First Ever Hi Fi Advice

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I recently decided that I would like to buy myself a "proper" hi fi system. I turned to this website and the magazine for advice and have been reading up for some time now. Even with all the information I have gained I am still at quite a loss as to where to start! Up till now I have been using a Sony mini system going through some Wharfedale Sapphire SP-87 floorstanders which I picked up ex demo from the internet on a whim about 10 years ago. I understand that most of you will advise that I go to a dealer or two and get some auditions but I am not entirely sure I trust myself! I have never actually spent some time with a decent seperates system so I'm not entirely convinced I have any point of reference. To add to that, I have found myself tinkering with Foobar and some of its various plug ins and using some VST EQ's and I constantly find myself changing them, because what I thought sounded good one day, sounded unpleasant the next. This suggests to me that I might have a similar experience with a demo, and be susceptible to the whims of the salesperson. I realise I am sounding a bit awkward now but I am currently saving a deposit for my first house with the prospect of starting a family in the not too distant future and although I would like a nice Hi-Fi, I'm not sure I can afford to get it too wrong! So, what I would like your opinions on is what my first move should be. I have considered building a system slowly, which with Christmas on the horizon could begin pretty soon, or saving for a pair of AVI 9.1s. If I were to build it up slowly, I would start with a DAC, probably the Beresford Caiman, as most of my music is on my PC. Would my next move be to get an amp? Or do the speakers need looking at first? I've tried to find information on my speakers online but there isn't a massive amount available so I have no idea how they stand up to budget speakers at the moment such as the Diamond 10.1s. I was thinking of looking at some of the budget amps circa £300 from Nad, Marantz or Cambridge Audio but I have also thought that the 2nd hand market may come into play. I have seen some suggest they have bought complete second hand systems for £200 or less, which obviously appeals to me, but I would like to find something that really impresses me compared to what I'm used to, and the low price tag makes me feel I may not be getting a big step up, do you think that's true? My thoughts about going the whole hog with the AVI's are that if I don't like them, they will still retain a good percentage of their value, but if I do, I have a quality all in one solution.

So what do you think? Should I scout second hand options and keep it cheap while i'm learning, build slowly with new budget components and trade/upgrade as necessary to keep the cost down, or just splash out on the AVI's

 

[matthewpiano]

Take the slow road. I'd suggest the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s with a Marantz PM6003 and a DAC - either the Beresford or the MF V-DAC would do nicely. Don't forget to budget for some stands - Atacama Nexus 6 are excellent and very good value.

If you want to save some money look at the Diamond 9.1s instead. Still excellent speakers and half the price of the 10.1s.

 

[lordmortlock]

Agreed. A really good start up system that'll sound great and give you a super point of reference if the bug bites and you become a box swapping maniac!

You could also think about a cambridge 650 amp, diamond 9.1s and a dacmagic. Richer sounds would probably provide the lot on a home demo for a week or so... then you get to make up your own mind in your own time in your own house.

 

[a91gti]

You could save yourself a few quid by cutting your amp budget at least in half if you wanted, there are a lot of good amps out there for £100/£150.

 

[Anonymous]

The following always worked for me:

Set yourself a budget and stick to it. There is always something to tempt you for just a few pounds more but the gains are only ever marginal as the law of diminishing returns has a big impact on hi fi.

Find yourself a good hi fi dealer and use them extensively for demos before you buy anything. Don't be afraid to ask to take bits of kit home for the weekend so you know how they will sound in your home environment with your own music. Don't worry if the dealer does not stock every bit of kit that you have read about, they should stock just enough to give you a good choice.

Trust your own ears, don't rely too much on 5 star magazine reviews.

Plan for the long term. You will be spending a fair few quid so you are buying for the long term.

This all worked for me, I'm still more than happy with the kit that I bought 10 - 12 years ago.

Have fun.

 

[Anonymous]

Thirteen years ago I was in a similar position. I wanted a nice hi-fi system but I had no idea what nice sounded like. Based on some what hi-fi reviews of certain products I went to Richer Sounds in Sheffield and listened to 3 or 4 different combinations of products within my budget. I must say once I heard the system I eventually bought I knew that was the one straight away. It was based on one of richer sounds recommended systems but I swapped the speakers for different but more expensive ones that I preferred. They did however honour the bundled price for the advertised bundled system (Oh and i've still got all the components and they all still work fine).

 

[Anonymous]

My advice is look for good older gear for cheap ...

Here is a nice old Pioneer SA-9500 amp that may sell for cheap .... seller says in good working order, however there is a guy in the UK that is an expert in the old Pioneer and Kenwood amps and will recap and fully service/calibrate etc for approx £70 ....

this pioneer may sell for less than £120 and will rival many newer amps that cost several times more .... these are rated at 80 watts / 8 ohm

(I have no affiliation)

ebay item 130335005095

 

[Anonymous]

I only realised how long that post was when I looked back to see if there were any responses! Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to read it reply.

I think I will take the slow road, it seems less risky, however I'm still not sure whether second hand or new is the way to go. I am expecting a bit of an eye opener when compared to the mini system I have been used to, will the improvement really be that great even with a budget system? Something tells me that new components will have the benefit of up to date technology and will be better for it, however, the prospect of having a 5 star mid range system of 10 years ago on the cheap also appeals. Can anyone recommend somewhere in the South East (I live in Margate, Kent) where I will get the benefit of a decent demo? I think I will take a risk on the Beresford DAC so it will just be an amp/speaker combo I will be after. I would like somewhere that would be happy to take their time with me and maybe even show me what a high end system can do (even though I won't be buying one!) just so I get an idea of the possibilities.

Cheers

Adam

 

[lordmortlock]

Cowps:

I am expecting a bit of an eye opener when compared to the mini system I have been used to, will the improvement really be that great even with a budget system?

The biggest improvement you'll ever hear in your Hifi upgrading life! Its a whole world of deminishing returns after that.

Enjoy it....

 

[idc]

Hi Cowps. You appear to have decided on the Beresford based on your reading and a hunch it will work for you. When you are starting out and have everything to choose from, go with your hunches.

I have found over the years that What Hifi is very accurate with its reviews. If it says something is bright or bass heavy, then that is exactly what it will be. I bought my AKG headphones because I noticed, primarily elsewhere in specialist headfi forums, that a lot of Musical Fidelity amp owners prefer AKGs. Look for 'clues' like that to get an idea of what is likely to work with what. Plus the review by What Hifi suggested a sound that would suit me.

So my suggestion now would be to mull over the kit suggested above and read up on reviews. Then you could risk an audition! If the kit sounds good, and make sure you take your music and demo music you like and know well, then you can buy it. If it does not, then you can try some other stuff instead. Your dealer will help, they will want you to come back!