High end and low end

[marou]

I went to the HiFi News Show last week - great fun with some wonderful gear but mostly unaffordable for me (the PS Audio Sprout an exception at £650 for a Bluetooth integrated amp with DAC). John Darko thinks show organisers are missing a trick in aiming almost exclusively at high end products. His entry-level system at $100 would certainly attract the 20 year old me.

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2014/11/global-feedback-putting-a-100-audiophile-system-on-show/

 

[davedotco]

I have often championed the use of ultra low cost systems as viable alternatives to 'docking' setups, computer speakers and the like.

In the UK some of the best value for money comes in the form of some inexpensive, studio style active speakers, take for example the Studiospares/Seiwin 5a, a 5 inch active two way speaker (with more capability than many budget separates) at just£129 a pair, just plug in a iThing or stream via an AEX for a terrific setup for less than £200.

I use the smaller, cheaper SN4 as a desktop speaker and sometimes as a main system, apart from a lack of deep bass, the sound is remarkably clear and controlled. It is amazing what can be done if you steb away from mainstream solutions.

 

[cheeseboy]

yep, that and t-amps, like in the link, they rule 🙂

 

[NSA_watch_my_toilet]

It's an old problem in the mentalities. Some believes that their 300 chain will kill some 6'000 pounds chains, and others, believe that their 12'000 pounds chain are the best because they are worth a 12k. It's the same in the guitar player community, in the saxophone community, in the tuned cars community and so on.

Reality is way more humble. It needs money to assemble good speakers that reunite good chassis with good wood and finish. It cost some real money and time to set it up that it work perfectly. The same could be said for electronic like cd player and other amplifiers. it will always cost some money to engeneer and build something with correct paid workers with correct materials. Even "pro-gear stuff" will cost some heavy money if it's really going to be a serious working tool. And good studio amps are pricey, because they are good.

I, although, really try to care about worker condition abroad or in my country. Although, I don't like that ressources are wasted to build low cost shªt that will self-destroy or work not really accurately (or be covered with no long-time servicing). They are a lot of examples of those around in those moments.

 

[NSA_watch_my_toilet]

And I will not go to a hifi news show to see a cheap 100$ amplifier. If I want this, I can go at wallmart, Fnac, Interdiscount, MediaMarkt or whatever the name of those retailers are.