First Bedroom studio - did I miss something?

[tobehonest]

First of all, hello ASR!

Thanks to everybody here, I was able to research and plan my first Bedroom studio, so to speak. I want to create a space, where I can record, produce and listen to music comfortably.

The producing part I already planned (as I have much more experience in that field), however it's my first time dealing with Amps, Banana Plugs and any connection type other than Line In or USB lol.

My planned setup is currently the following:

Motu M4 (AI/DAC) -> Topping L30II (HP/Pre Amp) -> Topping PA5II (Amp)

Headphones are DCA Aeon 2 Noire and speakers are KEF LS50 Meta.

Cables used are Cordial CFU 0.6 CC for RCA connections between DAC and Amps and for the speakers some 1/4" pure copper speaker wire with Banana Plugs I stole from a family member.

Since this is A) my first time setting up a system like this and B) a shitload of money for me, I want to make sure I got absolutely everything right. Most of the equipment I got was bought used or with a really good deal.

My questions are:
1. Did I use the right cables? Is there any difference between RCA cables, like they are with Line cables? I feel like I can't find a definitive answer.
2. Anything that I might have missed? Some incompatibility or significant source of noise?
3. I have the option to purchase a Schiit Vali 3 for slightly cheaper, however I hear mixed opinions on this piece. Does it make sense to get both, A/B them and see which one I like most, or will the difference be negligible? I listen to almost all kinds of music, but mostly 70/80s Pop/Rock, some classical but also some EDM (DnB, Hardcore etc). So I am also wondering, if the Vali 3 will sound "better" (I know the word "better" is subjective here) for acoustic music, while the L30II might be better for electronic stuff. Any thoughts on that? My main cans are the DCA Aeon 2 Noire, so keep that in mind.
4. Any other thoughts? I'd gladly hear your opinions on this (mostly) budget-friendly set-up.

Thanks in advance and much love!

 

[masterhw]

did you already have those speakers? any particular reason you didn’t go for a studio monitor type like the JBL 305P?

 

[tobehonest]

did you already have those speakers? any particular reason you didn’t go for a studio monitor type like the JBL 305P?

I got them used and in very good condition for 600 bucks, I just couldn't say no to that. Otherwise these speakers would've been far out of my price range.

Also, I generally never liked the sound of reference monitors and the KEF have a pretty flat frequency response anyway, so I thought those would be the best middle ground.

 

[EERecordist]

Welcome to ASR.

1. There is no difference. Moderately priced cables are fine, no need for expensive cables, microphone, line, or speaker - there are many ASR topics on it
4. Look at the detailed LS50 review on ASR (and the other equipment you bought) Place the speakers in near field, about 3 feet from your ears. As best you can, deaden reflections from the back wall and your desktop. Consider applying a parametric EQ in your DAW to correct any LS50 frequency response peaks and dips as measured in the ASR review measurement.

You can find the reviews by going to Review Index, selecting Electronics/Headphones/Speakers and searching within the category. That can offer ideas on the equipment you have yet to buy.

Consider buying a calibrated microphone and running room EQ Wizard free software on a laptop to understand frequency response at your listening position. Look around for friends in your town to play your productions on to see if they translate. Translation ear training is a skill.

Keep up with your ASR reading and participating!

 

[tobehonest]

Welcome to ASR.

1. There is no difference. Moderately priced cables are fine, no need for expensive cables, microphone, line, or speaker - there are many ASR topics on it
4. Look at the detailed LS50 review on ASR (and the other equipment you bought) Place the speakers in near field, about 3 feet from your ears. As best you can, deaden reflections from the back wall and your desktop. Consider applying a parametric EQ in your DAW to correct any LS50 frequency response peaks and dips as measured in the ASR review measurement.

You can find the reviews by going to Review Index, selecting Electronics/Headphones/Speakers and searching within the category. That can offer ideas on the equipment you have yet to buy.

Consider buying a calibrated microphone and running room EQ Wizard free software on a laptop to understand frequency response at your listening position. Look around for friends in your town to play your productions on to see if they translate. Translation ear training is a skill.

Keep up with your ASR reading and participating!

Thanks a lot for your response! On your recommendation I looked into REW, and I think I can squeeze in a couple bucks more for a calibrated mic.

I only recently I found this forum and am honestly amazed of the scientific rigour that is prevalent in this community. A true treasure trove of information and knowledge!

Much love.