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Build a Virtual ASR System

TLEDDY

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As have many (most) of Forum participants, I have purchased equipment based on Amir’s reviews. I think it would be a fun project to build a complete virtual system, ranging from best possible at lower cost to best possible regardless, using only items reviewed herein.

Requirements;

Source(s)
Line preamp/controller
EQ system, hardware/software managed
Amplifier (if required)
Speakers or Headphones

Integrated combinations of the above are perfectly acceptable!

We ASR denizens are asked for advice on systems and/or components based on our mental peculiarities regarding our own systems, advice we are happy, nay, anxious to provide.

So... have fun! Multiple entries encouraged!
 

escksu

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Sorry, what do you meant by virtual system??
 
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TLEDDY

TLEDDY

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Sorry, what do you meant by virtual system??

Imagined by you and described in writing...

Example:

Source(s) : Sony CD/SACD, Tidal, Topping 90 DAC
Line preamp/controller : Benchmark preamp
EQ system, hardware/software managed : Apple
Amplifier (if required) : Benchmark
Speakers or Headphones : KEF R3; SVS 3000
 

escksu

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Imagined by you and described in writing...

Example:

Source(s) : Sony CD/SACD, Tidal, Topping 90 DAC
Line preamp/controller : Benchmark preamp
EQ system, hardware/software managed : Apple
Amplifier (if required) : Benchmark
Speakers or Headphones : KEF R3; SVS 3000

Oh ok thanks... Haha, I was thinking how do you simulate an audio system vistually (something like a computer simulation).
 

Jas0_0

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I guess my setup might be representative of a mid-level, non-full range system

Source: Apple Mac Mini running Tidal/FLAC via Roon
EQ: Focus Fidelity-generated FIR filters used in Roon
DAC/Controller: RME ADI-2 Pro FS R
Speakers: Genelec 8040B
Cables: Neutrik/Van Damme XLRs and printer USB
 
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restorer-john

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That's easy. I'll start with the low hanging fruit. The worst system, complete with Amir's priceless quotes ;)

Ciunas DAC: "Please stay away from such products. I don't know how to say it more simply." (special bonus as the review thread was closed)

Pass ACA: "Build it, have fun with it and then put it aside and get a proper amplifier. Amplifiers need to have a lot more power. And much less distortion. We are not even close here folks. Do I need to tell you that I can't recommend the Pass ACA for hi-fi listening? I hope not."

Klipsch R-41M: "Folks, I suffer with bad sound so you don't have to. Please avoid the Klipsch R-41M unless you just want a speaker as an ornament. "
 

abdo123

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Ultra Budget (Around 500$)
Source: if you're in this forum you probably have a source somewhere, a phone or a PC .etc
Amplifier: Loxje A30 (186$)
Speaker: JBL Stage A130 (300$ often on 40% sale so ~170$)
Subwoofer: ELAC SUB 1010 (~160)

Budget (Around 1000$)
Source: Raspbery Pi running RoopieXL (Optional, adds streaming capabilities, below 100$, skip if you couldn't get the A130 on sale)
DSP and DAC: MiniDSP DDRC-24 (450$)
Speaker JBL Stage A130 (300$, often on 40% sale so 170$ )
Subwoofer: TWO ELAC SUB1010 (320$)
Note: If you don't have an old amplifier, skip the raspberry pi and get an Aiyima A07

Intermediate (2350-2750$, the sweet spot).
Source: Raspbery Pi running RoopieXL (Optional, adds streaming capabilities, below 100$, skip if you couldn't get the A130 on sale)
DSP and DAC: MiniDSP DDRC-24 (450$).
Speakers: Kali IN-8 V2 (800$)
Subwoofer: TWO SVS PB-1000 Pro (1200$ now, 1400$ in October).
Note: If you want you can go for any TWO monolith subs by monoprice alternatively.

I have money, I care about aesthetics (????$ Calculate it yourself)
Source, DSP and DAC: MiniDSP SHD
Amplifier: Support local business by buying a locally assembled Hypex based amp like @boXem | audio or @Buckeye Amps.
Speakers: KEF R3
Subwoofers: Any TWO subwoofers from SVS or Monoprice Monolith series.

End game.
Source, DSP and DAC: MiniDSP SHD
intermediate device: MiniDSP 2*4 (take two outputs from the SHD and turn them into four outputs for the subwoofers)
Amplifier: Support local business by buying a locally assembled Hypex based amp like @boXem | audio or @Buckeye Amps.
Speakers: Revel F328Be
Subwoofers: FOUR SVS or Monoprice Monolith series Subwoofers.
 
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tomtoo

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A cheap desktop system for the smartphone generation.

Speaker: JBL A130
Amp: aiyima a07
Bt receiver: Topping BC03 (using ldac)




Is it a good or bad sign that i spelled for the first time aiyima right?
 
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Purité Audio

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A decent pair of contemporary loudspeakers and your laptop.
Keith
 

RHO

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The system I was thinking of for my home-office
- source: desktop/laptop
- EQ: Equalizer APO/Peace
- DAC: Gustard X16
- pre-amp/HP amp: Gustard H16
- Speakers: Adam Audio T5V, Adam Audio T10s
- Headphones: DCA Aeon RT closed/HD6xx/Hifiman Ananda or HE-6se v2.
 

somebodyelse

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I'll have to see if a Pi Zero W can cope with Moode/CamillaDSP. Just add apple dongle and Sony MDR-Z110.
 

Colonel7

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Check out @waynel Chasing SINAD system https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/chasing-sinad.17420/
Edit: Cut and pasted from his thread start
Source : Yamaha WXC-50 in player mode with SPDIF out ( I tried Volumio in the SHD but think it’s not ready for prime time)
DSP: MiniDSP SHD studio for sub crossover and room correction below 500Hz
DAC: Okto DAC8 PRO
Amps: Dual Benchmark AHB2‘s in bridged mono
Speakers: Revel Salon 2’s
Subs: dual JL F113v2
cables are all Canare mostly self assembled with Neutrik connectors

For home theater I use a Denon 3700h using an ARX RS-1 for HT bypass
 
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boXem

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I'll have to see if a Pi Zero W can cope with Moode/CamillaDSP. Just add apple dongle and Sony MDR-Z110.
Pi Zero W runs Moode perfectly to an USB DAC. Didn't try CamillaDSP.
The Apple dongle exists in several iterations, not all as good as the one measured by Amir.
The Sony MDR-Z110 I bought sounds like sh..., even after EQ.
 

Atanasi

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Oh ok thanks... Haha, I was thinking how do you simulate an audio system vistually (something like a computer simulation).
Yes, virtual is not the clearest word here. This is more like a featured build.
 

escksu

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Yes, virtual is not the clearest word here. This is more like a featured build.

I think its more of my issue. I am in the computer industry. So, virtual is a commonly used word, esp. things like virutal machine, virtual LAN etc. Thats why I was confused by the word. I was thinking how do you have a a virtual audio system? Is there a way to simulate this?? LOL!!
 

Walter

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Finally--a use for my compulsive list making!

First, a few notes:
All my music comes from my computer, so I won't be specifying a source. A Pi seems like the obvious choice, at least at the lower end.
Unless otherwise noted, assume your choice of free EQ software running on the source.
If the user does not already have a calibrated mic, add $79 for a UMIK-1 unless otherwise noted.
I don't like or use headphones.
Amir has not reviewed many subs, but I believe all the ones on this list have been recommended at least once in various posts.

I really think we need not only three price levels, but four use cases, as well:
  • Desktop
  • Headphone setups
  • Far field
  • Multi-channel
Since price points have not yet been set, I'll list many:

As cheap as possible--desktop:
$51 TempoTec Sonata HD Pro dongle
$300 iLoud Micro Monitors (often on sale for as little as $200)
$120 (optional) Elac Sub1010
Total $250-$500 street price

As cheap as possible--far field (or desktop if you have the room)
$400 Edifier S2000MKIII

$400-$700
$140-$185 S.M.S.L. SA300 or Loxjie A30 (small room) or
$280 S.M.S.L. AO200 (medium to large room)
$150-$300 JBL Studio A130 (often on sale)
$120 Elac Sub1010
or
$140 Topping D10S Balanced
$400 Adam Audio T5V

Around $1000
$700-$850 KEF LSX from Amazon Warehouse
$120-240 1 or 2 Elac Sub1010, or 1 BIC Formula F-12
or
$140 Topping D10S Balanced
$600 Adam Audio T8V
$400 Adam Audio T10S

Around $1500
$140 Topping D10S Balanced
$500 Buckeye NC252MP
$700-$800 Revel M16 (street price)
$209 BIC Formula F-12

Around $2000
$270 Topping E50
$1,400 Genelec 8030C
$420 JBL P310S

Around $2500
$400 Topping D30 Pro
$500 Buckeye NC252MP
$1200-$1300 Revel M105 (street price)
$420 JBL P310S

Around $3000
$450 miniDSP DDRC-24 (UMIK-1 included)
$649 Buckeye NC502MP
$1200-$1300 Revel M105 (street price)
$500 SVS SB-1000

Around $3500 (desktop or small room)
$1,254 miniDSP SHD with remote
$1,400 Genelec 8030C
$800 SVS Micro 3000

Around $3500 (medium to large room)
$1,250 miniDSP SHD
$649 Buckeye NC502MP
$1200-$1300 Revel M105 (street price)
$400 RSL Speedwoofer

Around $4000 (desktop or small room)
$500 Gustard X16
$300 Genelec GLM User Kit
$1,800 Genelec 8330A
$1,250 Genelec 7350A

Around $4000 (medium to large room)
$1,250 miniDSP SHD
$649 Buckeye NC502MP
$1200-$1300 Revel M105 (street price)
$800-$1000 2x RSL Speedwoofer or 2x SVS SB1000

Around $5000
$1,250 miniDSP SHD
$3,000 Focal Solo6 Be
$589 Rhythmik L12

or

$1,250 miniDSP SHD
$1,080 VTV Purifi Eigentakt (unless the Buckeye Purifi has been released)
$2,000 Kef R3 or Revel M106
$800 2x RSL Speedwoofer

$6000-$6500
$1,250 miniDSP SHD
$1,080 VTV Purifi Eigentakt (unless the Buckeye Purifi has been released)
$2800-$3200 Revel F206 (street price)
$1180 2x Rhythmik L12

Under $10,000 (desktop or small room)
$1,200 Okto dac8 stereo
$300 Genelec GLM User Kit
$4,500 Genelec 8331A
$2,520 2x Genelec 7350A

Under $10,000 (small to medium room)
$9,700 Dutch & Dutch 8c Studio

Under $10,000 (medium to large room)
$1,250 miniDSP SHD
$1,980 2x VTV Purifi Eigentakt Monoblock Amplifiers (unless the Buckeye Purifi has been released)
$4,000-$4,300 Revel F208 (street price)
$1180 2x Rhythmik L12

I've been in developing nations for most of the last two decades so my opportunities to hear good audio have been limited. The best sounding system I have ever heard was a pair of Revel Salons (original version) powered by a pair of Mark Levinson monoblocks and whatever state of the art DVD player that dealer sold in 2000, fed through a Mark Levinson preamp. (I also heard some Pass Labs amps that sounded fantastic, but never paired with speakers as good as the Revels.) If I won the lottery (unlikely since I've never played) and had to choose components without auditioning them (hard to imagine, but for the sake of daydreaming), I'd go with:

$10,000-$40,000 Unknown source, but something extremely flexible and better than what I can assemble myself
$22,000 Revel Salon 2
$20,000 Mark Levinson No. 526 DAC + Preamplifier (not reviewed on ASR)
$60,000 4x (I mean, you HAVE to bi-amp, right?) Mark Levinson No. 536 (not reviewed on ASR)
 
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TLEDDY

TLEDDY

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Now---this was what I hoped for!!
 
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