Setting up a modest HI-FI system.

[himanshubhaimehta]

Hola!

Am looking to set up a modest hi-fi system for my bedroom/living room. I used to have a Bose Lifestyle 20 music system eons ago. My tastes are varied but I detest anything like trance, heavy metal etc. I have a 300 CDs collection. I am disabled, so am thinking that may be I should go in for a wi-fi based system. By the way, have they stopped making CD-changers? That could also work for me as I could put 6 CDs into my Bose that would give me 6 hours of playback without getting up from my seat. I got myself a Sennheiser soundbar 2-3 ago but I think there was either something wrong with the soundbar or my wi-fi/bluetooth. Sennheiser couldn't get to the bottom of it. Sennheiser, Bass & Treble were kind enough to take the soundbar back and refund me the money. I did put in a Netgear Orbi Mesh system, a 1 KVA EATON UPS to support the soundbar and upgraded my phone from a One Plus 7 to a Samsung S20 but all to no avail. I might want to connect my TV (has eArc) to the system but it is not a dealbreaker. Am not expecting a home theatre like experience as that would mean wires all over the place probably.

Am based out of Greater Noida and I work at Noida with Network18.

I look forward to guidance.

 

[Sopra]

a sonos would work great..

 

[heliumflight]

Himanshu, I invite you to my house for a demo.

Stereo HiFi Rig: Cambridge Audio Cxn v2 + Cyrus6 / Elekit tu 8730 300b + ASI Live line power cable + ASI Live line Reference IC + Townsend Isolda speaker cables + Linn Keilidh speakers

 

[himanshubhaimehta]

Himanshu, I invite you to my house for a demo.

Stereo HiFi Rig: Cambridge Audio Cxn v2 + Cyrus6 / Elekit tu 8730 300b + ASI Live line power cable + ASI Live line Reference IC + Townsend Isolda speaker cables + Linn Keilidh speakers

Thank you, Heliumflight. By the way, nothing looks modest in your system

 

[sachinchavan 15865]

As for your CDs, have you considered ripping them into an external hard disk drive (HDD)? You could play the same through a computer, or connect to a streamer. Most streamers come with their mobile app through which it’s easier to access and play your collection without the need to get up.

 

[himanshubhaimehta]

As for your CD, have you considered ripping them into an external hard disk drive (HDD)? You could play the same through a computer, or connect to a streamer. Most streamers come with their mobile app through which it’s easier to access and play your collection without the need to get up.

Many years ago, I attached an apple airport to the aux port of my Bose lifestyle 20 music system, ripped my CD collection to iTunes, subscribed to Apple Match, and could stream music to my system using my iPad.
I was hoping to avoid going through so many hoops and jumps. Want a system that comes with a CD ripper (if possible, not a dealbreaker - I just seem to have read somewhere about such a system) and the harddrive (not a dealbreaker again) baked into the system or high-resolution playback capable streaming apps.

 

[sachinchavan 15865]

Many years ago, I attached an apple airport to the aux port of my Bose lifestyle 20 music system, ripped my CD collection to iTunes, subscribed to Apple Match, and could stream music to my system using my iPad.
I was hoping to avoid going through so many hoops and jumps. Want a system that comes with a CD ripper (if possible, not a dealbreaker - I just seem to have read somewhere about such a system) and the harddrive (not a dealbreaker again) baked into the system or high-resolution playback capable streaming apps.

Then you should be looking at the BlueSound Vault.

VAULT 2i - Bluesound

The VAULT 2 Network Streamer. Rip, store and stream your entire digital music collection in lossless formats without a computer!

www.bluesound.com

 

[himanshubhaimehta]

Then you should be looking at the BlueSound Vault.

VAULT 2i - Bluesound

The VAULT 2 Network Streamer. Rip, store and stream your entire digital music collection in lossless formats without a computer!

www.bluesound.com

Will look into this. Thank you, you have my gratitude!

 

[himanshubhaimehta]

Do any dealers in Delhi/NCR offer at-home demo? I ask cause am told the room is the biggest factor where sound quality is concerned. Also, I don't think much can be done about my room by way of treatment etc.

 

[himanshubhaimehta]

Can the forum members guide me to some good dealers in New Delhi, Noida region? Also, should I go for an all-in-one system? Example: streaming amplifiers with dac, streamer, room correction, pre-amp, power-amp etc., all built-in? How good or bad is sonodyne?

 

[himanshubhaimehta]

Can one rent equipment to trial at home?

 

[shuv]

https://theaudio.co/

Don't know if they do home demos.

 

[Phani24]

Can one rent equipment to trial at home?

Check with avshack ,New delhi

 

[square_wave]

Would you have a budget that we can work with when we suggest something ? That makes it much easier.

However if you want good sound at a reasonable budget without resorting to scraping the bottom of the pot, I would suggest the following.

Rip all your cds making sure you use some software which will ensure proper metadata. Put all that onto your network.
Get a wiim pro plus ( This is a streamer, dac and preamp in one box). The dac in this device is pretty decent.
Get a power amp from one of the decent Chinese audio companies. There are quite a few makers now. Do some R&D. Ask around.
Get a pair of decent bookshelf speakers and stands. There are too many brands out there. Elac, Wharfedale diamond series, Dali etc.
Buy some cables from belden, canare etc. Keeps cost down and makes sure they sound very good.

You are set now. Control playback of ripped flac files and also access streaming via the exceptional wiim app. Volume can also be controlled via the app.

PS. If budget is higher, get one of those integrated amps from NAD, Cambridge audio, Rotel etc and disable the preamp section in the wiim app.

 

[himanshubhaimehta]

https://theaudio.co/

Don't know if they do home demos.

Thank you, are they reliable? Been seeing and being quoted such different prices for the same piece of equipment.

 

[himanshubhaimehta]

Check with avshack ,New delhi

Thank you, will do this asap. Are they reliable?

 

[himanshubhaimehta]

Would you have a budget that we can work with when we suggest something ? That makes it much easier.

However if you want good sound at a reasonable budget without resorting to scraping the bottom of the pot, I would suggest the following.

Rip all your cds making sure you use some software which will ensure proper metadata. Put all that onto your network.
Get a wiim pro plus ( This is a streamer, dac and preamp in one box). The dac in this device is pretty decent.
Get a power amp from one of the decent Chinese audio companies. There are quite a few makers now. Do some R&D. Ask around.
Get a pair of decent bookshelf speakers and stands. There are too many brands out there. Elac, Wharfedale diamond series, Dali etc.
Buy some cables from belden, canare etc. Keeps cost down and makes sure they sound very good.

You are set now. Control playback of ripped flac files and also access streaming via the exceptional wiim app. Volume can also be controlled via the app.

PS. If budget is higher, get one of those integrated amps from NAD, Cambridge audio, Rotel etc and disable the preamp section in the wiim app.

Gosh! This is way too much science for me Am more of a plug and play guy. I think I might be comfortable spending a little over couple of lakhs or thereabouts. But here's what I would like the system to offer:

*Room correction
*DSP
High resolution playback
Online Music services
Wi-Fi
eArc
Storage (if possible) or ability to add storage.

Speakers will need to be bookshelf as I will place them on the TV unit below the TV on either side. Would prefer not adding a subwoofer though I do have some space for it. Bookshelf speakers with adequate bass would be nice. Music taste is all over the place - Some Western/Indian classical, Hindi and English oldies, Pop, Ghazals, Instrumental, Rock, Reggae, Blues, Vocals, drums etc. Not a big fan of heavy metal, rap, trance, electronic etc.

Long duration warranties, after-sales service and support. My last system lasted me nearly 20 years and BOSE spoilt me rotten.

Someone suggested models in the Naim Uniti series and pairing them with Focal bookshelves. Some suggested KEF LS50 Wireless II is all that I require. Just read some horrible reviews of NAIM.

What do I do about the prices for the same piece of equipment being all over the place?

Who are the reliable retailers in and around Delhi? I would love to audition at home (due to mobility issues and also cause the room, am told, is the biggest factor influencing sound).

Looking to the members to guide.

*Can't do much about the room. Have attached pictures of the tv unit. Room is probably 12 x 12 x 11 (height). Balcony wall has been removed and replaced with UPVC and glass. The wall behind my listening position is paneled with teak plywood. It also has a wooden door with a glass panel (bathroom) - can be seen in the picture.

 

[jaiwant_alex]

Gosh! This is way too much science for me Am more of a plug and play guy

Then a wireless system, something like KEF LS 50 is your best option. If you do want to get into the 'science', @square_wave 's comment is sound advice.

 

[Phani24]

Thank you, will do this asap. Are they reliable?

Many Fms bought equipment from them. Myself bought zidoo from them 3 yrs back

 

[himanshubhaimehta]

Many Fms bought equipment from them. Myself bought zidoo from them 3 yrs back

Looked at Zidoo. Media players to be hooked to a TV, right? What does a media player offer that OTT apps on a smart tv don't?