[djpk]

I'm mostly interested in good value equipment. I know that's subjective, but I've been happy with my Blue Jeans cables, Burson Audio Bang V6 amp, Zu Audio speakers, JDS Labs DAC and headphone amp along with my Garage1217 headphone amp in a different system. I believe you don't have to spend a lot of money to get satisfying sound with the right symmetry.

[Phil A]

Welcome to AC!  Don't forget to look at a place like hifishark.com

[JLM]

Welcome!

Yes, there's never been a better time for high value/good audio sound.  Example:

1.) Subscription Redbook (CD) quality streaming (Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon HD) give access to millions of albums from anywhere within internet reach without the need for local storage for a monthly fee of about what we used to pay for a single CD;

2.) Active speakers (JBL 305 Mk2 are my favorite value leader at $300/pair) can fill a medium sized room or used on a desktop with dynamic, detailed, and musical enjoyment (amplification built-in);

3.) NAD BlueSound streamer/DACs ($550 Node 2i or $1650 C658) that eliminate the need for a computer or additional player software that with one of the above subscription services and the JBL 305 Mk2 make for an under $1000 simple compact system, music included.

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome 

[ArthurDent]

Greetings & Welcome to AC djpk   

[Wind Chaser]

Welcome to Audio Circle.

The one thing above all else to getting good sound is where you place the speakers and your ears in relation to the speakers in the context of the room. Unfortunately most people, even seasoned audiophiles who have spent many years in the hobby who also have very expensive systems put too little thought and effort into the set up.

[djpk]

Yes, speaker placement and set-up is critical. On one occasion I was unhappy with some new speakers I built. First, I positioned them on the short wall of the room and they sounded lifeless. Then I moved them to the long wall (rectangular room) and they sounded great. That was a good lesson on speaker positioning.