View Full Version : Getting the Hi-Fi Mojo Back
I am not sure if I am alone, but a busy job, hectic family and the everyday pressures of life have meant that Hi-Fi has taken a bit of a back seat in recent month, even years. Music is still a massive part of my life and almost always on, but it is usually a Spotify playlist via Bluetooth in the kitchen, car or study, or the radio. I guess it has been the same with other hobbies over the years – I used to be very into photography, and this too waxes and wains.
Last week my wife had a chap over to look at some collectables from her father’s estate, and it turned out he was also a vinyl dealer/enthusiast. We got chatting as you do, and it made me realise that I do actually miss playing my records, even CD’s. I also realised that I hardly ever play any albums from start to finish – nearly always just a playlist on random...
So how to get your Hi-Fi mojo back? I don’t think I need to start buying more kit (though that’s always an option!) but I have started playing the odd record when I get a chance, and revisiting full albums, even if just via FLAC rather than Spotify. Baby steps!
So have you been in the same position? What made you get back into your Hi-Fi, and perhaps more importantly - the music?
Pigmy Pony
01-05-2024, 10:07
Alex, I know exactly what you mean, most of my life has been made up of hobbies/interests that I take up, eventually get bored with, then return to at a later date. It's happened with judo, motorcycles, archery, as well as hifi.
This current run with hifi and music is the longest I've ever stuck with anything, and I largely put it down to the social aspect: conversing with other members on here, socialising with some of them out in the real world, and visiting hifi shows (even though I'm too poor to buy anything and too thick to build anything). I just know that if I were left on my own with it I'd soon get bored and move on to something else.
So my advice would be to get in amongst like-minded folk :) And if that doesn't work there's always stamp collecting or knitting
Stranraer
01-05-2024, 13:22
Stating the obvious here, but it's more about the music than the hifi for most I'd say.
Don't just play the same few favourite songs/albums till they become too familiar, search out new artists, bands and genres of music.
To my shame I'm actually listening to jazz (which covers a whole load of genres in itself) now. It's taken a while to get into but Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Pharoah Sanders, Keith Jarrett and many more are giving my boxes of tricks a whole new way to amaze and enjoy.
Hope you find what you're looking for.
Excellent thread Alex!
We have all been there with one passionate interest/hobby or another. For me it was travel and photography; the two were connected. Travel to parts foreign waned because:
(a) it became too expensive - in the past I would travel simply and cheaply and be quite content to use a sleeping bag; now I want the comfort of a decent bed and clean washing facilities.
(b) sadly many of the countries that I would have liked to visit are now either unsafe for tourists, or modernisation has spoilt the countryside and in some cases forced the relocation of minority indigenous peoples.
Loss of interest in photography, ironically occurred with the advent of digital. The latter was convenient but with it I lost my "eye" for composition. Maybe if I was to invest in a decent digital camera things might improve and I might regain my passion.
But going back to "Hi Fi", I don't think you need to buy any new gear (from what I recall, you already have a decent system). Keep listening to the radio, for inspiration, and keep a watch on the 'Spinning ...' threads to see what other Members here are enjoying. I always have a look and have been introduced to many fine artist(e)s/performers through it. :)
AJSki2fly
01-05-2024, 15:07
Hello Alex, good to hear from you again.
I lost my music/hifi mojo back in 2003. There were a number of reasons I suppose. In 2001 and 2002 we worked our arses off running a large Edwardian house in Devon as a Guest House and for 9 months of the year it was 10 to 12 hour days, nearly 7 days a week, so music listening was a rare event in the winter. We moved in 2003 and ended up with a more manageable B&B nearby, I had more time but became quite disspondent about digital music, some CDs I had sounded good, but quite few I found annoying one way or another, I had started listening to digital files at the time and that was pretty poor to be honest, so I just gave up, and focused on Cinema/film and surround sound which I and Sue both enjoyed together.
It was not until 2014 having moved again that I started listening to music proper, I made a few changes to the system and just used CDs initially. Then in 2016 my heart problems started and during my recovery a friend offered to sell me some of his LPs he was selling, so I was Back in the Black disc arena again after many years. Even with a used cheap Dual 504 TT I was enjoying listening again. A long time friend offered me his Pro-Ject Xperience II with Ortofon Rondo Blue for a silly price and it just got better. I was then off trawling the charity shops, hospicecare and 2nd hand stores locally, which was great fun and my black disc collection rapidly grew. I was very lucky and a few friends gave me their old record collections that had been languishing in lofts.
My Music Hifi/Mojo was fully re-ignited, and several more TTs came and went in the pursuit of better aural reception, and again my good friend came up trumps offering me his Marantz KI Pearl CD player. It is now nearly 9 years since my journey back began, and I am still loving it. I try and discover new music on my simple RPI/HiFiBerry streaming set up, sometimes used for casual listening, and if I find stuff I really like it usually results in a new LP purchase. I get a great deal of pleasure listening to my records now, and it helps me relax, I am not sure how much listening I will get in when Sue retires in 3 years time, but I can't see me not listening at least for a couple of hours a day.
hifinutt
01-05-2024, 16:22
fascinating to read of your journey Adrian in hospitality in Devon . Have you given it up now in Seaton ?
I guess many of us if babies come along or other responsibilities happen find it hard to get back into music . I find these forums stimulate me and the many FB groups i am on . and trying all the different equipment is brilliant .
I think it's the only hobby I ever had but been doing it continually since 1985.
Maybe there was a few years when I didn't play much music or buy any - a long time back now when I worked in sales and it just got too hectic.
Now listening and buying more music than ever. Got the old set-up well sorted now, sounds so good I am drawn to it like a moth to a flame.
I recommend doing a big upgrade - like get some serious kick-ass speakers - and you will get back into it again.
Ali Tait
01-05-2024, 17:44
Love of music been with me since I was small and has never left. I think the fact that I've often worked away from home made me appreciate the kit I have even more, always looked forward to getting home and putting a few tunes on.
Thanks for all the replies chaps, interesting to read other experiences.
I suppose I’ve always been more about the music than the gear, although I have enjoyed playing with the kit and learning over the years. I guess it’s just become harder to find the time to actually devote all my attention and kick back and enjoy - definitely something to work on.
Martin’s idea of “some serious kick-ass speakers” currently my favourite suggestion! :lol:
hifi_dave
02-05-2024, 09:03
I began my Hi-Fi addiction back in 1962 when I assembled my first Hi-Fi system. Back then it was usual to build your own speakers, mine were Wharfedale, Also built a Mullard 5-10 amplifier and a cabinet to house the amp, AT6 turntable and Mullard tuner. Gave me a couple of years pleasure and then the bug bit.
I began my Hi-Fi addiction back in 1962 when I assembled my first Hi-Fi system. Back then it was usual to build your own speakers, mine were Wharfedale, Also built a Mullard 5-10 amplifier and a cabinet to house the amp, AT60 turntable and Mullard tuner. Gave me a couple of years pleasure and then the bug bit.
Yes I started off by building my amplifiers and speakers. In my case it was a couple of Mullard 5-10 designs and a Wharfedale design using an RS8DD drive unit in a wharfedale design distributed rear port enclosure of about 1.5 cu.ft volume. Oh and the deck was a Garrard SP25/II with a Shure M3D cartridge.
This system remained with me for about three years, when I replaced the TT with a Collaro 2010 deck to which I fitted an SME 3009 arm with a Shure M55E cartridge. That lasted a year then I replaced the TT with a Thorens TD124/II, and changed the amplifier with a Sugden C51 control unit feeding a copy of the power section of the Sugden A21.
Happy days!
hifi_dave
02-05-2024, 09:39
You must have been a real enthusiast having an SP25/II, all I could afford was a lowly AT6. I did have a Shure M3DM in it though.
AJSki2fly
02-05-2024, 11:05
fascinating to read of your journey Adrian in hospitality in Devon . Have you given it up now in Seaton ?
I guess many of us if babies come along or other responsibilities happen find it hard to get back into music . I find these forums stimulate me and the many FB groups i am on . and trying all the different equipment is brilliant .
We stopped hospitality in March 2014 when we moved to Seaton and got rid of the mortgage, too many new H&S rules and Fire Reg issues making it prohibitive, plus we wanted out own space. As it turned out it was just as well, as in March 2016 I had a heart attack, it would have been very tricky if we were still doing B&B, and had a mortgage.
Whilst recovering from my health issues as best I could I had lots of time to contemplate my naval and the meaning of life, and music became the backdrop for that. I went back to work part time for about 2.5 years, on and off, but struggled physically and I suppose mentally as I found stress at work impacted me greatly. Eventually I was medically retired on the advice of GP and Cardiac Consultant. A strange and unexpected episode in my life, it took me several years to realise I would never be the same as I was before, but then none of us are as time marches on. I look at as positively as I can, I am still kicking around and have been able to take things are lot easier than most can. Sue and I try and do and experience as much as we can together, and even went to Australia for a month last year for our Ruby wedding, something I would not have dreamed of being able to do 4 or 5 years ago, we are lucky to be in a position to do so.
I ended up in exactly the same situation Adrian at least a couple of times and decided to start a blog about my system and audiophile experiences however this was still not enough and so I have become a YouTuber. This combines all my hobbies into one and has given me a much needed injection of mojo. However if you have busy life - forget it as it is extremely time consuming and best left for retirement. But it does combine hifi, photography, video filming, video editing, digital sound recording etc etc. For me it has been the most interesting thing I have done for years and certainly got me interested in my system from another perspective!:)
But maybe start a Blog about your system - it may get you to look at it from a different perspective and get you interested again especially as it combines hifi and photography - ticks two or maybe three boxes and is not too time consuming?
Or you could just go back to box swapping?:lol: Seriously I agree with Martin - a change of speakers can make such a big difference and maybe get you to hear your system in a completely different way? I found just adjusting my room acoustics completely altered how my system sounded and improved my listening experience significantly.
Find new music to listen to. From my own perspective I listen to a lot of shit stuff these days, but it is different and is new:D You think that you have tweaked your system to the nth degree and therefore the tons of cables (well I have) that you think haven't nade the grade are up for a swappsises session and they may surprise you.
If you have several pre-amps, amps, dacs. speakers etc etc - substitute one or more and see how the system sounds. You have to listen to music to make an assessment and so the system is getting used.
Don't have a subwoofer? - Get one. The difference that these can make is immense. You don't have to try to demolish the house foundations with one (or two or three - I have five) but only use one at the moment. Play with the phase it will surprise you.
If you're speakers are bi-wireable try changing the phase of the bass or HF again the results can be very interesting.
If none of the above takes your fancy then just get bladdered and turn the system up to 11.
AJSki2fly
02-05-2024, 15:29
I ended up in exactly the same situation Adrian at least a couple of times and decided to start a blog about my system and audiophile experiences however this was still not enough and so I have become a YouTuber. This combines all my hobbies into one and has given me a much needed injection of mojo. However if you have busy life - forget it as it is extremely time consuming and best left for retirement. But it does combine hifi, photography, video filming, video editing, digital sound recording etc etc. For me it has been the most interesting thing I have done for years and certainly got me interested in my system from another perspective!:)
But maybe start a Blog about your system - it may get you to look at it from a different perspective and get you interested again especially as it combines hifi and photography - ticks two or maybe three boxes and is not too time consuming?
Or you could just go back to box swapping?:lol: Seriously I agree with Martin - a change of speakers can make such a big difference and maybe get you to hear your system in a completely different way? I found just adjusting my room acoustics completely altered how my system sounded and improved my listening experience significantly.
James, Sorry to hear you have had similar problems, hopefully reasonably recovered now, and finding your way.
I did get into Youtube quite early on in 2008 before I had my health issues, Sue and I did quite a few Ski holidays in Canada and I got a helmet cam, yes it velcro'd to my helmet, that doesn't sound right does it :lol:, you know what I mean. I posted a few videos at Fernie Ski Hill on various trips/runs and powder days, mainly for my own interest really, friends and family to see where we had been. Also a couple of the Hifi and some hillclimbs in two Morgans I used to own and at Wiscombe Hill climb very near us. Yes I was a petrolhead as well as a camHead.:lol: I always cringe at how I sound, never like hearing myself speak.:eek: If your interested search for AJSki2fly, get it?:)
James, Sorry to hear you have had similar problems, hopefully reasonably recovered now, and finding your way.
I did get into Youtube quite early on in 2008 before I had my health issues, Sue and I did quite a few Ski holidays in Canada and I got a helmet cam, yes it velcro'd to my helmet, that doesn't sound right does it :lol:, you know what I mean. I posted a few videos at Fernie Ski Hill on various trips/runs and powder days, mainly for my own interest really, friends and family to see where we had been. Also a couple of the Hifi and some hillclimbs in two Morgans I used to own and at Wiscombe Hill climb very near us. Yes I was a petrolhead as well as a camHead.:lol: I always cringe at how I sound, never like hearing myself speak.:eek: If your interested search for AJSki2fly, get it?:)
I will check you out Adrian:). The latest GoPro camera's are worlds away from the early cam strapped to head :lol: I will be combining a lot of stuff in later videos but at the moment I am just getting to grips putting them together and hope to put at least one out a month. I have at least two years of material to work through and hope to increase the quality as I upgrade my gear. At least it keeps me interested in the hobby and does now maximise my photo and video interests as well.
It is a bit unnerving hearing yourself recorded,I agree!:lol:
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply and offer your experience and advice.
Having effectively banned myself from streaming services and radio this week, and only playing music that I own I have come to the conclusion that up until around 10 years ago before Spotify was a thing I must have been spending a fortune on CDs/records, and there are dozens possibly hundreds of albums I have bought and I have no idea who they are, where I bought them from, or why!
Currently playing an album by Talamasca from 2011 called Make Some Noise, which appears to be French psychedelic trance - didn’t even know I liked French psychedelic trance, and certainly don’t ever recall the evidently prolific artist (looking at his website), but it is an interesting step on the journey! :lol:
Yes, Splotifly is your friend:D I had one of the first free accounts when it started and despite being the free version to my buggered Tinitus ridden ears it sounds more than acceptable. Has helped me find loads of stuff that I would never have known was available or that I would like.
If you can find it look out for am album by Earl Grey - Purveyors Of The New Groove. Don't blench when I tell you it is mainly Drum & Bass with tones of Ambient thrown in:eek:
There was an article in HiFi Choice many many years ago about the making of this album as they decided to use many millions (well - a lot!) of stacked Mana tables in the studio as they obviously felt that this was the right thing to do. I heard many tracks being played to good effect at several Hifi Shows at Heathrow thereafter. My Souls On Ice is an atmospheric moody bass laden/ambient gem IMO of course.
I really enjoy hunting round the shops for used CDs, occasionally getting things I've been after and taking a punt on stuff I don't know.
None of that with streaming. Yes you can try new stuff but there's not the thrill of bagging a kill and taking it back to the cave.
I think we should indulge our prehistoric instincts, it's important for mental health. Probably.
Okay so I do sometimes cheat and buy from Music Magpie or an Amazon seller.
Pigmy Pony
03-05-2024, 19:00
Yes, Splotifly is your friend:D I had one of the first free accounts when it started and despite being the free version to my buggered Tinitus ridden ears it sounds more than acceptable. Has helped me find loads of stuff that I would never have known was available or that I would like.
If you can find it look out for am album by Earl Grey - Purveyors Of The New Groove. Don't blench when I tell you it is mainly Drum & Bass with tones of Ambient thrown in:eek:
There was an article in HiFi Choice many many years ago about the making of this album as they decided to use many millions (well - a lot!) of stacked Mana tables in the studio as they obviously felt that this was the right thing to do. I heard many tracks being played to good effect at several Hifi Shows at Heathrow thereafter. My Souls On Ice is an atmospheric moody bass laden/ambient gem IMO of course.
Wouldn't put me off, sounds like just the job :)
Pigmy Pony
03-05-2024, 19:02
I really enjoy hunting round the shops for used CDs, occasionally getting things I've been after and taking a punt on stuff I don't know.
None of that with streaming. Yes you can try new stuff but there's not the thrill of bagging a kill and taking it back to the cave.
I think we should indulge our prehistoric instincts, it's important for mental health. Probably.
Okay so I do sometimes cheat and buy from Music Magpie or an Amazon seller.
Is that what the voices in your head are telling you :ner:
We were supposed to be doing a car boot sale this weekend so I was planning on skiving for a bit and having a good rummage, but the site is so waterlogged it has been cancelled.
The other downside is that my lounge will look like this for at least another week…
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240504/389b8aa9f65c45a56e4a447ca0c13d29.jpg
Well you can always do some jigsaw puzzles to pass the time.
Or there's all those DVD box sets to go at.
Must be in a different country as it seems to be sunny outside.
54 1000 piece jigsaws should keep me quiet for the rest of the month, but as noted it is sunny so gardening will take priority!
Pigmy Pony
04-05-2024, 10:11
How much do you want for the telly?
How much do you want for the telly?
:D
How much do you want for the telly?
It’s actually knackered - Syd (that’s our dog) decided to try and catch the ball when I was watching the footie a few months ago - where he’s bashed into it there are discoloured patches with a blue hue - so it will need replacing - have insurance/warranty cover, but as I have had to make 3 claims for the dishwasher and 2 for the washing machine already this year with the same company I am holding off for a while!
Pigmy Pony
04-05-2024, 15:44
It’s actually knackered - Syd (that’s our dog) decided to try and catch the ball when I was watching the footie a few months ago - where he’s bashed into it there are discoloured patches with a blue hue - so it will need replacing - have insurance/warranty cover, but as I have had to make 3 claims for the dishwasher and 2 for the washing machine already this year with the same company I am holding off for a while!
You could do that I suppose, but by now your household's reputation as the place where appliances go to die will already be well founded and written in stone down at the MIB :doh:
Might be worth using the money raised from selling your other stuff to invest in a wall mount for your new telly, and trade in your dog for a smaller one :)
Upgrade the dog to a cat.
I think Alex is an insurance broker, so knows how to get around these "problems".
Regarding wall mounting of TVs, I am in the middle of redecorating my partner's flat and she wants the TV up on the wall. Will have to see what Argos can offer, but nothing I have seen so far gets 100% positive reviews. :hmm:
Pigmy Pony
05-05-2024, 10:43
Something like this should do the trick Barry. Most of the designs out there are just fine for the job, I've fitted similar for myself and for both of my daughters' tvs. It goes without saying that the important thing is having it strongly fixed to the wall. Unless you need to be able to swing the tv round sideways, I'd avoid those with the 'arm' - just more complicated and quite bulky.
Don't bother with the supplied 'bubble' levels, they're pants. Best to use your own.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Perlegear-Tilting-Screen-Maximum-Capacity-Black/dp/B081TTPKNC/ref=sr_1_14?crid=1X3ICKCHKWEZN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tFaJiEqgdiNmViTM4JIxxQHMphY066uVF fwxf4leDDIe9sPzOz39UvQqCgIS3e5zz6YBlgxydr6Il5fZi7N 6UNMN4o4ePxgSBMLtP7fSijx3yUkCvcspLZMZTkj5in22tEmPT gP2p-64OFw-TnGXEXfVSeVD2mgqXYPdK4F43VDyf-mTttatOBBN6_nIQDSkG62dpqr-z174AFcnafPFZOJ0lPpz10F1QumGv8LkJ84.ZqRo8TwMwVQRDI tj1rIgwIrIeq9A1XCMlETWWoB9gEc&dib_tag=se&keywords=tv+wall+mount+55+inch&qid=1714904930&sprefix=tv+wall+mount%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-14
The trailing wires do my head in a bit, but you can buy plastic trunking from B&Q quite cheaply. Just sticks to the wall with double-sided tape (included).
Like this:
https://www.diy.com/departments/d-line-decorative-trunking/5060226644391_BQ.prd
If you do need a swinging one and the TV is 42" or smaller I can recommend the one below - got one for my son's room where it needed to tilt and swivel and seems very strong.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0749C4TD8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Well, this thread seems as good a place as any….
Been thinking for a while that I miss my big Spendor SP1 speakers, they were in the spare room which is tiny, so they ended up unused and unloved for a few years.
So I decided with Sue’s permission to set up an “extra” system in the living room. The only spare amp I could get to easily is my late 70s Sony TA-F4A which I bought about 14 years ago if I’m honest just for the VU meters! I don’t remember it sounding that amazing, but it is lovely to look at! One of the reasons I want to do this is to play CDs again - I know I have them all on file in FLAC, but with my daughter Tamzin having started buying them I thought it would be nice to have somewhere we could listen together. I have umpteen CD players in the garage but grabbed a cheap Technics that I bought for nothing for the Cheap As Chips challenge (if anyone remembers that from back in the day!) as it is one of the oldest I have and want to go as retro as possible! Just plonked on the coffee table for the moment.
I don’t want to forego streaming so need to work out a solution for that (wi-fi streamer probably) but for the moment, headphone output from iPad will get me started.
So anyway, it lives! I had forgotten just how nice the Spendors are, far better bass than I remember, but that lovely “BBC” midrange I like. I do think the Sony amp is a bit thin sounding, but at least it is getting used! (Thought it wasn’t going to to start with - balance pot was very crackly and hardly any right channel but a bit of furious knob fiddling and all is well.)
I think it is safe to say this as the title of this two year old thread suggests, is going to get my hifi mojo back, and hasn’t cost me a penny… …yet!
Some pictures:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260428/0b36642745894df629183ecc0cb2876d.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260428/599ba6d28c57b9840bcabece6a41995d.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260428/77b2544fe80c2c554de9c30c37132056.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
SP1s look great. They are a superb sounding speaker. I ended up buying SP2s as my room at the time was too small to accommodate SP1s. Really liked all those speakers from around that time. I recently replaced the tweeters in my SP2s as one had failed and the other was on the way out. they sound as good as new now.
Great speakers and amp. Might be a bit thin not because of the Sony but because the speakers back on to all that glass?
Put them in front of a solid wall you'll notice a considerable difference.
You probably don't want to re-arrange the living room though.
Goodness! - just how large is that TV?
Regarding the speakers, do you not have any curtains for the rear window? I can't see any, but if you did have some, drawing them across the two side windows flanking the patio doors would help provide an non-reflective surface behind each speaker.
I think these speakers are front ported chaps so not affected too much what is behind them?
I think these speakers are front ported chaps so not affected too much what is behind them?
Glass doesn't give any boundary gain though, lower frequencies pass right through.
There are no curtains, unfortunately (despite the nom de plume Marco gave me years ago! :lol: )
James is correct, that the SP1's are front ported, so that may help, but the room has hardly any absorbent material apart from the rug. The yellow "cubes" are material covered, so I may try stacking the two spare ones on top of the ones behind the speaker later.
I've given the Bass control a boost of +2 and that helps - usually don't like tone controls but that's what they're there for! It was sounding very good just through the iPad headphones, I have a Fiio USB DAC to play with later. And that's part of the fun - all the experimentation. :)
The TV is only 65" Barry, probably looks bigger due to the angle I took the photo at. I could mount it on the wall to the left of it above the fireplace (the wiring is already there in the wall) but IMO it would be too high and you'd be craning your neck - although that would be ideal, with the speakers either side.
That we live in an age when a telly can be 'only' 65 inches across. :)
That we live in an age when a telly can be 'only' 65 inches across. :)
Very true! One of my clients has a lovely converted barn with a big living room and his telly was over 100”!
I bought this one about 8 years ago when we were in the other house, I think it’s a bit big for this one, will probably go 55” next time. And it will cost £14.99.
Been thinking for a while that I miss my big Spendor SP1 speakers, they were in the spare room which is tiny, so they ended up unused and unloved for a few years.
Wonderful to see the Spendors back in action Alex.
And as someone who still hasn't got a TV . . . my goodness that's a big one :eek:
Thanks, Tim, not very often I get told that!
Must say the Spendor/Sony combo is sounding sublime - and not been shouted at to turn it down… yet!
We have three TVs and all of them have a screen size of 31". We need to replace one of them, and when we do it will probably be a little larger, say 43". The viewing distance is about 8 foot, so the angle of view is about 17°, which I find comfortable.
According to general advice I should be using a screen size of 80" for an "immersive experience". That is not what I want: when I go to the cinema I like to sit as far away from the screen as possible and on bore-site. So no big tellies for me.
We have three TVs and all of them have a screen size of 31". We need to replace one of them, and when we do it will probably be a little larger, say 43". The viewing distance is about 8 foot, so the angle of view is about 17°, which I find comfortable.
According to general advice I should be using a screen size of 80" for an "immersive experience". That is not what I want: when I go to the cinema I like to sit as far away from the screen as possible and on bore-site. So no big tellies for me.
8 foot viewing distance you want 55'' to 65''. According to the chart:
https://i.ibb.co/ZR00bhqq/distance-fov-chart.png (https://imgbb.com/)
Yes, according to the chart, for "cinema" viewing at an 8' distance I should be using an 80" screen. That is way too large for me.
The normal horizontal angle of view is about 200o to 220o, however only the central angle of about 60o provides high resolution detail. Thus with a viewing distance of 8', that suggests a screen size of 60 - 61" - still too large for me.
Pigmy Pony
29-04-2026, 09:22
I sit about 8' from the telly, so our 65" is probably perfect for me. But Anita sits about 12' away, no wonder she used to moan about the old 42" one.
I think you quickly get used to whatever screen size you have. I remember going from a 21" TV to a 36" widescreen and it felt like we were at the cinema! But without some wally sat behind you loudly rustling popcorn out of a paper bag.
I think you quickly get used to whatever screen size you have. #.
This true. Every time I go up to my mother's it's a shock that the TV is so much smaller. But after a day or so I don't notice that. Then I get back to my place and it's a shock that the screen is so large. But after a day or so I go back to regretting not getting a bigger one.
hasn’t cost me a penny… …yet!
Well, it has now - I've just ordered a Wiim Mini network streamer to replace the ancient iPhone and Fiio DAC that is currently doing streaming duties. I am not sure how much better it will sound, but it should be a lot easier to use, and should seamlessly connect to my Plex server so I can stream my own FLAC files. The princely sum of £89.99 from Amazon, should come tomorrow with free Prime delivery.
Main reason for deciding to get something different was this review (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/fiio-d5-dac-headphone-amp-and-adc-review.9507/)of the Fiio DAC I found on Audio Science Review - basically, it's pants. Total, utter pants - which is probably why it has been sat in a box for the best part of 15 years, unused...
However, whilst there I stumbled across this comparison (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/kimber-ks-1036-silver-rca-cable-review.70121/) of a $4,000+ Kimber interconnect vs. a $7 Amazon Basics one... (Albeit the Kimber version is only 1M long - $8,000 if you want to match the 2M length of the Amazon one.)
The video review, too, if you are interested:
https://youtu.be/QjvgL9_zL80?si=4YqXlBZrCr4gDVPv
I appreciate we are primarily a subjective leaning rather than objective biased forum, but personally I find it hard to argue the case on these ridiculously expensive cables. Spoiler alert: The conclusion is there is no difference between the two. I know, he didn't actually listen to the cables, but if they don't measure any different they aren't going to sound any different... Are they? :sofa:
Chuck that WiiM into a good DAC and as long as you have a strong WiFi signal, you'll be surprised at what good value it is. Spotify Connect will work a charm as well a streaming FLAC over DLNA. It wasn't that long ago they were 50 quid! I paid 100 for my WiiM Pro, but they are 149 now.
Are you not using JRiver anymore?
Well, it has now - I've just ordered a Wiim Mini network streamer to replace the ancient iPhone and Fiio DAC that is currently doing streaming duties. I am not sure how much better it will sound, but it should be a lot easier to use, and should seamlessly connect to my Plex server so I can stream my own FLAC files. The princely sum of £89.99 from Amazon, should come tomorrow with free Prime delivery.
Main reason for deciding to get something different was this review (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/fiio-d5-dac-headphone-amp-and-adc-review.9507/)of the Fiio DAC I found on Audio Science Review - basically, it's pants. Total, utter pants - which is probably why it has been sat in a box for the best part of 15 years, unused...
However, whilst there I stumbled across this comparison (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/kimber-ks-1036-silver-rca-cable-review.70121/) of a $4,000+ Kimber interconnect vs. a $7 Amazon Basics one... (Albeit the Kimber version is only 1M long - $8,000 if you want to match the 2M length of the Amazon one.)
The video review, too, if you are interested:
https://youtu.be/QjvgL9_zL80?si=4YqXlBZrCr4gDVPv
I appreciate we are primarily a subjective leaning rather than objective biased forum, but personally I find it hard to argue the case on these ridiculously expensive cables. Spoiler alert: The conclusion is there is no difference between the two. I know, he didn't actually listen to the cables, but if they don't measure any different they aren't going to sound any different... Are they? :sofa:
But are either of the cables directional? Were either cable cryocooled? Were the cables 'burnt in', and if they were, for how long? And finally were cable lifters used during the tests? :D
Chuck that WiiM into a good DAC and as long as you have a strong WiFi signal, you'll be surprised at what good value it is. Spotify Connect will work a charm as well a streaming FLAC over DLNA. It wasn't that long ago they were 50 quid! I paid 100 for my WiiM Pro, but they are 149 now.
Are you not using JRiver anymore?
Plan is to use this one as a trial (with own DAC) and if I get on with the app, move it to the kitchen or dining room (probably the latter) and go for one of the better ones/DAC.
Wiim does seem to get universally good reviews, and I like the idea of the Alexa integration, amongst other things.
Re. Jriver, I ended up using a Linux computer as my server, and Plex has all the cross platform apps, can stream remotely as well as a really nice interface, so I’ve ended up down that route, more by accident than an actual plan. That’s not that you can’t get Jriver to work for Linux, just that Plex was an easier option at the time and has kind of stuck. I will review where I go at some point.
Pigmy Pony
01-05-2026, 08:07
Plan is to use this one as a trial (with own DAC) and if I get on with the app, move it to the kitchen or dining room (probably the latter) and go for one of the better ones/DAC.
Wiim does seem to get universally good reviews, and I like the idea of the Alexa integration, amongst other things.
Re. Jriver, I ended up using a Linux computer as my server, and Plex has all the cross platform apps, can stream remotely as well as a really nice interface, so I’ve ended up down that route, more by accident than an actual plan. That’s not that you can’t get Jriver to work for Linux, just that Plex was an easier option at the time and has kind of stuck. I will review where I go at some point.
Let me know how that works out for you ie can it be done 'hands off' - I like the convenience of being able to give my Echo Dot a voice command, but feel the quality could be better. It just seems like all the alternatives involve picking up a remote, pressing a button and speaking into it. I don't want that.
I imagine it can get quite confusing in your house:
Sue: Alex, put the bins out will you?
Alexa: Stop giving me these stupid chores, you know I don't have arms and legs. Tell that lazy lump of a husband to stop pretending to be working in his study and put them out :D
I'm happy with the WiiM Alex, it's not perfect but for value there wasn't anything to beat it at the time and I think that's still the case. The DAC is weak though, certainly on the lower models but I haven't tried anything above the Pro. But that's comparing it to a DAC costing 5 times as much, so it's not a level playing field. I never use the WiiM app itself, only go in there if I need to change something, but day to day I do everything via the Qobuz app or JRemote - it's mainly a network bridge for JRiver.
I've been 100% Linux for 4 years now, should have done it sooner. I use it on my main desktop PC and have it on a mini PC for my projector and an Intel NUC for JRiver, which was a Roon ROCK server previously. Now it just has Linux and JRiver on it. I’ve often wondered about trying Plex actually and just running one media box for both the projector and music :hmm:
Let me know how that works out for you ie can it be done 'hands off' - I like the convenience of being able to give my Echo Dot a voice command, but feel the quality could be better. It just seems like all the alternatives involve picking up a remote, pressing a button and speaking into it. I don't want that.
I imagine it can get quite confusing in your house:
Sue: Alex, put the bins out will you?
Alexa: Stop giving me these stupid chores, you know I don't have arms and legs. Tell that lazy lump of a husband to stop pretending to be working in his study and put them out :D
:lol:
Luckily Sue only ever tells Alexa (and me) to “shut up” so we’ve not had that problem so far!
I too like the convenience of the Echo in the kitchen especially, where “hands free” is so handy, so we shall see how it all hangs together with the Wiim. You can apparently create speaker groups with both Wiim and Echo devices, which sounds quite handy for multiroom music.
I will keep this thread updated for those interested.
I'm happy with the WiiM Alex, it's not perfect but for value there wasn't anything to beat it at the time and I think that's still the case. The DAC is weak though, certainly on the lower models but I haven't tried anything above the Pro. But that's comparing it to a DAC costing 5 times as much, so it's not a level playing field. I never use the WiiM app itself, only go in there if I need to change something, but day to day I do everything via the Qobuz app or JRemote - it's mainly a network bridge for JRiver.
I've been 100% Linux for 4 years now, should have done it sooner. I use it on my main desktop PC and have it on a mini PC for my projector and an Intel NUC for JRiver, which was a Roon ROCK server previously. Now it just has Linux and JRiver on it. I’ve often wondered about trying Plex actually and just running one media box for both the projector and music :hmm:
Thanks, Tim, that’s useful. I really like Plex, I am paying for the Plex Pass which is probably not needed as you can stream free and unlimited on your local network with the free package. I really like the interface, very professional looking and it “grabs” artist bio’s and album reviews which I really enjoy.
I’ve not really looked at the video side much, but it seems like it is pretty good.
I might look into Plex as others have said the UI is really good.
One thing to note about WiiM is the software/firmware is constantly developed, with new features and bug fixes seemingly occurring every-time I turn it on. Consequently this can cause other issues, so something that worked previously breaks. Qobuz Connect worked perfectly on conception, then it kept locking up after a software update and the only remedy was a WiiM reboot (it's fixed now and seems fine). Additionally, when the Pro was launched it wouldn't stream gapless from JRiver (also now fixed).
Long story short, there is a WiiM user forum run by the WiiM development team and they do monitor and interact on there. I was the first to report the JRiver issue, other helpful users replicated the fault and WiiM fixed it. So if something isn't working that you think should be, it's worth checking the forum for a possible solution, or just adding your name to any thread reporting the issue so that WiiM are aware.
https://forum.wiimhome.com/
Cheers, Tim. I did see the forum when I was researching, looks like a good community.
It arrived this afternoon, set up in about 2 minutes as they claim, logged in with all my various accounts and checked it all seems to work, quick glance at the Wiim Home app looks very good - easily access all I am likely to need (Tidal Connect, Plex, BBC radio, Radio Paradise mainly) and with Spotify Connect, you just choose the Wiim as a speaker and use the app as the remote.
Looking forward to a listen later to see how it sounds but looks like a winner on the functionality front so far. (And it’s tiny - how do they pack everything in it?)
Everything it does is probably all on one tiny chip.
Everything it does is probably all on one tiny chip.
That looks about right!
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/wiim-pro-information-requested.393202/
Well it’s time to turn it down and return to the near-field system, but in the couple of hours listening to the Wiim with the Sony/Spendors my gast is well and truly flabbered. I wasn’t expecting the Wiim to be massively better than the iPhone/Fiio, or the iPad headphone jack but it most certainly is. Soundstage, separation, tone, clarity - everything is just much much bigger and better. It’s definitely not placebo because I wasn’t expecting it to be that good - unless reverse placebo effect is a thing? This is definitely getting the hifi mojo back!
Yup, you get a lot of bang for your buck from a WiiM :)
Well I’ve had a month now with the Sony/Spendor combo, and three weeks since I added the Wiim, and I can’t stop listening to it, so I must have got the mojo back!
I’m loving the Wiim Home app, really easy to seamlessly move between streaming from Spotify, playing my own rips via Plex or internet radio, and whilst I have previously avoided any kind of equalisation, using the “RoomFit” app has tuned the system to the room a treat, or using a preset EQ such as “Acoustic” for low volume late night listening makes it more listenable without going too loud.
I’m still just using the analog output of the Wiim Mini and therefore it’s own internal DAC, will be tempted to either upgrade to a better Wiim product or look for an external DAC or amp with a DAC but at the moment I’m just enjoying the scale of getting the bigger speakers back playing, can’t believe I allowed them to hibernate for so long but at least they are back now!
What were you using before the Spendors came back?
What were you using before the Spendors came back?
Nothing in the living room apart from Roth actives either side of the telly. Various other setups around the house, but all little boxes, Wharfedale actives in kitchen, Diamond 220s with a Tangent amp in the dining room, and the powered Triangle AIOs in the study. (Which are still brilliant as a near-field system.)
The Spendors were in the spare room which became a music room with electric piano and stuff so it got a bit crowded in there so I swapped them for original “Super” Diamonds to save space and that’s when they got mothballed.
Well I’ve had a month now with the Sony/Spendor combo, and three weeks since I added the Wiim, and I can’t stop listening to it, so I must have got the mojo back!
I’m still just using the analog output of the Wiim Mini and therefore it’s own internal DAC, will be tempted to either upgrade to a better Wiim product or look for an external DAC or amp with a DAC
:yay:
My WiiM Pro has the same DAC chip as your mini Alex, plugging it into an external DAC is not an insignificant improvement. I love my WiiM as well, one of the best bargains in HiFi I reckon, if you still enjoy exploring music.
Good to see those Spendors back, they are great.
Gosh, look what arrived today, DPD driver must have got the wrong address? [emoji2369] [emoji6]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260529/1539891716601b3f7e06445fe114f6a5.jpg
Gosh, look what arrived today, DPD driver must have got the wrong address? [emoji2369] [emoji6]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260529/1539891716601b3f7e06445fe114f6a5.jpg
:lol: I love it . . . don't tell Sue :sofa: (hopefully I've got the name right, but I am getting old!)
We'll expect a report in due course obviously.
The plan is, well, was, to use it in the dining room, as the Tangent amp in there is fine with the TV but just doesn’t sound quite right with music. Partly like all the rooms in this house, too many reflections, and it needs to be small as the gear in there is all hidden away in the sideboard. The WiiM Roomfit has worked wonders in the living room, so I reckon will do the same in the dining room.
But to test it I’ve plugged it into the Spendors in the living room and I don’t know whether it’s the amp or the DAC (or both) but first impressions are that it is massively better than the Mini/Sony combo, and would actually work in here to create a minimal streaming system.
We’ll have to see how it goes, but I suspect I might be buying another one!
. . . but first impressions are that it is massively better than the Mini/Sony combo, and would actually work in here to create a minimal streaming system.
The WiiM Mini is fantastic Alex, but it's DAC is it's weak point in a decent system, so that doesn't surprise me at all. I've been pondering one for my desktop system actually, the Amp Ultra into a pair of LS50 Meta's should make a decent near-field desktop player. Currently I have an ageing Amptastic Mini-1 with a Topping DAC - an Ultra would I reckon be quite an improvement, as well as being a lot tidier.
I reckon it would be superb as a desktop amp, and very neat and stylish.
Just had a “eureka” moment, the Tangent amp in the dining room has optical in, so I will try the Mini into that and see how it sounds…. Once I can drag myself away from listening to the Ultra!
Happy days, those WiiM's punch well above their weight :)
Well, WiiM Mini all installed via the optical input on the Tangent in the dining room and that’s sorted - it sounds miles better than it did than using the laptop, very listenable, so it looks like the Amp Ultra can stay in the living room…. Happy days indeed!
Decided to put the WiiM Ultra Amp in the TV cabinet, so all out of the way, neat and tidy. Now, just need to find a disc player with an optical output.
Hang on. What’s that on the bottom shelf!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260530/ce2e36d24e7e9d509bba920922693f8e.jpg
Hang on. What’s that on the bottom shelf!
Before anyone else says it - "dust"! All tidied up now! This sounds just as good as streaming (as you'd expect, just bits from a disc instead of the internet into the same DAC/Amp.) Another happy day! :D
Those Wiim devices are amazing for the money just a shame about the looks. If they were full width and had proper controls instead of a menu, I'd be there.
Those Wiim devices are amazing for the money just a shame about the looks. If they were full width and had proper controls instead of a menu, I'd be there.
Funny, isn't it - horses for courses, the fact they are so diminutive and everything can be accessed by the (very good, by the way) App is precisely what drew me to it in the first place!
Differences aside, the build quality is really good, too - heavy, well engineered connectors, nice aluminium case and the touchscreen (not that I'll use it much) is top-notch. Even the remote is aluminium, and not just an aluminium cover, it feels like it's milled from a billet of metal, it is also rechargeable via USB-C so no batteries required. It doesn't need to, but the packaging feels premium, very much like an Apple product. It really is amazing how they can do it all for so little dough. I'm almost disappointed I don't need to buy another one now!
I'm almost disappointed I don't need to buy another one now!
Not wanting you to be disappointed Alex, just put my address on the order :D
Filterlab
02-06-2026, 10:39
Decided to put the WiiM Ultra Amp in the TV cabinet, so all out of the way, neat and tidy. Now, just need to find a disc player with an optical output.
Hang on. What’s that on the bottom shelf!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260530/ce2e36d24e7e9d509bba920922693f8e.jpg
I love that amp. Small components are the way to go these days; there's little reason to have a pile of goliath boxes on shelves.
My system is very simple. The RME ADI DAC is absolutely fantastic and has more features than a dozen faces, the Echo Link is wired to the network and is pure digital (ethernet in, coaxial out), and will stream at full resolution from anything its fed rather than compressing; the bewilderingly good value-for-money Emotiva A2+ (which, like the DAC, is fully balanced); and then a pair of the teeny but absolutely mind-bendingly capable Neat Motive SX1s. They stand at just under a metre tall, 160mm across with tiny drivers, but go down to 25Hz! Deep, controlled bass, startling mids and crisp, unfatiguing highs. Tiny boxes (except the amp), massive sound.
My Hi-Fi mojo is back, but not my 'upgraditis'. I'm very happy with this charming and capable set up.
https://i.ibb.co/j93RsFFw/IMG-3565.jpg (https://ibb.co/GfCTNjjM)
I love that amp. Small components are the way to go these days; there's little reason to have a pile of goliath boxes on shelves.
There are some advantages to putting electronics in larger cases. Thermal control is one, and also it's easier to separate power supplies from the signal electronics.
Not always the situation but if you look at Rega for example their products often have noise bleeding in from the power supply which is partly due to having to cram it all into a little box.
The Wiim amps with them being Class D it isn't an issue but I'd like them full width to visually match the 'goliath boxes' (mostly 2 and 3 VU size which really isn't that big) I already have.
Filterlab
02-06-2026, 18:44
Of course, many components have external power supplies these days. Great for isolation.
Looks really "Neat" Rob! I love your cabinet!
Kallax-Fi . . . it's the future :)
Filterlab
03-06-2026, 06:48
Looks really "Neat" Rob! I love your cabinet!
:)
Thanks.
Well I’ve finally got round to looking at how the Wiim’s integrate with Alexa/Echo devices, and I’m really impressed!
I’ve created a “Downstairs” speaker group, which has the Kitchen and Study Echo Shows, and the Living Room Wiim Amp Ultra and the Dining Room Wiim Mini - and essentially I can now have music on all through the downstairs at the same time, and it all syncs perfectly so it is seamless moving from room to room. Through the Alexa app I can tweak the volume (not on the Wiim Mini though, as that is using the optical out) and select “Downstairs” in Spotify to play to the new group.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260621/7a1b946a2e4a82442a21924884e65246.jpg
So now the kids have my “Ring of Fire” in every room, whether they like it or not! :lol:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260621/ab9b6f7d028c2c777617c24d6e5c1706.jpg
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
You could put some musak on - say, a pan-pipe version of 'Strawberry Fayre', and then pretend you're wandering around a shopping mall.
Johnny Cash in every room gets my vote old bean :)
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