How important is hi-fi to you?

[Vaughan]

I never actually posted that I have a Linn system here. I've always been a fan of their sound, going back more than 30 years. I've a lot of CD's, I suppose - more than some, less than others. I don't count digital downloads as "albums" in my collection, to me they're just music, not a "collection", they're just files. Same as I wouldn't include PDF files if I were counting how many books I had. A "record" or "album", or "book" for that matter, specifically denotes a physical object to me. I wouldn't record a radio broadcast and claim it as an album. And back in the old days when I recorded friends vinyl to cassette tape, I'd not include it as an item in my collection.

I guess I'm fussy.

[Mark of Cenla]

Originally Posted by Vaughan

If it's any consolation, we all live within our means. Check out forums where hi-fi buffs hang out. They're all talking about the next piece of equipment they're going to buy.

That is good way to define audiophile! I am actually considering a better CD player. Adding a Sony subwoofer to my system added the only thing that was missing. I believe I have made it to hi-fi now. Peace and goodwill.

[cubdog]

A good sounding audio system need not cost a fotune. My living room system, which is not my main setup, sounds wonderful and was relatively inexpensive. It is a combination of new and old components. The amplifier is a 1980s Robert Grodinsky Model 5. The preamp/DAC is a new Emotiva XDA-1. A Squeezebox Touch provides the music played through A/D/S L710 speakers that also date from around 1980. This whole system cost me less than $750. I could put together countless great sounding system for this amount of money or less. It justs takes a bit of time to do your homework and then look out for good deals.

cubdog

[Mark of Cenla]

AudioSource power amp: $200
Technical Pro preamp: $110
Sony DVD player: $80
Polk bookshelf speakers: $200
Sony subwoofer: $100

So my system cost me less than $700, and it sounds quite good. Peace and goodwill.

[Wasatch]

Here is my 2-Channel Rig:

The complete list:

Power Amplifiers:
Manley Snapper(s)
Synergistic Research Basik AC Cable 6ft. (3)
Running Springs Elgar
Maple Blocks (2)

Preamplifiers:
Manley Jumbo Shrimp
Synergistic Research Basik AC Cable 6ft.
Synergistic Research Magnetic Tricon (Preamp - Amp)

Loudspeakers:
Joseph Audio RM25XL (Spiked)
Synergistic Research Element Copper Speaker Cable 6ft.
Synergistic Research Jumper Cables
Cardas Myrtle V-Blocks (Large) (6)

Analog Front End:
Rega P5 w/RB700
Rega TTPSU
Manley Chinook
Dynavector 17D3 Cartridge
Synergistic Research Alpha Sterling Discrete
Synergistic Research Basik AC Cable 6ft.
GrooveTracer Reference Subplatter
GrooveTracer Delrin Platter
Rega Tungsten Counterweight
Rega White Belt
VPI 16.5 Record Cleaner

Digital Front End:
Rega Saturn
Synergistic Research Alpha Sterling Discrete
Synergistic Research Basik AC Cable 6ft.
Millennium M-CD Mat
Ayre CD (Irrational, But Efficacious!)

Rack/Acoustics:
Sanus EFAB/S MkII (4 Shelf)
Carpet Panels

Future Upgrades:
Quadraspire Rack
Synergistic Research AU-79 (2)

[Wasatch]

Some Pics:

[cubdog]

Great looking system Wasatch!

cubdog

[mandolin]

I usually buy my stuff second hand. The value for money you get is so much better. Recently paid 150 for a really quality set of old home speakers plus an amp. Would probably be at least five times that if I wanted the same quality new.

[nickc]

Hifi is pretty important to me but i don't get hung up on the need to constantly upgrade.
I'm a music fan not an audiophile but i think to do this music justice you need a good hifi really.

I agree secondhand is the way to go.
My current system is really a high end 1980's vinyl based system all bar the speakers...

Linn Sondek Turntable
Naim 42/110 pre power combo
Naim Hi cap power supply
Rega floorstanders

it sounds pretty fantastic too my ears and was great value too.
The components have great 'synergy' and it excels with jazz and acoustic music.

I also play music through this system on itunes but its a hollow experience compared to vinyl!

[Pope Pertwee IX]

Originally Posted by nickc

Hifi is pretty important to me but i don't get hung up on the need to constantly upgrade.
I'm a music fan not an audiophile but i think to do this music justice you need a good hifi really.

I agree secondhand is the way to go.
My current system is really a high end 1980's vinyl based system all bar the speakers...

Linn Sondek Turntable
Naim 42/110 pre power combo
Naim Hi cap power supply
Rega floorstanders

it sounds pretty fantastic too my ears and was great value too.
The components have great 'synergy' and it excels with jazz and acoustic music.

I also play music through this system on itunes but its a hollow experience compared to vinyl!

I share your sentiments re: HiFi, Bought mine 5 years ago, still think it's quality. I have I feel a decent enough system for my size of room 14ft x 14 ft. 50 Watts per channel is loud enough. I'd need a larger room for a better system.

You are already a Naim convert. I too appreciate the quality of Naim, and of course Kudos; their Cardea C10’s speakers are superb.

From the top.
Naim CD5X, CD Player.
Naim NAC 122X, Pre Amplifier.
Naim Flatcap Power Supply. – Enhances CD and Preamp performance.
Naim NAP 150X, Power Amplifier.

Speakers, Kudos Cardea C10’s (Superb, the Super 10’s are even better).
Speaker Stands, Partington Dreadnaughts.

The rack I bought from Argos in the UK.

Interconnects, Naim Speaker Cables etc.