What do you think is the standard price for HI-FI, HI-END?

[jooc]

True, but I've never heard one that sounds as good as a properly ZDP time-aligned linear phase active setup.

You can't achieve this with a passive system, and it's audible in ways that I struggle to put into words.

I can't handle it. It verges on very high-end, sophisticated trolling, especially on this site.

 

[gfinlays]

I can't handle it. It verges on very high-end, sophisticated trolling, especially on this site.

My comment verges on sophisticated trolling, or the discussion generally?

Nothing high-end about any of my rigs. All of my speakers are DIY, apart from a pair of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ in the gym. Secondhand Motu Ultralite Mk5s as multichannel DACs in my main and desktop setups, affordable Class D amplification (Hypex Nilai 500 DIY and Topping PA5 IIs). The real magic was the active crossover filter design, driver measurements, time alignment, room correction and multiple iterations to refine the filters in Acourate (a very steep learning curve, even with a lot of handholding)

Still have some work to do, but I've never heard a passive speaker at any price that does what my actives can do. You can't get around the physics of passive crossover components.

Selling off my Benchmark gear funded the extra channels of amplification, Lundahl volume control, Earthworks mic, Acourate and Hang Loose Convolver software, plus a mini PC to do all the tinkering.

Final convolution filters are handled in Roon.

 

[Harmonia]

Yes, Dave Wilson set it all up himself.

Wow. I really wanted to meet Dave Wilson. Too bad. If you look at the demos he gave at the show, he knows how to appeal to people.

The only problem is that the exterior looks like a Japanese "Gundam." I'm a guy, so I like the old Wilson audios with lots of straight lines, but women hate them because they look like robots.

It is not a bad idea to make a plan first.
Rather than just buy stuff willy-nilly

I have a model that I decided on as a passive speaker. There is a brand that I wanted to try.

I have decided on the rest for now. I have to put it together!

99% placebo effect

I respect your opinion. I will think about it some more.

Skywalker Sound uses all Meyer Sound speakers.
The Bluehorn is their flagship system which integrates the processor, the amplification.

Thanks for the great info. Bluehorn is an all-in-one system. All you need is a source device. I'll check it out when I get a chance.

Which brand/model speakers have you decided on?

If a used model that I want comes out, I'll think about it a bit more. Should I choose one of Sonus Faber, Wilson Audio, Audio Solutions, B&W, or Focal? They're brands that I've heard a lot about or am interested in. I'll choose a speaker that's not too expensive.

Stupid traders don't understand this cycle and don't deserve anything else.

I totally agree with you.
Honestly, the audio industry is so small. If you look into it a little, it's a place where rumors spread quickly. Stupid salespeople get caught up in it quickly. I hate those people too.

All models are false, even though some are useful. Car analogies are models that are often false and their usefulness is limited.
Rick "who preserves his sanity by not participating in forums related to his professional expertise" Denney

I agree with you Denney. It's just a simple explanation for someone who has no interest in audio and asks a question. If you want to talk about your area of expertise, you don't need to use cars as an example.

For speakers, I recommend you do the following:

1. Decide whether you want passive or active.

2. Pick your budget,.

3A. If you want passive speakers, go here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-recommendations-for-usa-by-sweetchaos.28296/

3B. If you want active speakers, go here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-recommendations-for-usa-by-sweetchaos.28269/

In the above links speakers are ranked based on their objective measurements in different price categories.

4. If there are speakers in which you are interested not listed in the above links, go here: https://www.spinorama.org/

That is the easiest way to find speakers that produce accurate sound for your budget.

For amplifiers, DACs, etc., go through Amir's reviews.

Wow! Thank you so much. I've seen a lot of passive, DAC, and AMP reviews. This is the first time I've heard of active speaker reviews and the site https://www.spinorama.org/ .

I didn't look into active speakers because I'm not interested in them. But there are so many Genelec active speakers! I'll definitely listen to them when I get a chance.

The OP isn't in the USA and his first language is not English.

Thanks for worrying! It's okay! Just read English moderately. If I don't know, just use Google Translate!

If you know of information similar to the links I provided for the OP's country/region, please provide it. That may be even better.

Just that information alone is too much. It's helpful enough. Thank you! If I really curious, just search on Google and read the reviews! There are a lot of articles that I can't trust, but I can read them with a moderate amount of filtering.

I don't know where he is but I do know the price and availability of US kit like JBL and Revel is poor here and the reverse is also true.

In my area, JBL and Revel are not that expensive. The competition is fierce, so the price of new speakers is not expensive. Almost all the famous speaker brands in the world are there! It will be easier to find a brand that is not in stock. Usually, you can check the price based on the US MSRP and negotiate the price with the dealer! They give big discounts.

Again, the OP will need to find price/availability in his/her region. Nonetheless, the links by sweetchaos at least provide rankings based on objective measurements that the OP can reference, and take that into consideration along with price and availability where the OP is shopping.

You're right. I really like that you provide rankings based on objective measures. Great info. I'll keep it in mind.

 

[Harmonia]

The real magic was the active crossover filter design, driver measurements, time alignment, room correction and multiple iterations to refine the filters in Acourate (a very steep learning curve, even with a lot of handholding)
Final convolution filters are handled in Roon.

Wow, you're amazing. The hardest part of building a DIY speaker is getting the speaker network right. You've done almost everything else. You're perfect.

I also use Roon to finish up my hardware setup. In situations where it is physically impossible, I have to use software methods to still get the sound. That's why I love Roon!

Thank you, Haman! Thank you, Samsung! For acquiring Roon. I'm glad I can use it without worrying about the company going out of business.

 

[boxerfan88]

If a used model that I want comes out, I'll think about it a bit more. Should I choose one of Sonus Faber, Wilson Audio, Audio Solutions, B&W, or Focal? They're brands that I've heard a lot about or am interested in. I'll choose a speaker that's not too expensive.

Throw Magico into your list, just in case you come across a used pair for reasonable money.

I have heard them multiple times at HiFi shows, always impressed me.

Yes, they are very expensive.

 

[MaxwellsEq]

I use Goldmund Epilog speakers which I like, the comparison was done using Goldmund Mimesis 29.4 mono amps and a Goldmund Mimesis 22 preamp.
I originally compared the speakers on demo over Wilson WAMM and Grand Slamm which I had expected from magazine BS to be better than they were.
My final comparison before buying them was with the B&W Nautilus which I love the styling of but preferred the Goldmunds.

There are probably better speakers today but I still enjoy the Epilogs hours every day and am too old to get value from anything new.

If you heard a difference between DACs it would be due to the placebo effect, some people are sadly very susceptible to it - which must cost them lots of money but is real enough.

I think I've just seen your speaker rig on the tele!

 

[Lekha]

 

[Frank Dernie]

I think I've just seen your speaker rig on the tele!

Were you watching the Williams film?

 

[Harmonia]

Throw Magico into your list, just in case you come across a used pair for reasonable money.

Thanks for the recommendation. The Magico speakers sound great. The advantage of the metal cabinet is obvious.

But the aluminum body requires a high amp output to produce better bass. And they are so expensive!

I like tall and big speakers. Of course, the room I'm decorating now is small, but I might move the space later. If I start over this time, I'll have to use it for a long time. I'm considering all possibilities.

The Magico might be possible because it's much cheaper than I expected if I use a class D high-power amplifier. I'll consider it.

 

[MaxwellsEq]

Were you watching the Williams film?

It was a Sky programme about Ayrton Senna's death, actually the entire weekend with Rubens Barrichello and Roland Ratzenberger as well. There were many interviews, one of which was yourself.

 

[pinger]

I am not sure ^this^ is 100% correct.
Amps do mostly all work well into a resistive load, but some speakers are mongrels in terms of complex loads, and some amps do better than others with those loads.
And preamps and amps (and some sources) can have impedances that make it hard to drive them, or make what comes behind them require a high input impedance.
While in general the electronics are largely solved, at those edge cases there can be some small audible difference.

I agree i meant as long as the amp is not overloaded. Should have said that

 

[Thomas Savage]

It was a Sky programme about Ayrton Senna's death, actually the entire weekend with Rubens Barrichello and Roland Ratzenberger as well. There were many interviews, one of which was yourself.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed that .

I always notice speakers and HiFi in program's, it was especially exciting to see @Frank Dernie HIFI bits and indeed to see my forum mate on the TV.

Needless to say the person I was watching the programme with was somewhat less enthralled..

 

[Holmz]

I agree i meant as long as the amp is not overloaded. Should have said that

It may also happen within the voltage range of the rails.
If the voltage and phase are the same, then the two or amps would be the same.
But we don’t usually look at that in measurements. It is mostly FR and phase into a resistive load.

I think if we had a really difficult speaker, then it is more likely that 2 amps can sound different.
Ideally we could show differences in the measurements.

 

[Vacceo]

Every separated component priced from 5 digits and above.

Doesn't tell much about the sound quality, tho. In fact, "High End" usually sounds worse than common Hi-Fi.

Sometimes I think it can be justified, or at least, sound like a decent proposal. I'm thinking something like Marantz's Amp 10. Cheap? Not at all! But you still get 16 channels of quite good amplification.

 

[VintageFlanker]

I'm thinking something like Marantz's Amp 10. Cheap? Not at all! But you still get 16 channels of quite good amplification.

The AV 10 is great. The AMP 10 ? I know a guy who would have a word about it.

 

[coonmanx]

 

[Vacceo]

The AV 10 is great. The AMP 10 ? I know a guy who would have a word about it.

From Audioholics bench tests, it seems to be a quite nice piece.

 

[VintageFlanker]

From Audioholics bench tests, it seems to be a quite nice piece.

@Mikycoud ... something to say about Audioholics measurements ?

 

[Vacceo]

@Mikycoud ... something to say about Audioholics measurements ?

Further input is always welcomed.