Coming back to the hobby

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capt_slow

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Coming back to the hobby
« on: 23 Aug 2013, 04:42 am »
Hello all!

New member here, just recently getting back into the hobby after years away. Cannot believe what I have been missing! My circumstances over the past few years have prevented me from indulging in hifi. However, now I am returning.

So far I have picked up some Gallo Classico CL-3's and a Teac AI-2000 Integrated amplifier. I am still awaiting the arrival of the Teac, but I have been using the Gallo's with my Denon AVR-1712 and they are amazing, even with the budget AVR.

I still am working out my next purchase. It is either a DAC or a table (still have a small vinyl collection). I also need to invest in some budget cables to get me started.

Either way, it is exciting to get back into the hobby!

JLM

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Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #1 on: 23 Aug 2013, 09:05 am »
Welcome (back)   :thumb:

This is the best audio message board I've found.  The internet will be your best friend in the hunt for gear, but be prepared to do a great deal of reading between the lines to gauge each writer's intent/background/tastes.  The audio industry is a brave new world for those such as you, having moved from bricks and mortar to net based sales (buy and sell), local audio clubs (suggest you find one), and major audio shows (to get a taste of what's available).  But you don't need to go it alone (now that you're here).

MaxCast

Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #2 on: 23 Aug 2013, 11:15 am »
Welcome aboard, capt.
Keep an eye out on your local Craigslist for turntables...it might make your choice for you  :D

jimdgoulding

Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #3 on: 23 Aug 2013, 11:49 am »
Yeah, full speed ahead, Cap'n.  Blue jean cables have a good rep.

woodsyi

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Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #4 on: 23 Aug 2013, 12:05 pm »
Welcome aboard. :thumb:

Get your post count up to 3 and then PM me.  I have got some cables I can give away.

jackman

Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #5 on: 23 Aug 2013, 12:36 pm »
Welcome back!  I would suggest getting a cheap laptop or a Mac mini, an ODAC for cheap, a hdd, and Jriver software.  Computer audio has really enhanced my audio enjoyment.  It's great accessing thousands of files with the push of a button in your smartphone or iPad.  You don't need to spend a lot to get great sound.

Good luck!

capt_slow

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Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #6 on: 23 Aug 2013, 01:23 pm »
I currently have an Apple TV, which is convenient... However I realize the limitations of this unit and plan to connect to a DAC via USB with my existing laptop. It is amazing how much has changed since I was last active in the audio community.

The convenience of computer audio is quite appealing... However, noticing will replace the experience of dropping the needle on a nice record.

capt_slow

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Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #7 on: 23 Aug 2013, 01:25 pm »
Welcome aboard. :thumb:

Get your post count up to 3 and then PM me.  I have got some cables I can give away.

Thanks for the offer! That is extremely generous and helpful, I will send you a pm

JLM

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Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #8 on: 23 Aug 2013, 03:55 pm »
Welcome back!  I would suggest getting a cheap laptop or a Mac mini, an ODAC for cheap, a hdd, and Jriver software.  Computer audio has really enhanced my audio enjoyment.  It's great accessing thousands of files with the push of a button in your smartphone or iPad.  You don't need to spend a lot to get great sound.

Good luck!

Yeah, don't waste money on a CD player.  (That said, I'm trying to wear out my 12 year old Sony XA20ES before jumping onto the computer bandwagon.)   :oops:

geowak

Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #9 on: 23 Aug 2013, 05:05 pm »
Welcome cpt. This is a great place to exchange ideas and learn about all things audio. I would caution anyone from getting too wrapped up in the hype of a product or company. It's all fine, when we get influenced by the fanatical ravings about the er Fantastic aBc speakers and xYz amp, but often these are purchased without ever listening to them. It's buyers beware and everyone does not have the same ears. Also customer service can get problematic..
Some great guys out there, some good, others poor. It's wise to sort it out, unless you've got the resources (money) to buy and sell, buy and sell...often losing $ in the process.

That said, hey some guys and gals luv this and change amps more often than I change my socks. Haha

capt_slow

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Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #10 on: 23 Aug 2013, 09:32 pm »
Welcome cpt. This is a great place to exchange ideas and learn about all things audio. I would caution anyone from getting too wrapped up in the hype of a product or company. It's all fine, when we get influenced by the fanatical ravings about the er Fantastic aBc speakers and xYz amp, but often these are purchased without ever listening to them. It's buyers beware and everyone does not have the same ears. Also customer service can get problematic..
Some great guys out there, some good, others poor. It's wise to sort it out, unless you've got the resources (money) to buy and sell, buy and sell...often losing $ in the process.

That said, hey some guys and gals luv this and change amps more often than I change my socks. Haha

This is true... I drank the kool-aid when I was in this hobby years ago. However, I always like to wait for the right deal, that way I can minimize my losses. Part of the fun is finding components that work well together.

My goal is to put together a system that maximizes my enjoyment of the music while keeping the budget within reason. The thrill of finding deals keeps me motivated!

Thanks for the warm welcome AC!

charmerci

Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #11 on: 24 Aug 2013, 12:44 am »
Yeah, don't waste money on a CD player.  (That said, I'm trying to wear out my 12 year old Sony XA20ES before jumping onto the computer bandwagon.)   :oops:

I don't keep my computer on all the time so I often use my CD player if I have a few minutes before leaving - plus, if the computer breaks down, you may want to have a backup.

Also when I buy a new CD, I play it often on my player before dumping it into my computer which I mostly use on the shuffle mode - like my own personal radio station. When you get enough tracks in there - sometimes I go a long, long time before I hear a particular track from an album.

A while back, I decided to listen to a particular CD that I had in my computer also. I heard a song that became one of my new favorites - but I hadn't heard it on my computer shuffle mode.

Guy 13

Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #12 on: 24 Aug 2013, 02:09 am »
Hi capt_slow and all Audio Circle members.
As sources I have vinyl, CD, FM and who knows one day I might go with Radio Internet and computer music.
With my 65 years old ears, I don't look anymore for the best, only for inexpensive and reliable.
Welcome aboard.

Guy 13

geowak

Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #13 on: 25 Aug 2013, 08:07 pm »
This is true... I drank the kool-aid when I was in this hobby years ago. However, I always like to wait for the right deal, that way I can minimize my losses. Part of the fun is finding components that work well together.

My goal is to put together a system that maximizes my enjoyment of the music while keeping the budget within reason. The thrill of finding deals keeps me motivated!

Thanks for the warm welcome AC!

I am glad to see you've been around the block, at least once. I have seen the B&M stores that used to be around me go out of business. Internet sales and audio companies that bypass the middleman are really very popular now. I bought some equipment this way, based upon rave reviews. BIG MISTAKE! There just wasn't the customer service there, nor was there any care from the owner of the company. I think the audio stores that are remaining can offer a very useful function. Plus one can actually HEAR THE AUDIO GEAR THEY ARE THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING. That cannot be underestimated.  The last two audio pieces that I bought were from an audio dealer.

I am not saying that one cannot buy from a manufacturer, and skip a dealer, without success. It can be done. Also the equipment can sound fabulous. But sometimes the deal can go south, ie if there was some quality control problems and the dealer does not want to accept any loss of $$ (often true of shipping charges as well). The buyer ends up taken the loss. Even if the buyer sells the equipment to another fan of said company, the defect is not always discussed or known, or if it is, the seller takes the loss because of it.

There just happen to be many people at AC that can afford to lose a couple hundred here, couple of thousand there, as part of the hobby. Some just love to swap out gear. I have not been able to afford that. So when I tool a bath that cost me a few thousand I was much more skeptical of "how good they audio was claimed to be".

JLM

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Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #14 on: 26 Aug 2013, 12:25 am »
I am glad to see you've been around the block, at least once. I have seen the B&M stores that used to be around me go out of business. Internet sales and audio companies that bypass the middleman are really very popular now. I bought some equipment this way, based upon rave reviews. BIG MISTAKE! There just wasn't the customer service there, nor was there any care from the owner of the company. I think the audio stores that are remaining can offer a very useful function. Plus one can actually HEAR THE AUDIO GEAR THEY ARE THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING. That cannot be underestimated.  The last two audio pieces that I bought were from an audio dealer.

I am not saying that one cannot buy from a manufacturer, and skip a dealer, without success. It can be done. Also the equipment can sound fabulous. But sometimes the deal can go south, ie if there was some quality control problems and the dealer does not want to accept any loss of $$ (often true of shipping charges as well). The buyer ends up taken the loss. Even if the buyer sells the equipment to another fan of said company, the defect is not always discussed or known, or if it is, the seller takes the loss because of it.

There just happen to be many people at AC that can afford to lose a couple hundred here, couple of thousand there, as part of the hobby. Some just love to swap out gear. I have not been able to afford that. So when I tool a bath that cost me a few thousand I was much more skeptical of "how good they audio was claimed to be".


Sorry to read that you've had such poor experiences.  I've only had three pieces (two from the same AC vendor) that didn't work out.  One kept breaking during shipment (factory only replaceable battery) and the others were sonic duds IMO (but sold them while they were still popular so didn't lose much).  Guess I've been fortunate, my entire main rig and most of my AV system were bought via the internet, but I believe it also has to do with doing lots of homework and being patient (the receiver in my 2nd audio system died 8 months ago and I'm still researching options).  I completely agree that it seems that many here have the means to 'throw lots of money at this hobby' and change gear as often as I change oil.  My current pieces average about 9 years old and many are 'B' stock or used.  So when I do sell, it's at quite favorable prices (keep your eyes open).

charmerci

Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #15 on: 26 Aug 2013, 05:48 pm »
Here's two threads on AC to help you start....

Lists of top 5 favorite manufacturers

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=101186.0

Manufacturers that go above and beyond....

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=101194.0

jackman

Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #16 on: 26 Aug 2013, 06:21 pm »
Geo,

I'm sorry to hear about your experiences with ID companies.  I've had very good experiences with AC vendors and the products they sell.  My system is made up of gear I learned about on AC and several consumer direct audio companies. 

Cheers,
Jack

capt_slow

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Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #17 on: 27 Aug 2013, 02:22 am »
Here's two threads on AC to help you start....

Lists of top 5 favorite manufacturers

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=101186.0

Manufacturers that go above and beyond....

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=101194.0

Thanks for the links!

geowak

Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #18 on: 27 Aug 2013, 02:55 am »
Hey guys, it's all good. Just trying to give my input. I always thought it best to have all the options (and opinions) on the table. It's hard to find your way around in a dark room.

charmerci

Re: Coming back to the hobby
« Reply #19 on: 27 Aug 2013, 03:23 am »
Hey guys, it's all good. Just trying to give my input. I always thought it best to have all the options (and opinions) on the table. It's hard to find your way around in a dark room.

I haven't looked at those lists in a while. I'm sure that there are both ID and buy-in-store companies in there.