How to get started with my first HiFi Stereo system?

[swamytk]

Tomorrow I setup my first budget HiFi stereo system for music. Here is the plan. I purchased Amp, speaker and stand this week. Rest of the sources are with me already. Here is the setup planned.

Amp Marantz PM5005
Speaker: Wharfedale Diamond 220
Speaker Stand: Sound Factoring opal
Cables: RCA and speaker cables of AmazonBasic
Sources:
1. Sony TV spdif - fiio d03k dac (temporarily till I setup Home theatre)
2. Chromecast audio - RCA out for streaming
3. Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Mopidy server - Fiio E10K DAC for local FLAC/MP3 collection
4. Tantra Fluke Pro Bluetooth audio receiver - recycled from my old car (if I use Bluetooth a lot then will consider upgrade to aptx hd)

I need your inputs on setting up this in optimised way. Tips will be highly helpful. All Dos and Don'ts welcome!

 

[Ashenden]

I use the phantom speaker test (Courtesy of Jesco@ acoustic insider) as attached for finding the right center image and tonality. Do try it for the best possible positioning to get the best out of your gear!

For music you can have CCA/Raspberry Pi FiiO combo -> RCA - > PM5005 -> WD 220

 

[swamytk]

https://www.hifivision.com/attachments/acoustics-insider-phantom-speaker-test-step-by-step-guide-pdf.36973/

Wow, this is what I expected. Thanks a lot.

For music you can have CCA/Raspberry Pi FiiO combo -> RCA - > PM5005 -> WD 220

This is what I have listed down as my sources. Do you mean something else?

 

[Ashenden]

Wow, this is what I expected. Thanks a lot.

This is what I have listed down as my sources. Do you mean something else?

No, I meant connect in that manner for audio

 

[Ashenden]

This is Steve Guttenberg on this topic of placement:

 

[raghupb]

I thought it was just plug-n-play, is'nt it?

Just kidding. Here are ground rules
- place speakers on stands and place them at least 1-2 feet from walls (behind and side)
- position them 5-8 feet apart
- make a list of familiar tunes and some what familiar ones
- play from one source at a time; don't switch back and forth yet
- play 2-3 known tunes and record your position, tune & observations (excel file time)
- try low volume, high volume, tone/loudness, what have you
- repeat these steps by playing around with placement, positioning
- take time, give yourself a week or so
- get someone else in the house to chip in with their opinions (women hear differently )

Simple stuff, isn't it?
Have fun buddy.

Cheers,
Raghu

 

[swamytk]

I thought it was just plug-n-play, is'nt it?

Just kidding. Here are ground rules
- place speakers on stands and place them at least 1-2 feet from walls (behind and side)
- position them 5-8 feet apart
- make a list of familiar tunes and some what familiar ones
- play from one source at a time; don't switch back and forth yet
- play 2-3 known tunes and record your position, tune & observations (excel file time)
- try low volume, high volume, tone/loudness, what have you
- repeat these steps by playing around with placement, positioning
- take time, give yourself a week or so
- get someone else in the house to chip in with their opinions (women hear differently )

Simple stuff, isn't it?
Have fun buddy.

Cheers,
Raghu

Thanks for quick summary, @raghupb . I ordered PM5005 yesterday around 4:30PM, today it is scheduled to be delivered. Hifimart works in damn speed. I am eager to setup this week-end, but Opal stand is not yet shipped. Waiting for the same. I don't think I will settle even in a week also - I keep scratching gadgets till I am satisfied - or break

 

[swamytk]

place them at least 1-2 feet from walls (behind and side)

Hi @raghupb
This is a completely closed speaker without any port. Does it really need be placed distant from wall?

 

[Ashenden]

Hi @raghupb
This is a completely closed speaker without any port. Does it really need be placed distant from wall?

They’re down firing with a plinth at bottom. 1 feet from wall is enough

 

[swamytk]

They’re down firing with a plinth at bottom. 1 feet from wall is enough

Oh... ok. Due to space constraint I thought of placing it close to wall (a few cm). Will it hurt audio quality?

 

[Ashenden]

Oh... ok. Due to space constraint I thought of placing it close to wall (a few cm). Will it hurt audio quality?

In my case I found that lesser than a feet was impacting the soundstage depth and tonality. You can experiment till you can find the right compromise

 

[raghupb]

Then I guess start 1 foit away and move closer.
Cheers,
Raghu

 

[Deleted member 38504]

Plug and play and enjoy. If u start moving speakers in mm left right front back, u will start having sleepless nights and will start hating your system.

So, just put the speakers in your room about 6-8 inches minimum from the back wall if u can. Fire up the amp and listen to the music. And visit Hfv as less as u can (magically lowers your BP)