integrated and then I would have to match up speakers within its capabilities. So, I have Triangle Zeta Plaisir (old Color series and while giving less of what the Focal provides, has a softer voicing, laid backness which works really well for music and Ok for HT), Dali Opticon 1s and Martin Logan 15i recently purchased this year. I bought the Opticon 1 at half off after trying the Menuet SE (always wanted a pair but found those too refined for my tastes), while the Opticon 1s do well enough where the Menuet excelled and retains the detail. I will use those for desktop. Going back and forth between the Zetas and 15i required some adjustment as they are both very different yet having some of the qualities of my more upscale Focals. Comparatively, the Zetas are very musical with music while the 15i, still very good with music excels in HT. The 15i has more body, the Zetas more air and extension which I like with Piano notes. The 15i isn't worse, its different and after listening a while, I like what they do but it is an adjustment. They add more body but do not extend into the highs like a metal dome. Maybe it was ringing or distortion I had become accustomed to, not quite sure, but it is pleasant and I hear it with alot of speakers, as well as amps (Emotiva). It's just different as a real life Piano will present notes different than either, as well as all other speakers that are only attempting to "reproduce" the real thing. So go with what pleases you. That's pretty much it. So, I still have the Hegel and Focals which I plan to sell not becasue these do anything wrong but becasue I am downsizing. I will continue to look at new offerings as I may consider separates down the road, but for now, today I have: Main system: Keces E40 - Marantz CD6006 - Aune X8 (with Sparkos upgrade and Aune linear PS) - Martin Logan 15i and desktop will be my second Keces E40 (I like these very much, noticeably better than a A07 btw) - Topping d70s - Dali Opticon 1s Yes, the Hegel is a bit smoother, liquid and far more powerful but the difference isn't great on these speakers. So overkill for my current needs. Down the road, if I were to upgrade, I have pondered a Billie amp among other integrated which may be a step up in SQ and power from the Keces, perhaps not my much but also separates. Amps on my radar are the new schiit Vidar II as well as a Jeff Roland Model 125. I have looked at many other speakers. Elac Carinas, Dali Rubicon, Neat Petites, among other for something small that brings alot to the table. I almost pulled the trigger on the Neats but that would have been more $$$ and I really want a grill if for nothing else a bit of protection. Also looking at Falcon M10 but I want to hear before buying next time around. the Opticons cost me what the restocking fee was on the Menuets. But at least I found that just becasue something costs more, it may not be as satisfying to any individual. The Menuets, for what they did they did really well, but gave up something I couldn't. So yes, Randy has his views, as well as everyone having theirs based on experience, needs, desires, budget, room, etc.... Starting out with ChiFi and budget speakers can still be satisfying and is an inexpensive way to begin. Buying used, especially receivers can be really, really inexpensive. That's the beginning of the journey but could be your end game too if you are satisfied, happy...you don't need to spend alot, but spend something you will.

With the knowledge I have today. I would have stuck with my Yamaha RN803 receiver and B&O S80 speakers from 4 years back. I spent a lot of money trying Chifi to Vintage gear. I have so much gear I'm looking at right now.

Nice list Randy! I own the Saga with a tube, but darn good in non tune mode too! I have the original version of your recommended tube phono. Tried some upgraded tubes with it :) I’m sure the S2 version is a big improvement! I picked up a boutique, USA, made by hand affordable Lounge Audio phono pre amp ( LCR Gold with silver upgrade ) which frankly kills the aforementioned v1 tube pre. And just I picked up the WiiM Pro with your link! I swapped in a $40 glass 6’ toslink cable over the included cable - major improvement in clarity coherence and vibe :) Thanks for all your good advices!!

If I started over: I would learn to be content. The biggest mistake I made was constantly looking up. As in academia, you will never arrive at the top.

Love the video idea...good job very entertaining...keep up the awesome work...❤

Amazing review, and great thoughts on budget set ups. One question I have, though, on the budget system, how do you connect the subwoofer?

Thank you! Those are great lists.

My system is about $6k-$7k, I got the Topping Pre-90 / D90, Emotiva DR-2 Amp, Tekton Pendragon Towers, SVS SB-2000 SUB, Node-2i Streamer, and for my personal tastes of adding sparkle and bass to metal music, I added a BBE 882i Sonic Maximizer.

Thanks for this one, Randy. Have been getting confused at all of the recently reviewed options for my "budget" first set up, and you brought me right back home with the Wii Pro, V3, SMSL SU-1 core. Gonna skip the vinyl for now and may need to go a bit cheaper on speakers to start, but I think that modular vs integrated is more forward looking as I imagine that I will eventually upgrade everything.

You should do a vid on garage sale and thrift store system for cheap. My brother wanted a cheap system for his garage last month so he gave me 200 bucks and I hit the thrift stores and garage sales. I came back four hours later with a Denon 3806 with a working original remote for 50 bucks, 4 Polk monitor 7 that looked like crap but drivers were in great shape for 40 bucks. Found a 10 inch sub that is made from 3 different subs, has a huge amp and weighs 83 pounds, works fantastic for 30 bucks. Went to his house and dropped off the 200 pounds of gear and gave him his 80 bucks left over with a list of cables and connections he should get. Set it up the next weekend and brought over a old Dynaudio center channel I was using as a rear in my Crown vic. Sounds very good and his neighbors are not very happy.

Nice vid! Im still debating between an Akitika vs a big Emotiva amp. I dont mind assembly, you still like your old Akitika? I think they have new descreet kits now which intrigues me

Nice roundup i currently have the wiim pro, fosi v3, topping e50 with monitor audio silver 100 7g speakers and two diy l26roy 10" subs with passive radiators powered by plate amps. As for power to the units i run linear psus to both dac and streamer with a meanweell drp 48v 10a psu to the fosi amp. Money has been a big consideration but im really pleased with how everything gels. I never miss any detail in the music which is great! Seems it would be high mid tier on your scale! love the videos as usual btw!

Great video premise and great recommendations. Thanks.

I love your personality man! You should also let us know what coffee do you recommend for your videos.

I was expecting you to pick a DIY speaker kit from CSS because I remember you were quite impressed with them. Enjoyed the video very much!

You have offered honest and valuable feedback. I'm not that old, but I really miss the old days when all manufacturers were building stackable audio gear with almost same dimensions. Now one is tall and thin, another one is deep and ... at the end nothing matches....each one is making their own standard (that are not even maintaing thruu incremental series)...

Great budget system for the garage or basement! Minus the vinyl of course...

So I bought the JBL A130 to replace my ol alesis reference and with my sub they are lovely sound..it's a tough room high ceiling open to second floor balcony and a kitchen behind listening area but it works. Enjoyable listening and good on movies too ...cheers

I appreciate you Randy. Putting together systems that sound good is what most audio file KZfaq yapper is completely miss. You have to put together a system. Talking forever about one component does not help You're guaranteed to waste money and time if you look at just one thing. Good job I'm a fan thank you!

Really awesome video Randy, well done 👍

Great episode! Can I ask a favor? Could you diagram what goes into what? I’m a newbie and need to see some pictures - with an an explanation or what each component does. Thanks!

I really enjoyed this video as it is relevant for me at this time. I want to revamp a 25 year old 3.1 system connected to a Samsung TV for TV sound and streaming mostly through Pandora and some BT from music on my iPhone. Some of the other streaming sources sound interesting. The room is our "great room" in an open floor plan - not that large (retirement home). I would like to go to a 2.1 system and here are my thoughts. I welcome all comments. For a streamer/DAC/preamp I was thinking of the Bluesound Node X. For a power amp, I like the Crown XLS 2502 (the incremental cost of going big is not that much and it will be the last power amp I buy). For L/R speakers I like the Emotiva B1+ and I like the SVS SB1000 Pro for a subwoofer. I don't need a turntable. I know these are all safe choices but that is why I like them. Comments please.

Interesting choices - especially seeing which components made it into more than one system. One idea I'd love to see somebody play around with is to take one of the MiniDSP Flex processors and turn a pair of biwirable passive speakers into active ones, bypassing the internal crossovers, and implementing Dirac Live...

These are always fun videos Randy.

I’m still surprised you would spend more on watches than on stereo equipment. Listening to music provides more enjoyment to me than wearing a watch but we all have to set our own priorities. Enjoy either way 😃👍

Option #1 How can you connect the subwoofer to the setup? Thanks

Thanks Randy, i would say myself and a few others have probably been waiting a while for you to to make this video!

GREAT video. Just what I was looking for!

Fantastic video. I would love to see a video that integrates hdmi eARC, so I can control volume (in one stage) on my 2 channel system hooked up to a TV. Also, I haven’t tried it yet-does the wiim pro have any delay sync issues (audio-video) when using it with KZfaq/Prime/streaming-video? Thanks for a great channel!

This is a really good informative episode. Two thumbs up! 👍👍

Thanks for the very helpful video. For the budget system, where did you connect your subwoofer?

I auditioned the iFi Zen Phono preamp for a few weeks along with a Cambridge Audio Alva Solo. At that time, they both cost the same. To me, it seemed that the Zen wasn't as powerful, and the build quality is not as robust as the Alva Solo. If it wasn't already running (left on all the time) it seemed to take a while to warm up and get up to level. In contrast, the Alva Solo was ready to go as soon as it clicked on, and it seemed to pair better with my cartridge (AT-VM540ML). Even though I kept the Zen because I took longer than the return period to test it, I'm using the Alva Solo as my daily driver.

Each one with his/her own preferences, but my take is that if I ended up with the 5020s, with a budget of 5.5k, surely I'd have done something really wrong.

I have enteted the big amplifier world and cannot turn back lol! Love my current system and happy to have it! Good video!

In your first affordable set up - where/ how are you hooking up the subwoofer?

I have the Wiim mini (purchased just before the pro came out) and an SMSL SU-1. I was was considering a bluesound node before getting the Wiim so borrowed one. I think the wiim sounds better. Haven't heard the Q Acoustics you recommend, but do like them as a brand. I have a separate 7.1 home cinema setup with 3010s all around, it sounds amazing. I tried a pair on my hifi, they lack bass, but this doesn't matter in the AV setup with a Sub.

At the moment, I am listening to Ram Jam via a WIIM mini into an SMSL SU-1 into a Fosi Audio V3 with 48v 5A power supply into some JBL A170 towers, and it is AWESOME! I think you should review the A170s. They are a great match to the cheap chinese class D amps like the A07 and V3 - A nearly perfect two channel setup for very cheap money.

Great Video. Could you please do a video on the Top Atmos Soundbars? Not many of us can run cables to the back of the room for surrounds and other speakers. Bose 900, Samsung q990b/c, Sonos Arc, etc.

You haven't done me wrong yet Randy. My new family room set up will be a Prime Day TV, optical out to a WIIM Pro, optical out of that to a Topping E50 DAC (for the remote), analog out of the DAC to the V3 driving a set of CSS Torii's. World's Best Cables where I can. I know it skips a sub but my wife hates the way the sub looks now and it's a slim line Samsung soundbar set. I'd never get a 12" sub past her.

I’m happy with my original component purchase of my Xduoo TA-30 and Kanto Tuk speakers. I just wished I looked past copper cables.

I saw that the pre-out on the Fosi is fixed, so that's a no-go for using it as a subwoofer output. Or is that not correct?

Hey Randy, greetings from a former squid who spent a year at the Sub Base Bangor TRF Nav Shop! I'm a long-time follower and 1st time commenter, but I had to say that I initially blew off this video because your recommendations weren't cool enough (or whatever) and ended up spending the last few weeks (and countless hours) trying to find the perfect "audiophile" integrated amp. However, after coming to w/i an inch of wasting $600 on a "budget" amp (which usually costs $1000 and was still looked down upon by many purists), I started getting really pissed off by how expensive everything was and decided to watch this video again. However, this time I became "red pilled" and finally realized how brilliant (and cheap) your recommendations are - especially considering future upgrades - so thank you!! Btw, I especially like your budget system for now, but I may add the Schiit Saga, etc. eventually.

Curious about how you you'd use the 3 Fosi V3 amps in that system.

Awesome content Randy! I currently have the Wiim Pro on my wishlist for my little turntable and music listening setup. Currently using the bluetooth in my BT20A Pro when listening to Tidal, it "works" .. but it's not optimal 😅

Nice options and great discussion video. I personally would get the best system you could afford to avoid the dreaded upgradeitis. Also don’t buy anything until you listen to it. Buy at least one thing from a Hifi store so you can listen to as much gear as possible without feeling like a freeloader. Don’t agree on buying the wiim at all as a good quality digital input is important. Would consider the new eversolo streamer over this. A vinyl based system is a big investment when you consider how many records you want buy and how expensive they are. Can get similar sound with a higher end system or a really good cd transport with a higher end R2R dac . CD’s and streaming are dirt cheap vs records.

Would love a video in similar format for audiophile headphone/earbud end to end system as well 😊.Thank you Sir!

Just another thought is to consider bi-amping with a MiniDSP Flex with Dirac Live and the LRS Plus speakers with one or two subs. Two Fosi V3s would work for this. Prof. Jim

Hey, its been a couple months since I tuned in, looks like you have been working out. Keep it up. Get some

Some people who are (audio)gone round the bend, spend more for just interconnects that you spend for your top tier system. Great video, as usual.

Modern reasonably priced components and say a vintage flagship speaker from the 80's -90's is your best route for good audio w/o breaking the bank.

Hey Randy! I have a question regarding dacs, streamers and the digital world. (The digital world is all new to me since I last put together a system). I am probably going to go with the Fosi V3 for an amp. I am considering the Wiim Pro to have a remote and some tone control. Here’s my issue. We live in a RV and do not always have internet. At those times streaming would be unavailable. Could I use the Bluetooth on the Wiim at those times? My source at this time is my iPhone. I have purchased an adapter for the phone that allows me to use wired headphones. As I understand it, that adapter is a DAC of sorts. I was thinking about getting cord with 3.5 mm to rca to connect my phone directly to the Fosi V3 directly. I could then control volume and some EQ settings on the phone. Thoughts?

It’s hard for me to consider to go from A/B amps to class D. I guess it’s the old school in me and age

This was a cool video man!

Good call on some that emotiva amp pushing the q acoustic speakers.

Thanks for this awesome overview! As a noob targeting the budget category, two questions: 1) How is the subwoofer wired in? I dont see a subwoofer out on the V3 2) It seems not ideal to connect turntable to analog input of wiim, then convert to digital to get to DAC, only to then go back to analog into the V3? Or am I overthinking this.

Hi . I love my emotiva basx mr1. I couldn't believe how good it made my 18 year old Polk speakers sound. Compared to my older onkyo avr. Thanks darrell

Great post I’ve been waiting for someone to do this you should expand to to surround with the Shiite surround oops too soon you did put it in. How about the same but with just powered speakers no amps

This reminds me of the old radio shack catalogs. They were less good, better, and best.

What would you add/do differently if you also wanted to listen with headphones? I wish Schiit made a Saga with a headphone amp like preamps of ye olden days. (Syn does stuff I don’t want/need.)

I have several systems and bought my first class d amp a few months ago , a fosi bt 20 AS and it sounds great , very impressive for 69 bucks

Great set ups 👍 Mine, yes I have all of these , Wiim Pro, Topping E50 DAC ( in pre mode as to use it as a volume control) feeding my Xduoo 604 Headphone tube amp..and out to my Sen’s or my HiFiman headphones. Take care 👍☕️🔥🍕

@cheapaudioman I was looking at your recommended list as i'm considering dipping my toes in and buying a DAC to upgrade from a Behringer UMC22, but it seems the SMSL SE8 is not available to purchase as new any more. Perhaps a replacement should be appointed?

Wow. I don't know a single brand you mentioned. My kids moved out a few years ago. I'm just starting to want a nice stereo system again. When I last had time and interest in sound we were in the land of Sony/Kenwood/Yamaha receivers or maybe Marantz/Adcom/Macintosh for nice separates. I don't know if I'm ready for a slew of mismatched shapes, sizes, finishes. I'm so used to wanting a nice stacked system with matching woodgrain cabinets that become a focal point. Apparently, I have yet another rabbit hole to go down.......

Now I wanna see your high end home theater

If I were to go with the "budget setup" outlined here in the first portion of the video, but I'm working with one of my multiple sources being a TV, would I need to add a stereo receiver into the mix to replace the Fosi V3? Since I wouldn't want to get up off the couch to adjust the volume lol

Two pairs of RP-600RP and a single RP-504C would make a great starter system. Same with two pairs of RP-160M and a single RP-450C. Paired with a Monolith 12” THX for the subwoofer.

Serious question for the home theatre part: why choose all those instead of just going for the Marantz CINEMA 70s? What will make you inclined to one option or the other?

Wow, cool video but I can’t help but think how complicated all these different components are when there are much simpler options for listening these days.

Randy, I've watched a number of your videos (and am yes, subscribed) but unless I'm mistaken, I've not seen you talk about the merits of buying used. I think it's the only way to go. We all know how audio folk are constantly in search of the next thing and flipping gear, so there's great stuff out there for less. My desktop speakers are Merlin TSM-MMe, which was around $3.5K new......got in mint shape for 1/2 that. And they are very good sounding speakers.

If I’m looking to build a budget system for only vinyl around the RT82 and the emotiva speakers, would your amp selections stay the same or are there different separates you would recommend for pre and power amps? Thank you!

Budget system could have easily included the Sony SSCS5 speakers. ~Nice video Randy! Thank you Shipmate!

On the first system, what are you going to hook that sub up to? The mini jack output on the Fosi V3 isn't controlled by the volume knob, so if you connect to that, you're going to have the same sub volume no matter what your main speaker volume is. Or you have to manually change the sub volume every time you change the amp volume. (Genuine question, because I have a very similar system, and I haven't found a satisfactory way to use a sub with the V3. I could put a pre-amp before the V3, but then I have to keep the V3 at a fixed volume, which is annoying when it doesn't have a separate power switch.)

High end: JBL Studio 698 $1,800 Emotiva XPA HC-1 (2 because they're mono) $1,800 Schiit Freya S $600 Wiim Pro $150 Technics SL1200 mk7 $1,100 Schiit Mani $150 Audio-Technica VM750SH $450 TOTAL $5,750 Budget Conscious: Polk Audio Monitor 60 $380 Polk Audio PSW10 $160 Fosi Audio V3 $90 Wiim Pro $150 Audio-Technica AT LP120XUSB $350 TOTAL $1,130

This is exactly what I need! I wish I knew this 2 weeks ago before shelling out my $3000 😢. Anyways, I will follow your recommendation exactly for home theater system atleast. Thank you!

On the budget set up what are you doing with the ground wire from the turntable into the wiim?

So I have a very similar setup to the "Affordable" system - but the issue I'm facing is that I also have the TV/Xbox audio running through it, my family isn't thrilled about using the wiim (even with the remote) to switch inputs. Are there any tips or tricks out there to help make that easier? I have tried the auto-switching to optical option, but that seems to be hit and miss.

What’s wrong with the Aiyima 8 Pro sounds fantastic for my Garage with ES15 Polks I just love the easy Bluetooth hookup! Same chip.

How about starting with an Emotiva MC1 and the SE8/12? And put in an amp and speakers that you can afford. With time a better amp and/or speakers can be added an the existing moved to surround, back, or height.

Upper System I’d go with the Pioneer PLX-1000 with a Ortofon Blue 2M. And for silver disc playback I’d search for a good used Oppo or Sony Blu-Ray player into the Geshelli J2 AKM. My two cents.

I have a Fosi Audio V3 with the 48 volt power supply. I just auditioned my Elac Uni-Fi Bookshelfs with the V3. Very bad choice on my part, not enough power to drive the speakers properly. Get a 4 ohm 90 db or higher speaker for a desktop.

Sticking around the $1000 level, one could go with the Emotiva TA1, the B2+ speakers and the Wiim Mini… and a vintage turntable like, a Phillips 312 with an Ortofon 5m Cartridge… except, you can’t get… the B2+ anymore… or the B1+… (sigh)

Humble request here, since the Q Acoustics 3050 towers are down to 170$ a piece, I feel like THE cheapaudioman should review them. Seem's to me like that is the audio deal of the decade since they were so positively reviewed for 500$ a piece, and considered by many back then to be the best of the sub 1000$ crop. I genuinely wonder how they hold up in 2023.

Excellent topic!

@cheapaudioman I wouldn't recommend any DAC that doesn't have a digital display showing the sample bitrate it is processing. That's such a basic thing and helps me immensely in troubleshooting devices that are unknowingly downsampling or for fact checking hd audio sources.

How do you hook up the subwoofer in the “affirdable setup??