RockAddict
08-07-2014, 18:36
Apparently I have to make my very first post in this area of the forum. Does it also have to be deep and ever so meaningful? Oh, it does.... :)
My interest in hi-fi is mainly limited to the listening experience rather than the technical side of how hi-fi components are built and what technology is incorporated, the latter of which I have little knowledge - certainly compared to the knowledge shown in many of the posts I read before joining.
I am in the process of overhauling my 2.0 stereo system, keeping it as simple and cheap as possible (budget, sadly, is limited) whilst still getting a sound that is really enjoyable to listen to. The original idea was to "upgrade" to a surround sound set-up but it quickly became apparent that, with the priority being music, the audio compromises would have been too great on the "available budget v enjoyment" equation. So, back to 2.0 (or, possibly, 2.1).
My playback source is sorted: a Cocktail Audio X10. I could leave it at that and simply look for speakers that work with the X10. But, it appears a standalone DAC + amp would substantially improve the overall sound. So, the next step is to find a DAC and that is where my first "proper" post(s) are probably going to be made (lookout "Beresford Banter" :D). In short, all but the X10 is up for grabs.
The remainder of the system as it currently stands:
DAC: £10 cheapy (temporary, until a proper DAC can be found)
Amp: Arcam A65 integrated (old, but well looked after)
Spkrs: Mordaunt Short MS25i Pearl edition
Cables: Morrow Audio MA1 (interconnects); Fisual S-Flex [OFC] (speaker, bi-wired); Amazon basics optical cable (seems to work perfectly well).
Preferred music is largely what might now be regarded as "dinosaur rock" (usual suspects including Pink Floyd, classic Genesis, classic Marillion, some Barclay James Harvest, some Porcupine Tree, Enigma, Jarre, Airbag (Norway) and a smattering of "good" pop, bits of classical and some relaxation/ambient music).
There endeth the compulsory intro....
My interest in hi-fi is mainly limited to the listening experience rather than the technical side of how hi-fi components are built and what technology is incorporated, the latter of which I have little knowledge - certainly compared to the knowledge shown in many of the posts I read before joining.
I am in the process of overhauling my 2.0 stereo system, keeping it as simple and cheap as possible (budget, sadly, is limited) whilst still getting a sound that is really enjoyable to listen to. The original idea was to "upgrade" to a surround sound set-up but it quickly became apparent that, with the priority being music, the audio compromises would have been too great on the "available budget v enjoyment" equation. So, back to 2.0 (or, possibly, 2.1).
My playback source is sorted: a Cocktail Audio X10. I could leave it at that and simply look for speakers that work with the X10. But, it appears a standalone DAC + amp would substantially improve the overall sound. So, the next step is to find a DAC and that is where my first "proper" post(s) are probably going to be made (lookout "Beresford Banter" :D). In short, all but the X10 is up for grabs.
The remainder of the system as it currently stands:
DAC: £10 cheapy (temporary, until a proper DAC can be found)
Amp: Arcam A65 integrated (old, but well looked after)
Spkrs: Mordaunt Short MS25i Pearl edition
Cables: Morrow Audio MA1 (interconnects); Fisual S-Flex [OFC] (speaker, bi-wired); Amazon basics optical cable (seems to work perfectly well).
Preferred music is largely what might now be regarded as "dinosaur rock" (usual suspects including Pink Floyd, classic Genesis, classic Marillion, some Barclay James Harvest, some Porcupine Tree, Enigma, Jarre, Airbag (Norway) and a smattering of "good" pop, bits of classical and some relaxation/ambient music).
There endeth the compulsory intro....