/r/BudgetAudiophile

Photograph via snooOG

This subreddit is for the budget minded audiophile that wants to grow out of soundbars, boomboxes, mini systems, portable bluetooth, lifestyle speakers, and PC peripheral branded audio solutions.

We focus on education, discussion, and sharing of entry and mid level separate & multi component audio systems.

The only bad audio system, is the one you don't enjoy to the fullest.

What is /r/budgetaudiophile about?

  • This is a subreddit for all budget minded audiophiles and enthusiasts looking to grow into real speakers and separate components; and out of boomboxes, mini systems, portable bluetooth and lifestyle speakers, and PC branded audio solutions.
  • While there is no upper price limit, realistically we focus on speakers in the sub $1000 range, with the sweet spot being between $150 to $500.
  • A place to ask questions about speakers, amps, DACs, parts, pieces and to show off.
  • If you have a question regarding Bluetooth speakers, please post to /r/Bluetooth_Speakers
  • If you have questions regarding Headphones OR IEM's, please post to /r/Headphones or /r/HeadphoneAdvice
  • If you just really want a super cheap computer solution (Creative Labs, Altec Lansing, etc.) post to /r/PCSound/
  • If you are looking for advice on sound bars please post to /r/SoundBars
  • Feel free to post links to sales and good deals. Amazon, Newegg, Slickdeals, Woot etc. (All affiliate sales/links will be removed)
  • Keep personal sales to /r/AVexchange.
  • If someone is being helpful and you agree with their advice, then Upvote it. If someone is being helpful but you don’t agree, then explain why before you Downvote. If someone is being insulting or rude or spamming, please report it so the mods can assist.

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Guides And Resources

CURRENT RULES

THE NUMBER ONE RULE

  • Be nice, be helpful. Don't be rude, don't be a jerk.
  • Have fun and enjoy yourself.

HELPFUL TIPS

SUGGESTED to help keep things a bit more organized include your Max price point for purchase advice

  • [$100] ect.

NO AFFILIATE LINKS, but if you find a great deal on something and want to share use.

Also check out our friends at!

/r/BudgetAudiophile

271,862 Subscribers

8

Shit's gonna get real come tomorrow with my Frankenstein project...

7 Comments
2024/10/25
06:54 UTC

1

Toslink trouble

Hello brains trust, not sure if this is the right sub but here goes. I have an older receiver that I've always used with toslink input. Brought a new TV and it does not have toslink. Brought a hdmi extractor from jaycar, plugged it in.... no sound. What am I doing wrong? I just want my stereo sound back instead of shitty TV speakers!

1 Comment
2024/10/25
05:43 UTC

3

Testing out the Up2Stream 2.1 plate amp

1 Comment
2024/10/25
05:08 UTC

1

WiiM vs AirPlay Question

I have multi room audio setup in my house with 4 WiiM amps powering 4 zones of passive in-ceiling speakers.

The 5th zone, my living room, has self powered KEF LS50 WII speakers that work with AirPlay already. Is it necessary to get something like a WiiM Pro connected to the KEFs via optical to get them all playing synchronously through WiiM’s app? Or should I just connect them all via AirPlay?

Separate but related question - what is the difference between streaming multi room from the WiiM app versus AirPlay?

0 Comments
2024/10/25
03:23 UTC

0

Can I wire a Center speaker to a 2 channel amp?

I have an extra center speaker and I recently moved my bookshelf speakers to act as surrounds for my 5.2 set up. The bookshelfs were previously on my desk with my computer being run by an AIYIMA T9 Pro, but I wanted to just use the extra center I had instead while the bookshelfs are used as surround. The only problem that I didn't think about until I went to wire in the center speaker is that the amp is 2 channels and if I wire it into one I only get left side sounds in directional music and videos. I tried following a post to wire it by going Neg to Left Channel Positive, and Pos to Right channel Positive, but that seems to just give me Left/Right directional Sounds, but overall center focused sounds are a lot more muted. is there any way I can wire this up to sort of play in a mono sound or get the full range of sound from the amp using one center speaker?

1 Comment
2024/10/25
03:21 UTC

1

RCA HDMI converter

I have a Samsung tv that I want to connect speakers to for better audio. But I have a problem there are no RCA connectors on the tv, but I see there is an HDMI port labeled eARC is there a converter I can use to connect the speakers and amplifier?

3 Comments
2024/10/25
02:55 UTC

37

New Speaker Day

I decided to upgrade my front and left stage from the RP500 MII to the Heresy IV. 🤯

The clarity, detail, and soundstage are incredible! A lot of people complain about the bass with the Heresy but paired with the 2 RELs I feel that I’ve reached audio heaven!

Feel free to ask questions if you’re interested.

4 Comments
2024/10/25
02:09 UTC

10

Fosi Audio Rave

Alright so my secondary HiFi is a near-field setup on my computer desk that consists of Mackie CR8-XBTs I run off a Scarlett interface. I chose these because I don't have room under my desk for a subwoofer (dog likes his dogbed under there) but I like a really full bass signal so the 8" woofers are a big plus, also the tweeters on these are the same as the ones on their spendier studio monitors (very nice). Well, in my experience Mackie integrated amps are shit and reliably fail in a couple years, these were no exception.

Mackie was absolutely zero help and basically told me to kick rocks, so long story short I gutted and rewired the cabinets (actually quite nice construction) to run as passive speakers and bought a Fosi Audio BT20A to power them.

Woah.

I have to say, I think these cabinets were being held back by sub-par amplification. I know everyone knows about the Fosi and has plenty nice to say about them but I'd never actually A/B tested one with another amp I actually liked, and for a sub-$100 amplifier the hype is absolutely real. The clarity and resolution are incredible, and I know it sounds really silly because nothing has physically changed about the setup, but I would swear the imaging is somehow improved as well.

It's a fantastic little amp and if it dies in two years like everyone says it will, I'll fucking buy another one.

6 Comments
2024/10/25
01:55 UTC

2

Outdoor speaker/av receiver setup recommendations?

Hey guys,

Currently have a square pavilion/gazebo setup in the backyard that's roughly the size of a living room. I was planning on probably putting a speaker on each of the 4 corners, that would connect to an av receiver for use with a tv. Anyone have any weather-proof recommendations or advice with their own similar setup? Legit asked chatgpt for some recs and it suggested the Polk Audio Atrium 4 speakers alongside a Yamaha RX-V385 that seem good for an approximate total around $650. Would ideally seek a combo that's cheaper than $650.

4 Comments
2024/10/25
01:51 UTC

1

RCA HDMI converter

I would like to connect speakers to my Samsung tv for better audio. But I have a problem there are no RCA connectors on the tv only HDMI ports, is there a converter I can use to connect the speakers to the tv?

1 Comment
2024/10/25
01:40 UTC

4

What are these connectors called and where can I buy ones for Klipsch RP towers?

23 Comments
2024/10/25
01:16 UTC

3

Martin Logan Motion 20i opinions?

I just saw these and wonder if anyone has heard them. Seems like a great deal. https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/products/martin-logan-motion-20i-floorstanding-speaker-open-box-each

2 Comments
2024/10/25
01:01 UTC

1

5.1 Sub Placement

Heya, pretty new to surround.

My question is the setup instructions to my home theatre tells me to put the sub on the far left furthest away from where I sit. But it makes it sound like it's coming just from that side.

Ive tried just next to my TV stand and that was but a bit stuck on where to go. Like next to my sofa or something?

Suggestions would be great

5 Comments
2024/10/24
23:33 UTC

2

Focal Chorus 707

Hey I’m new to this reddit but have read Focal’s are a good brand. I see a pair for $350 with stands in great condition online. I cant find much information about the speaker. I see lots online about Focal Chorus 707s but not much about the Chorus 707. Does anyone know the difference? Is this is a good deal for the pair?

I will use them for movies and music, mainly jazz. I have a cheaper Pioneer receiver now but plan to upgrade that next. Thanks!

3 Comments
2024/10/24
23:26 UTC

0

Which pairs of tubes are to be Matched on an Onix sp3?

Hello.

I have to replace one of my tubes (one of the 4 larger tubes in the middle) and knowing that the tubes need to be matched pairs—which means that I need to replace 2 tubes—I’m left wondering which configuration are the match pairs? Do they match along the X axis? Or Y axis? Are they matched via the yellow arrows or red? It seems to me that the smaller tubes that flank the larger tubes are matched along the x axis. I’m under the impression that the amp splits the tubes into to channels (left and right) along the y axis. Correct? Please help.

7 Comments
2024/10/24
23:12 UTC

1

Question about new speakers I bought.

Hello all:

The amp I currently use is 1975 Sansui 331 (12 wpc/8 ohms).I replaced the 70s Toshiba speakers with a pair of Polk XT60 (4 ohm). Playing Ps4 through them is good, but my record player output quality sounds a bit weak. My speaker wire gauge is quite thin (16 or 18 I think?)The speakers are only about six feet away from the amp. Do you think getting 12 or 14 gauge would help give the speakers a bit of a boost for my vinyl and overall sound presence?

5 Comments
2024/10/24
22:10 UTC

2

Looking for amplifier/receiver recommendations

I have 4 Niles CM6MP ceiling speakers. They are located in the living room, no TV or other screen. They are just for background music. I found specs and manual here. It says "Recommended Amplifier Power: Five to 75 watts per channel" and "Nominal Impedance 6 Ohms".

I know close to nothing about speakers or amplifiers. I'm not even sure if I need amplifier or receiver. Please recommend a budget amplifier that will run those speakers. I need 4 channels. Ideally all 4 speakers will play at the same time.

Here's the screenshot from the speaker's specs:

https://preview.redd.it/v60gmkcd1swd1.png?width=362&format=png&auto=webp&s=855a87f8cbe533e780e9ce07bfd1a565b52e60f1

Thank you!

4 Comments
2024/10/24
22:04 UTC

2

Help me pick some speakers?

Recently, I've been looking at the Q Acoustics 3010i's, but I've also heard there are better options in the price range (about 350)

I was probably going to pair it with a Yamaha A-S301 for a Pro-Ject debut Carbon EVO - would this setup be good?

9 Comments
2024/10/24
21:24 UTC

1

Help - Upgrading System

I've been lurking in this sub and helped me build my first setup 5 years ago. I have my setup bare minimum:

Turntable: ProJect audio debut Carbon

Pre-amp: ProJect phono box MM DC

A/V Receiver: Sony STRDH550 5.2

Speakers: Pioneer SP-BS22 LR

Sub: SW-8MK2

Now that I have a job that enables me to upgrade my system, I wanted to make sure I can do it in increments. Speaker + Stand > A/V Receiver > Sub. I have to re-learn everything and catch up on what is in the market right now. Black Friday is also right around the corner.

For speakers, Im more inclined getting the Polk R200. I've also considered Elac DBR62 and Klipsch RP-600M. Will this work with my current receiver? Hoping that I could wait for a bit and save for the receiver.

As for the receiver, I wanted something that I can connect my TT, TV, and PS5 - Just like my current setup. Im leaning towards to Denon AVR-S660H, but also considering Marantz NR1510. Unless there is something better?

Also, Im trying to get a decent speaker stands since I currently have a cheap amazon stand. Considering monoprice stands, such as the easel style speaker or this. Just recently learned about the BluTack and sand in the stand.

0 Comments
2024/10/24
20:57 UTC

1

Setup Reccomendations?

I'm looking for a speaker/amp to go with the RSL Speedwoofer 10E if the gang has anything. I plan on just sitting them on my white desk so extra points for white builds that aren't subpar options. Will be my first setup so I really have no idea what amp to get.

Ideally looking to spend less than $150 on the speakers, thanks! : )

3 Comments
2024/10/24
20:33 UTC

1

Wiim Ultra Black Friday Deals?

Hey guys,

Do you think there will be any deals to be had for the Wiim Ultra for Black Friday?

Had a mooch around the web but didn't come up with anything.

1 Comment
2024/10/24
20:32 UTC

0

Does anyone know what these buttons do?

Sorry bit of a newbie just picked up these speakers. They’re edifier r1280DBs. Does anyone know what these buttons do? It changes the sound but I can’t put my finger on what.

Thanks :)

9 Comments
2024/10/24
20:28 UTC

12

AR 328 PS

Research indicates these are ok but that they likely would need maintenance of some kind. Also would be difficult to lug home on foot.

Who just dumps stuff like this?

9 Comments
2024/10/24
20:17 UTC

42

Current setup :)

I recently fixed my cd player’s belt and made new interconnects to tidy everything up behind. Slowly built up this system by collecting/swapping stuff through the years! I think my next move will either be a cart upgrade or a small dac so I don’t have to stream through a Chromecast all the time. Quick rundown: B&W Dm603 S1s, full Rotel stack, Rega P1

(yes, my tv is tiny and will be changed soon)

15 Comments
2024/10/24
20:04 UTC

0

Not worth it or scam?

Hello all, I am looking to get a starter 7.1 and build it up. I came across these for $200 and I don’t know if these speakers depreciate in value that much or if the listing is to good to be true. Thanks for any assistance.

7 Comments
2024/10/24
19:53 UTC

1

I am looking to upgrade my old Polk 7.1 speaker setup. I have $1500 to spend, no receiver needed. Please recommend a full 7.1 setup for me in this price range.

Old Setup:

2 Polk T15 Bookshelf Speakers Polk T30 Center Channel 2 Polk T50 Floor Standing Speakers 2 Polk XT90 Speakers Polk PSW10 Subwoofer

12 Comments
2024/10/24
19:36 UTC

1

Hello, which speaker cables should i use?

My Set Up is a technics slq3, Neubert Nubox 383 and a Denon pma 720ae.

Thank you!

4 Comments
2024/10/24
19:34 UTC

59

How’s this for truly budget? Polk monitor 60s + Yamaha RX-V671 for $30.

38 Comments
2024/10/24
19:13 UTC

2

Ebay Refurbished is worth it?

13 Comments
2024/10/24
19:09 UTC

0

Best turntables within a €300 budget

Hello all, I'm writing this post for my girlfriend, who is looking to replace her current (grocery store bought) turntable with something of higher quality. We were interested in your recommendations on options that would, more or less, meet the following criteria:

  • Budget of €300(based in the Netherlands, EU)
  • Preferably a store where you can also pay with PayPal/iDeal, rather than credit card only
  • To be used in a (living)room for playing music.
  • Built in (powered) speakers
  • Preferably included is a counterweight
  • Possibly an anti-skate function
  • audiotechnika/similarly good needle
  • A dust cover that is able to close when playing a record.

All recommendations are welcome(also the ones that do not meet a few criteria). Looking forward to your replies. .

EDIT: She values 'vintage sounding' sound from a built in speaker over external speakers. We do understand that that will decrease the sound quality a bit, but are willing to compromise on that.

16 Comments
2024/10/24
19:04 UTC

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