HiFi changes/upgrade plans for 2025

[CageyH]

Do you have any?

I am still tempted to change my DAC and pre-amp, but the savings have taken a hit after buying the wife a new car, so the changes probably won’t happen for a while.

I have stopped looking at valves for my BB3. I have enough to see me out. I am happy with my speakers and power amp. I am also good on the cartridge front, and I don’t think there is anything left to do on my turntable, apart from change it, but see above for why that won’t happen.

I have seen an interesting cable, brought to my attention by Oli(Bigman) so I may make a couple up.

So basically, no real changes in 2025.

Can I resist temptation for another year?

[Puffin]

I have enough kit, mostly DIY that will keep me going until I kick the bucket. I use one of my amps for a couple of months and then swap another in. I have about 12 so plenty to play with :D

[Macca]

Nothing. All finished unless/until something dies on me.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Few more MM carts adventures.
Getting a few things repaired.
Maybe a pair of DIY speakers
Sell off excessive kit
Concentrate more on vinyl rather than faffing.

[gninnam]

A few Lenco's to build/rebuild
Re-case my BB3 (currently two boxes so change to 1)
Rebuild a couple of old amps (Leak and Armstrong)
A few other things on the list but nothing major unless I win the Lottery (which I don't do!)

[Berni217]

A Gustard R26 DAC & a new 9” tonearm (Glanz or Ikeda)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gazjam]

MAY be a separate streamer down the line,
depending on success of getting the Shanling transport to work as a Roon Endpoint.

*EDIT*
Installed Roons own ROCK operating system and it now sees the Shanling as an Airplay Endpoint.
Works and sounds great, but only up to 16/44.

Turns out there’s a Roon Extension that would make it a UPnP (not Airplay) endpoint, but involves adding a Rasberry Pi into the mix, so will look into that.
If it all works out, cool, will save me money.

[guy]

Nothing. All finished unless/until something dies on me.

Same here - managed to get a Vinyl 1 phono stage just before Christmas, valves took some time to settle/bed in but now I’m very happy.

Cartridge is the only thing that will need replacing in the next year or so.

[rmcin626]

Will be adding a Cyrus power supply for my phono stage and cd player soon, if anyone as a spare one please let me know

[hifinutt]

already made a few changes and more planned [ finance permitting ]
some nice roller ball symposium went under CD player and found another set for another cd player

a good friend lent me a biwire hovland speaker cable ... man i like that . great match for verity
the verity rienzi are having new upgraded bass drivers after one packed up

plenty more planned
i did have my eye on a luxman 38uc pre amp but the BC eix dac pre still sounds exceptionally good and is a classy bit of kit

[hifinutt]

Will be adding a Cyrus power supply for my phono stage and cd player soon, if anyone as a spare one please let me know

are you on facebook , the very active cyrus FB group has a chap called chris matthews selling a psxr in essex

https://www.facebook.com/groups/174017535232/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=10160672645615233

[rmcin626]

are you on facebook , the very active cyrus FB group has a chap called chris matthews selling a psxr in essex

https://www.facebook.com/groups/174017535232/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=10160672645615233


Thanks Phil, will check that out

[rmcin626]

are you on facebook , the very active cyrus FB group has a chap called chris matthews selling a psxr in essex

https://www.facebook.com/groups/174017535232/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=10160672645615233

Just to update, The model I’m looking for is the R2, but many thanks for the link

[hifinutt]

great , well hope you find something

[rmcin626]

great , well hope you find something

Phil, have decided just to order a new one, but thanks for your assistance

[hifinutt]

great , was going to share this ad but new sounds good idea

https://www.hifi-forsale.co.uk/moreinfo.php?prod_id=131106&offset=

[rmcin626]

great , was going to share this ad but new sounds good idea

https://www.hifi-forsale.co.uk/moreinfo.php?prod_id=131106&offset=

Thanks again Phil, managed to obtain a discounted price on a new one.

[Stranraer]

Despite spending a few hundred pounds on keeping my luverley Levinson 390S running (mainly as a DAC) a short time back I can't help thinkng it will need replacing at some point so have been window shopping for the last coupla years.
The TEAC 701 has me intrigued but I really want to be spending on something that will be a clear and obvious upgrade.
Would 20 year newer technology be significantly "better" at deciphering my discs ?

[hifinutt]

quite possibly , well worth getting one

[Firebottle]

BIG change on the speakers front for 2025 in the 2nd/alternative system.

http://i.imgur.com/dj2g6SC.jpeg

Pictured are the new Arke Solo standmounts that have replaced the Ditton 15 XR, and how.

The decision was made a little while ago that spending was in order as 'you can't take it with you' to quote an old maxim.
Now in my 7th decade life is for living, you can't change the past. Those that know my personal circumstances will hopefully understand.

The system comprises a modified Philips CD610 as transport, no slouch even given its age.
SMSL D300 dac, using the Japanese ROHM chip, also enabling Bluetooth functionality.
Neurochrome 86 power amplifier with linear psu.

The Solos are bespoke, designed and made by the very talented Jason of Arke Audio. These are no compromise 2 way standmounts using the best drivers and crossover components.

The peformance is almost unreal, such is the transparency and low distortion of the Solos. The response from top to bottom is phenomenal and is an absolute window into the music.

Very happy bunny.

PS The Dittons are for sale now.

[Pigmy Pony]

BIG change on the speakers front for 2025 in the 2nd/alternative system.

http://i.imgur.com/dj2g6SC.jpeg

Pictured are the new Arke Solo standmounts that have replaced the Ditton 15 XR, and how.

The decision was made a little while ago that spending was in order as 'you can't take it with you' to quote an old maxim.
Now in my 7th decade life is for living, you can't change the past. Those that know my personal circumstances will hopefully understand.

The system comprises a modified Philips CD610 as transport, no slouch even given its age.
SMSL D300 dac, using the Japanese ROHM chip, also enabling Bluetooth functionality.
Neurochrome 86 power amplifier with linear psu.

The Solos are bespoke, designed and made by the very talented Jason of Arke Audio. These are no compromise 2 way standmounts using the best drivers and crossover components.

The peformance is almost unreal, such is the transparency and low distortion of the Solos. The response from top to bottom is phenomenal and is an absolute window into the music.

Very happy bunny.

Good for you Alan, I completely agree. We're a long time dead you know.

Those Arke Solos look nice and portable - no excuse come the next NEBO :)

[Macca]

I think they are going to be on demo at the NW Audio show in June along with matching subs.

[Pigmy Pony]

I think they are going to be on demo at the NW Audio show in June along with matching subs.

That's a room we'll have to make sure we visit :)

[hifinutt]

yes been following the arke solos , they look beautiful

https://audioaddictsforum.com/thread/3476/arke-solo-speakers

[Alex_UK]

The subs look class as well - in fact everything he has made, does.

https://www.maverick-hifi.com/post/arke-audio-highend-speakers-13559412

[Firebottle]

yes been following the arke solos , they look beautiful

https://audioaddictsforum.com/thread/3476/arke-solo-speakers

They are stunning to lok at in the flesh Phil, photographs just don't do them justice.
I was bowled over when I first clapped eyes on them, the choice of materials and the finish is first rate.

[CageyH]

That looks like a serious upgrade. Well done sir.

[Ali Tait]

Enjoy Alan, they look well tasty.

[Gazjam]

They are stunning to lok at in the flesh Phil, photographs just don't do them justice.
I was bowled over when I first clapped eyes on them, the choice of materials and the finish is first rate.

Happy New Speaker day Alan,
they look SERIOUS!

Enjoy em Sir, and keep enjoying the music.

[hifinutt]

They are stunning to lok at in the flesh Phil, photographs just don't do them justice.
I was bowled over when I first clapped eyes on them, the choice of materials and the finish is first rate.

fantastic ... you deserve them Alan !!!

[Mikeandvan]

M hifi system set for life now, only thing I'll be changing is the stylus now and again.

[Barry]

I too have no plans for any further changes to my system. Despite significant development and improvement in the design of small speakers, I shall stick with my "room heaters".

[Macca]

I too have no plans for any further changes to my system. Despite significant development and improvement in the design of small speakers, I shall stick with my "room heaters".

You got the ideal shape and size room for them and they still stand up today so why change?

I am also done until something breaks. It's way better than where I thought I'd be able to get to, so I'm taking that as a win.

[Pigmy Pony]

You got the ideal shape and size room for them and they still stand up today so why change?

I am also done until something breaks. It's way better than where I thought I'd be able to get to, so I'm taking that as a win.

I should think so too.

To get any meaningful improvement you would be needing to change the room, not the kit I reckon. And now being able to play your music anytime, any day, all day if you want is a big upgrade too :)

[rmcin626]

Now that I am fairly settled with the new listening room, beginning to ponder if I could improve the sound, without emptying the bank accounts. In the main I’m happy with the sound although I think the soundstage could be better with perhaps improved separation and also the bass at times seems to be lost and hard to identify, this of of course could be down to my advancing years.

The vast majority of my listening is vinyl, I rarely listen to CDs and use the Eversolo to audition new music or to play something I’m thinking of buying on vinyl.

Not sure I have the energy to start to mucking about with cables again.

Anyway would be interested if anyone has any suggestions.

[Macca]

Now that I am fairly settled with the new listening room, beginning to ponder if I could improve the sound, without emptying the bank accounts. In the main I’m happy with the sound although I think the soundstage could be better with perhaps improved separation and also the bass at times seems to be lost and hard to identify, this of of course could be down to my advancing years.

The vast majority of my listening is vinyl, I rarely listen to CDs and use the Eversolo to audition new music or to play something I’m thinking of buying on vinyl.

Not sure I have the energy to start to mucking about with cables again.

Anyway would be interested if anyone has any suggestions.

Better pick up cartridge and/or phono stage?

[rmcin626]

Better pick up cartridge and/or phono stage?

I was thinking about changing the Ortofon cartridge, the phono stage was changed about a year ago and I think we would be looking at £3k plus to improve on the Cyrus but never say never.

[Alex_UK]

Controversial post alert: leave the cables alone, personally my experience is that as long as they are built well with decent materials they will be fine…

[rmcin626]

Controversial post alert: leave the cables alone, personally my experience is that as long as they are built well with decent materials they will be fine…

Very reluctant to go near the cable world, the ones I am using are all well built and decent.

[Barry]

Very reluctant to go near the cable world, the ones I am using are all well built and decent.

So are mine - I assembled them myself!

[RockAddict]

Cables... Funnily enough, these were the last pieces of the jigsaw for me. After simplifying my system last year, cables were left alone - until this year :). Firstly, the digital coax cable connecting the streamer to the amp was changed / upgraded which resulted in fairly small differences. The "old" coax was then moved to connect the disc player (audio) to the amp which, theoretically, was also an upgrade which, this time, made no discernible difference to my ears.

Lastly, speaker cables. Changing from Van Damme UP-LCOFC (4mm) to QED Golden Anniversary XT (2.5mm) resulted in definite differences to the audio character; mainly a bit more detail overall and more control with lower frequencies. Whether that's "better" is more subjective but, suffice to say, I won't be returning to the Van Damme cable - perfectly decent as it is.

In common with others, further changes are (probably) only going to happen if/when components stop working.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Few more MM carts adventures.
Getting a few things repaired.
Maybe a pair of DIY speakers
Sell off excessive kit
Concentrate more on vinyl rather than faffing.

Well I thought I'd update this. I've manage to stick to these objectives. I was doing to do a DIY pair of LS3/5A's but ended up buying my dream pair for slightly more than the cost of all the parts in the DIY kit. I've sold off 85% of my my excess kit. I've bought more vinyl and have two adventures planned with cartridges, otherwise no new urges!!!!!

[Barry]

Well I thought I'd update this. I've manage to stick to these objectives. I was going to do a DIY pair of LS3/5A's but ended up buying my dream pair for slightly more than the cost of all the parts in the DIY kit.

Andrew, if you haven't already seen it, you might be interested in this BBC Report: BBC RD 1976/29.
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/reports/1976-29.pdf#page=1&zoom=auto,-81,848

[Wakefield Turntables]

Thanks Barry I got that PDF a while ago but thanks for thinking about me!! :)

[SLS]

So far this year:

- RCM Sensor2 Mk2
- Whest 2.Two Discrete
+ Mofi MasterPhono

- Holo May L2
+ Holo Cyan2

+ Lots of things from Stack Audio

+ 2 x NeoTech ethernet cables

I think I'll call it a day.

[Macca]

I've been good and not bought anything this year. So far.

[Pigmy Pony]

I've been good and not bought anything this year. So far.

To be fair you're pretty much there, just make sure you have milk for your tea and you're sorted :)

[Macca]

To be fair you're pretty much there, just make sure you have milk for your tea and you're sorted :)

I still want a Yamaha EQ-550. Need to try to sell something to fund it.

[Barry]

I've been good and not bought anything this year. So far.

Nor have I - "equipment wise" that is. I have bought some CDs, but then again, only a dozen or so.

[Pigmy Pony]

I still want a Yamaha EQ-550. Need to try to sell something to fund it.

I'm curious, what would that do, that your Sony pre can't, or your similar looking graphic equaliser? You could try contacting Mike, see if he's still interested in the JM Labs, I could collect them for him with the van.

[Macca]

I'm curious, what would that do, that your Sony pre can't, or your similar looking graphic equaliser? .

Nothing, but it has orange LEDs and spectrum display so will match my CD and Pre-amp.

[Pigmy Pony]

That one on Ebay, I'm guessing price is a bit steep or else you'd be all over it.

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwjMpJDYzOqOAxWKjlAGHcm7O-EYACICCAEQBxoCZGc&ae=2&aspm=1&co=1&ase=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwy7HEBhBJEiwA5hQNouw6di7r8AQaKO024ntp w3uQIn6a6p60RP2QH331qMTthS-cC4ZfaRoCgLIQAvD_BwE&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESeuD2iuEAWHvZxbcOyTWOrBk0UZrTxwmgj-4FTJI9iZATvqxA0B8nk_TgaZllkwhZ4KHiayFJvTJBbAayR2QY HOAydnnek6vurEuFmqL4BLTMwqJvVVHCCMCpj5cRIaaaOSeCEv _jl2q6HmdxkBPGyyYSbycYKzL3CSnV&category=acrcp_v1_43&sig=AOD64_2JcCsgmWys9hRwTwMhTF4Mu6jGlA&ctype=5&q=&nis=4&ved=2ahUKEwiX54vYzOqOAxWYXEEAHbTDMhQQ9aACKAB6BAgGE CE&adurl=

[Macca]

That one on Ebay, I'm guessing price is a bit steep or else you'd be all over it.

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwjMpJDYzOqOAxWKjlAGHcm7O-EYACICCAEQBxoCZGc&ae=2&aspm=1&co=1&ase=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwy7HEBhBJEiwA5hQNouw6di7r8AQaKO024ntp w3uQIn6a6p60RP2QH331qMTthS-cC4ZfaRoCgLIQAvD_BwE&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESeuD2iuEAWHvZxbcOyTWOrBk0UZrTxwmgj-4FTJI9iZATvqxA0B8nk_TgaZllkwhZ4KHiayFJvTJBbAayR2QY HOAydnnek6vurEuFmqL4BLTMwqJvVVHCCMCpj5cRIaaaOSeCEv _jl2q6HmdxkBPGyyYSbycYKzL3CSnV&category=acrcp_v1_43&sig=AOD64_2JcCsgmWys9hRwTwMhTF4Mu6jGlA&ctype=5&q=&nis=4&ved=2ahUKEwiX54vYzOqOAxWYXEEAHbTDMhQQ9aACKAB6BAgGE CE&adurl=

Price of them has dropped they used to be around £500

Now I'm retired I can't justify the spend unless it's with money generated from selling something I'm not using.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Well I thought I'd update this. I've manage to stick to these objectives. I was doing to do a DIY pair of LS3/5A's but ended up buying my dream pair for slightly more than the cost of all the parts in the DIY kit. I've sold off 85% of my my excess kit. I've bought more vinyl and have two adventures planned with cartridges, otherwise no new urges!!!!!

Forget to mention I funded the Ls3/5A's with selling off my old kit, I did however buy one of these.... :rofl:https://ortofon.com/products/mc-cadenza-mono this is for a project that I'm hoping to get finished before the end of the year. As ever, stay tuned.....

[rmcin626]

So far I have not changed anything, mainly because I’m sure what would bring about the best bang for buck improvement.

As we are approaching the 50 year mark of when I started to think I need to spend some money on hifi, which was from memory a Trio based set up KD 1033 turntable ( think that was what it was ) and Trio receiver and speakers.

The next step, when I had a bit more money, was a Linn LP12, with Nytech amp and ARC speakers, this was in the late 70’s and the advice was from everywhere , buy the best front end you can afford.

Not going to go through all the changes from then, you’ll be pleased to know.

Now lots of people think you should work back from the speakers, very different from the “rubbish in rubbish out” approach of the 70’s.

I have thought about upgrading the tonearm and cartridge or the Pathos amp and or the ART speakers, but struggling to make a decision.

[Macca]

“rubbish in rubbish out” approach of the 70’s.

.

makes sense with an analogue source like a TT or tape deck - you can't put back what is lost at the start - but not with digital since there's no audible noise and distortion going in so no part of the signal is corrupted or lost.

All the problems are now with speakers and room acoustics, the only imperfect parts of the chain that are left. Unless you still use vinyl or tape in which case you can always improve both ends. Although I'd argue the turntable only has to be good enough as the records you play on it. I'd say the best turntable systems have now for a long been better than the discs they play.

[Stranraer]

I seem to have been websearching Teac 701 a lot since they first came out and am still pretty sure one's in my future at some point.
My 390s is a beautiful, iconic bit of kit but it won't last forever and I guess technology must've moved on and upwards since.
Whether it'll be the DAC only or CD / DAC integrated I'm not sure, but doubt it'll be the two piece Transport and DAC combo.
I just can't get my head around spending over £2k on a transport, though thoughts / opinions on that would be interesting.
I'm running an Audiolab 6000 transport through the 390 currently which works a treat so I guess it'll do just as well into a TEAC but then I miss out on one of TEACs big wins, the VRDS system.
As for speakers, if the Neat Ultimatums don't sell I'll have them on rotation with the Raidhos every few months.
I admire the Raidhos, I respect the Raidhos but I just don't love the Raidhos like I do the Neats.
I'm hearing things through the Raidhos I've never heard before which is fantastic, but they're quite analytical to my ear and don't shift enough air (unsurprisingly, given their size) to really blow the cobwebs off when the neighbours are out and I fancy mucho boogie, which the Neats deliver in spades.
All that said, if I don't change a thing i'm still in hifi heaven.
What a wonderful hobby we have.

[Jimbo]

:uhho:.

[Macca]

In other news - Pope converts to Islam, bears no longer shitting in woods.

[Barry]

I have so much spare kit that should something fail and be too expensive to repair, there is always a component that can be 'slotted' in as a replacement. Sadly, the only item for which I do not have a suitable replacement are my speakers.

The only thing I might be interested in is a stand alone DAC. I have a Teac UD H01, but it doesn't work at all well with either my Levinson ML390, or my Studer-Revox C221. :doh:

[Stranraer]

I have a Teac UD H01, but it doesn't work at all well with either my Levinson ML390

Hi Barry, in this scenario are you using your 390 as transport into H01 DAC ?
I love the 390 sound and use mine as the system DAC rather than transport so am reluctant to replace but am very curious to know if modern DACs are an improvement particularly, given the age of the 390, whether it's been superceded by significantly cheaper equipment.
Any thoughts appreciated.

[Barry]

I use my 390s as a complete CDP and have done so since I bought it many years ago. However since the reading of a CD is quite straightforward, it is the digital to analogue conversion which has improved over the years, and is the area which now interests me. I bought the Teac unit from a fellow Member here to try. Unfortunately the Teac unit would appear to be designed for computer audio and does not work at all well with any of my CDPs.

So I'm thinking about alternative DACs such as the Swiss Metason Reuss which costs £5k:

https://hifiplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Merason_hero.jpg
https://hifiplus.com/articles/merason-reuss-dac/

or the Bricasti Design M1 at about £9k. The latter is designed by two ex-Madrigal engineers who worked on some of the later Mark Levinson products.


https://futureaudiophile.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Bricasti-M1-SeriesIIDAC-FrontAngle-1024x683.jpg
https://www.bricasti.com/en/consumer/m1.php


https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bricasti_M1_IMG_1017_550pix.jpg
(There seem to be two versions of the M1; I would prefer the slimmer version.)
https://premiumsound.co.uk/product/hifi-separates/digital-analogue-converters-dac/bricasti-m1/?srsltid=AfmBOorMhSWDFTwm_8L1B6SPkbC9VTWuBtRyz4BfC mDTTTsqVgAui2HC

Both of the above mentioned DACs are very well made, receive very good reviews and would physically fit into my system in an ideal manner; both in size, appearence and connectivity (they both have balanced XLR outputs).

They are however expensive, so I won't be doing anything about it this year.

[Stranraer]

Interesting.
I didn't know the connection between Bricasti and Levinson.
Unfortunately this is all well above my price point but having browsed a few reviews of the kit you mentioned it doesn't look unreasonable for the resultant performance.
It looks like the ML390s served us both well, so with many enjoyable years of service under their belts I'd say they've proved reasonable value.
Just spinning Doves on mine which is helping chase away the memory of a disappointing day of football.
Thanks again for the word. Much appreciated.

[rmcin626]

Well the decision has finally been made , with a change to my speakers.
https://i.ibb.co/xtyd4GMB/IMG-3673.jpg (https://ibb.co/dwSxh6QV)

[Lawrence001]

Don't recognise them although the drivers look a bit Audio Physicsy.

Sent from my moto g56 5G using Tapatalk

[rmcin626]

Don't recognise them although the drivers look a bit Audio Physicsy.

Sent from my moto g56 5G using Tapatalk

They are Audio Physic CLASSIC 25 40th Anniversary Ltd Edition speakers, Lawrence