Propose a budget SOAA (State Of the Audible Art) system

[Bwaslo]

There have been audio products introduced in recent years that approach best-available performance at cost that is affordable for most. So I'd like to discuss systems that might be put together from these.

Include components that you think wouldn’t likely be audibly improved by without spending tons more money on them (getting more 0s in distortion figure or more SPL than anyone could practically use, etc).

There will have to be some qualification for room sizes and source material, so maybe mention what the assumptions are.

Skip incidental things like cables that shouldn’t cost or matter much, or room treatments (too user situation specific) but do maybe include PEQ that everyone basically needs.

Don’t include music software like CDs, FLAC files, cost of Tidal or Quobuz, vinyl, R2R tape, etc. Assume that is already acquired.

Final costs will vary depending on where you are, so for discussion purposes aim for component approximate prices before: shipping, VAT, exchange rates, or tariff taxes. Overall tally can only be roughly approximate, of course. I’ll put approximate prices in USD, but use whatever currency you want.

Everything here will probably be controversial, but what the hell, why not?

My suggested budget supersystem would be, for a small to medium room:​

• Controller/Preamp: Wiim Ultra, (does USB drive handling, volume control, crossover, PEQ, DAC functions) – $380
• Source: Sandisk 512GB USB thumb drive (for Ripped FLAC files): $45
• Speakers: ASciLab F6BS – $600
• Subwoofer(s) (and amp?): TBD – maybe $600 ??
• Power amplifier(s): Fosi V3 Mono (qty 2) – $260

_____________________

Total: about $1,885, but probably should add another USB drive for file backup, so closer to $2,000.


More qualifications:

• I haven’t heard the AsciLab F6BS, but I do have C6B
• I also haven’t heard Fosi V3 Mono, but trust the ASR reviews.
• Subs (or just woofs): A possibility would be the SVS SB-1000 Pro, though it's not near SOA, I imagine. Erin liked the Monoprice Monolith 10, so that? Does anyone have a handle on a budget sub with giant killer performance? Given that PEQ would be used, we mostly need enough energy radiation down low that can be shaped for good response.

 

[Selkirks]

My suggested budget supersystem would be, for a small to medium room:​

• Controller/Preamp: Wiim Ultra, (does USB drive handling, volume control, crossover, PEQ, DAC functions) – $380
• Source: Sandisk 512GB USB thumb drive (for Ripped FLAC files): $45
• Speakers: ASciLab F6BS – $600
• Subwoofer(s) (and amp?): TBD – maybe $600 ??
• Power amplifier(s): Fosi V3 Mono (qty 2) – $260

Good system.

The Fosi mono amps worked well with the C6B's. If I didn't have PIA to move, big and heavy main speakers, I'd happily live with that combo. Great time for budget minded hobbyists.

 

[RandomEar]

Couple of suggestions:

• 3e Audio A7 instead of Fosi v3 - 280$ (5A PSU) to 350$ (10A PSU)
  • A little bit more power with 10A PSU, especially into 2 Ohms
  • Proper feedback which is actually flat in the audible band
  • Clipping indicator & volume control (+optional bypass)
  • Only one device & one power brick, less clutter
  • [Mostly irrelevant] Technically higher SINAD: While the Fosi is ever so slightly worse than Red Book, the 3e is slightly above 100 dB
• External 1 TB SSD instead of flash drive - 85$
  • Much higher longevity with proper wear leveling and TRIM support
  • [Mostly irrelevant] Usually faster read and write speeds
• UMIK-1 - 80$
  • Pretty much required of you want to dial in the EQ in the Wiim

 

[jmdesignz2]

need to add:

XLR cables
Speaker Wire

NOTE: Use the 48V 10A supplies for each channel -- $335 free ship no tax direct from FOsi

I would NOT use the 3e Audio - it can't even be tested at 1% THD due to clipping ?

 

[Oddball]

Good speakers are expensive but worth it. Subs are even more expensive, and at least one should be at peace with what is expected. SVS 1000 line is the entry level and such should be expectations.

I'd think more about speakers and less about USB stuff.

 

[Honken]

If your aim is SOTA quality on a budget, perhaps aim for IEMs instead of speakers? My IEM setup cost about 1/100th of my main speaker setup, but it sounds better, albeit very different thanks to how all the sound is literally in my head.

If you are set on speakers though, maybe opt for the Wiim Amp instead? No need to buy a separate amplifier then, and I wouldn't fret over the load dependent FR if I were on a budget. Or, an even better idea, opt for powered speakers instead, that way you could ditch the dedicated amp altogether. The F6B speaker is really good, but personally I think I'd be happy with the Kali IN-8v2. You can compare the two speakers here:

Easily compare loudspeakers measurements

www.spinorama.org

I linked the EQ presets as I imagine that if you are buying new, you'd opt for something that can apply EQ to speakers.

As for subs, Kali have some really good subs on offer. If you save on the amplification and speakers, perhaps you can afford the WS-12. It's got serious oomph to it. SVS, as already mentioned, is also a good bet for subwoofers.

I have no affiliation with Kali, I personally own no gear from them. I just consider them to be the best if you are on a budget.

 

[Audionaut]

WiiM Ultra

HEDD Type 07 A-CORE

Up to approx. 20sqm
Above with one or more subwoofers

PS
Cheap headphone setup
JCALLY JM20 MAX Dongle
LINSOUL 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2

Existing source of choice: PC, laptop or smartphone