AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The Starting Block / Introductions => Topic started by: Big Red Machine on 26 May 2016, 12:58 am

Title: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Big Red Machine on 26 May 2016, 12:58 am
So how about we make a list of tools that any self-respecting audiophool should have at the ready? I have no idea what someone with a TT needs at hand. Not sure the proper Circle for this. Hope you agree this is a good idea.

Okay, I'll start the list:

db meter like a Ratshack meter

Tape measure

Hand mirror

Deoxit or other contact cleaner

Cheater plug for troubleshooting

Wattmeter
http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/tools/test-measurement/Metrs-HVAC-R/energy-saver?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=COvYz6C89swCFYk9gQodI2gKjw

Wire gauge calculator
http://www.wirebarn.com/Wire-Calculator_ep_42.html

Basic calculations
http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-ohm.htm

Binding post wrench
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-dJuDrlAsQ8S/p_703BINDPW/AudioQuest-Binding-Post-Wrench.html

Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 26 May 2016, 01:04 am
Level meter must for vinyl lovers, over the years I spare two for rack level etc
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7c_6WKB8y4o/TIEfgaQxDQI/AAAAAAAAAYI/jLOP26O52dU/s1600/construction-level.jpg)
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: HAL on 26 May 2016, 01:04 am
How about a DMM for checking things like cables and connectors.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html)
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Devil Doc on 26 May 2016, 01:24 am
Jeweler's screwdrivers and hex wrenches with handles. Wire cutters, soldering gun canned air or better yet air compressor, and voltmeter.

Doc
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: sonicxtc on 26 May 2016, 01:35 am
Ears  :roll:

Remarkably helpful :wink:

Preferably your own ears as most people prefer to hang on to their own.

BTW, this is actually an excellent concept for a thread.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: dB Cooper on 26 May 2016, 01:43 am
A thesaurus, for our attempts to describe sound verbally

A corkscrew or bottle opener for liquid refreshments
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: JerryM on 26 May 2016, 01:54 am
Great Topic, BRM.

I'll go with 'knowledgeable folks who are willing to help': http://www.audiocircle.com/ (http://www.audiocircle.com/)
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Ern Dog on 26 May 2016, 02:25 am
A laser beam for accurate speaker positioning.
A tube tester is ideal for those with lots of tubes in your system.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 26 May 2016, 02:45 am
The acessories are in limited number though useful,
there is no much more to add.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: JerryM on 26 May 2016, 03:19 am
The acessories are in limited number though useful, there is no much more to add.

Maybe so, but even a non-vinyl guy can add a stylus force gauge or cartridge alignment protractors.  :thumb:
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Odal3 on 26 May 2016, 04:52 pm

I'll go with 'knowledgeable folks who are willing to help': http://www.audiocircle.com/ (http://www.audiocircle.com/)
+1  :thumb:
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: glynnw on 26 May 2016, 05:39 pm
A large closet.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: rockadanny on 26 May 2016, 07:43 pm
A large roll of cash.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=143687)

While not mandatory, it sure can make things easier.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: S Clark on 26 May 2016, 07:54 pm
For vinyl, a record cleaning machine.  A brush and some spray isn't enough.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Wayner on 26 May 2016, 07:58 pm
Here is my list for vinyl playback.

1. Omni-directional (top view) bubble level (I have the Audio Technica).
2. Regular bubble level (I have bought levels, sawed them apart and extracted the bubble level vial(s). I use this to reference the platter with one and set the headshell azimuth with the other.
3. Electronic scale for setting VTF
4. Small stylus brush for cleaning.
5. Record cleaning brush (I use a Discwasher D4).
6. Record cleaning fluid (I make my own from 3 parts 99% isopropyl alcohol, 1 part water put into a small 4 oz. spray bottle).
7. Cartridge Alignment tools (I have my own).
8. Blank disc (for setting AS), or if you don't like that, checking that the AS actually works.
9. Spanner screw driver (to set tonearm pivots)
10. Old record (used to set the VTF scale on, and cartridge alignment tool on).
11. Jeweler's loop or USB microscope (to examine stylus condition).
12. LC meter to check pf of interconnects from table to phono preamp.
13. Strobe disc (to check for speed performance).
14. Micro screw drivers and Allen wrench set(s) (both English and Metric).
15. Some kind of RCM or record cleaning method.
16. MOFI record sleeves.

All for now.

Wayner
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: electricbear on 26 May 2016, 08:05 pm
Don't forget you also need an understanding spouse or a good divorce lawyer.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: mikemalec on 29 Jun 2017, 08:06 pm
if you use a cd player a system enhancer disc is vey useful.
S
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: mikemalec on 29 Jun 2017, 08:10 pm
Sorry for the previous short post.
Pressed the wrong button.

Purist audio has such a disc as well as Sheffield Labs.

These are also use full for setup and testing.
 
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: *Scotty* on 29 Jun 2017, 09:00 pm
When the word "serious" was added to audiophile, a can of worms was opened. The can's name is acoustics.
 One must have measurement software like REW or equivalent and a calibrated microphone to tackle the problem.
 Dealing effectively with room modes and comb-filtering requires the data provided by accurate measurement as a prerequisite.
Scotty
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes: TEST SIGNALS
Post by: BigguyinATL on 17 Jul 2017, 02:38 pm
Get yourself a good assortment of CD with test tones and such.  Or purchase "Goldwave" and make your own test tones.
I have used Goldwave to make a band limited pink noise signal, Various multisine and swept sine signals.

A good sound meter is very useful... Do not rely on Radio shack (+/- 4dB -  C weighted) 

Interesting article on smart phone apps. http://acousticstoday.org/acoustical-measurements-smartphones-possibilities-limitations-benjamin-m-faber/

And note that you can rent a "Truth" providing Bruel & Kjaer meter - Essentially +/- 0.25dB  5Hz to 20kHz if you want to set up a system precisely.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=165630)



Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 27 Aug 2017, 01:15 pm
A tube stand for your tube collection:
https://www.k-m-a.us/collections/accessories/products/wooden-tube-holder
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: rif on 27 Aug 2017, 03:56 pm
A camera to post pix of your stuff to inspire/inflict jealously on others
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: JakeJ on 27 Aug 2017, 05:57 pm
An open mind is important.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: thunderbrick on 27 Aug 2017, 06:40 pm
An open mind is important.

Good luck with that!   :lol:
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Mag on 27 Aug 2017, 06:48 pm
Fly Swatter for air guitar, also doubles as fly swatter in dungy mancave.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167628)

Magnifying Glass for reading small print on cd jewel cases.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167629)

Body Art posters to stimulate the mood.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167630)
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 14 Feb 2018, 03:16 am
Military Grade Fuse Holders are indispensable to the serius audiophile:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Top-Quality-Military-Grade-Fuse-Holder-for-6x30mm-Fuse-Tube-20A-300V-1-pcs/302611511838?hash=item46750d3a1e:g:oIYAAOSwEaBaFbEK
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/g6sAAOSwnw9aFbEN/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: rif on 14 Feb 2018, 03:59 am
Military Grade Fuse Holders are indispensable to the serius audiophile:


Which military? Some are better than others   :o  :D
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 14 Feb 2018, 04:09 am
Which military? Some are better than others   :o  :D
Due the chain and screw cap the audiophools will pay 10 x more when it be famous brand labeled in the US market.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: rif on 14 Feb 2018, 04:16 am
Due the chain and screw cap the audiophools will pay 10 x more when it be famous brand labeled in the US market.

Don't forget cryo treatment.  And they should be NOS, preferably from a time where the men were men, planes had pilots, and fuse holders has gaskets and chains.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 14 Feb 2018, 04:25 am
Ho ho this was a long time ago lol
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: oem-wheels on 14 Feb 2018, 04:42 am
how about a lighter and a fan ?
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 14 Feb 2018, 04:46 am
how about a lighter and a fan ?
Any link or model?
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: tull skull on 14 Feb 2018, 04:56 am
Gee, based on my experiences, the first thing I thought of was a fire extinguisher  :D
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: gregtheis on 23 Jul 2018, 09:07 pm
How about a magnifying glass, cheeter glasses and especially an LED flashlight. Apparently I can't see anymore. Luckily my hearing is still great, Ha
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: ealtan on 12 Feb 2020, 11:55 am
Nice pair of hearing ears?
Good, well recorded music taste
Budget
An understanding companion
Time
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Relayer on 16 Mar 2020, 06:07 pm
Assorted magnetic screwdrivers, mentioning for a friend...
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: whit1950 on 18 Mar 2020, 05:56 pm
I believe a proper chair properly positioned with easy access consumables such as a good claret, beer bourbon,etc. and munchies with Handy Wipes so as not to contaminate the field upon changing sources.  Whit1950
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Wind Chaser on 18 Mar 2020, 09:52 pm
Nice pair of hearing ears?
Good, well recorded music taste
Budget
An understanding companion
Time

Nailed it!
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: hdspeakerman on 19 Mar 2020, 01:58 am
Wire cutters
Wire Strippers
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 19 Mar 2020, 03:10 am
Wire cutters
Wire Strippers
Let me suggest the wire cutter I use by some years already,
it is a cat nail cutter so no audiophile prices, forget WBT cutters,
I have two units one for cats that suits small gauges and other
for dogs that suits awg 12 or under, its a indispensable tool to
the pro and hobbist in the wire/cable service.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206097)

Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: b3nr33d on 15 Jun 2020, 03:57 pm
Contact cleaner spray.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: cfranco on 24 Jul 2020, 12:19 am
Fluke DMM
Temerature Controlled Solder Iron
Desolder Sucker
Dr Freickert Protractor
Fozgometer

Oh and agree A LARGE ROLL OF BENGI's
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Will P on 19 Aug 2020, 05:33 am
An air horn strategically placed near the listening room entrance.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=213446)



It's for the third party person getting in the room during equipment  testing/ evaluation and trying to get audiophile's attention - usually having the humble request to have the volume turned down, if possible.



A tap on the shoulder is A LOT more startling  :o    than a quick air horn blast. 


 :thumb:
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Bullitt5094 on 11 Oct 2020, 01:21 am
An SPL meter so you can prevent hearing damage and enjoy the hobby for years to come.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: viggen on 11 Oct 2020, 01:51 am
spl meter for android.

thermal paste.

heat gun.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: kb117 on 14 Oct 2020, 08:45 pm
Ears  :roll:

Remarkably helpful :wink:

Preferably your own ears as most people prefer to hang on to their own.

BTW, this is actually an excellent concept for a thread.
I am assuming you are male, since most are in this hobby.  :D
I would suggest a female set of ears, your better half, or a younger female. Females have more sensitive hearing. (Try saying something in the next room, and I'll bet she can clearly hear you, especially in an argument.)   :lol:
Younger because most still can hear whole bandwidth of the audio spectrum.
As per trained ears, you can probably train them of the sonic nuances of music audiophools listen to.
Hope this helps
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: twitch54 on 15 Oct 2020, 12:30 am
a ten pound sledge hammer, when all else fails .......... :wink:
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: laffy on 1 Mar 2021, 06:38 pm
A good lounge chair is important unless you like to stand and listen to music.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Tonyeezy on 4 Mar 2021, 08:05 am
A flashlight and a tape measure are a must for the fools in small rooms such as myself who endlessly experiment with the positioning of their electrostats
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: NoDisco on 4 Mar 2021, 04:49 pm
American Express Card with no credit limit
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: musicman29 on 13 Apr 2021, 10:46 pm
Quite an extensive set of lists so far. The only I would add, if it's not there already on some post, is a digital voltmeter to check tube bias.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 14 May 2021, 04:25 am
Just found a interesting Soviet 1973 tube tester €690eu under ''new'' condition.
L3-3 USSR Military High-end Tube Tester
https://www.ebay.com/itm/133381301779?hash=item1f0e252613:g:eMgAAOSwwgVejERF
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Doublej on 14 May 2021, 07:01 pm
A BS meter.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: CaptainBill on 14 May 2021, 09:27 pm
I am assuming you are male, since most are in this hobby.  :D
I would suggest a female set of ears, your better half, or a younger female. Females have more sensitive hearing. (Try saying something in the next room, and I'll bet she can clearly hear you, especially in an argument.)   :lol:
Younger because most still can hear whole bandwidth of the audio spectrum.
As per trained ears, you can probably train them of the sonic nuances of music audiophools listen to.
Hope this helps

A younger female and an Audiophile hobby….sheesh now we are talking big money!
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: I.Greyhound Fan on 15 May 2021, 03:28 am
A very understanding and tolerant wife as you spend thousands of dollars on gear and keep upgrading to get better sound.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Kreepin on 23 Jun 2021, 07:11 pm
A large roll of cash.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=143687)

While not mandatory, it sure can make things easier.

I'm going to say this is near the top of the list.

Reliable freight company that can pack and ship without trying to pay there mortgage on your back.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Early B. on 23 Jun 2021, 07:17 pm
Earwax removal kit

Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Digi-G on 24 Jun 2021, 03:37 pm
Deleted.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Dodgeshackley on 15 Aug 2021, 01:02 am
Patience. 🤣 There are lots of options and your opinion will change throughout the day. Take your time and focus on what stands out to you. Its not a race, and it is supposed to be fun!-Dodge
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: rudolffzigray@gmail.com on 23 Nov 2021, 01:22 am
Tube tester, tube equivalent chart, multi meter, soldering gun, solder, V-Caps🥰
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 23 Nov 2021, 01:36 am
Oscilloscope :thumb:
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Stuartk on 11 Jan 2022, 09:13 pm
For those of us who are not "serious", I'd submit the "large roll of cash" (whatever "large" means to you) and understanding spouse are at the top of the list.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Stuartk on 11 Jan 2022, 09:16 pm
Hope this is still considered within the topic: is there any consensus on a recommended dB meter?
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: dpatters on 11 Jan 2022, 09:22 pm
Ears.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Mariusz Uszynski on 11 Jan 2022, 09:49 pm
-Money
-Designated room
-Some tools
-Research
-Common sense
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 11 Jan 2022, 09:52 pm
Hope this is still considered within the topic: is there any consensus on a recommended dB meter?
I have an Mínipa made in China without probs since early 1990s.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Bossboy on 4 Apr 2022, 10:04 pm
A thesaurus, for our attempts to describe sound verbally

A corkscrew or bottle opener for liquid refreshments
:lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
Excellent choices
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Bossboy on 4 Apr 2022, 10:06 pm
How about a capacitance meter
and a more understanding wife.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: nlitworld on 4 Apr 2022, 10:35 pm
How about a capacitance meter
and a more understanding wife.

Those are on national backorder with no ETA. Capacitance meters are easy to find though.  :lol:
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: dunkie on 18 May 2022, 03:32 pm
Those little speaker-binding-post tools, I think Audioquest makes one.  They fit in the hand so nicely and there is a size at each end so they fit most speaker binding posts. You can feel how tightly you are torquing the post and there is no slip and no chance of making an accidental connection between the R and B posts.  An excellent tool ! 
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Tsantil on 17 Jan 2023, 04:03 am
Those are on national backorder with no ETA. Capacitance meters are easy to find though.  :lol:
New to these forums… LOL’d at this one.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Soothsayer on 24 Feb 2023, 11:22 am
I haven’t read the whole thread, but you cannot be considered a true audiophool unless you have a wife that can “hear a difference from the kitchen”.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: mix4fix on 24 Feb 2023, 04:49 pm
How about a DMM for checking things like cables and connectors.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html)

We were talking about it at work the other day. We use to get a smaller Fluke, now we get a cheap one.

By all means: keep cheap ones as backup, but invest in a Fluke.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: FullRangeMan on 25 Feb 2023, 12:29 am
I haven’t read the whole thread, but you cannot be considered a true audiophool unless you have a wife that can “hear a difference from the kitchen”.
These wifes was when I was young,
today you know how they are>
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=175024)
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Moverton on 12 Nov 2023, 11:01 pm
I haven’t read the whole thread, but you cannot be considered a true audiophool unless you have a wife that can “hear a difference from the kitchen”.

So true…
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: PhillySpecial on 18 Nov 2023, 12:38 pm
So how about we make a list of tools that any self-respecting audiophool should have at the ready? I have no idea what someone with a TT needs at hand. Not sure the proper Circle for this. Hope you agree this is a good idea.

Okay, I'll start the list:

db meter like a Ratshack meter

Tape measure

Hand mirror

Deoxit or other contact cleaner

Cheater plug for troubleshooting

Wattmeter
http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/tools/test-measurement/Metrs-HVAC-R/energy-saver?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=COvYz6C89swCFYk9gQodI2gKjw

Wire gauge calculator
http://www.wirebarn.com/Wire-Calculator_ep_42.html

Basic calculations
http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-ohm.htm

Binding post wrench
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-dJuDrlAsQ8S/p_703BINDPW/AudioQuest-Binding-Post-Wrench.html

Good morning, new member and budding (still largely clueless) audiophile here. This is my first attempt at setting up a hifi system my ears will appreciate. Recently attended Capital Audio Fest 2023 and loved the sound in Rogue Audio’s room, so doing my best to replicate it with a few budget-minded compromises here and there. Thanks for this helpful post.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: PhillySpecial on 18 Nov 2023, 12:42 pm
How about a capacitance meter
and a more understanding wife.

If you find an audio store selling more understanding wives, or any store for that matter, please let me know.  :lol:
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: PhillySpecial on 18 Nov 2023, 12:46 pm
So how about we make a list of tools that any self-respecting audiophool should have at the ready? I have no idea what someone with a TT needs at hand. Not sure the proper Circle for this. Hope you agree this is a good idea.

Okay, I'll start the list:

db meter like a Ratshack meter

Tape measure

Hand mirror

Deoxit or other contact cleaner

Cheater plug for troubleshooting

Wattmeter
http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/tools/test-measurement/Metrs-HVAC-R/energy-saver?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=COvYz6C89swCFYk9gQodI2gKjw

Wire gauge calculator
http://www.wirebarn.com/Wire-Calculator_ep_42.html

Basic calculations
http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-ohm.htm

Binding post wrench
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-dJuDrlAsQ8S/p_703BINDPW/AudioQuest-Binding-Post-Wrench.html

Any recommendations with respect to ac power supply? Thanks.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: rockadanny on 18 Nov 2023, 09:28 pm
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=57044)
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Ronyee1 on 4 Dec 2023, 05:04 am
A rational partner who can understand your passion but also calmly provide the pros and cons. If it were up to me I would have bought so many impulse buys instead of stuff that I also want. It’s nice to have someone to balance out my impulsivity but also doesn’t shut down everything right away.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Rusty Jefferson on 5 Dec 2023, 01:55 pm
1- A Stereophile test disc with left/right, phase inversion, and 1khz test tone for level matching. I can't remember how many times I've arrived at someone's house to listen and there has been a left/right reversal, or actually speakers out of phase and nobody noticed. And then wanting to compare equipment and trying to level match with an SPL meter. You must match voltage which means....

2- A multimeter to match voltage. Doesn't need to be expensive.

3- Headlamp like for camping.

4- 2.0+ reading glasses even if you don't need them because it makes it easier to see things up close.
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Early B. on 5 Dec 2023, 03:03 pm
The most basic thing you need before building almost anything is a plan. Build your audio system around one or two things you like most in music (regardless of the type of music you listen to!). For instance, if you love bass, then build a system around getting the best subwoofers, researching bass traps, eliminating the 50Hz bass bump in your room, etc. You'll take on a different approach if you're a treble guy or a silky midrange guy or the tube guy, or the heavy metal & hard rock guy. 

Example -- I wanted a big, dynamic sound, so I have 3 subs and high-efficiency speakers with 12" midrange drivers. I wasn't gonna get a big sound with 6" drivers, regardless of the brand or style, so I stopped wasting time and money on "small" speakers.   

IMPORTANT -- do not include a budget in your plan. Most audiophiles spend more money than they want to, so don't impose a money barrier. Hobbies aren't meant to be rational.
 
Title: Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
Post by: Bhu108 on 6 Dec 2023, 05:32 pm
Green pen (like a sharpie) for the edges of CD's
quality masking tape to mark speaker placement
Blue Tack, earthquake putty, or similar for vibration damping etc
screw drivers
microfiber cleaning cloth