Getting tired of complex & expensive audio

JLM · « **on:** 13 Dec 2010, 02:58 am »

Anyone else ever feel this way?

JohnR · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 03:53 am »

We do actually have a whole circle called Cheap and Cheerful... Check it out

Mariusz · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 04:16 am »

It's as complex and expensive as you want it to be.

eclein · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 04:37 am »

The best part about this hobby for me is gleaning the knowledge from the members here and using that new information to make informed purchasing decisions, and to achieve the best sound possible for the least amount of money. A cheap tweak here a Craigslist find there and before you know it...wonderful sound!! It can be done simply and inexpensively and the hunt for the deal and the chase for the ultimate tweak make the whole hobby a ton of FUN!!!!!

or
just sell everything and start over from scratch...LOL!!!

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 06:43 am »

Quote from: JohnR on 13 Dec 2010, 03:53 am

We do actually have a whole circle called Cheap and Cheerful... Check it out

As John pointed out...Cheap and Cheerful circle.....take a look around.

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 07:32 am »

DIY Ground Loops = simple, cheap audio improvement.

JohnR · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 08:07 am »

But that adds complexity. What's the simplest solution to get good quality sound (and stay in the "cheap and cheerful" bracket)?

Doublej · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 10:44 am »

Something like this from Teac. Everything you need including wifi, USB in and DAC. Add speakers and speaker cables and you are done.

http://www.teac.co.uk/products/reference-CR-H500DNT.php

I think Cambridge Audio has one without wifi. I am guessing NAD and Cyrus may as well.

It doesn't get much simpler unless you want to buy a Bose or Cambridge Soundworks one piece.

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 02:29 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 13 Dec 2010, 08:07 am

But that adds complexity. What's the simplest solution to get good quality sound (and stay in the "cheap and cheerful" bracket)?

Two quick and dirty home made loops of wire? I can't think of anything more simple or inexpensive to take an existing system to the next level, which in my case on three different systems has been quite an improvement.

JLM · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 05:09 pm »

Yeah, I know the routines (I've been into audio for over 40 years). So I've seen lots of ideas come and most of them went. All of my systems have been on the simplier (and cheaper compared to many) and currently I'm into the purist approach. I'm just tired of the chase. Maybe I should just get some new music and listen for a while.

Know how I feel?

mcgsxr · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 05:17 pm »

I dropped out of expensive audio (well, maybe only middle expensive) roughly 10 years ago, and moved to more DIY focused activities - that helps on the dollar investment side, but tends to (in my case) lean to the more complex systems.

The most complexity I am currently bringing on myself - loading up some linux based s/w for my music server, to drive better stability and performance out of an old PC. Plenty of learning curve for me there.

groovybassist · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 05:56 pm »

I'm with ya' JLM. I vacilate back and forth between lusting for the big bucks, complex type systems and just wanting to sell it all and assemble a simple, cheap, decent sounding system. I recently tried out Modwright's KWA100SE amp - it was fabulous, but add on an LS100 preamp and you're in big bucks territory, along with more boxes, cables, etc.

I just bought an LFD Zero LE Mk III integrated from someone on A'gon, which is being shipped to me today. Couldn't get simpler - not even a remote. Just gonna connect my Harbeths and Naim CD player and hopefully it'll all sing together. While not an inexpensive system, it will be a pretty simple one.

Who knows, maybe I'll sell all of it in 6 months and start over...get the Teac unit mentioned above, connect a pair of Dynaudio Excite X12s and be done!

Scott F. · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 07:02 pm »

If I were to go the reasonable and uncomplicated route, I would do a simple, rebuilt Fisher or HH Scott tubed integrated and a vintage pair of speakers like large Advents or JBL (4410's). Add a vintage turntable, decent cartridge and then a reasonable USB DAC and call it a day. Zip cord and cheesy interconnects would be welcome.

Rebuilt, either of those pieces will sound very nice when paired to decent pair of speakers. The phono stage on both are quite good also. Best part, if a recording sounds crappy, reach over a give the bass or treble control a twist and instantly it sounds better.

...just my take on the subject

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 07:41 pm »

I still long for the days when my system was mostly made out of well loved and well used components.... It cost less than 5k all together...ff to now and even though I have tons of components I enjoy just a few. Strangely enough most of the components I enjoy are of simple parts and design, but they provide most satisfaction.

Groovy, that integrated is a giant killer I have one but I am curious of how it sounds with a pairs of harbeths. Btw, I also own the zero you just bought.

Paul

groovybassist · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 08:04 pm »

Paul:

When you refer to the giant-killer, are you referring to my current W4S STI-500? It is indeed a great unit, but probably a bit on the warm side for the Harbeth's, which is why I want to hear the LFD in my setup. I never consider the STI-500 overly warm, until I heard the Modwright KWA100SE driven by the STI-500's preamp stage. The difference in clarity was so obvious, even my wife commented on how clear things sounded with the KWA100SE, and she pays little/no attention to the sound system, listening as background music while she knits. I'm wondering if the LFD is between the two and maybe just right. We shall see.

-Mike

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 Dec 2010, 03:33 am »

I meant, the LFD. It is a giantkiller...in comparison to some of the stuff I have heard...A AC member called it most tube like but it is quick, not too analytical with an excellent midrange grip, it has a mix of sonic characteristics difficult to find in a tiny, and oxymoronically economic package. It is a gem.

I run mine into a pair of Brines Acoustics BR-20 with a tweeter option.

TONEPUB · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 Dec 2010, 03:45 am »

I've really enjoyed it at all the spots along the way. I love my reference system, but have been having a lot of fun with an old Pioneer SX-424 and my old JBL L-100s'. But at the end of the day I do enjoy music on the big system a lot more.

Mariusz · « **Reply #17 on:** 14 Dec 2010, 04:05 am »

In regards to original question -
Nothing simpler then single driver, full range speakers.
Powered by simple SET amp (integrated) with few good watts.
Getting that vintage Lenco, Garrard or Technics idler drive turntables and have a little fun replinthing those in more appropriate enclosures.
Last but not least, simple, old fashion, red book CD player.

Basic? Yes!
Simple? Yes!
Satisfactory? You bet!
Reference? What is it?
Enjoy the music!!!

But it takes some courage and open mind to pursue these goals and philosophy.

groovybassist · « **Reply #18 on:** 14 Dec 2010, 05:24 am »

Paul:

Good to hear you like the LFD. Lots of raves out there - I'm looking forward to getting it. I considered the new Zero Mk IV, but decided to save a few bucks and hopefully enjoy the Mk III enough that I don't feel the need to move up. Time will tell. Thanks for the feedback.

-Mike

Zero · « **Reply #19 on:** 14 Dec 2010, 06:07 am »

If I had the resources, IE: lots of cash and space, I'd be more than happy to settle into a system that is so convoluted and inefficient that it consumes rain forests for power. Since I have neither asset, simplicity rules the day in my house. Two boxes and some speakers... 'Tis how I roll most of the time.