Fist HiFi for a teenager?

[Fandango Andy]

This post explored Why Youngsters are not into Hi-FI. Some suggestions were that it is too expensive quoting the price of an entry level system. I suggested when you adjust for inflation, the cost of such a system was only a fraction more than it would have been at the turn of the century or back in the 90s, and this is after two years of high inflation. This got me thinking, how may teenagers had a system of separates back then? In the 80’s and 90s a midi system, or a micro system in the 2000’s would have been far more likely. The problem with these systems is the lack of upgrade options. For this reason, in some ways now is an exciting time for a first system. Here is a suggestion for an inexpensive first system with upgrade potential:


Amp: Fosi Audio ZA3 £139
https://www.richersounds.com/fosi-audio-za3-black/#tab-specifications

Source: WiiM Mini £89
https://www.richersounds.com/wiim-mini-black/

Loudspeakers: Wharfdale Diamond 9.0 £79
https://www.richersounds.com/wharfedale-diamond-9-0-black/

Total: £228 for a basic system. To give this some prospective, that’s about £120 in 2000 money (or the price of 12 CD’s or 10 DVDs). As mentioned the exciting thing about this system is that it could grow with its owner with multiple upgrades and additions, here are a few ideas:

• The little Wharfdale’s lack bass, no problem the Fosi has a Sub out.
• The WiiM’s weakest link is the DAC, add an external DAC (if you ger one with XLR out it frees up the RCA input on the amp)
• You want to get into vinyl, add a turntable
• Getting into CD’s add a CD, or if you have a DVD or Blu-ray, use it as a transport and with a toslink or coaxial int your DAC.
• Finally, if you want to upgrade your amp, buy and second Fosi and use them as monoblocks.

How would you spend a similar budget? Or more importantly, does anyone know a teenager who is into music/HiFi, how does this compare to their setup?

 

[Messiah]

I have 3 kids (2 daughters - 19 & 16 & a son - 11). All 3 love their music but (despite the systems I have) could not care less about hi-fi. (They at least love the home cinema so they get to stay! lol).

I certainly started with a midi system in the 80's/90's and if any of them did show an interest in getting into hifi I think I would keep is simple and start them with a modern day (but far better sounding) equivalent - the Denon DM41DAB, most likely paired with Q Acoustics 3020i.

 

[nads]

Sorry, you first need to look at how they consume their music.

Then look at how they may want to listen to it.

HiFi is rarely anywhere near it.

Their phone and a few linked powered speakers will do most of their Music needs.

Trying to tie them to a system you will be on a losing run.

 

[daytona600]

£599 made in EU , Spares for 25years CD/Streaming system

https://www.avforums.com/reviews/pro-ject-cd-set-e-hifi-system-review.22335/

 

[Fandango Andy]

Sorry, you first need to look at how they consume their music.

Then look at how they may want to listen to it.

HiFi is rarely anywhere near it.

Their phone and a few linked powered speakers will do most of their Music needs.

Trying to tie them to a system you will be on a losing run.

Totally agree. If you click the link to the article/video Why youngsters are not into hifi this is explored there. I was more interested in demonstrating it isn't price.

 

[Fandango Andy]

£599 made in EU , Spares for 25years CD/Streaming system

https://www.avforums.com/reviews/pro-ject-cd-set-e-hifi-system-review.22335/

View attachment 8262

Looks good, but over two and a half times more expensive than my suggestion.