curiouspeter
Addicted to Fun and Learning
I started with a surround system with 2 Sonos Amps, a pair of PSB Alpha T20, and ceiling speakers. Then I wanted "hi-res" with Roon so I added a Gustard X16, a Raspberry Pi, and a Teac AX-505, which shares the T20s with the Sonos using a speaker-level switch.
Later, for another home, I decided to go for simplicity. I got a 2021 Bluesound Powernode hooked up to a pair of KEF LS50 Meta.
What did I learn?
Later, for another home, I decided to go for simplicity. I got a 2021 Bluesound Powernode hooked up to a pair of KEF LS50 Meta.
What did I learn?
- Usability is very important. It is frustrating to fiddle with various switches just to get some music playing.
- Form port plugs are included for a reason. It pays to experiment with them.
- Room correction is the most underrated audio technology under the Sun. It actually produces audible results. REW and Roon are cheap enough.
- The difference between an excellent DAC and a so-so one is tiny. One should shop for features.
- Amplification is important but spending too much money here is counterproductive.
- Speaker cables need to be of good quality. However, anything that does not fall apart is probably good enough. $100/pair is plenty.
- Again, check for room modes and find ways to correct acoustically or digitally. The LS50s sounded terrible until I put in the full plugs and cut 9 decibels at 50 Hz. Then they became awesome.
- Separates will satisfy the audiophile urges but they become annoying quickly. The ideal setup for most people is a Roon Ready integrated amplifier with HDMI and built-in correction.
- Ethernet is much more stable than wi-fi.